Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Feb 12, 2014 14:46:37 GMT -5
My gut answer is "hell no", because I'd be so scared. But I've faced things before that scared me, so I don't know. How useful I'd be, pee pee pants and all, is a totally different question. What about your kid(s)?
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Feb 12, 2014 14:48:32 GMT -5
Oh come on guys, you know we are much more likely to have to go to war against aliens.
But yeah, I would do it. I'm not really a gun person, but I would think as a civil engineer they could use my skills somewhere.
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Feb 12, 2014 14:48:43 GMT -5
It honestly depends. Would I go overseas to fight a war? Absolutely not. Would I defend our country if we were attacked? I guess it would depend where they attacked. I'd be ok if they took California
And when I say "I would defend our country", Id honestly be pretty useless. I believe in my right to bear arms, I just have no desire to learn how to shoot. My dh does so he has a boatload of guns. I would probably just expect him to defend us much like I expect him to kill all of the spiders
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Feb 12, 2014 14:50:26 GMT -5
My gut answer is "hell no", because I'd be so scared. But I've faced things before that scared me, so I don't know. How useful I'd be, pee pee pants and all, is a totally different question. What about your kid(s)? I have one disabled child so she definitely wouldn't go. My oldest has some interest in joining the military (which is freaking hysterical because she is a huge girly girl and not one to get dirty...I don't think she really understands). I would never want her to join the military because it would scare the hell out of me. She was born with only one functioning kidney so I think she would get by-passed due to medical reasons (Ive already done limited research)
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hoops902
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Post by hoops902 on Feb 12, 2014 14:57:54 GMT -5
::What if Canada has enough of us southerners and decides to invade? What are you going to do when the Canadian horde comes locked and loaded across the unsuspecting border into upstate New York?::
I'd give them a stern look and possibly a finger wagging. I figure that would be enough.
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Feb 12, 2014 14:58:12 GMT -5
DH and I were both in the Air Force. I'd volunteer to go if, like others have said, it was a WWIII situation. If it's an attempt to get a better price on foreign oil or some other bs pissing contest type war than I'd fight it more.
I'd rather volunteer than have my son have to go.
Both my family and DH's Family have a long history of military service. All 4 of our grandpas served during WWII, my dad, DH's bio dad and stepdad all served during Vietnam. He can trace his family's military service back to the Civil War. Every generation has had at least one "lifer". Currently DH's nephew and his wife are both active Marine Corps.
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kent
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Post by kent on Feb 12, 2014 15:01:39 GMT -5
I am not referring to something like the Iraq war. When I say "major war" I am saying something like the Chineese and Russians team up and launch a land invasion of the west coast. I acutally seem to recall a Chinese (I think) general who once stated anyone who tried to invade the US in a land war had already lost because of the number of our citizend who are armed. Now I gotta go see if I can find the quote.
Admiral Yamamoto (Japan) is alleged to have said.
If there were an invasion (Think Red Dawn) I would be too old to serve again but still more than capable of performing at the sniper level (some things, like shooting, you never forget). Just think, a bunch of crazy old veterans approaching the end of their time on earth, totally pissed off and armed - it doesn't get much better than that*.
On second thought, a woman, any woman, that's PMS and armed might be even better.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2014 15:01:40 GMT -5
My gut answer is "hell no", because I'd be so scared. But I've faced things before that scared me, so I don't know. How useful I'd be, pee pee pants and all, is a totally different question. What about your kid(s)? My son would probably think it's going to be a fun adventure (he's silly like that) and my daughter would probably have a nervous breakdown between people telling her what to do and when to do it, and having to get over her fear of guns. Neither of them would do well in jail either though, so I guess they'd have to go. But If it was a bullshit war, Washington would be hearing from me, dammit! LOL!
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Sunnyday
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Post by Sunnyday on Feb 12, 2014 15:03:02 GMT -5
Let's assume a major war breaks out, and congress institutes the draft. And, in today's equal opportunity world, let's assume women and anyone under 50 is open to the draft. After all, congress has decided that women can serve in front line combat, so there's really no reason for them NOT to be drafted right? Also, for the sake of setting up perameters for the discussions, let's assume that people with kids can also be drafted as long as they have a spouse or SO to take care of the kids while you're off fighting for your country. Only single parents are exempt. You got your draft letter in hand, what do you do? Since this a hypothetical question and you established the parameters of the game, I will play along as you presented it. I would go. What else would I go? Couldn't I be arrested if I ran away? If the situation ever got to that where they were drafting people, I would assume that we're talking world war II kind of thing. Since, I'm already in Canada, I can't run away to Canada. Since, I'm not a Canadian citizen, I probably wouldn't get drafted into their military, but if the USA called. I would still go, because chances are if people started getting drafted, Canada and the USA will probably be on the same side. And even if I had children, I think that I would still go as long as my husband was able to stay. If the world really came to drafting women and parents into world, there must be some real reason. And assuming that it's for a just cause, I will fight, because I want to be on the right side of history, and have my children hold their heads up high knowing that their mother did the right thing. Of course, if the military had any good sense, they would quickly figure out that I'm almost legally blind, flat footed, and have difficulty with taking orders, and they will kick me out.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2014 15:04:23 GMT -5
first of all, if it's a draft, it's not like you get a choice....second, why is 'I have children' a valid excuse for a woman but not for a man? seems as though a lot of people are saying men aren't as important as parents
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Feb 12, 2014 15:22:43 GMT -5
first of all, if it's a draft, it's not like you get a choice....second, why is 'I have children' a valid excuse for a woman but not for a man? seems as though a lot of people are saying men aren't as important as parents No, you don't get a choice. I'm not sure historically what measures were in place to prevent people from escaping to Canada, but I'm sure it wasn't as easy as just hopping on a plane and flying there. Plus I think it'd be harder now with all the ID and passport rules. You need a passport to enter Canada, and I'm sure they could flag anyone whose been chosen for the draft as to not be let out of the country. I don't know, I said in the OP when setting the "rules" that having kids was not an excuse, even for women. I left that in there because I thought in Vietnam they gave you an exemption to the draft if you were married or had kids. Regardless, I agree with you. I don't think women should be able to claim having kids any more reason than a man. Both have equal value as parents.
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skubikky
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Post by skubikky on Feb 12, 2014 15:25:32 GMT -5
Ooooohhhhh Canadaaaaaaa, my (new)hooome and (new)Native Laaand.... you slay me.....in your case, pack a bag and walk across the bridge.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Feb 12, 2014 15:25:49 GMT -5
There definitely wasn't an exemption for being married. There was for going to college, which is why all the rich folks paid for their kids to go to college instead of having them be drafted.
I don't know about having kids. I'm guessing probably not. It was a different world then. If you had kids you had a spouse that could look after them. Not very many single parents. At least until after the war when so many young guys came home in body bags and left their young wives widows.
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skubikky
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Post by skubikky on Feb 12, 2014 15:29:52 GMT -5
I just didn't want any cop out answers like "I'm a woman," or "I have kids." Such answers doin't tell us how you really feel or would act in such a situation. Um, I have a child IS my answer. I'm sorry you think that's a cop out. That IS how I feel and how I would act. My DD is a toddler, and she needs her mother. Sorry, I'm moving to Canada if I'm drafted (luckily my spouse has dual citizenship). My H is over 50 so he's safe. I'm a military brat and have nothing for respect and gratitude for the men and women who serve but the wars we have been in recently are ridiculous and ill-managed and I would have no part of them. Noticed many stories of young mothers being called to active duty and having to leave their children in the care of others in these last few years.
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MarleyKeezy78
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Post by MarleyKeezy78 on Feb 12, 2014 15:31:45 GMT -5
I'd stay back and be a Rosie the Riveter. The Willow Run Bomber Plant is fairly close to us They would not want me running around with a gun since I have no idea how to use one!
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Wizard of Id
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Post by Wizard of Id on Feb 12, 2014 15:33:00 GMT -5
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Feb 12, 2014 15:34:02 GMT -5
first of all, if it's a draft, it's not like you get a choice....second, why is 'I have children' a valid excuse for a woman but not for a man? seems as though a lot of people are saying men aren't as important as parents Because I'm old fashioned. If I die I know my husband can take care of my kids but if I am here I will be the one raising them. If something happened and one of us had to stay with the kids, it would be me. Luckily, my husband thinks the same way I do so there would never be any fights over who stays home to raise the kids (if it came to that...we both work).
I also happen to be one of those who think men are more important in combat roles than women. I don't care if anyone else agrees with me. if push comes to shove, it is my husband protecting the family, not me (unless he isn't around). He also takes out the trash, fixes things and kills things. That's the way I like it.
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Virgil Showlion
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Post by Virgil Showlion on Feb 12, 2014 15:34:15 GMT -5
No hablo Inglés?
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Feb 12, 2014 15:34:49 GMT -5
Um, I have a child IS my answer. I'm sorry you think that's a cop out. That IS how I feel and how I would act. My DD is a toddler, and she needs her mother. Sorry, I'm moving to Canada if I'm drafted (luckily my spouse has dual citizenship). My H is over 50 so he's safe. I'm a military brat and have nothing for respect and gratitude for the men and women who serve but the wars we have been in recently are ridiculous and ill-managed and I would have no part of them. Noticed many stories of young mothers being called to active duty and having to leave their children in the care of others in these last few years. Yeah, there are many mothers in the military. They get deployed like anyone else. You just deal with it.
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Feb 12, 2014 15:36:05 GMT -5
Noticed many stories of young mothers being called to active duty and having to leave their children in the care of others in these last few years. Yeah, there are many mothers in the military. They get deployed like anyone else. You just deal with it. I can't imagine just leaving my children like that. I just can't. Granted, I also never had a burning desire to join the military.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Feb 12, 2014 15:36:22 GMT -5
Most of the kids entering basic training every year don't know how to use a gun. The military has been teaching 18 year old kids how to fire a rifle for a couple hundred years, I'm sure they can get you up to speed.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Feb 12, 2014 15:36:47 GMT -5
I'd stay back and be a Rosie the Riveter. The Willow Run Bomber Plant is fairly close to us They would not want me running around with a gun since I have no idea how to use one! Eh, that's what six weeks of basic training is for. You can take a bullet, or landmine, or surface to air missle as well as anyone else.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Feb 12, 2014 15:38:01 GMT -5
You send them to stay with grandparents for a year while you serve your overseas tour. Not the end of the world. Or, your parents move into your house while you're gone, so the kid doesn't even have to transfer schools or anything. Again, not the end of the world.
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Sunnyday
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Post by Sunnyday on Feb 12, 2014 15:40:28 GMT -5
I think it's funny that people think that they can just hop over to Canada. It's not that easy to get papers. You have to have skills that Canada wants.
And the Canadian govt does not look kindly on people who try to get out of their military duties. A handful of Americans tried to get refugee status as war objectors. Not one got the right to stay in Canada.
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skubikky
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Post by skubikky on Feb 12, 2014 15:40:34 GMT -5
There definitely wasn't an exemption for being married. There was for going to college, which is why all the rich folks paid for their kids to go to college instead of having them be drafted. I don't know about having kids. I'm guessing probably not. It was a different world then. If you had kids you had a spouse that could look after them. Not very many single parents. At least until after the war when so many young guys came home in body bags and left their young wives widows. Deferment was allowed for college enrollment and many went onto grad school etc. to maintain that deferment. Once they were done, they were eligible.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Feb 12, 2014 15:40:59 GMT -5
At least 8 weeks now. 10 for Army, and 12 for Marines.
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Feb 12, 2014 15:41:16 GMT -5
You send them to stay with grandparents for a year while you serve your overseas tour. Not the end of the world. Or, your parents move into your house while you're gone, so the kid doesn't even have to transfer schools or anything. Again, not the end of the world. My husband's parents are both dead and my mom has dementia. It actually IS a big deal for me.
But that isn't what I was talking about. I can't imagine having children just to leave them for a good chunk of time.
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HoneyBBQ
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Post by HoneyBBQ on Feb 12, 2014 15:43:23 GMT -5
You send them to stay with grandparents for a year while you serve your overseas tour. Not the end of the world. Or, your parents move into your house while you're gone, so the kid doesn't even have to transfer schools or anything. Again, not the end of the world. That's not an option in my life. There is no one else. I'm raising my daughter. Period. Judge away. Now, if the Holocaust were actually recurring in MY homecountry, that might be another story. But I'm not going to stupid trumped up wars we promised to end 10 years ago. I think it's funny that people think that they can just hop over to Canada. It's not that easy to get papers. I posted specifically that my H has dual citizenship so I think they have to let us in.
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Feb 12, 2014 15:43:56 GMT -5
I think it's funny that people think that they can just hop over to Canada. It's not that easy to get papers. You have to have skills that Canada wants. And the Canadian govt does not look kindly on people who try to get out of their military duties. A handful of Americans tried to get refugee status as war objectors. Not one got the right to stay in Canada. Yeah, I don't think it'd be that easy either. Especially with entering Canada requiring a passport now. There is a lot tigther border security now than there was back in the 60's. It'd be easy to make a list of draftees and flag them if they try to cross into Canada. They could detain you at the border until the Military Police come and pick you up to take you to prison.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Feb 12, 2014 15:45:19 GMT -5
It's not really that much time, in the grand scheme of things. Look at Vietnam vets. Most only did a tour or two. Assuming they came back alive. Even career military folks don't actually spend that many years in the sandbox. The latest wars have been pretty taxing because we're fighting a protracted war without a draft and a pretty small percentage of Americans in uniform. Historically that's not how we did it. Much larger percentages of the population were in uniform, so each individual soldier saw fewer deployments and less time overseas.
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