1) Joining the Military

War Against War; Introduction

My reasons for enlisting into the United States Armed Forces:

For as long back as I can remember, military subjects have always interested me. Studying the military and all related subjects has included reading history books, travelling to foreign countries, watching films, creating and enacting scenarios, drawing battles, making, practicing, and using weapons and martial techniques, and preparing myself mentally and physically for any type of combat possible. Also talking with elder veterans has greatly shaped my perspective. I trained myself physically with various martial arts, culminating in Jeet Kun Do; a blend of all styles to best fit myself.

The basis for my fascination with the military is rooted in my family’s involvement in the military. My father was in the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard during the 1960’s. Many of my other relatives were also in different branches of service, and they allowed me access to military paraphernalia. We have had officers and enlisted soldiers in both the American Revolution and the Union Army of the Civil War.

My sense of duty was influenced by my family’s devotion to the United States of America. My father and grandfather spent most of their lives working for the National Park Service. As a child I campaigned with my father for Town Council and Mayor of Harpers Ferry, and participated in many local organizations. I have learned from civil service experience over the years.

One major turning point was 9/11. The hopes that I had regarding our Architecture, Education, and Environment were undermined by an economy that had become increasingly based on fear, greed, and Corporate Capitalist War Profiteering. Instead of our culture becoming more understanding of organic alternatives; industry leaders, department heads, and business owners embraced bigoted fear and selfish exploitation. Listening to the wisdom of my elders, I could no longer accept this status quo.

My choice was to either retreat into the wilderness, or to fight against political ignorance directly. I chose to fulfill one of my dreams of service, to better understand the military with first-hand experience, and to pay back my over-priced student loans. I wanted to not let my parents down, and not to betray my own ethics; I knew it would be difficult to play within the system. I sacrificed my mohawk and dreadlocks to the gods of War, since my country was led down a belligerent dark path, I would follow unafraid.