The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: tombogan03884 on June 07, 2008, 12:47:30 AM

Title: Service Vs civilian
Post by: tombogan03884 on June 07, 2008, 12:47:30 AM
The people on this forum are the best bunch of folks on any of the forums I've checked out. I was wandering what percentage of us had given some sort of public service in return for our freedoms.
  I want to add a couple notes, this is in no way intended to offend those who have not, There can be several perfectly fine reasons for not doing so, Legal, We were not all angels as kids and somethings that would prevent service do not prevent fire arms ownership, Medical disability has deprived the public services of many an otherwise fine candidate, Home responsibilities may have kept a person working, Education for a young person can sometimes be a now or never oportunity. Like I said, No slam intended.
Secondly, I changed option 3 to medical instead of EMT because even though doctors and nurses may be well paid they are still serving the needs of the community.
Third, if I missed some one who serves society please point it out to me and I will add that catagory.
Last, Put Guard and Reserve votes under apropriate branch, I saw no reason to segregate 50% of America's combat units and a higher percentage of support units.
Thanks  ;D
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: Dakotaranger on June 07, 2008, 02:33:00 AM
I have my bachelors in Criminal Justice, but life got in the way before I was able to apply for a LEO job. 
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: TAB on June 07, 2008, 02:57:55 AM
one question....


why is medical up there?   
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: tombogan03884 on June 07, 2008, 11:12:21 AM
one question....


why is medical up there?  

At the bottom of my post I explained that at first I had listed EMT, but after thinking about it I decided that even if they are better paid Doctors and nurses also serve the community, and work even worse hours than I do  ;D
My criteria was people who when you need them, you REALLY need them, Life/death stuff.
Also I'm glad to see that people figured out to check all that apply, I forgot to say that   :-\
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: Dougdubya on June 07, 2008, 11:47:37 AM
VA Clerk for 11 furious, frustrating years, so I clicked medical.

I served our Veterans, despite the f-word bureaucracy's best efforts to screw 'em over.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: tombogan03884 on June 07, 2008, 11:53:34 AM
VA Clerk for 11 furious, frustrating years, so I clicked medical.

I served our Veterans, despite the f-word bureaucracy's best efforts to screw 'em over.

Thank you, My Dad served in Korea, and has received a great deal of help from the VA over the years.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: Dougdubya on June 07, 2008, 11:57:28 AM
Thank you, My Dad served in Korea, and has received a great deal of help from the VA over the years.

Dude, it's the least I could do for the real heroes who made it home.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: Marshal Halloway on June 07, 2008, 12:17:36 PM

I served in the Royal Norwegian Air Force 1978-1979, most of the time on a NATO base with a military police unit. It was a peaceful time except from the extra preparedness when Soviet invaded Afghanistan. My combat was more or less related to drunken soldiers and the only sacrifice I can mention was a bump in the back of my head from an empty beer bottle and five days in hospital.  ;D   

In later years I was a firearms instructor for police officers and civilians.

All good memories.

Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: tombogan03884 on June 07, 2008, 02:54:43 PM
I served in the Royal Norwegian Air Force 1978-1979, most of the time on a NATO base with a military police unit. It was a peaceful time except from the extra preparedness when Soviet invaded Afghanistan. My combat was more or less related to drunken soldiers and the only sacrifice I can mention was a bump in the back of my head from an empty beer bottle and five days in hospital.  ;D   

In later years I was a firearms instructor for police officers and civilians.

All good memories.

We served at the same time. 77-80 for me, it would be funny if you had met some of my freinds who deployed to Norway for a Nato Excercise   ;D  (They may have been some of the drunk troops  ;D)

I notice that the number of votes is almost 50% higher than the number of people voting. Any one want to run the same poll on other websites and post the results here   ;D
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: Marshal Halloway on June 07, 2008, 03:28:38 PM
We served at the same time. 77-80 for me, it would be funny if you had met some of my freinds who deployed to Norway for a NATO Exercise   ;D  (They may have been some of the drunk troops  ;D)

 ;D
Actually, we didn't have much trouble with the Americans (there were on a tight leash), but the British were a handful. And the guy with the beer bottle..... he was a Norwegian straight out of boot camp.  :D
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: Jim Urban on June 07, 2008, 03:47:47 PM
'79-'83 Jr. Vol. Firefighter
'83-'91 USMC MOS-0351
'91-'03 Vol. Firefighter/EMT
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: jnevis on June 07, 2008, 03:52:46 PM
I notice that the number of votes is almost 50% higher than the number of people voting. Any one want to run the same poll on other websites and post the results here   ;D

I'm pretty sure that's due to the fact that most "public service" oriented people tend to indentify themselves in more than one category.

I was Active Navy 92-01 Navy Reserve 01-Present and activated as Navy LEO 02-03 plus a volunteer EMT 00-01.04-present  and full time EMS dispatcher 02-04 to fit into three categories.  I was fire party my first tour but left that out of the poll.  Trying to get them all I guess  ;D
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: tombogan03884 on June 07, 2008, 04:57:20 PM
;D
Actually, we didn't have much trouble with the Americans (there were on a tight leash), but the British were a handful. And the guy with the beer bottle..... he was a Norwegian straight out of boot camp.  :D

Kids (Shaking head  ;D)
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: tombogan03884 on June 07, 2008, 04:59:14 PM
I'm pretty sure that's due to the fact that most "public service" oriented people tend to indentify themselves in more than one category.

I was Active Navy 92-01 Navy Reserve 01-Present and activated as Navy LEO 02-03 plus a volunteer EMT 00-01.04-present  and full time EMS dispatcher 02-04 to fit into three categories.  I was fire party my first tour but left that out of the poll.  Trying to get them all I guess  ;D

The reason they say never volunteer is if it doesn't get you killed it can become a habit  ;D The first 2 votes were for my USMC 77-80 and NH Army National Gaurd 89-92  ;D
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: Pathfinder on June 07, 2008, 05:05:21 PM
I never served - draft #261 in 1970.

My Dad was a pilot in B-17s over Germany in WWII - 8th AF, 1AW, 398th BG, 600Sqn.

My brother flew Hueys in 1969-71 in Korea (mid-country 1/2 click from the DMZ), and Hunter AAB in Savannah GA.

I only clicked for me.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: m25operator on June 07, 2008, 06:47:52 PM
Did my armed services vocational aptitude battery in High school, ( asvab ) and my lowest score was a 90, went to the air force recruiter at 19, He looked at my scores and said what job do you want? ( I wanted to fly jets ) , then He looked at my work history and tried to get me into Mess Hall for the officers, and I told him I was done with that. ( I was a cook for a high end restaraunt at the time. ) That at least I wanted to do electronics training.  Then I went to AFEES,  armed forces entrance examination service, and they did notice  I have the flattest feet I know of, I have never had an arch. I went to my High school coach and He wrote them a letter that I had never missed a practice or a tournament because of my feet, (  I ran 60 miles a week when I ran track )  Not the best but I could run a sub 5 minute mile ( barely ) and the 2 mile in 11.15. The Air force said thanks but no thanks, try the Marines, So I did and the Army too, this was peace time and they were more picky, endgame, Sorry We can't use you.  >:(I still have the documentation in triplicate, reason for rejection ( Pes Planus ) Flat feet. >:(

My dad served during Korea, but in White Horse Canada and Anchorage Alaska as a radio operator, watching the Russians at the  Aleutian islands.

Many thanks to those who did serve in any capacity. ;)

My give backs are from my local club, I'm a range officer, NRA instructor for personal defense and firearms safety, A Texas hunters education instructor, the class I took for hunters education was very instructional, They said our normal path as hunters was 1) Hunting for the sake of hunting,  2) Hunting for meat, 3) Hunting for trophies, 4) Teaching others, ( Giving back) and I really don't disagree.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: JohnJacobH on June 07, 2008, 08:52:31 PM

Third, if I missed some one who serves society please point it out to me and I will add that catagory.


Well, there is that little group -fewer, tougher and prouder-than the Marines known as Seabees.  They always told us if you get hurt do not take it personally, they were shooting at the bridge/runway/base camp under construction and you got in the way.

Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: tombogan03884 on June 07, 2008, 11:36:23 PM
Well, there is that little group -fewer, tougher and prouder-than the Marines known as Seabees.  They always told us if you get hurt do not take it personally, they were shooting at the bridge/runway/base camp under construction and you got in the way.

The Navies Construction Battalions are almost as handy to have around as their Corpsmen.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: gunman1911 on June 08, 2008, 09:20:04 AM
I have worked in a metro P.D. for 8 years and then moved into an area the is frot with nepotism so I went into security work and got the chance to work EMS and worked my way up the licensure ladder. I like EMS, no after the fact calls, my house HAS been broken , I HAVE BEEN shot, etc. It makes me feel I can do more and I have a whole lot more people thanking me for saving their life. Don't get me wrong I sure miss the badge and putting bad guys where they belong! Also I voted yesterday and when I went to reply my puter went "DEE DEE"DEE".
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: CJS3 on June 08, 2008, 11:46:24 AM
I was 10 years in the Navy, and both my sons, and one of my step-sons are Navy vets. My oldest is in his 9th year of active fleet service.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: CurrieS103 on June 08, 2008, 12:15:07 PM
Cold war, hot war, peace keeping, nation building, joint-ops, Red Flag, Brim Frost...Etc., Etc.  21 Years went in a snap.  My favorite smell will always be jet fuel and the sound of a turbine spinning up.  A lot of good friends and memories.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: 2HOW on June 08, 2008, 12:38:49 PM
I served with the United States Cavalry, field artillary. proud member of the Border Legion. "Long distance, the next best thing to being there" . ;D  TOUJOURS PRET
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: tombogan03884 on June 08, 2008, 01:59:48 PM
Wow, 31 out of 40 so far and at LEAST 2 of the 9 were medicaly rejected,
This is telling me that people HERE put society ahead of self. No wonder this is the best forum I've found  ;D
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: Pathfinder on June 08, 2008, 02:06:02 PM
Cold war, hot war, peace keeping, nation building, joint-ops, Red Flag, Brim Frost...Etc., Etc.  21 Years went in a snap.  My favorite smell will always be jet fuel and the sound of a turbine spinning up.  A lot of good friends and memories.


VietNam service ribbon top center?

Nice cluster overall. Thank you my friend.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: kmitch200 on June 08, 2008, 02:36:04 PM
Fire service for 30 yrs this Nov. 27.  23 months to go 'till retirement.
Paramedic since 1983 - present.

In my section of the country, EMS is largely Fire Dept based.
Everyone, (in my city dept), has to be an EMT to ride on a fire truck, Paramedic is another step if you want to test & train for it.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: TAB on June 08, 2008, 10:37:42 PM
I'm the only coasty here  :'(   
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: DDMac on June 09, 2008, 06:30:33 AM
Don't know where he is today, but Grizzle Bear is USCG too.
Mac.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: CZShooter on June 09, 2008, 07:09:16 AM
Enlisted in the Army...flat feet and a heart murmur kept me out.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: alfsauve on June 09, 2008, 07:32:38 AM
MAC trained killer.....(inside joke)
USAF 1968-1972.  437MAW Charleston, SC.   Pretty safe duty, except our group's mission was to pick up anything, anywhere, anytime.....state department personnel, the President's Marine 1 helo, covert operatives, space capsules.......new tires for the general.     Wish I had stayed for 20.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: CurrieS103 on June 09, 2008, 07:55:10 AM
VietNam service ribbon top center?

Nice cluster overall. Thank you my friend.

'Nam..Not quite that old.  1983-2004.  And it was my pleasure.  I'd do it all over again in half-a-heartbeat
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: hyatt76 on June 09, 2008, 09:18:09 AM
I served in the Army..attached to the AirForce Finance...WW2 ....horrible hand to hand combat...blondes. redheads, brunettes..thanks again ladies.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: ronrdrcr on June 10, 2008, 11:03:38 PM
I have 7 years invested in the Coast Guard so far and loving every minute of it.  I started out on Cutters catching drug runners in the Caribbean (over 10,000 lbs of Cocaine siezed) and Chinese migrants in the Pacific.  Right now I sit in a Command Center and plan and organize search and rescue missions.

Ron

Semper Paratus!
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: ronrdrcr on June 10, 2008, 11:06:00 PM
I'm the only coasty here  :'(   

Not anymore

Ron
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: jaybet on June 11, 2008, 06:42:20 AM
Served 13 years in volunteer FD, 8 as an EMT, 6 of those years as Chief officer, 3 as Chief.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: tman on June 12, 2008, 02:17:39 PM
Navy- Nam  era
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: Hazcat on June 12, 2008, 02:25:26 PM
US Army, 10 years, NBC, paratrooper, Drill Sergeant
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: DDMac on June 12, 2008, 03:56:59 PM
So THAT'S where the now famous Hazcat moniker comes from. Should have guessed. Glad they taught you how to make an honest living on the outside. Keepin' Florida safe!
Mac.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: DDMac on June 14, 2008, 12:10:44 PM
Reality check. On WRAL TV there is a Saturday broadcast of "The Brain Game", where area High School teams compete to answer questions in math, science, history and government. The teams whized through the math and science questions, then came government.
"What is the highest ranking medal awareded to members of the military in the United States?"
SILENCE..., followed by a faint, "Pass".
Other questions were asked and answered, then the moderator returned to the medal question.
The team finally came up with, "General?".  General, they answered. How can intelligent citizens, old enough to be in the military, be so detached? Insulated from critical history.  Because they are free to choose, and human nature being what it is, they prefer the most comfortable path.
With all reliance on Divine Providence, this November they will once again pass. 
Mac.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: 2HOW on June 14, 2008, 01:35:48 PM
Mac, your insight is blinding. I hate it when someone comes up with a truth Im trying to bury in my brain. But the truth is the truth . Its a sorry state of affairs, piss poor schools and elected officials that arent worth hard ball.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: MikeBjerum on June 15, 2008, 08:43:23 AM
Graduated from high school and turned 18 in a family that could not afford any more schooling and in a situation where many other generations would have automatically entered the service.  However, this was during a time when we just pulled out of Viet Nam, and the military did not want me (or anyone except a select few) either.  I actually fall into an age group (about six months in length) that is not registered with Selective Services.  Today I wish I had tried harder to get in, but after one attempt and two passive inquiries and being told they did not want someone with my "skills" (translation - lack of education or skills) I gave up.

Two years later I became an EMT-Basic with our local City owned volunteer ambulance service.  I went on to serve there for 17 years including eight years as training officer and four as director.  I was unable to join the fire department because of living outside the area the set for members to live within, however I worked with them unofficially and helped with their training for many years.  I also got my part time teaching license and taught everything from Basic First Aid and CPR to EMT-Basic with advanced variences.  I also taught Fire Fighter I,II and III, specialized rescue (Haz Mat, water, high level, high angle, confined space, and anything else we could come up with from actual experience), and stayed involved with the departments for as long as I could after my new career made it impossible to actually serve daily.

Even though I still wish I had been in the Military and feel I missed something to this day, I appreciate that the type of service I have done is recognized in this poll.
Title: Re: Service Vs civilian
Post by: CurrieS103 on June 15, 2008, 08:50:54 AM
Mac, your insight is blinding. I hate it when someone comes up with a truth Im trying to bury in my brain. But the truth is the truth . Its a sorry state of affairs, piss poor schools and elected officials that arent worth hard ball.

Yeah, I can't wait until kaka hits the fan in this US of A and all those "educated" ones stand around with the flames about ass high and wonder where are those guys with the...what was that medal called?  Who wore them?