Many Soldiers Eager To Re-enlist

[IntenseOperator]

Many soldiers eager to re-enlist

July 5, 2005

BY ESTES THOMPSON



FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Sgt. Jonathan Jacobs joined the Army to get away from his part-time jobs as a telemarketer and a cargo handler.

He ended up in Iraq, but that didn't stop the 24-year-old 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper from signing up for another hitch, even though that could mean another tour in the Middle East.

He has a newborn son and says the Army offers him a career as a communication specialist and his family a secure future.

At a time when the Iraq war has made it tougher for the Army to recruit new members, there's no hesitation to re-enlist among soldiers like Jacobs and other members of the Army's elite airborne units.

''The Army gives you a chance to see life,'' said Jacobs, of Bay Shore, N.Y. ''You're secure. You have food. You have shelter. You have a paycheck.''

Even though the Army appears likely to miss its goal of recruiting 80,000 new soldiers this year, it's ahead of the pace needed to reach its goal of persuading 64,162 soldiers to re-enlist by the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30.

Through the end of May, 45,333 soldiers had re-enlisted, said Lt. Col. Pamela Hart, an Army spokeswoman. That's 70 percent of the Army's full-year goal.

'It's where I need to be'



Nearly 11,000 soldiers from the elite 18th Airborne Corps, which includes four of the Army's 10 active divisions, have ''re-upped'' this year.

''The 18th Airborne Corps is carrying the Army right now in retention,'' said the corps commander, Maj. Gen. Virgil Packett.

And leading the corps is the 82nd Airborne, which has reached 97 percent of its annual goal, even though it has deployed regularly to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The 82nd's paratroopers are ''a special cut of American society,'' Packett said. ''It takes a cut of a different person to jump out of an airplane.''

Staff Sgt. Daniel Metzdorf decided to re-enlist even though a roadside bomb blew off part of his right leg last year while he was in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne.

''It's my life,'' said Metzdorf, 28, of Altamonte Springs, Fla., who uses an artificial leg and still must requalify as a paratrooper to remain with the division. ''It's where I need to be.''

Metzdorf was in the crowd last week when President Bush spoke at Fort Bragg, refusing to set a specific timetable for withdrawal from Iraq.

''I thank those of you who have re-enlisted in an hour when your country needs you,'' Bush told the audience.

Many of the military personnel said they were glad Bush made that point.

The president's comments ''made me proud of what I am doing,'' said Pfc. Reese Combs, a 19-year-old paratrooper from Tampa, Fla. ''It keeps me motivated.''

More calling to get out, too



To be sure, there are soldiers who choose not to re-enlist. Some even try to get out of their original service commitments, said Chuck Fager, director of Quaker House in nearby Fayetteville, whose organization counsels unhappy members of the military.

Before the Iraq war started in March 2003, Quaker House's record for calls in a year was 3,128 in 2001. It took nearly 6,000 calls last year.

''People not wanting to go to Iraq was a very common concern,'' Fager said.

AP

 

[Marco]

"Many soldiers eager to re-enlist"

What did the sober ones have to say?

 

[IntenseOperator]

"Many soldiers eager to re-enlist"

What did the sober ones have to say?

:shrug: :mj03:

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

IO I think he ment what did the guard and reserves who enlisted for non war activities have to say.

You have to remember there are elements in society that can't fathom why anyone would risk anything other than for themselves.

Saw "Tears in the Sun" again for the upteenth time--sure is good movie and love the quote portrayed at the end.

 

[Marco]

"You have to remember there are elements in society that can't fathom why anyone would risk anything other than for themselves."

After fighting other countries civil wars in Vietnam and Korea, and leaving a whole outfit of blackhawks in Somalia trying to beat up some African druggies......

After those incidents and some others that I didn't mention, it would appear to any reasonable person that an enlistment into the military has a great chance of giving the enlistee a high chance of seeing action in some foreign country and fighting/dying for some worthless reason that has squat to do with our own national security......and in today's world those reasons for fighting would be murky at best.....the average enlistee has a better chance of fighting for war profiteers and ulterior motives than for fighting for the American people and direct self defense of those same American people who put up the money and the bodies to fight all these wars.

Whether a jungle in southeast Asia is communist or not is none of our business and the government's responsibility is running our own country and infrastructure, not some sovereign country a whole ocean away.

Military enlistments are down, maybe the public is finally wise to thier bull$hit.

Besides, what God died and made us The Great Cop and Protector of The World?

 

[Eddie Haskell]

soldiers eager to re-enlist. So? 60 million voted for Bush.

All these statements mean is that many Americans are stupid, mindless, minions buying into mom, apple pie and chevrolets or anything else sold to them by Bush and his butt buddies in corporate america.

Those of us with a modicum of intelligence have known that fact for many years.

Eddie

 

[IntenseOperator]

Bravest men one could ever possibly meet

Giving 110% and possibly dying for change

Stupid enough to do all this over and over again

For what?

Basically idealistic reasons?

All those thousands are obviously totally oblivious to what they are risking and what the reward is.

Doesn't surprise me that they themselves become targets for a couple in here. A couple that would never understand what these soldiers are doing and for what, no matter who explains it to them or how many different ways it is explained.

I'm sure they are doing it all for political reasons.

Whatever it takes for more dense posts to make you feel better about yourselves.

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

"soldiers eager to re-enlist. So? 60 million voted for Bush.

All these statements mean is that many Americans are stupid, mindless, minions buying into mom, apple pie and chevrolets or anything else sold to them by Bush and his butt buddies in corporate america.

Those of us with a modicum of intelligence have known that fact for many years.

Eddie
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Edward there are those during 911 that ran down the stairs pushing aside women ect to get out--at same time there were firefighters and police running in to help--

--there are those that see accident and car on fire and get back and dial 911--and those that rush to scene to help victum at their own personal risk.

Bottom line--when the shit hits the fan everyone runs--Character-courage and tenacity will determine--"which way" they run.

 

[Master Capper]

When Cheney had the opportunity to serve this great country which way did he run?

 

[Nosigar]

soldiers eager to re-enlist. So? 60 million voted for Bush.

All these statements mean is that many Americans are stupid, mindless, minions buying into mom, apple pie and chevrolets or anything else sold to them by Bush and his butt buddies in corporate america.

Those of us with a modicum of intelligence have known that fact for many years.

Eddie

Yes, it the the new slavery. The peons are being mind-controlled by Nationalist propaganda. Such ideas as Freedom, Family, moral values and Judeo-Christian beliefs in the Western civilizations. This truly benefits the greedy purposes of the powerful consiparcy-laden conservative elite.
All this serves to enthrall the tender minds of those ignorant of wordly ideas who fail to embrace all Earthlings as a whole, homogenous community.

And I truly believe that Ed has a modicum of intelligence.

Mom? Screw her.
Apple Pie? I like bananas
Corporate America??? Bush and the conservatives own it.

I wonder if any leftist "military supporter" will come out and offer to meet Ed somewhere at a certain place and time to set him straight? I've read several here who believe strongly in the military and have offered anyone opposing them some knuckle sandwiches.

But, behold, liberals stick together, regardles of their motives. That's why most the sick fuqks belkong to that side. uhhhh, case and point.

Of course, Stevie will come out with an example of a so-called conservative evangelical who killed 3 people in 1989 or something similar just to demonstrate that we are all equal!

 

[Eddie Haskell]

Nosigar:

How's it been, bud? I've truly missed your innane diatribes. But, as usual, you've come through in the above post.

Explain to me oh wise one, how is it that many in America, primarily the ones I will call the blind stupid minions (hereinafter "bsm's"), believed that Kerry would not have defended this country against terrorists. Tell me further oh great sage, how is it that the majority of bsm's believe our invasion, yes, invasion of Iraq was in response to the 9-11 terrorists attacks?

How is it that many bsm's believe that a vote for Kerry was anti-american? You know todays terrorist attack in London reinforces the concept that the perpetrators of 9-11 are still out there while we are killing Iraqi's.

Once again, this criminal you support in the White House has let the murderer of 3000 + people roam free while his organization continues to kill people. Instead he is fighting a war for oil and selling it to idiots like you and the other bsm's as a defense of freedom.

Baby, I lived through an earlier con job by the powerful trying to keep power and get wealthier in the 60's. Ain't gonna do it again. It amazes me how gullible clowns like you are when you buy the Bush line that this unwarrented invasion of another country who posed no threat to the USA is the "defense of freedom".

In reality, its the aggressive expansion of capitalism. By the way numbnuts, to see how propoganda and mind control work, you don't have to go that far back in history, maybe 70 years to Germany. Take a look, the comparisons are strikingly similar. Hitler had most of the german people believing in him when he wrapped himself in God, patriotism, war and nationalism.

You know there is a reason Bush distrusts intellectuals. They know too much. On the other hand, he can count on you for support.

Eddie

 

[Eddie Haskell]

IO:

Second on the idiot list. I know what are soldiers are doing and why they are doing it. I list the reasons for you, as distasteful, but yet truthfull as they may be:

1) many are lower middle class and below who are uneducated and totally buy into the patriotic schtick. I often wonder where Jenna Bush and the other slut daughter are. These people are having difficulty finding work. There pre-military lives were and endless series of cigarettes, changing tires on there trans am's, coca cola and tatoo'd wives and girlfriends. Going to Baghdad was not only better surroundings than where they came from but also gave them a chance to be "heros". You know, like that commericial where there all clapping for Joe Military dressed in uniform as he walks through the airport. Kinda brings a tear to your eye doesnt it.

2) those that are middle class who truly believe in a sense of duty and have no ulterior reason to go other than they believe that they are doing there duty and following the presidents orders. These are the ones I really feel sorry for. There true blue solid people who are being duped by the scum of the earth. They believe they are defending freedom but yet are starting to question why they are in Iraq shooting at people when the real bad guys are blowing up train stations in london.

3. some of both social strata that believe all brown people are evil. These, as our illustrious president would say, "folks" have great granddaddys who were prominent members of the KKK. They just like to shoot non-white people. Since its no longer fashionable to lynch blacks they can turn their evil, legitimately and legally, against all brown people.

4. the wealthy. they don't go, or for the few that do, they are not in the line of fire.

They are not doing it for political reasons. Never suggested that. They are doing it for ulterior reasons, to feel good about themselves, to be hero's, to escape their current environment, to have others waive flags as they march in parades, to receive applause as they walk through airports.

All the while, Bush, Cheney and friends get rich, outsource to there buddies and let the real killers go free. Everybody wins right?
Not quite.

Iraqi's lose, American pride loses, and what is that worst casualty of this hypocrisy, democracy losses. Those that believe they are fighting for this country are in reality undermining its core principles for scum.

Eddie

 

[Sun Tzu]

When Cheney had the opportunity to serve this great country which way did he run?

The same place Clinton went.

 

[Sun Tzu]

IO:

Second on the idiot list. I know what are soldiers are doing and why they are doing it. I list the reasons for you, as distasteful, but yet truthfull as they may be:

1) many are lower middle class and below who are uneducated and totally buy into the patriotic schtick. I often wonder where Jenna Bush and the other slut daughter are. These people are having difficulty finding work. There pre-military lives were and endless series of cigarettes, changing tires on there trans am's, coca cola and tatoo'd wives and girlfriends. Going to Baghdad was not only better surroundings than where they came from but also gave them a chance to be "heros". You know, like that commericial where there all clapping for Joe Military dressed in uniform as he walks through the airport. Kinda brings a tear to your eye doesnt it.

2) those that are middle class who truly believe in a sense of duty and have no ulterior reason to go other than they believe that they are doing there duty and following the presidents orders. These are the ones I really feel sorry for. There true blue solid people who are being duped by the scum of the earth. They believe they are defending freedom but yet are starting to question why they are in Iraq shooting at people when the real bad guys are blowing up train stations in london.

3. some of both social strata that believe all brown people are evil. These, as our illustrious president would say, "folks" have great granddaddys who were prominent members of the KKK. They just like to shoot non-white people. Since its no longer fashionable to lynch blacks they can turn their evil, legitimately and legally, against all brown people.

4. the wealthy. they don't go, or for the few that do, they are not in the line of fire.

They are not doing it for political reasons. Never suggested that. They are doing it for ulterior reasons, to feel good about themselves, to be hero's, to escape their current environment, to have others waive flags as they march in parades, to receive applause as they walk through airports.

All the while, Bush, Cheney and friends get rich, outsource to there buddies and let the real killers go free. Everybody wins right?
Not quite.

Iraqi's lose, American pride loses, and what is that worst casualty of this hypocrisy, democracy losses. Those that believe they are fighting for this country are in reality undermining its core principles for scum.

Eddie

On behalf of my brother, going back to Iraq for the third time with 2 purple hearts and a Bronze Star..

**** You you wannabe elitist. You dont have any clue what you are talking about.

 

[Eddie Haskell]

Another Texas scumball. You have no clue what you are talking about. Waive as many flags as you want turd, your brother, if he had any smarts, should exchange that plane ticket to Baghdad to one to Toronto. Unless of course, your in the oil business.

What a bozo you are. If your brother wants to get his ass shot up for Bush, thats his business. True Americans are doing whatever they can to preserve this country's ideals. Not fighting in a war for Bush.

Right now, clown, I'm your brothers best friend. I want him to stay home. Idiot.

Eddie

 

[IntenseOperator]

Many Soldiers Eager To Re-enlist

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Even though the Army appears likely to miss its goal of recruiting 80,000 new soldiers this year, it's ahead of the pace needed to reach its goal of persuading 64,162 soldiers to re-enlist by the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30."


64,142

All big time red neck, clayhead hating, poor of our ghettos.

Think you properly pidgeoned holed them all.



"Nearly 11,000 soldiers from the elite 18th Airborne Corps, which includes four of the Army's 10 active divisions, have ''re-upped'' this year."



I'm sure this elite unit is made up of the worst the US can offer. Definitely nothing that could match your biting wit.



"Metzdorf was in the crowd last week when President Bush spoke at Fort Bragg, refusing to set a specific timetable for withdrawal from Iraq.

''I thank those of you who have re-enlisted in an hour when your country needs you,'' Bush told the audience.

Many of the military personnel said they were glad Bush made that point."



Thank God these don't have to come to this forum and read what dopes from the Queen City think of their selfless sacrifices daily. Something you would no nothing about since any type of sacrifice plays no role in your lifestyle. You create nothing. You offer nothing. And prosper off others misery. Oh I forgot.......that rapier-like wit. NOT

Go back under your rock before another slug takes your space.

 

[Sun Tzu]

You obviously dont know me or my brother or his reasons, or for that matter much else. It is great that in our country people have differences of opinion. But they aren't all idiots because they dont agree with you. Your juvenile ramblings diminish any contribution you could add in the form of discourse on the subject. I guess that is your idea of "preserving ideals." Just another wannabe internet tough guy.

 

[Eddie Haskell]

IO:

I'm humming America the Beautiful while reading your post. Keep on playing that patriotic theme bozo. By the way, why aren't you over there shooting up some of them thar muslims? You know, defending freedom and all that.

If you want to call standing up for the real America and protesting the rights your president and his henchmen are trying (and suceeding) in taking away, nothing, then I'm very proud of doing nothing.

You are clearly whats wrong with this country. I'd say go back and crawl under a rock but, I don't think 60 million of you would fit.

Eddie

 

[Eddie Haskell]

Quite to the contrary Sun Tzu. Your the clown who interjected your brother and his creditials into this discussion. Why? Using his military record as support for your position.

If I recall correctly you are an attorney. So am I. Your run to authority argument was rather obvious. Using your brother as authority for points and to garner sympathy is disgusting. You should be ashamed.

Eddie

 

[Sun Tzu]

I didnt espouse a position did I, other than indicate that your "generalization" of people and their motives is wrong. I hope you actually read things when you represent your clients.