07-08-2003, 07:52 PM
I have gaps in my knowledge here.
Are you from the UK? Does the UK accept 16 year old volunteers with parental permisison? In US, I think 17 is the waiverable limit.
Property of the RN? Only if you take Samuel Johnson's view of being on a ship at sea:
"It is being in prison with the prospect of drowning thrown in." :D
However, the sailor is free to come and go, to a certain extent, in port and on liberty. Saiors also make money, can buy a car, get annual adventurous training, etc.
Sure, the military life is somewhat constrained, such as what you have to wear and being accountable to someone else, and having to follow a great number of rules, but I'd suggest that the modern sailor is a bit better off than the kids on that island, by about two orders of magnitude.
Among other things, you can go out and get pissed (drunk) now and again (more than one party per year) and you of course have some leave allowed each year to go visit the folks.
The other twist is that for parents permitting their 16 year old son to join the Fleet, I suspect that their operating emotion is more a one of pride than one of desparation, but that may not always be the case.
Might I ask: what was the judge threatening you with when you signed on? :) one of the best sailors who I ever served with, back in about 1986, enlisted to avoid going to jail on a drunk and disorderly charge. He was a superb sailor, a sharp guy, and he went back to college when his 5 years were up.
Are you from the UK? Does the UK accept 16 year old volunteers with parental permisison? In US, I think 17 is the waiverable limit.
Property of the RN? Only if you take Samuel Johnson's view of being on a ship at sea:
"It is being in prison with the prospect of drowning thrown in." :D
However, the sailor is free to come and go, to a certain extent, in port and on liberty. Saiors also make money, can buy a car, get annual adventurous training, etc.
Sure, the military life is somewhat constrained, such as what you have to wear and being accountable to someone else, and having to follow a great number of rules, but I'd suggest that the modern sailor is a bit better off than the kids on that island, by about two orders of magnitude.
Among other things, you can go out and get pissed (drunk) now and again (more than one party per year) and you of course have some leave allowed each year to go visit the folks.
The other twist is that for parents permitting their 16 year old son to join the Fleet, I suspect that their operating emotion is more a one of pride than one of desparation, but that may not always be the case.
Might I ask: what was the judge threatening you with when you signed on? :) one of the best sailors who I ever served with, back in about 1986, enlisted to avoid going to jail on a drunk and disorderly charge. He was a superb sailor, a sharp guy, and he went back to college when his 5 years were up.
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete