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U.S. military enlistment form should raise many serious questions
by Brian Richards
WASHINGTON, D.C. — (OfficialWire) — 08/17/05 — Reading a current U.S. military enlistment form recently, I was surprised to discover that once enlisted and in the event of war, such as a war declared against a relative intangible such as ’terror’, an enlistee might never actually get out of the military.
Forget the fact that enlistees are required to serve a total of eight (8) years; combined active and reserve duty, but once in, the military doesn’t really have to let you go.
Section 9, Item 5c:
"In the event of war, my enlistment in the Armed Forces continues until six (6) months after the war ends, unless my enlistment is ended sooner by the President of the United States."
Does that mean the president’s so-called "War on Terror"? ’Cause if it does, that would tend to suggest that no one is ever getting out of the military-ever. Or do you think the war on terror will ever end?
Oh, sure, George W. Bush might let you go, but don’t count on it.
Section 10, Item b:
"If I am a member of a Reserve Component of an Armed Force at the beginning of a period of war or national emergency declared by Congress, or if I become a member during that period, my military service may be extended without my consent until six (6) months after the end of that period of war."
Click here to read the entire enlistment form.
Parents, it may be prudent to take the time to read this document with your teenagers, if there is any chance they might be considering enlisting in the U.S. military. If just one teenager comes to his or her senses and decides not to enlist, I will have achieved something.
Otherwise, I have found it a useful tool when confronted by loud-mouthed, Bible-beating warmongerers, who are quick to call me un-patriotic, but not so eager to ’sign-up’ their kids or themselves when given the opportunity.