Introduction -- Asking for advice

sg1 · Post by **sg1** » October 7th, 2008, 2:15 pm

Hello Rangers,
I'm a 41 year old male. I went through MEPS and signed on with a National Guard LRS unit with an 11B MOS. Right after MEPS, I suffered an injury. Due to my age, I need to ship to BAC by early December. I haven't fully recovered from the injury and anticipate that by early December I'll be about 80-85% recovered.

I have 2 decisions to make. One whether I should still commit to joining the military. I'm concerned that the injury will not allow me to finish what I've committed to.

The second issue I'm trying to determine (and need your advice on) is what path to take if I do join the Army National Guard (ANG). I could stay with the current plan (11B LRS Unit), go infantry only or select another MOS.

I've spent most of my career at a desk and don't want an MOS that would confine me to one. Rangers based on your experiences, can you please offer advice on what an alternate MOS would be to pursue that would allow me to feel like I'm making a difference? I understand that all MOS's are important but not all MOS's are for everyone.

Appreciate the advice and guidance.
Regards,
SG1

Kilted Heathen · Post by **Kilted Heathen** » October 7th, 2008, 2:30 pm

I'll be frank.

LRS is specialised infantry. Recruiters can get you an assigment to a Guard LRS unit as an incentive to join the Guard and be Airborne. This is not particularly selective so the resulting kick in the nuts when they arrive at the unit is...enlightening. It'll sure as fuck kick the day-dream out of you. Which is what you've been doing behind that desk of yours. If you're not even at 100% to pass BAC you're not woth fuck all to a LRS unit.

Go to a regular infantry unit and learn the craft first.

'Cause if that LRS unit is in Georgia...The Almighty says yer fucked.

Kilted Heathen · Post by **Kilted Heathen** » October 7th, 2008, 2:35 pm

Just noticed you're in Texas.

That'll be the 143d LRS...thank Christ it's not Georgia.

Wade and JLTW can deal with your cheaply built ass. :D

Rock Island Ranger · October 7th, 2008, 3:13 pm

Well, at your age I was in pretty good shape though not from doing lip crunches on a coffee cup.

LRS or the 143rd isnt your everyday walkabout Texas NG unit. Unit Commander there is a board member here as well as a couple of the NCO's. They take thier craft seriously.

Throw in the fact that you are already injured and Im thinking, you would be wasting a good slot. You wanted advise and honesty...you'd have to be an exceptional stud to make it work. Do a self assessment, be honest with yourself, and figure out if you REALLY have what it takes. Don't hype yourself up on bullshit and "wunnabe sperm"...be honest. If you end up sucking, you will be a liability to those who have to cart your ass around. If you are prone to injury, same scenario...Your 41...face yourself and figure out if you have it. If not, look at the Air Force.

nightcrawler · Post by **nightcrawler** » October 12th, 2008, 9:56 pm

JLTW!!! wrote:Where the fuck is the edit button???

A couple of things I forgot to mention.....

1) If you serve in the military, you ARE making a difference. Not everyone is a "steely-eyed killer" in the military. We need EVERY MOS to make shit happen. Granted, Infantry is the best and most rewarding job (I'm biased :D ), but if you are serving at all, you are already doing more than probably 98% of the "SHEEPle" out there, and that is something to be proud of. PERIOD.

2) It sounds like you got injured and now not only are you questioning whether you should be Airborne Infantry, but even if you can honor your commitment to join the military. Adversity builds charater. Don't run from that shit! It sounds like you have the word Q...., fuck it, you know, that Four Letter Q-word in your vocabulary, and that is absolutely unacceptable. You didn't say it but it has obviously entered your mind and quite honestly, that is repulsive! You signed the dotted line of your own FREE WILL, and unless some military doctor says you are too fucked up for service, you need to honor that commitment as a man.

I can understand and respect you being a big enough man to realize that (at your age; with your background) you may not be able to physically and/or mentally hack it in LRS and possibly changing your MOS; however, dropping your contract, I would never be able to understand that move.

3) I said it once, and I'll say it again: ADVERSITY BUILDS CHARACTER!

I guess I'm biased as well, because I agree with you Ranger JLTW. Infantry is the best!
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Oh yeah! Welcome sg1. Good Luck in obtaining your goal. Work Hard and NEVER, NEVER, EVER QUIT!
Fight for what you want!