A furre among SEALs?

[Stygian]

So, I did the prelim examination for service in the Swedish military earlier today. Got a top score, and I'm going on to the tryouts for the Swedish Airborne Rangers. Seems they would want me as either a group or platoon leader and specialist.

Now, mind you that Swedish Rangers are not the exact equivalent of the Navy SEALs. The closest we have to that are the Coast Rangers. But the Airborne have even higher standards, and there's a great chance I'll get to operate internationally, which would probably require operating together with foreign soldiers who do about the same things.

I don't know what exactly my point with this is, but firstly I find it pretty funny to have a furfan in an elite fighting force. I am also very interested in your personal opinions about warfare, soldiers, etc. So please, post away and argue all you want. I am eagerly awaiting the first reply.

[llearch n'n'daCorna]

There's a point.

Gornemant, have you considered signing up for your local Coast Guard? I'm sure the Swiss would be glad to have you....

[ITOS]

A furry fan in the special forces...

That does sound kind of funny. Probably because furries are associated with cute and cuddling. So much for striking fear into the heart of the enemy.

[llearch n'n'daCorna]

cuddle cute into the heart of the enemy?


I know -I'd- surrender ;-)

[LigerJet]

I know a few furry fans who've been in the military.

[Stygian]

Hear! The flashing box is onto something. We should be bringing along plushies of baby seals and kittens, stuffed with semtex and cotton! Cuddle bombs!

"Snuggle the enemy - now!" "AGK! Can't... breathe! Too... bloody... cute!"

We'd be more fearsome than Wildy with a box of firecrackers.

[Tapewolf]

I know a few furry fans who've been in the military.

Many European countries still have compulsory military service, so that's probably not difficult

[Zedd]

I know a marine

[llearch n'n'daCorna]

Are they all wet? :-)

[Gabi]

I can't help but wonder who you're going to fight, and what for. You asked for our opinion so I'll say it; just thinking about war and the military makes me shiver. I can't understand how some people can actually want something like that. Even people who are otherwise nice and friendly.

[Tapewolf]

I can't help but wonder who you're going to fight, and what for. You asked for our opinion so I'll say it; just thinking about war and the military makes me shiver. I can't understand how some people can actually want something like that. Even people who are otherwise nice and friendly.

As I remember, Sweden does have military service so that's probably what he's doing - although like you, I find his apparent eagerness disturbing.  He may change his tune once he's been doing it for a bit, though..

[llearch n'n'daCorna]

The thing to remember is, much though the armchair warriors deny it, most serious military types would much rather -not- fight.

They learn how to do it right, so they can tell when to -not- do it.


And there's also the side of things of getting together with a bunch of other like-minded people to work hard, and be the best. And that's a reasonable thing, right? Getting outside, doing lots of exercise, and feeling good about how well you can do it.

I'm not saying this is what Stygian is doing, mind, I'm merely suggesting what *I've* figured out, as a possible explanation to help Gabi and Tapewolf, and whoever else might be in the same situation, understand.

[DigitalMan]

Well, I know someone online who's in the Army Rangers. It seems he enjoys what he does; whether it's the whole "fighting for your country" thing, or because he has an enemy he really despises, or both, I'm not sure. Personally, you'll never find me in the armed services unless I'm armed with something much bigger than a gun.

But, um, has Sweden ever had to fight anyone, ever?

[Tapewolf]

But, um, has Sweden ever had to fight anyone, ever?

No, but if the Soviets had got through Finland, they would have been next in line.

**EDIT**
I meant "In the event of a Soviet attack" - the way I've phrased it sounds like they did invade Finland 

[ITOS]

But, um, has Sweden ever had to fight anyone, ever?

No, but if the Soviets had got through Finland, they would have been next in line.

Sweden fought against Denmark and other countries around the Baltic Sea. But that was hundreds of years ago. Nowdays it's just peacekeeping missions with the UN.

[EDIT] Last war, I think, was against Russia 1808–09. But I'm not sure.

[Stygian]

Once again the muzzled box is a fount of wisdom. I am no violent man, but I know I would make a good warrior. I've done things like training, taking responsibility and standing up for myself and others, whether in discussions or in fights for my entire life. I know I am good at it, and thus I think it would feel like a bit of a waste to just get down behind a desk the moment I get my degree.

The reasons for me doing military service are, as follows; training opportunities, merits, getting to go for an entire year with free lodging, food, healthcare and weapons training, time to study outside of service, money, and getting to work together with the cream of the crop of the swedish military. Plus, there is the slightest bit of pride to do with my decision as well, though I am a bit ashamed to admit it.

[DigitalMan]

Now that's reasoning I could never dispute. Go forth, young warrior! Defend your country with honor and valor!

I wish I could join the Coast Guard here. I like the idea of helping people while generally avoiding hazards like gunfire.

[xHaZxMaTx]

My opinion of soldiers in the military?  I don't respect what they do, but I respect who they are.  If that makes any sense...

[Tapewolf]

Now that's reasoning I could never dispute. Go forth, young warrior! Defend your country with honor and valor!

Well I could, but I won't for the sake of tact.  Let's just say I stopped believing in patriotism around the time he was born.
Be that as it may, it's his decision, and I respect that, even if I don't personally agree with it.  I hope it works out for him and that he doesn't get drafted off to Afghanistan or Iraq -  this seems to be happening in the UK.  (With the reservists - fortunately we haven't had military service since the 50s).  

I wish I could join the Coast Guard here. I like the idea of helping people while generally avoiding hazards like gunfire.

Now I'm curious.  Is there a reason why you can't?

[llearch n'n'daCorna]

Well I could, but I won't for the sake of tact.  Let's just say I stopped believing in patriotism around the time he was born.

Given the way this country seems to be run, I'm hardly surprised.

Fortunately, I'm rather less cynical about NZ. Although I'm still reasonably cynical anyway...

[Creativity]

<--- As of next tuesday will be a member of the Canadian Army Reserves

yeah, 16 and in the army, go figure. And for those wondering I will be in the infantry class, so I get to play with the M16, fire one anti-tank missile, and learn to kill a man with a hat.

It will help me get through life at high school -not implying any unnecessary violence of course-

[DigitalMan]

Well I didn't mean "country" as in the political and geographic body, I meant the good people of his country. Lord knows I wouldn't do a thing to defend Bush, but I'd certainly take up arms to defend my friends.

*looks over the topic* I'm willing to bet I'm the most violent, destructive person here. Which is exactly why no one will ever let me control a nuclear weapon.

As for the Coast Guard, I have diabetes, which means I can't join any military division or anything similar. I also wear glasses, which I imagine might cause a problem.

[Stygian]

Kill a man with a hat? I know tons of ways to kill a man with regular household objects like pencils, teapots, shoes... But a hat?! Where the hell did they get that from? James Bond?

"Oh, this looks bad. Creativity is outnumbered."

"Yeah, but look on his head!"

"What do you mean wi... oooooh!"

...

[llearch n'n'daCorna]

"Ah, so -he's- the man we have to kill?"

[Azlan]

The highest place furry type I know of is the fellow who goes by the moniker of Commander kitsune.  He is an actual U.S. Navy Commander (O-5).  Most others fall less then that, but various militaries are full of furry types.

[Creativity]

 There are sixteen techniques to kill a man with a Beuret style canadian military hat, seventy-two if you rip it.

[xHaZxMaTx]

Being one with an open mind, I can't tell if you're joking or not!

[Creativity]

 I'll leve that up to google

[bill]

How many of them involve setting the hat on fire?

[llearch n'n'daCorna]

Let's see...
... shoving it down his throat.
... slicing his jugular with the brim
... cutting his hand off and let him bleed to death
... cutting the top of his head off
... smashing his throat with the flt of the brim
... headbutting him in the face with it
... slicing the femoral artery
... disemboweling him with the brim
... impaling his kidneys on the crown
... flick it into the ground, leavign the brim vertical, and trip him onto it
...

Nah, I'm out after a mere 10. Obviously need more training...