How many military bubbas here?

[cavscout]

Worked on the McDonnell-Douglas F4-d Phantom II. Yup, the ol' bent wing bug sucker. What a plane!!

hated to see it, but the Navy was turning these into drones while I was in to use as targets. Very sad to see these planes lift off knowng they would become an artificial reef. They were awesome planes though!

[Jerry]

Us Navy, 1966 through 1970, served most of the time on a Tin Can. Bubba, thanks for your service. I lost some good friends who were in the "Brown Water Navy."

[macwilkin]

Seasonal Park Ranger, US National Park Service, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.

While the NPS is by no means military, I joined the NPS to serve my country & to make sure that the soldiers of the Civil War and their sacrifices are not forgotten.

As I ranger, I have worked a great deal with various members of the armed forces in regards to military staff rides which use military history in a modern-day application.

Lest we forget.

Todd

[LoftGuy]

Switchblade,

Thanks very much for including a category for Merchant Naval Service, as the heroic contribution of Merchant Mariners is often overloked.

Three generations of Merchant Mariners in my family: my grandfather, my father, my uncle, my brother, 2 cousins and myself. My brother still actively sails though neither I nor my cousins do. Still too early to know if there will be fourth generation sailors, as yet.

Bob

[bubba]

I meant to ask this earlier....

What's a "bubba" ?

Primarily bubba means "brother". It's a southern word.

[Kilted KT]

Granted not many have voted yet, but the sample we have shows something very interesting. While (roughly) only about 10% of the current US population has any military experience, the vast majority of those who have responded have served.

Now, like I said, it's a small sample. Also, maybe those who have served are more likely to answer, since most ex-military are proud of their service. Maybe being in the military and wearing kilts is a natural match. Who know, but it's very interesting.

while I'm one of those who hasn't served, I'd like to think that the military and wearing the kilt today have a hell of a lot in common, specifically standing up and fighting for what you believe in. The symbolic meaning of the kilt, in many ways, shows how an entire country refused to be controlled by a leader that was not their own. I may be wrong, but it would be liked someone walking around in a uniform from a country that fought back it's oppresors, honoring those who fought before you to allow you to do the things you do today.

any historians chime in on this?

[mddock58]

Deleted original comments...

Did not serve, but fully support all who do, or did!

[SingleBarrelBourbon]

US Navy Submarine Service

Active Duty May 1971 - September 1979

USS Sam Rayburn SSBN635(Blue)
USS New York City SSN696 Plankowner

[tomcherv]

I went through the ROTC program in college. I graduated in 1987 and joined a reserve unit. I had two training tours in Korea, and was mobilized with the first Gulf War. I was on active duty with the Gulf War for 7 months, long enough for me to gain some VA benefits. I was also fortunate that my assignment was stateside (New Jersey and Delaware).

I moved to the IRR in 1993 and resigned my commission in 1998 or 1999.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[switchblade5984]

Just curious Switchblade,
Why did you list the checkbox for those that did not serve as "Why join the Military?"

I haven't checked the box, because I find that comment as if I do not support or approve of miltary service, which is untrue.

I don't think I was right for service, but if called, I would serve.

AS it happened, I did not have to register for the draft, I turned 18 after it was ended in '76 and was 25 when it was reinstated.

I both approve of those who choose military service, and support what you do for all of us.

well i had a section for anti military but then i thought "do i really want to know?"

not ment as a non supporter more of i can do that in the private sector and make more money, or i dont want to join because i dont have a reason or heartfelt need...

so i hope you understand and that i did not offend you or anyone else!

James