How many military bubbas here?

[Sir William]

Let's not forget all the civilians who worked for and served and sometimes died for the armed services - "They also serve, who stand and wait.
Chas

Chas,

In addition to my time above, I've also spent the last nearly 30 years as a government civilian (Department of Defense) - including a tour in Iraq.

Thanks for remembering that we are part of the team as well.

Sir William

[Larry124]

“…Census 2000 counted 208.1 million civilians 18 and older in the United States.
Within this population, approximately 26.4 million or 12.7 percent were veterans.”

Those 87.3 percent non-veterans likely have more reasons than you list.

[Chas]

Hi Larry,

I probably haven't explained myself properly. In the British forces, there have always been the 'Camp Followers'. A man could get his hair cut by someone in his section or he went to the camp barber - a civilian. When he went to the NAAFI (BX) for his toothpaste or deodorant he is served by civilians. When the tea wagon comes round, it might be WRVS ladies or Red Cross or NAAFI again, but definitely civilians. Mealtimes - 1000+ personnel at a serving is a lot of plates and pots to wash, again done by civilians. Going off camp, the bus driver is a civilian - staying on, the person who serves the beer in the NAAFI bar is a civilian. The people who cut the acres and acres of grass on our airfields are civilians, just like the people who fix our plumbing and electrics and the the leaky roofs in the barracks.

And what about the wives, the sisters, the brothers, the mothers, the fathers, for the most part civilians who hope and pray on a daily basis that we will come home safe - or at least that we will come home. Is there any serviceman so hard hearted that he didn't cherish a letter from home?

These are the people I am talking about, the dozens or maybe hundreds of civilians who, on a daily basis make the job of the serving man just that little bit easier.

I stand by what I originally said "They also serve, who stand and wait".

Regards

Chas

[Larry124]

Hi Larry,

I probably haven't explained myself properly. In the British forces, there have always been the 'Camp Followers'. A man could get his hair cut by someone in his section or he went to the camp barber - a civilian. When he went to the NAAFI (BX) for his toothpaste or deodorant he is served by civilians. When the tea wagon comes round, it might be WRVS ladies or Red Cross or NAAFI again, but definitely civilians. Mealtimes - 1000+ personnel at a serving is a lot of plates and pots to wash, again done by civilians. Going off camp, the bus driver is a civilian - staying on, the person who serves the beer in the NAAFI bar is a civilian. The people who cut the acres and acres of grass on our airfields are civilians, just like the people who fix our plumbing and electrics and the the leaky roofs in the barracks.

And what about the wives, the sisters, the brothers, the mothers, the fathers, for the most part civilians who hope and pray on a daily basis that we will come home safe - or at least that we will come home. Is there any serviceman so hard hearted that he didn't cherish a letter from home?

These are the people I am talking about, the dozens or maybe hundreds of civilians who, on a daily basis make the job of the serving man just that little bit easier.

I stand by what I originally said "They also serve, who stand and wait".

Regards

Chas

Thank you. You are a gentleman.
It was not your post that prompted mine, but rather the poll choices.
I very much admire and respect those who served in armed services.
I made my career in the civil service, and on behalf of those who choose to serve their nation in unarmed service, I didn't like the limited "beyond control" or "why serve?" choices.

[Skyelander]

U.S. Navy here, 16 years.

[sathor]

I picked the 'never served' option. I spent my senior year of HS in NJROTC, because of my Asvab and Nuc field entry test, but I decided that I really hate Calc, and went to college instead. My dad and an Uncle both spent time in the military, (my dad was only in a very short time, my uncle career) and for at least 2 generations back on up the paternal line, the family fought in some war or another. Though, near the end of my time in college, I did consider applying for a military job working with mapping and cruise missiles. (Don't know much beyond that, it was a Boeing job posting that was up for a while.)

[Tatonka]

U.S. Army here, 5 years.
Trained in Infantry and Signal Corps

[English Bloke]

I voted Other Blokes...

I joined the British Army in 1984 as a last ditch attempt to make a respectable person of myself. Up to this point I'd been a keen and conscientious student at the University of life. I'd worked hard to travel alot but wasn't really going anywhere. After I joined up, I loved the Army and everything about it and realised I'd found a niche. I lived it and breathed it. Unfortunately I became a single parent in 1999 when my Sons were 11 and 7. As I was a Sergeant Major (WO2) at the time and my unit were actively employed, my Corps and Unit were not to keen to assist in my domestic crisis so I was faced with the choice of Job or Kids. I weathered the storm until 2001 but eventually 'jacked' and left by voluntary release. At the time I was GLAD to go and at first it was really hard to get by but we're now, thankfully sorted.

I think I'm mostly sorted because the Army taught me a resilience and perseverance to succeed. I did 17 years and sacrificed full pension and gratuity to go early (22 years being the norm) but faced with the same dilemma again, I would not blink an eye in making the same decision. I brought my Sons up after leaving which was a joy and I have subsequently had the good fortune to be married again to my beautiful wife.

I now have a 2 year old daughter to annoy my big boys who are now 20 and 17. I'm often asked by mates who are ex or still in if I miss it and I do, I miss the 'crack' but not the pedantry. I don't honestly think I'm the same person I was 10 years ago. I believe I was somewhat brainwashed then and that delivery of 100% commitment, to me at least, meant 100% commitment in return (if required) I don't believe I got that support and consequently, given the option, I would never go back. (Not that I could now that I'm pushing 50)

I'm in the British legion (Ex-Forces organisation) which is probably good enough. I don't think my sons will be joining either, not that I have coloured thier opinion in any way!!

[Derek Conley]

Guess I missed this post initially:

U.S. Marine Corps; Field Artillery.

[Bonnie'an'Blue]

Both grandfathers were airforce, and step-grandfather.
One of my paternal great-uncles served in Vietnam, but I know little about his career in the army, as he apparently doesn't like to talk about it (for obvious reasons).
I have (or had, not sure which one) a maternal great great uncle that died in WWII, British Army, European front, I know little else of him.
I also have relatives in Japan that served, but I'm sure some of you don't what to here that.

Being an FL Craicer (cracker) I'm the result of many brave men who served in the CSA.

And me, you ask?
Too young, but I intend to join the Army, and go airborne.