as in I 'almost joined' the (insert service here).
What bull$hit! That clown probably never darkened the recruiter's doorstep.
'Almost joined' is like almost got pregnant. Either you did or you didn't.
If you signed your John Hancock on the line and took the oath as far as I'm concerned you joined. If you went bust on your physical or got busted up during your delayed entry time and got dropped that's OK. You joined. No shame.
I met a youngster that got injured in training and got dropped. No shame. He joined.
Over the years I have met people that have said, "No way was I going to join the army and get sent to..." (insert Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Outer Slobovia, BFE, wherever. Pick one.) No shame here. You didn't enlist. Fair enough. Your choice.
Just don't try and tell me you 'almost joined' when you never even seriously talked to a recruiter. You can't 'almost join'. You either did or you didn't and when you say you 'almost joined' you are simply making a fool of yourself when you say that.
The official definition of a veteran is basically active duty and a discharge other than dishonorable. Fair enough. What's is required for various benefits is another story.
Someone that signed their name on the dotted line and takes the oath instantly stops being an 'almost joined'. They joined.
His status as a veteran is a different thing. He may/may not be able to claim veteran status. That's a different thing altogether and is defined by law.
Still, I get sick and tired of the jerks and idiots I have met that claim to have 'almost joined'.
Over the years I have met any number of 'almost joined' types and outright draft dodgers and in general I have more respect for draft dodgers.
To find out why the blog is pink just cut and paste this:
http://piccoloshash.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-feminine-side-blog-stays-pink.html NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED IN THE WRITING OF TODAY'S ESSAY
I have respect for conscientious objectors who stand by their beliefs, but draft dodgers, not so much. The cowards that ran to Canada and then whined they wanted to come home, should have been forever banned from returning to the US, in my view. I know men who went to jail rather then serve in the military during the second world war, and think they have brass cajones for standing up for their beliefs. I was drafted back in1966 and served in Vietnam. Today I am 100% disabled but would serve again to protect our wonderful country.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, almost joined is like almost pregnant.