Come on now, we all know Italians do it better... Especially one's from
Jersey ;)

Just got done partying for the nights... Time to wind down I think.

Guinness man all the way, but if that's not around, I'll settle for an
Amberbach or Sam Adams

Ok, I need to head out and do my checks, but it has been interesting
chatting with all of you. Have a good night, hopefully I didn't offend
anyone, and we can chat again soon.

Exactly, Jess. If more people would realize that, and focus their
energy in the right direction, then maybe we could actually accomplish
something.

I own 4 vehicles because I buy used and resell them, not as a luxury,
but as an alternate form of income. Come on with the personal attacks
now. This is the last personal issue I'll address, if you want to
discuss the actual issue, I'll be more than happy to.

Well thank you jess :). Honestly I love it though. I love discussing
this topic. I feel far too many people are opposed to the average
soldier lately, it's turned into a fad to belittle Americans. While I
of all people know that our government is FAR from perfect, and that
bush needs to go, the pressure on the individual soldier is uncalled
for. I remember a few years back not too long after 9-11 being called a
baby killer... I had not even been to OIF or OEF yet, I was called a
baby killer simply for wearing the uniform. I'd go as far as to call
that discrimination , wouldn't you agree?

I try to be nice all the time, just doesn't always work out...

Oh, I don't mind a heated discussion in the least bit. I just feel
there's no need to take it to a personal level. I havn't made any
personal attacks, have I?

lol, yes, I'm really 5'5".

The $30,000 you're referring to is the current "Re-enlistment" bonus
cap. Select MOSs are eligible to receive this bonus upon renewing their
contract in the army. Also keep in mind that this is the cap (the
maximum), the average re-enlistment bonus ranges from $5000-$15000.
This does not guarantee re-deployment, only extends their contract.
Simply volunteering for re-deployment immediately upon return from a
tour will not get you a bonus, and in fact is frowned upon. Those
soldiers with families will more than likely even be denied
re-deployment for at least 6 months, unless they pull some strings and
take a lateral move, or A.S.K. re-assignment. On top of that, soldiers
have the option of forfeiting that bonus to get duty station of choice
upon returning from their deployment (meaning they can be stationed just
about anywhere they want). Anyway, the point I'm trying to get across
here is that re-deployment is never force fed to a soldier, and if it
is, that soldier has options to take legal action.

SOOO watt are you doing wasteing your time in a place like this when you
could be out and about showen off and haven a good time.And i reckon
with your pay packet you would have a Great Sex Life testosterone
filled goose

When did this turn into a personal attack of my character? I'm here
simply out of intrigue. I have my share of a good time on the weekends,
but as we speak I'm on an over-night CQ shift. Though I'm not your
stereotypical soldier, as I'm sure you're not the stereotypical hippie.
I hit the occasional bar, I go dancing, I date, I enjoy out door
activities (kayaking in particular which I just picked up). I have no
problems meeting women outside of the internet, I'm simply here for
stimulating conversation, and to broaden my search for a meaningful
relationship. I do well enough financially, enough to own 4 cars and a
motorcycle with plenty saved for a home. As far as the "Testosterone
filled goose" comment, that's once again stereotypical. I prefer the
company of friends and the idea of a real relationship, as apposed to
the idea of hunting for sex. You know as well as I do that if sex was
all I wanted, there are plenty of "Army Groupies" out there willing to
oblige.

I agree with you too SheNerd, though I think those first 4 should be
personal traits even before a relationship

Good luck, I'm going back to college soon myself. I'm planning
eventually get at least a masters in psychology. When I retire from the
army in a few years here, I hope to teach psychology in a college.

Very nice, and happy early birthday. I've been wanting to buy a guitar
and learn for a long time now, but I keep about it.

My sex life is great, though I hardly see how it's relevant... Did I at
some point hint that I was here for sex? If so I missed it..

QUOTE:
---------------------------
"jess..... because as they disembark from the plane and step on american
soil the recruitment officer is RIGHT THERE TO GREET THEM

with another bribe....50,000.00 cash to return ...turn around and go
back...


mercenaries"
----------------------------

All due respect, you may want to do some research on that subject. The
first people to greet us as we step off the plane are our families and
friends. As far as military personnel, the first and foremost to speak
to are part of a re-integration team that helps us to re-adapt to living
a normal life. These civilians and soldiers help us with PTSD (Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder), Family issues, Financial issues, and
anything else that may hinder us from living a normal life. Although
incentives ARE offered (though nowhere NEAR $50,000, and only to select
Military Occupations), they are rarely pressured into re-enlistment. If
they are it's at the fault of their unit. In fact, most soldiers are
more likely to find help from the military in succeeding in returning to
a civilian lifestyle.

Not sure quite what you're looking for, but I would say the 5 essentials
would be (In no particular order):

1. Trust
2. Communication
3. Compromise
4. Intimacy
5. Love

Isn't that what everyone wants?

A little more than 7.5 hours to go, not too bad though since I can come
on here and have stimulating conversation :)