Name, Rank, and Serial Number

I’ve been trying to think of ways to introduce the subject of today’s entry, but I think I may just have to come right out with it. Alan went and talked with an Army recruiter today about what it would take to learn to fly helicopters. He took the practice aptitude test and scored 100%. The recruiter was about ready to drive him up to Springfield for the real thing today, but Alan decided he wanted to talk to me about it first. Usually a good idea to consult the wife before joining any armed services.  But really, if that’s what he wants to do, I’ll be there for him.  We had dinner with my dad and grandmother last night and they got to talking about what it takes to become a chopper pilot and it either takes a lot of money or the military. And the Army is the only branch that will teach you to fly without requiring you to have a college degree first. So, yeah.  There’s actually a precedent for this kind of behavior in my family. My dad’s cousin Wayne was a career Marine but decided that he wanted to fly helicopters. Well, because he was a career Marine, he’d never bothered to go to college. So he left the Marine’s and joined the Army and had to start from scratch. Just a tip – Don’t go to Army Basic Training with a tattoo on your chest of the Marine Corp logo. o_0

Well, with all said and done, I could very shortly be an Army Wife. Scary thought, that.

It does have a certain appeal to it though. I mean, how likely would I be to even move out of Connecticut? And if Alan’s in the Army we could end up just about anywhere in the world. And our future kids would be pretty much guaranteed an interesting upbringing. Yeah, it would be hard on them, but I think it would also make them stronger. Hell, it might even make me a stronger person.

As for military service in general, I’m not always sure how I feel about it. There are aspects I dislike, disapprove, or even downright loathe. Being separated would be hard on both of us. And the idea of soldiers out in the field fighting for reasons that they only dimly comprehend against other soldiers just as innocent is enough to make me cry. On the other hand, I sometimes think that the U.S. should consider making some kind of service mandatory. And that includes the usual military branches, but also the Peace Corp and similar groups. It would certainly expand a lot of horizons. And maybe, just maybe, it would make everyone a bit more tolerant and empathetic.

Oh, and base housing allows pets. It was the first thing I asked and considering how quickly Alan reassured me, it must have been one of the first things he asked too. The thought of losing my kitties is actually panic-inducing.

The benefits seem good too. Housing and healthcare paid for. Education through the GI Bill that could go to Alan, me, or our kids. Help buying a house. I don’t know. I’m still conflicted, but I guess that’s to be expected when your life seems like it’s about to be completely uprooted.

Anyway, Alan’s at the library now, and I need a little more thinking time.

~Liz