Questions from a reader! yea I have those!

A gentelman that read my blog. Due to my good friend Mike Cline, wanted to pick my brain. Here are your answers my friend. It may not be what you expected. But, expect the un-expected, especially with me. Sorry it took so long. Enjoy.

1) Why did you decide to join the Army? What ideas or convictions did you have about the institution before joining, and also about taking part in war, and have those ideas and convictions changed?
I joined the Army for many reasons. Mainly because I was a slacker. I was that kid who thought that he could play soccer all his life. My head was swollen, I thought I would live the dream. I was the definition of nieve. I didn't apply to many schools. I only took the ACT. I hated the idea of four more years of school. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, I hadn't experienced anything but high school sports, creative writing class and a part time job at Bob Evans. I had no idea of what I wanted to be when I "grew up." So I made the most important and probably the best desisicion of my life. I raised my right hand and swore the oath of enlistment to the United States Army. I joined the Army with the intent to be Military Police. I hated cops as a "punk rock skater kid." I figured that out of all the jobs in the Army, I could at least use what I would learn in the civilian world. I also had a long heritage in the Army, I had two uncles that were very successful in the military. They were my gurantee, that if I wanted to, I could do great things in the Army.
I had a really narrow view of what the Army had to offer. I asked all my family members what to expect. They gave me nothing. They wanted me to learn on my own with no false pretenses. All I knew is that I could be as great as I wanted to be, just like my two uncles. Thats what I set out to do. I wanted to be better than them.
When I first joined the Army in January 2002. There were no conflicts, the world was at peace. In July 2002 when I reported to FT. Leonardwood, there were still no conflicts. The thought of war never crossed my mind. I thought that i would be hanging out at some Army post in my partol car, writing speeding tickets.
When I found out we were going to war. I didn't want anything to do with it. I hated the idea. I couldn't imagine having to take another humans life. I thought it was wrong in every way. I spoke with my best friend at the time Mike Cline about it numerous times. I wish I could recall the conversations. I was lost. I didn't know what to do. I didn't join the Army to kill. God didn't want me to kill.
Many things have changed from then to now. I don't want to get into the details at the time. The topic has a lot to do with what my book will tell you.


2) Are you a Christian? If not, are you of another faith? Was your faith and the ethics of your faith integrated some way into your life in the Army? And if not, what does the Army see it's ethos and mission as? Are all the folks really out to protect the glory of America, God and country that sort of thing, or is it messier than that?

Thats a good question. I don't want to say I am, nor do I want to say I am not. I don't know the definition of a Christian. Society has such distorted and different views of religion. Do I believe? Yes I do believe that there is a greater power. We were created by God. Do I follow the word? No, not the slitest bit. I do have the words "trust" and "faith" tattooed on my body. Trust and faith in myself.
Prior to joining the Army I was "saved." I thought I was living life the way God would want me to. I believed I was following the devine word of the "Almighty" I carried it to basic training with me, I had my bible next to my bed. I did devotions. I lead follow trainees in prayor. I helped others around me keep the faith. I told them that God was by their side. I said that we were never alone. I had "footprints" taped to on of my folders. I was all about God. I thought I was the strongest "christian" ever.
I was far from strong in my faith. Upon my arrival to Airborne school at ft. benning Georgia, I forgot who God was. Of course until I was ready to jump out of the airplane, then I was every religion you could think of. Soon enough, I was cussing, smoking, dipping, and fornicating with every woman I laid eyes on.
Welcome to the Army! Where we are all a bunch of foul mouthed,empty souled, man whores. We don't care about anything but guns, sex, beer, and killing people! Thats what I let the Army mold me into. Don't get me wrong, there are some very good, decent people in the Army. Then there are the 18 year old kids with a steady pay check and lots and lots of beer! No parents and a new city to concur.
The Army has chaplians for every unit, approx 1,000-2,000 soldiers. Every religion is accepted. The Army does not push religion on the soldiers, the oppurtunity is there. Some chaplians love it because it's the biggest challenge they will ever face. The audience is huge. A possible congegation of thousands. Few lives are touched, but the lives they do touch im sure are worth it.
Now, the good question. I could probably go on for pages answering this question. I won't. I know your probably releasing a sigh of relief. I cannot speak for the masses. I am only speaking on my behalf and those who I have spoke to on these specific issues.
When the war first began in 2003, once I accepted the fact that I was going. I was fighting for my country. I was fighting for my family. I was a patriotic soldier. I was willing to put my life in the line of fire if it meant that my family and friends could sleep safely another night. We were also there to save the Iraqi people, to freem them from Sadam duchebag. That is what our mission was. Whatever. We were all about helping the Iraqi people. At least until they started trying to kill me, and taking advantage of our kindness! Then we said fuck the Iraqis, we are fighting for our lives and the man to my right and left. I want them to come home safely, get out of this shit hole and continue to live life.
I will always fight for America, I will always fight for my family. Is it likely that the terrorist in Iraq are going to bring the war to the homefront? No! But, America believes that, President Bush' dumbass tells America that if we aren't in Iraq the war will come here. Blah blah blah. fuck him. The last time I was there. I fought for the men I went there with and for my family. It gets pretty messy.
But it's nearly 1 a.m. and I need to get up in 4 hours. So I hope this answered your questions. If not, well I enjoyed writing it. Keep reading if it didn't. Don't know what to tell ya. Hope you got somethin out of it. Besides the fact that I'm an asshole! Thanks for the questions. I'm glad you are reading, or have read. I know that I am in your head because you asked questions! PEACE!