I wish there were some way to put the message conveyed by Smokin and Hungus into perspective for the guys (like myself) about to embark on an AF career. I read threads like this one to understand what the different missions are like, and how different officers feel about those missions. Partly, I'm hoping to get excited about the opportunities that my future could hold. But just as frequently, I find myself somewhat disheartened. All this shit about reflective belts, shoes, "overall gayness," etc.-- makes me wonder if I know what I'm getting myself into; makes me wonder if I'm going to end up trapped in something I regret.
I suppose it doesn't really make a difference. I feel impelled to do what I'm doing; I've got a chance so rare that I know I'll regret it if I turned away. And, anyway, you would always presume that reality is going to be a little less wonderful than what you dream. And the big picture is probably that you have to deal with bull$hit no matter where you go in life, so better learn to man up and make the best of it. I guess it's just that ... like everyone else ... I'd feel a lot happier about it if I were getting into a military 50 years ago, a military less dominated by bureaucracy and political sensibility. I'd love to be able to sign up for an airframe and a mission, and not have to worry if all the stuff on the side is going to crush my spirit, before I've even begun!
