hey, i have a personal recruiter! in charge of recruiting ME to the army. i wonder if i have separate ones for the other military forces....
here is the email i got today:
Dear moh,
As your local Army Recruiter, I'd like to tell you about the many opportunities the Army has to offer students like yourself. Whether you know the path you want to take after college or are still deciding, the Army has many opportunities to suit your needs.
Army Reserve
As a Soldier in the Army Reserve, you can train near home and be ready to serve full time when needed. As a Soldier in the Army Reserve, you may qualify for:
* An enlistment bonus of up to $20,000
* More than $23,000 in education benefits through the Montgomery
GI Bill with the Army Reserve "Kicker"
* Up to $20,000 to pay off your federally insured student loans
through the Army Loan Repayment Program
* An extra paycheck every month
Active Duty
If you're close to graduating or are simply thinking about giving college a break, you may want to consider serving full time on Active Duty. As a Soldier in the U.S. Army, you may qualify for:
* An enlistment bonus of up to $40,000
* An option to enlist for as little as 15 months plus training
time
* Up to $71,000 in college education benefits through The Army
College Fund and Montgomery GI Bill
* Up to $65,000 to pay off federally insured student loans
through the Army Loan Repayment Program
* Up to 100% tuition assistance for classes taken while serving
As an active duty Soldier, you will be entitled to 30 days paid vacation a year, medical and dental coverage, access to superb recreation facilities, and low-cost shopping in post stores. You may also have an opportunity to request a specific duty assignment.
Of course, the benefits of joining the U.S. Army go beyond just the monetary. In addition to becoming a stronger individual as you gain new training and experiences, you'll also feel a sense of accomplishment, experience true camaraderie and teamwork, and develop discipline and leadership skills that today's employers value.
If you'd like to learn more about opportunities the U.S. Army and Army Reserve offer, contact me:
SFC Eric L. Reed
---and, here is my reply to officer Reed:
Dear Mr. Reed,
Foremostly, I thank you deeply for your commitment to war. We would not be where we are were it not for the rage and devotion of those who serve arms. It is unfortunate that we must so often resort to violence with the intentions for peace and human rights. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about the multiple wars being fought and everyone involved in its atrocities.
Secondly, I wish that less people enlisted in the armed forces. Or rather that those who enlisted did so for the 'right' reasons. I wonder if there is a way of analyzing data that would show the percentage of military personnel that join the army ONLY because of the money and the benefits. I have a feeling that it is a high rate (but I hope that I am wrong!), seeing that you are made to sell it so well. If there are more benefits to joining the army than monetary accruance, then why is it that you only mention $$$? I know that the benefits of serving in the armed forces are not a simply put into words. Yet, it does not explain how it is that you are not requested to mention anything about what it means to be a soldier. This deeply worries me. It almost implies that the only individuals interested in taking up arms for the nation are those who have no better means of income.
I would sleep better at night if I thought that the army was comprised of individuals whom are whole-heartedly devoted to the security of people. I fear that there are too many soldiers that are angry for being deployed, as opposed to honored. They did not see this war coming, for example. They thought that they would just get to go to school for free later, or pay off their loans now; travel the world -la di da. And now they are angry, confused and perhaps hurting innocent civilians more than they are helping them. We were supposed to be helping, remember? Unfortunate are these circumstances. I do wish for a change of policy in recruitment strategy.
Lastly, I thank you again for your commitment to violence and may God be with you always,
moh
