I appreciate Captain Griffin's declaration about false statements. Most recruiters don't lie, but most - like well trained salespersons - do omit telling or showing important facts. For instance:

1) THE CONTRACT - Ask for a FULL copy (all 4 pages) of the ENLISTMENT AGREEMENT (Contract…in simple language). Recruiters don’t like to hand it out. Take it home. Read and discuss it with family and friends. Get it on line: www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd0004.pdf

2) NO PROMISES & CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE, (Contract Sec. 9.b): "Laws and regulations that govern military personnel may change without notice to me. Such changes may affect my status, pay, allowances, benefits, and responsibilities as a member of the Armed Forces REGARDLESS of the provision of this enlistment/reenlistment document."

3) 8 YEARS (Contract Sec. 10.a) OR MORE (Sec. 9.9) Recruiters commonly talk only about "active" duty time which may be less than two years. After active duty all military are assigned to reserves (active or inactive) for the remainder of their 8 years and are subject to call up at any time. Nearly 30% of U.S. forces in Iraq are currently reserves; many doing their 2nd tour of duty, some doing their 3rd tour. During time of war enlistment can be extended up to 6 months after the war ends.

4) COMBAT (Sec: 9.a.4): "Required upon order to serve in combat or other hazardous situation." U.S. troops in Viet Nam, Gulf War, Afghanistan & Iraq have learned that support troops - drivers, cooks, clerks, MPs, etc. - can suddenly find themselves in the midst of kill-or-be-killed combat.

5) TRAVEL: There are over 400 U.S. military bases around the globe. Many are in remote and unpleasant sites. Many commanders place restrictions on locations military can visit. Trainees and new recruits are often restricted to base, or it’s equivalent, an airport or ship. Enlisted military complain boredom, stupid work, little sleep and confinement to base.

6) COLLEGE MONEY: Recruits who sign up for college funds must contribute $100 to their fund each month for 12 months. This $1,200 is nonrefundable. In order to receive college funds one must complete a full term of service, be honorably discharged and use the money within a short term. These restrictions are the reason that the number of persons who sign up and actually use military funding is less than 20%. If a person is one of the small percentage eligible for $70,000 they probably have sufficient skill to obtain this, or a larger amount, from a private college without joining the military. Simple finances – a person can make more and get ahead faster by working at McDonald’s and entering a technician certification program at community college.

7) DELAYED ENTRY PROGRAM – YOU CAN GET OUT: Over 80% of new military recruits enter through the Delayed Entry Program. Recruiters get high school juniors and seniors to “join the club� by signing Section b.8 of the enlistment contract. What is important to know that in spite of the formal appearance of the contract, and the recruiter using the words “you are enlisted,� you are only in a “program,� and may or may not choose to officially enlist in the military on the identified date. YOU ARE NOT ENLISTED. They can’t give you pay or orders. If circumstances change and you change your mind about enlistment in the military, all you need to do is not show up; better, in a letter (not in person) inform the commanding officer of the recruitment station of your decision. All branches of the military have rules that prohibit recruiters from harassing or intimidating individuals who do not want to enlist and who want out of the DEP program. (The Army scandal that precipitated the ethics review and “stand down� involved an answering machine recording of a recruiter threatening a DEP member with “arrest� if they didn’t show up.) You don’t have to talk to a recruiter, to their commanders, or report anywhere. Just write the letter: more information www.objector.org/girights/delayed-enlistment-program.html and a sample letter - www.rcnv.org/rcnv/archives/2004/MASTER%20DEP%20Separation.doc If recruiters harass you, complain to your congressional representative.

Get the WHOLE STORY ABOUT ENLISTMENT and information about LAWFUL DISCHARGES FROM THE MILITARY at www.rcnv.org/rcnv/co.htm, and at our 7-day-a-week hotline 831/359-0202.