# WAR...So are ya ready to put up or shut up? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [September 16, 2001, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001 "2001-09-16T18:37:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![acconav](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f4b2a3/32.png) [@acconav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/acconav)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/41 "2001-09-17T04:02:59Z")
if the need arises, yes i will enlist. i’m out of shape and overweight, but i’ve started running each night just in case the country needs soldiers. my reason is sort of the flip side of **Bricker’s**. i’m 20, no kids or wife, and it seems callous for me to “sit out” while people with families are shipped out. i’m in college so i can’t be drafted (students can’t be drafted can they? correct me if i’m wrong), but i would be very willing to put that aside for what i think is the most worthy cause of all. ---
**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/42 "2001-09-17T04:04:29Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Bricker \* > **. She points out, reasonably, that I am older and a father-to-be (less than two weeks until her due date now).** First of all…best wishes on the dad-to-be thing. Secondly, > [@](#): > > \*\*And, although I’m fatter and slower than I was in high school, I’m wiser and deadlier, I hope. \*\* I feel the same. In my case, I’d pretty much have to lay and wait for the enemy, but I have a lot more patience now. ---
**Author:** ![Hippy144](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/90db22/32.png) [@Hippy144](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy144)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/43 "2001-09-17T04:21:44Z")
On tuesday I was in my fifth hour class, and was joking with my friend that I’d skip town to Canada sinse I speak french. I’ve never flinched while watching horror movies. I never twinge when the killer stabbs someone. When I saw a women jump out of that building, it was all I could do to turn my head. If duty calls, I’m there. ---
**Author:** ![panzermanpanzerman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e9bcb4/32.png) [@panzermanpanzerman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panzermanpanzerman)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/44 "2001-09-17T04:37:19Z")
Already took the oath. “…Without any mental reservation, or purpose of evasion, so help me God.” ---
**Author:** ![brionl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@brionl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brionl)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/45 "2001-09-17T04:57:01Z")
I just retired after 20 yrs of military service last year. I was in during the Gulf War, but my unit never got sent overseas. At 40, I’m getting a little old for running around all over the mountains, but I can still command a tank (which was my original MOS anyway). I just need to make sure they have my new address. I moved recently, and forgot to tell them. ---
**Author:** ![Xploder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/a183cd/32.png) [@Xploder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xploder)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/46 "2001-09-17T04:57:43Z")
interstingly enough, I called our local National Guard Armory to find out what the age cut-off was. To my surprise, for veterans, it’s 59! That’s right, even though I’m 40 and a bit overweight, I can still re-enter the service. Now all I gotta do is loose this extra poundage so they’ll take me… It’s taken a LONG time to convince Mrs. Xploder and all the xlings around here that this is the right thing to do but I persevere. Bill ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/47 "2001-09-17T04:59:28Z")
No. I’m not sure why, but I wouldn’t. Peace, mangeorge ---
**Author:** ![Xploder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/a183cd/32.png) [@Xploder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xploder)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/48 "2001-09-17T05:13:46Z")
I guess I should clarify that if you WERE to join the National Guard at the age of 59, you would have to retire at the age of 60. Therefore, I can go back in and get 20 more years of the Army that I loved and then retire. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/49 "2001-09-17T05:30:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by AuntPam \* > \*\* Otherwise, it will be YOUR town next, Stoid. > \*\* I have every reason to fear you might be right, since I live in the the capitol of American sin exports, Los Angeles. ---
**Author:** ![Balduran](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/cc9497/32.png) [@Balduran](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balduran)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/50 "2001-09-17T13:04:13Z")
Although it scares the bejebus out of me, yes I’ll go. I’m 29, in pretty good shape and have a few scientific skills. Obviously I would prefer they utilize my science skills, but if they need me for more dangerous stuff, I’ll do it. ---
**Author:** ![Testy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c37758/32.png) [@Testy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Testy)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/51 "2001-09-17T13:31:03Z")
I enlisted in 73 and spent 6 years on an underwater doomsday machine. If they need someone to go I’ll do it. Testy. ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/52 "2001-09-17T16:32:28Z")
\ Contientious Objector here - violence and war are not the answer, based on my religious beliefs. However, as a Unitarian Universalist, it’s my responsibility - nay, my _duty_ - to always keep asking questions, and I assure you, my thinking in this matter is being enormously challenged. If the United States decides to go to war, however, I will _support_ those _individuals_ who so choose to fight, although I may always be against the violence _itself_. (My father, after all, fought in WWII, and I could never turn my back on everything he stood for then.) This, however, may change. I am, indeed, in some spiritual turmoil over this one. Esprix ---
**Author:** ![tradesilicon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/439d5e/32.png) [@tradesilicon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tradesilicon)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/53 "2001-09-17T17:23:33Z")
I am a pacifist out of necessity - it scares me to hit someone with a fist, much less shoot them with a gun. I have been in fights twice in my life, both under the age of 14. Once, I got a guy in a choke hold, and froze completely in fear. I suppose I’m also scared of getting hit, but I’m absulutely petrified of hitting someone else. I’ve never been in the military, although my father and step father both were. My grandfathers before them, and so on. I know for a fact my wife would sooner kill me herself then see me enlist, but I would go in a heartbeat. I would go anywhere, and do anything I could get myself to do. If I’m too old for “running around all over the place” I’m sure there are plenty of support roles close to the front lines. But I honestly don’t think we’re in for that kind of war. As we have seen, civilians are at greater risk than the military, and every one of us is in it, like it or not. The only solution possible is an all out assualt on everything that makes these people tic - every time they want to create a certain effect we need to make sure the effect is the opposite. Afganistan is not a country we could point to as the clear enemy, although the current rulers have said in no uncertain terms that U.S. is the enemy. We simply can’t hope to bomb them into anything - besides the fact that it is utterly wrong to drop bombs on civilians or shoot at them, it will not accomplish anything to stop terrorism. The only way to fight is ecomomically, and strategic military ops when called for. But what do I know. ---
**Author:** ![tradesilicon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/439d5e/32.png) [@tradesilicon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tradesilicon)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/54 "2001-09-17T17:29:01Z")
I am a pacifist out of necessity - it scares me to hit someone with a fist, much less shoot them with a gun. I have been in fights twice in my life, both under the age of 14. Once, I got a guy in a choke hold, and froze completely in fear. I suppose I’m also scared of getting hit, but I’m absulutely petrified of hitting someone else. I’ve never been in the military, although my father and step father both were. My grandfathers before them, and so on. I know for a fact my wife would sooner kill me herself then see me enlist, but I would go in a heartbeat. I would go anywhere, and do anything I could get myself to do. If I’m too old for “running around all over the place” I’m sure there are plenty of support roles close to the front lines. But I honestly don’t think we’re in for that kind of war. As we have seen, civilians are at greater risk than the military, and every one of us is in it, like it or not. The only solution possible is an all out assualt on everything that makes these people tic - every time they want to create a certain effect we need to make sure the effect is the opposite. Afganistan is not a country we could point to as the clear enemy, although the current rulers have said in no uncertain terms that U.S. is the enemy. We simply can’t hope to bomb them into anything - besides the fact that it is utterly wrong to drop bombs on civilians or shoot at them, it will not accomplish anything to stop terrorism. The only way to fight is ecomomically, and strategic military ops when called for. But what do I know. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/55 "2001-09-17T18:39:28Z")
I’m watching very closely the call-up of reservists and the National Guard. If this appears to be a sincere war effort, then yes, I’ll go to my local recruiter and ask her where’s the nearest tank division that needs a body. I’d feel better about it if National Command Authority seemed to have some kind of rough plan, or outline. I don’t want to join back up just to sit at Ft. Hood, TX, “for the duration”. I was a tanker, and a damned good one, and that’s where I’d want to be, especially in a Cavalry unit. ---
**Author:** ![dude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f19dbf/32.png) [@dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/56 "2001-09-17T19:19:54Z")
My girlfriend says NO … BUT if it drags on and I get drafted I ain’t gonna dodge it. It would have to drag on a while though, it takes a while to train people up. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/57 "2001-09-17T19:24:41Z")
I signed up for selective service when I was required to. And though I’m hardly the picture of a trim 'n lean fighting soldier (geez, I’m pushing 30-something, have horrible eyesight, and wouldn’t even try to pass the physical), if I get called to duty, I will – simply because I made a pledge to the country when I became a citizen, and I don’t back down on my promises. Maybe I can drive a tank or something, or steer a laser-guided missile towards its target… ---
**Author:** ![horhay\_achoa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ccd318/32.png) [@horhay\_achoa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/horhay_achoa)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/58 "2001-09-17T19:35:25Z")
I am not against a war, but I would not sign up for the military. Seeing that the government has not already taken action leads me to believe that they are putting a lot of thought into our countries response to the terrorists. The government knows a lot more about this than I do, so I am going to support whatever their decision is. I could never be in any branch of the armed forces though. ---
**Author:** ![Demise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/34f0e0/32.png) [@Demise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Demise)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/59 "2001-09-17T20:35:19Z")
If the call is made, I will respond. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2001, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001/60 "2001-09-17T21:02:32Z")
Due to several instances of bad judgement and bad luck in the past I may not be considered moral enough to join up and kill people (to paraphrase Arlo Guthrie). Although I do have experience being attacked by knives and being shot at, so that may work in my favor. 😉 All in all, if they ask me, I’ll be there as soon as I can pry my fat ass out my chair. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-so-are-ya-ready-to-put-up-or-shut-up/82001.md?page=4)