With the war in Iraq and Afghanistan supposedly ending, will I be able to join the military?

Retired USAF MSgt - First let me say I thank the gentleman for his service. Each service has its particular mission and career sets. Many careers parallel other services.

For example the Navy has the SEALS. The Air Force has Combat Controllers. We deploy with all other services to provide forward air control to call in air strikes and possibly direct paratroopers and resupply drops.

The Army have the Green Beret. The Marines have recon. Al similar training but obviously with different objectives.

The Air Force has Pararescue personnel. They rescue downed pilots and any other trapped personnel needing evacuation. Watch the movie BAT 21 if you have not.

These personnel are trained in High Altitude Low Opening jumps, HALO. They are trained at the same scuba school for the SEALS, Green Beret and others. They are trained in weapons and hand to hand like other services.

This is just a quick run-through of a very little part of our armed forces. I was a successful Air Force recruiter for a few years. Unfortunately a lot of personnel will not qualify for the Air Force but will for others.

That I cant control. But some have a choice and choose other services. The Air Force is the youngest of all branches.

We originally broke from the Army due to our unique and varied mission. We support all services with rapid deployment into hostile areas. We drop SEALS, Recon, Rangers, Airborne troops and many more.

One of our youngest ranking Airman won the Medal of Honor. Just like other troops. He was a load master over Vietnam when his aircraft was riddled with anti aircraft fire.

He tossed himself on a live flare that rolled into a pile of AMMO and drug it to an open door and tossed it out just as it ignited. He saved the lives of all crew members and himself. He had many many shrapnel wounds all over his body.

Now we also have our fighters that support other services etc.... The Air Force is required to operate air and space forces to help achieve our national goals. Most of our jobs are highly technical. Space platforms for offensive and defensive requirements.

Look at the f22 and f35 BILLION dollar platforms needing highly trained electronic and mechanical personnel. Not everyone can qualify for these jobs. So we deal with high tech stuff that other services don't do.

So don't blame us for our mission. Other service have long standing traditions. The Marines most visible are their Uniforms.

Darn sharp I must say. One of the Air Force traditions was "Change" we are known for updating everything to keep up with technology. I was in when we transitioned into the computer world.

We have never looked back with regular upgrades as needed. Our aircraft and medical always updating. Airlift and special forces top notch.

Even our uniforms. What we call our blues still look a lot like before. While I was in we changed them at least 3 times.

We always review things like this and if something is better for our mission we normally acquire it. NOW if this guy is demonstrating the rage you speak off, he needs assistance and now. He is entitled to anything he medically needs from the VA.

He may have Post Traumatic Stress disorder. The VA has a very active counseling assistance program. It is more than just a program.

So the most important thing is to get this guy help before he hurts himself or someone else. He may be like so many others and deny help. So someone may need to go to his church, family, VFW, Amvets etc and get them involved.

Hope you continue to consider the Air Force as a possible career. You sound very responsible and caring. As far as getting the same pay and benefits.

Mostly true. However deployed troops receive family separation pay, combat pay, jump pay, weapons proficiency incentives and more. So I hope you at least follow my advice to get him some help.

Thanks and good luck.

I also asked a few days ago if he killed anyone, and he didn't like that question very much." That is the dumbest thing anyone, not in the know, can ask any combat veteran. That info IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!

Keep the talk to about boxing only.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.