Military Service

Greetings Adam.

Unfortunately, my experience in the military was very negative. My recruiter promised me I would be an MP as I wanted but instead I spent three years in the infantry. I found out that those that enlisted specifically to join the infantry got a sign up bonus of about $2,000. Because my recruiter lied to I went in open contract, meaning my job was chosen for me (infantry) and I received no enlistment bonus whatsoever. For the record, I spent 3 years in the Marine Corps.

Now as to whether a Christian should serve in the military, my answer is no. I didn't find this out until after my time in service. We are, after all,in this world but not of it.

If, however, you still wish to join the military make sure you get your recruiter's name, rank and service # on the piece of paper telling you what job you're going to have in the military.

YBIC,
Frank.

[ August 04, 2001: Message edited by: pawn raider ]

 

During the Revolutionary war, there were many Baptists who fought for the freedom of our country. Once such person was even a reverend. Reverend Joseph Harrison Born 1735 died 1811 and is now buried in the Old Newfound Baptist Church Cemetery near Leicester, NC. He was a member of Old Three Forks Baptist Church of N.C.
Again, this is but one example. However, I have learned in past history lessons that when a Pastor went to fight during the Revolutionary War, his congregation went with him. (Oddly enough, this similar situation was seen in The Patriot.)

I believe it an honour to serve our country. I did, and, if you feel this is something you'd like to do, I say go for it!

Oh, and never believe anyone when they say they had a blast in Basic Training. They are under a false delusion brought on by the passage of time.

Dave

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Now as to whether a Christian should serve in the military, my answer is no. I didn't find this out until after my time in service. We are, after all,in this world but not of it.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I humbly disagree with this statement. I agree that we must not be of the world, however, we are in the world. What a better way to evangelize! I know many Christians who were saved while in the military. Remember, there are many people in the military who join because they lack many different things. Many of them are unsaved. You could easily use this opportunity to share the Gospel!

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15

Dave

 

Several reasons, actually.

Peter was told to put away his sword.

The commandment to love thy neighbor.

The instruction to do good unto your enemies, in order to heap coals upon their heads (convict them of their wrong-doing).

Now, each of these, when applied to the military, are being used out of context. But each of us must come to an understanding and a reconciliation with passages such as these before deciding that the military is for them, or not for them.

If you have ANY, and I mean ANY reservations about taking another human being's life, then I suggest you sit back and pray hard before going through with this.

 

Let me say that although I didn't "have a blast" while in basic, I did learn a lot. About myself, others etc. There were many enjoyable moments, but definitely something I wouldn't do again.

The biggest reason so many people have problems is simple. They don't listen to the drill sergeant and do what he/she says. If you do those two simple things, you will get through with out a problem. Unfortunately, there are many who do not do these and the rest suffer.

However, when you get out, there is a spectacular feeling of accomplishment!

Oh, and by the way, my wife says hi.

Dave

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Don:


If you have ANY, and I mean ANY reservations about taking another human being's life, then I suggest you sit back and pray hard before going through with this.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Don,

I would think that most of those who go into combat with the thought of killing do so with some reservation. I would certainly hope so. That's not the same as doing so because the situation demands it.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Now as to whether a Christian should serve in the military, my answer is no.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The "Promised Land" would still be in the future rather than the past if the Israelites had not obeyed God's commissioning of Joshua and hundreds of thousands of men.

I also seem to recall that King David, a "man after God's own heart" was a mighty warrior, all the while doing exactly as God instructed him to do.

I served twenty years in the Air Force. My son, a senior in high school is considering AFROTC to defray the cost of college, and I am supportive of that choice, should it be the one he chooses. Some love military life and some dislike it. It depends on your personality and character. Sounds like you, Adam, like discipline? If you don't, don't sign up!

[ August 04, 2001: Message edited by: wellsjs ]

 

Compared to a career in the military, Basic Training is very small. Being "chewed out" is all part of the head game. If you go in with a puffed up attitude, you will get "chewed out". However, if you go in realizing it is all a head game, being "chewed out" becomes funny. (Though I wouldn't advise laughing at a Drill Sergeant.) Inverted diamond push ups are definitely NOT funny!

A true soldier is one who NEVER wants to take the life of another. But, understands their duty to do so if called upon.

Dave

 

I did it. I even made squad leader. Did I get chewed out? Sure I did. Everyone makes mistakes.

For example, ALWAYS keep your rifle point down range! If you don't, you better bet your life your helmet is gonna get a very sturdy slap.

Sometimes things happen. If you get chewed out or picked on, take it in stride and keep a good Christian attitude. Will it be easy? Heck no! It will be one of the biggest challenges in your life.

You may have to do "grass drills" for the mistakes of others, but you learn quickly about what a team is and who the individuals are.

Dave

 

Your responses to my statement are right on target!

Those are exactly the things you need to consider. If someone states unequivocally that they could never take a life, no matter the situation, then they don't need to be in the military at all.

Desert Storm, for instance. We had SO MANY people who literally freaked out. "You mean I might have to actually, really shoot someone?" was a common phrase. You would not believe how many people I personally know who came up with the phrase "Hey, I just joined to get an education, not kill someone."

Let me put it like this: I've been in the military for over 13 years. 14, if you count the National Guard time. In my first AFSC (MOS for you Army and Marine types), I aimed my rifle at people, with the intent to kill or cause serious bodily harm, more than once. How many of us can say that?

Most of us go through our military careers never having to be in that situation. However, with the current remnants of the Clinton administration, we've got service men and women all over the world facing these situations daily.

One of y'all mentioned that you would gladly defend those that are being "ethnically cleansed"; does that mean you would kill Christians to protect Muslims? Examine the situation in Serbia, and you'll find that that was pretty much what was happening....

 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

 

Tips:

Never, never, never call a "weapon" a "rifle" or a "gun!" You'll be cleaning yours all night!

For the first few weeks (length depends on the branch you go into) the only words that should come out of your mouth are "Yes Sir/Maam!"

As Dajuid said, it's a drill. Can you demonstrate discipline? You'll be required to do silly things, like fold your underwear into four inch squares, and have a display tooth brush that is spotless, while you hide the one you use. The point is: can you follow instructions with blind devotion?

After basic, it depends on the branch and the career you go into. In the Air Force, flightline jobs required more reinforced discipline because if someone messes up, lives and billion dollar aircraft are on the line.

Electronics is a great choice, because of the convertability to civilian skills. Keep that foremost in your mind when applying for a guaranteed career field (specialty in the Army). For instance being a parachute packer is not in very high demand in the civilian world. Airlines especially aren't hiring!

 

I'm risking getting "chewed out" here, but hey, what the heck...as Americans, aren't we allowed to assemble to worship our Heavenly Father? Aren't we allowed to pray in public? Aren't we offered freedom of religion? We didn't get those rights without fighting for them.

Kathy
&lt;&gt;&lt;

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> I also seem to recall that King David, a "man after God's own heart" was a mighty warrior, all the while doing exactly as God instructed him to do. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ancient Israel necessitated a political structure and an army because it was a nation, or by today’s standards, a country. We, however, have no such promise of a country except for one to come. Hebrews 13:14 “For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” We are strangers and pilgrims (Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11). What country would let strangers and pilgrims into it’s armed forces? Would they, and we, not be called mercenaries?

YBIC,
Frank