Geez Louise; got a bit testy here, eh? (and I said that ‘eh’ in my bestest Canadian accent!)
I put this post up in order to have people give me their honest assessment. The amount of support is gratifying, believe me. To have heard of people in my age range getting thru basic was exactly what I needed to hear.
I think I also needed to hear kincanucks two cents. With all the excitement, and anticipation of August, a good bucket of cold water reality check ain’t too bad. Believe me, I’m aware that there’s a risk here to me. In fact, there’s a bunch of risks:
Never having been in a military culture, I may not be able to fit in. Then to go thru six years of being dissatisfied could be a real drag. This I know.
Physiologically- oooohhh boy do I know that I’m on some kinda thin ice. My knees, back, muscular system, and everything is almost half a century old. And I’m aware of that every time I go on my run. 12:30 for 2.5 kms seems unreachable when you’re stuck at 16:00 as a personal best so far.
World of hurt? Yeah, I’m pretty sure that I’m in for one. And I can’t be positive at my age that I’m going to make it thru. What I am positive about is that I’m going to give it my best shot; that way if I don’t make it, I’ll at least have some self respect.
I chose the Air Force for a couple of reasons- first of all, my wife grew up as an Air Force brat. She has a decent idea of what it’s like being a dependant. Sure that was a looong time ago; but still, it’s one that our family has a working knowledge of.
At my age, going to CAP would be a big challenge from what I understand it to be from the outside. Thus, I can still make a contribution without biting off more than I can chew.
Kincanuck, you gave an honest assessment, and showed the guts to stand by it. I don’t agree with you at all (cuz if I did, I wouldn’t be doing this!), and I hope to prove you mistaken. But I hear you loud and clear. Time will tell who’s right, right? Your crack about:
“Actually I get more out of my life by preparing young people for a future in the artillery”
makes me just as glad as you that I didn’t choose arty as an occupation. Butcha’ know what? If I did, I bet I’d win you over.
To the other posters, man, thanks. It was a shot in the arm to read what you replied to him, and your takes. Pencil Tech??? FRIKKIN FIFTY??? How’s yer world of hurt? Lol
To this candidate, kincanuck does appear somewhat bitter. But frankly, with the kind of time he’s got in, he’s earned the right to his perspective. If he was a guy with just a couple of years in, that would be one thing; but when you measure your time in decades, whoaaa… he’s been around the block more that a few times.
(I’m actually giggling at the irony of this moment- here’s an American trying to make peace between Canadians!! OMG too frikkin’ funny!!) In other words, your take on this is valid based upon your experience. Now whether it’s accurate remains to be seen.
My appreciation to everyone that has taken the time to post on this thread runs pretty deep. I look forward to spending the rest of my working life with people like you.