I want to go into the military as a sniper, which branch would be better?
Some things to keep in mind:1. Snipers are almost always drawn from non-commissioned (no officers) members of the Infantry. (Yes, the Navy has snipers with the SEAL teams but I'm an Army guy so I'm going to approach this from the Army perspective.) That means in order to be even considered you will have to not only join a ground force like the Army or Marines etc but specifically the "Black Cadillac" (combat boot) marching straight legged Infantry. If you are confused as to what the Infantry is, the Infantry is the fighting force. Your duty isn't to fix trucks or operate tanks, it's to fight, mostly on foot, and to close with and destroy the enemy.2. Snipers are drawn from the BEST of the Infantry. Sniper positions are competitive so you need to not only be a good shot but also a highly ranked solider with your unit. You need to be in top physical shape, a "team builder", a potential future leader, and a master of your craft (basic soldier skills and tactics). Yes this sounds like a lot but for those that are selected to be snipers, they all hit those boxes.3. Don't get ahead of yourself. I am assuming you are still a civilian and have yet to start your journey in the military. We have all seen plenty of wide eyed enthusiastic recruits walk through the gates of the base to only be put on the first bus back after the pressure is turned on and the screaming starts. In order to be even considered as a sniper candidate you will likely have to be in for at least 2-3 years and have completed all of your basic and some of your advanced training (mountain, winter, mounted and dismounted warfare, basic and advanced recce etc). All of these courses are extremely hard and make basic training seem like Sunday tea. What I am trying to say here is you got a long way to go and you should be focusing on finishing your basic training and your basic infantry training. If you haven't washed out by then (and plenty of people do wash out) then start to think about what you need to do to become a sniper. If you are switched on your chain of command will be more than happy to help you with that goal.You are probably not unlike many people who aspire to great things in the military - enthusiastic, and with your heart in the right place but trust me on this... You have no idea what you are getting yourself into. Like I mentioned previously, focus on finishing and excelling at your basic and basic Infantry training and then evaluate where things are stacking up.Good luck.
Separating from the Navy early to further education question?
you must factor in the extension before requesting early out.
Do you think it's selfish for a man to join the military if he's already married/has kids?
Hi, I totally agree with you. I think if a husband came on here and said I have an opportunity to work in a job but it is 5,000 miles away from my wife and children, do you think I should take it, lots of people would say no. Just because it is the military doesn't mean that it is suddenly a good idea. I think if you want to be patriotic then fine, but someone choosing not to be in the military because he is married and has children has made a very wise decision indeed. Best wishes, Red Stripe
Are we in the early or mid 2010s?
Since its 2013 wouldn't it be the early part of the decade? some people say its middle. To me, early is like (2010-2013), mid (2014-2016), and late (2017-2019), but i'm not sure if that's accurate. I am so confused to whether 2013 should be early or mid..
I am separating from the navy and I see this on my LES. can someone help me understand?
I will be separating from the navy on 12/26/2012 and I was looking at my current LES and it says I will be receiving an amount of 0.00 for my next pay check.But I also noticed that there was this message left on the comments section. STATUS DETERMIN HLDPAY BAL $3908.17and also STATUSDET withthe same amount of money. I alsosaw this as wellSTART HELD PAY-STATUS 121214(349). What does this mean? Is this money I owe or will I recieve this money? I'm wondering because I will be separating soon.Thank you.