Anyone here been in the army?

[NOMIS]

Well there you go.

See for me, I couldn't do that. Not without a ton of training, anyway, and I know few girls who could really, in my age range anyway - I'd estimate that the average weight for all my friends would be 60kgs, and let's face it, carrying what would be maybe be 70% of your bodyweight (depending on the person) is a little far fetched without that pre-mentioned ton of training.

But, that would get you fit.

There was a little girl in my platoon named georgia she must of been max about 5"3 her pack hung so low on her and she never complained once, tiny little maori girl. maximum of 54kg. Also had another dainty little girl as well and she was strong, and to be honest more males where complaining than any of the females. The females wernt so good physically and where pretty much useless in the field but the majority got through no problems and there where males that where softer than them.
Me im only 70kg, was about 65 when I was in the army, strong as hell compared to what I am now tho.

Had to edit that was 55kg not 44 my bad

[Livvy]

Christ. Well, there may be hope for us dainties yet. And after all, it does depend on what you do, doesn't it? Some people barely have to carry anything (in military terms anyway), and there's always boot camp to get you started.

[Rashika]

We had 30 in total in our basic training group, 9 were women, most of us were not tiny in any way shape or form and could pretty much stick it with the guys. We often did better than the guys when it came to stamina and thinking about how to get things done, like getting a team to work together. We were all medics so had to learn some pretty interesting skills, from medical stuff thru to carrying a patient under and over ferkin difficult terrain. Often it was 3 girls and one bloke carrying the tallest and heaviest bloke the sargeant could find!

I remember one of the girls was better than the sargeant at building and taking apart a rifle, shit that was a laugh to watch. And he had done 7 tours at Vietnam, pretty damn experienced and knowlegable. We had a pretty good group and most of us were together from then on till I left.

Any of the armed forces are worth looking into if you are interested, they each have their own pluses and minuses.

[Robert Taylor]

Try the RNZAF, I was there in the 70s when we still had an Air Strike Force. Hopefully the incoming National Government will have an agenda to reinstate it.
My father was in RNZAF and on attachment to the RAF during WW2 and I would gladly have traded places with him.
Any of the forces are an awesome place to learn a trade. Sure the discipline is harsh and collective but it sure knocks most people into shape. Its a pity we dont have compulsory military training for all school leavers.

[Maki]

Don't join the army unless you go in with eyes wide open. It has the potential to screw up your life very badly. If you doubt it, do Viet Nam and agent orange strike any bells?

How does the army treat it's own who have been injured in the line of duty. Some to the extent of having their DNA messed up so their kids pay the price. How were they treated?

Do what you want to do, but know what the hell you are doing...

[Jerry74]

Did 12 years in the Army.. left totally disillusioned with how many idiots run the place.

[avgas]

Thought some of you would find this interesting.
Its a NASA study for a product im currently working on. US army and Navy currently use these devices too. Good stuff you can park your car on

[<Rhino>]

I spent five years in the army, was a medic three years in Burnham and two years with 1st Batalion in Linton. Loved being a medic with the grunts better than any day spent in camp doing crap tasks. My wife was a medic too with 2 Field Hospital, we both got trips out of it. My best mates have been to Timor, Afgan, Sollies, and many other places several times over in some cases. I regret getting out when I did somtimes and really miss the comradorie you have in the forces, theres always somone whos got your back.

Having come from an army background has impressed some employers along the way since getting out and the experiences you have and the training you get sets you up for life in my opinion. I would HIGHLY reccomend it. You get out of it what you put into it like anything you do in life.

Not having a personal life is BS, if you are in camp you work normal day hours in most cases whet you do out of hours is your own choice. Obviousely on basic training your ass belongs to the instructors but thats only temporary, go for it, go hard and love it.....if you dont you can always 717.