In the Army now!

No, not yet but I thought I would share with you what I'm looking at. Because of the current situation in the Middle East, the Army has raised the max age for joining the army, that being said I taking a very hard look at enlisting. I have met with the recruiter, and meet with him again next week to see if WLS will derail my efforts. I also do not fit the height and weight charts, but my body fat is low enough that I get by that one and I can surpass the two mile run, situps and pushup requirement. If I can enlist, I will then petition to go to OCS to become an officer. And while the logical choice for a job would be MP, I have elected to be considered for training in chemical warfare. Some of you may wonder why after taking steps to save my life, I would consider going to war. Well, two reasons I quess. One, while I am no hawk for war, I am of the belief that if you believe this situation in the Middle East is near being over, of will end soon then you have your head in the sand. And secondly, I can do it and there are others who cannot. So, keep me in your thoughts as WLS may keep me out, the recruiter wasn't sure so that is the reason for meeting next week. I'll keep you updated.

Wow, Dawg that is a big step. Fighting for this Country is nothing to be ashamed of in the least. If it is what you want & feel you can do it. Than I hope it all turns out for you & you can join. How does your family feel about this? Are they still speaking to you? Just curious. I hope it all works out for you. Will keep you in my prayers & if God has this in his plan for you then the doors will be opened for it to happen. Take care & do keep us posted. Marilyn, the Bearlady

First, I'm not the least ashamed, just the opposite. Second, I looking more towards the reserves and guard units, but because of the situation in the Middle East, activation is a given so it would not be as hard a acitive duty on my family. Thanks for your thoughts, I'll no more later.

I did not mean to for you to think you were ashamed of this dicision at all. The fact that you could have not done this at all before your wls. & now all this including what you already have accomplished has to be very uplifting, indeed. I hope you get what you want!! Marilyn, the Bearlady

Ken, I don't want you to do this...but I understand your need to do this and I support your decision 100% I so wish we could resolve the escalating conflicts throughout the world and especially in the Middle East in some other manner. How silly of me given the history of the world. You and your family are firmly entrenched in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us posted. Reenie

I appreciate the thoughts, but my feelings on this are pretty simple. It takes all kinds in this wonderful world, and God has given me the gift of being able to work within my feas during situations some others would find unthinkable. I think it is wrong to say I have no fear, because after something bad goes down and I decompress I realize I felt fear of some sort, just that it doesn't cripple me. In anycase, I do believe given that attribute I can do some good for those around me. God has placed people on this earth who feel the need to serve in various roles, and this may be mine. All that being said, there is a hitch in my git-a-long. In the physical, which I passed with flying colors, it was determined that my hernia repair did not take very well. Looks like I'll have to put off my plans for a bit as it will have to be repaired and I will not be able to attend any training until I can do situps. Thank you all for your thoughts, and I'll keep you posted.

Ken, It is people like you that make me proud to be an American. That is true regardless of how this plays out for you! Sorry you are facing a hernia re-repair. I believe that setbacks can be blessings, if we view them correctly. I hope this unexpected turn of events works good in your life in some equally unexpected way. Joy

Wow Dawg........You're just full of suprises!! I admire your courage and wish you the best. I can't see why WLS would disqualify you for the military if you meet the other physical requirements. Good Luck guy! Mike

Well, as I have said, there are some hitches. First, I have decideded to attempt the enter the Army National Guard. There are many reasons for this, but foremost being that if I'm accepted I can attend Officer Candidate School once a month over two years, and it counts as my drill weekend. If I entered the Army Reserves, I would have to attend OCS after attending basic and Advanced Individual Trianing. Also, the Reserve wants me to join as an enlisted member and then submit for OCS. The Guard will allow me to apply and then I don't have to join if not accepted. The reason for the concern is that while they have increased the age for enlistment, I am past the age for which the usually accept officers. The other reality is that in the Reserve I can count on being gone two of five years without my family. Activation in the Guard is likely, but we are talking months instead of years. And finally, I do have to have my hernia repaired. It looks like they can do it through lapro, but I will be unable to qualify until repaired. But, now I can get it repaired and apply to be an officer. By the time is all shakes out, I should be ready to go.

See it is all working out in your favor. I bet you are back in shape from that Hernia repair in no time. This Country Needs You & Hope there are lots more like you that will step up and do the same thing!! God Bless you ! & your family during all your decision making & know you will be kept in my prayers for your safety. Keep us posted when you have your Hernia repair SurgeryDate!! Marilyn, the Bearlady