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AA ADVICE NETWORK
Seeking Advice on Military Careers for AA
've been trying to search the internet for awhile now and haven't found anything about this issue of asian-americans in the US military. it affects me because it's a big decision for me to decide if this is the career route that i want to take after graduation from college very shortly now. in particular, i'm wondering what support networks are out there because there're simply very few asians in the military? can the site editors start an advice or issues discussion thread on this topic or are there others out there that can share their experience? in particular, there are two options for me, either to get a high profile officer position or to go with my more prefered medic who's sworn to help save lives. i guess i'm worried about discrimination if anybody has any insights? thanks.
asians in the military?
Sunday, April 21, 2002 at 13:28:33 (PDT)
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YOUR ADVICE
I was in the Army for 2 years. Mechanized Infantry, 2-5 Cav 1st Cavalry Division. As with anything, there were moments I hated it and moments I absolutely loved it. I joined for the challenge and the discipline because Lord knows I needed the latter. If I had to do it again I would but I'd make sure to get the things I wanted in writing in my contract. I wanted to get into the Rangers but it's hard to get in because of the limited training slots. Army aviation was very attractive to me but my eyesight made that dream impossible.
If you are going to join the military make sure you get into the high-speed units and jobs. Your recruiter won't lie to you-at least mine didn't- but he won't tell you everything. You have to ask questions! Work hard, go the extra-mile, if you have good leaders in charge they will notice you. Sure, there will be shitheads anywhere you go, just make sure that you steer clear of them and let them go their own way. Don't fall into that trap of getting drunk everytime you're on your time. Keep focused and success will be yours.
The thing I miss the most about the Army is the comraderie. I know I will never experience anything like that again. Hooah!
Jay
Friday, August 09, 2002 at 12:30:05 (PDT)
I am an American of Filipino descent. I don't like to dilute the privelege of being an "American" by hyphenating it.. You are either an American or you are not. And don't accuse me of being white washed either, because I am very proud of my Asian heritage.
I have a combined military experience of eleven years as an enlisted soldier and commissioned officer. I am currently in the Army reserve. I would certainly encourage Americans of Asian descent to join the service.
I grew up in Los Angeles where most of my friends were Asians.. It wasn't because I disliked hanging out with other races, it was because I felt more comfortable with hanging out with my "own kind." The Army changed all that - and for the better. The first thing we were taught at basic was that we were all green. It didn't matter what the color of our skin was; we were all equally green. I learned in the Army at a young age that people were people no matter what.. The Army was the only institution where I was treated not only as a soldier, but also as a human being. (You see, when I was a kid I went to a predominantly white school where other kids called me "gook", "chink" and other anti-Asian remarks.) The military, on the other hand, preaches honor, integrity, selfless service, respect and dignity, in addition to killing bad guys and blowing things up for God and country:)
I command a rescue detachment in the reserve and my soldiers come from different backrounds. We work well together and we have a visible brotherhood bond that civilians will never understand. As far as race relations are concerned, the military is way ahead of its civilian counterpart. I would certainly encourage all young people, and not just the minorities, to join the military. Hooah!! (It's an Army thing.)
1LT Avila
javila5400@aol.com
Wednesday, July 31, 2002 at 09:21:25 (PDT)
Hi,
I am an Asian guy about to leave the Army after 4 years of service.. and my exprience hasn't been all that good. There are a huge number of s***-bags in the military.. you know.. people who has no where to go but to join the Army.. I've had a few decent friends.. but as an Asian guy in general.. I don't think you would like the military much.. I joined for the job exprience and college money.. kept my focus for 4 years and am happy to finally leave. But, I kinda wish I took a better route by studing hard during highschool and college. Just my opinion.
Just an opinion..
Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at 18:50:56 (PDT)
To Asians In The Military,
Support network? The whole military IS a support network (the U.S. military itself is becoming increasing a minority within the great Republic). I am more conscious about my military background more than my Asian background. Discrimination? No more that what you would encounter on the streets of America as a civilian. After all, the U.S. military was the first integrated institution in the country.
I have enlisted in '94 and subsequently became an officer in the Marine Corps. Loved it. I can tell you that the ones who signed up are more familiar with discrimination than the average civilian: many are poor kids from troubled backgrounds. They enlisted into the armed services precisely to escape discrimination of one form or another.
Racial discrimination is less of an issue these days, unless you are unfortunate enough to be a poor, uneducated, downward-mobile minority. You want to beat discrimination? Be successful, be well-educated, and be more patriotic than the average citizens.
One of the most useful things I learned was during boot camp, Training Day One: Don't waste time worrying about the things for which you could not personally control (e.g. three spitting & screaming drill instructors in your face; and the training schedule). We are Asians by birth, but we all can be invincible by choice.
Go forth and do great things.
1stLt Xu (USMC)
xuj@3fssg.usmc.mil
Saturday, July 06, 2002 at 02:40:39 (PDT)
To Annapolis-Harvard Grad:
I agree.
My choice in being a paratrooper {in Canada } and the subsequent intense training and competition vis-a-vis my fellow soldiers of european extraction helped in breaking the "myth" of the cokebottle wearing
asexual effeminate asian male. Joining combat arms in the military [especialy in "elite" units] is one step in destroying the media's portrayal of the "typical" asian man. Specialized units require a combination of extreme primal qualities ie. killer instinct with the cold rational of higher thought process'...qualities indispensible in my present occupation.
Having served approx. 5 years I was fortunate to travel and train with various armed forces ie. British [jumped with 2 PARA our sister unit]; French [jumped with 2 REP in Corsica]; German[ trained with mountain troops and GSG-9 ..awsome operators]; American, and Turkish forces. For me it was a great
time and the ultimate "equalizing"field.
latina loving korean hombre
Friday, June 21, 2002 at 20:15:57 (PDT)
The military is actually a pretty good deal for Asians. I'm always puzzled when I'm asked if there is more racism in the military, as if men who use guns are somehow more racist.
Truth of the matter is that most of the kids who join may be from the South, but the services do a pretty good job of stripping away their prior thoughts and replacing them with values we want. Sure, you have your nuts now and then (Fort Bragg - soldier murdered a Black couple), etc., but for the most part I can tell you that I dealt with more weasels and racist (and White-washed Asians who are just as bad) at Harvard Law School than at Annapolis, Penascola, the Navy, and the rest of the services combined.
In fact, the more Asians who decided to pick a weapon and serve, the more people are reminded that we are Americans as well and that we are not the stereotypical weakling that the Jewish media likes to portray us as. If fact, physical abilities permitting, Asians should gravitate towards elite, warfighting specialities like Special Forces, Naval Aviation, Submarines, Surface Warfare, Armor, Fighter Pilots, etc. Only through ourselves can we dispel the image that we are somehow incapable of defending others and ourselves.
Incidentally, one of the highest scoring aces in the Air Force (on currently active duty), is a Korean F-15 driver that shot down two MiG-29's over Kosovo. I never had that opportunity, but I admire the man for breaking those stereotypes.
Annapolis-Harvard Law Grad
Tuesday, June 18, 2002 at 01:21:48 (PDT)
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