My best friend's little brother joined the Marines about 2 years ago for a 4-year stint.

He is a stereotypical book nerd. Ultra-smart with no common sense. And completely unlike his big brother (my best friend), he is a hardcore liberal.

He tested into the language program. He was assigned to learn Arabic, but fought for (and was granted) Chinese. He was to spend two years in San Diego learning Chinese, then two years doing intelligence-related translation.

About a year into it, it dawned on him that the military kills people and he might (very unlikely) have to do combat. He starts complain about an old shoulder injury, he gets an honorable discharge.

First thing he wants to do is to go to China to teach English. We convince him that this is a bad idea. (Former marine learning Chinese is discharged and goes to China--his brother and I felt he would be watched and with his total lack of common sense, probably arrested.)

His next idea is to hike the Appalachian trail. He buys himself flip flops, leather pants, and a plane ticket out east. He had no plans for provisions or shelts. Two days later he calls his parents collect asking them to wire him money for the plane ride home.

My point: it's very, very easy to get discharged if one is so inclined.

Since POTUS is 5 months short maybe we could send him to Iraq when his term's up, you know, to help out.

let's see....

Vietnam War (official dates) Feb 28, 1961 to May 07, 1975

Some dates of interest:

1/30/68: Tet Offensive

3/16/68 My Lai Massacare

3/31/68 temporary bombing halt over the notrh

3/70 increased US involvement in Laos and Cambodia

4/70 Draft law changet; ending all occupational and most paternity deferments

4/30/70 Nixon sends troops into Cambodia

July '71 Nixon: "Setting a firm date for withdrawl would serve the enemy's purpose, not our own". (editorial remark: Sound familiar?)

11/12/71 45,000 troops to be withdrawn

The list is long; the above only a few events, and shows that 1968 was no where near the end of the conflict.

Sounds good to me, but is it legal?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush_military_service_controversy

I don't know. I just remember the '60 Minutes' story a while back where they were scooping up all the folks in their mid-50s who'd thought their service was up long ago.

Sure that you will be right next to him, right?

Legion,

He would be treated badly, not a good idea. Even if he was not one, he would have "spook" written all over him and it would be difficult.

The boy needs to open his eyes. Too bad that the Marines did not hold him until he grew up.

My thoughts exactly. We felt there was a high probability of him never coming back from China.

He's a smart guy. He did high school in three years (was a year younger but graduated with his brother and I), then did college in three years (Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from U of I). Upon graduation, he did concrete work for a few years in Colorado.

Beyond academia, he's never had a purpose in life. He just moves from one crackpot idea to the next, always getting dissatisfied when he realizes his idea won't be as easy as he first thought. I felt four years a grunt would have taught him more than he is ever likely to get on his own.

Joe, I don't think they'll take me with my kidneys. I would dearly consider it though, if I was sure he couldn't weasel out again.:(

You want everyone out of Iraq, you want to send people to Iraq…Make up your freakin’ mind! ;)

Shawn:

They are just being selective about who they send and who they bring back!!

I know, I know. It's a very confusing situation..........

The story is still on-line.

Old Soldiers Back On Duty
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/12/03/60minutes/main658994.shtml

Am sure that if they stoop low enough to take you that he will come along. Start doing your push-ups GI!

When they are desperate enough to find my worn out body useful, you're all in trouble!

My two cents:

My son joined the Navy. After his "A" School, he was assigned to an aircraft carrier, and discovered the ship was deploying to a war zone (Persian Gulf). He magically appeared back home, stating he had been placed on medical hold pending resolution of a bad back. As a retired sailor, I was naturally skeptical, especially as he went out and found a job (such as it was) and kept moving around. I contacted the legal department on the ship, and was informed that he was listed as a deserter. I asked if they would like him back, and gave them his up-to-date address. He was picked up that afternoon and remanded to Navy custody. After being released into TPU, he was assigned to another carrier, only to desert again. This time I didn't listen to a word he said, but called the police and turned him in (again). They waited until he was just past his 30 day limit, then arrested him yet again. The Navy had had enough of him, and only restricted him long enough to process his paperwork; in the interim, he went UA (AWOL) yet again! His discharge was characterized as OTH (Other Than Honorable); I guess they were giving him more credit than I would have. He never did sign his DD-214; He always tells people who ask that he is in the process of getting his discharge "upgraded" (ain't gonna happen). I was extremely upset with his decision to desert; more for the fact that his shipmates were going to lose sleep and needed rest in a combat zone than in any sympathy for his perceived "plight." In my eyes, his problem stemmed more from a lack of intestinal fortitude than any real slight the Navy may have bestowed upon his sensibilities. I really think 10 years in the pokey would have done him some good - it would show him that yes, Virginia, there ARE consequences for refusing to live up to your commitments!

Sad to see something like this happen and of all the places to be over there, a carrier is probably the safest of all of them. Staying in the Navy would have made a man out of him, and running away from his responsibilities is the last thing any young person needs.

I was in Dubai right before Christmas. Ran into some of the guys off of the Eisenhower before they headed back into the gulf. Nice guys and helped them enjoy some of the sights before they shipped out again.

Joe

Sorry about your situation, thank you for sharing.

About ten guys from my old neighborhood joined the military. Some of them high school drop outs, most were not cream of the crop. Six of them "pieces of work" going in never even made it though boot camp. Two got out early on medical, one of which I think was faking a bad back after falling off a tank. Another got kicked out for doing his old high school job of selling drugs. One guy served his full commitment. This was in the late 1970's, no wars going on at the time.

I know a few losers who got less than honorable discharges and they ALWAYS have a story to tell about how they were mistreated, the military lied, it was a conspiracy,etc... and almost all of these guys claim they were in the "US Navy Nuclear Program".

Their parents always make up lies about the kid and support him It must be difficult to be the parent of a person who goes UA (AWOL).

All of the above positive arguments for mandatory service to help these poor souls to mature, whether it be military or civilian. Too many Little Lord and Lady Fauntleroys around for my liking.

Sorry for your situation
 

Chief,
Sorry for your situation, that can't be easy for a parent.