Who am I? And Why should you listen to me?
My name is Doug Powell. I was enlisted in the united states marines from July 1997 to July 2001. During that time I was transformed from someone who was extremely excited and optimistic about a career in the military to a person who loathed anyone in a government uniform. Over the period of four years, my opinion of what a "marine" was and the reallity of what most turned out to be left me with a sick feeling in my stomache and a bad taste in my mouth. I learned that the military is a breeding ground for power and hypocracy run primarily by the kids who were picked on in high school and desperately wanted to settle the score. Using rank and authority as an excuse to bully around those with less pull and as a shield to protect them from what those bullied masses would really do or say to them given the opportunity.
I learned the hard way that most of what they'll tell you is a complete fabrication. From scare tactics about what will happen to you if you "fail to comply" to the crap they feed you about dishonorable discharges to getting royally screwed out of my education benefits. I learned how the real military works, from the inside out. I learned the value of kissing a good ass to get ahead and how a point system (not individual talent or skills) determines who was best qualified to lead. I learned how to throw someone "under a bus" to save my own hide, and that I'm not that type of person. I learned that these people are like vampires that feed off the rush that even the slightest amount of authority provides them. But the most important thing I learned in my service was this: The military is afraid of an open mind and a willing ambition. You want to freak out a bunch of dedicated military personelle? Think on your own two feet. When told to do something absurd, ask why. They hate that because they don't understand it. Question their petty authority. Better yet, DON'T ENLIST!!!
