Yes. It can be difficult. Most of the engineers I knew went out of their way to call themselves Combat Engineers. I listened, bemused (I was field artillery ).
But now, for some amusement: Imagine using the telephone.....
> Thank you for calling the United States Army. I'm sorry, but all of our
> units are out at the moment, or are otherwise engaged. Please leave a
> message with your country, name of organization, the region, the specific
> crisis, and a number at which we can call you. As soon as we have sorted
> out the Balkans, Iraq, Korea, China, the Y2K Bug, marching up and down the
> streets of Washington, D.C., and compulsory "Consideration Of Others"
> training, we will return your call.
> Please speak after the tone, or if you require more options, please listen
> to the following numbers:
> If your crisis is small, and close to the sea, press 1 for the United
> States Marine Corps.
> If your concern is distant, with a temperate climate and good hotels, and
> can be solved by one or two low risk, high altitude bombing runs, please
> press 2 for the United States Air Force. Please note this service is not
> available after 1630 hours, or on weekends. Special consideration will be
> given to customers requiring satellite or stealth technology who can
> provide additional research and development funding.
> If your inquiry concerns a situation which can be resolved by a bit of
> grey funnel, bunting, flags and a really good marching band, please write,
> well in advance, to the United States Navy. Please note that Tomahawk
> missile service is extremely limited and will be provided on a first-come,
> first-served basis.
> If your inquiry is not urgent, please press 3 for the Rapid Deployment
> Force.
> If you are in real hot trouble, please press 4, and your call will be
> routed to the United States Army Special Operations Command. Please note
> that a compulsory credit check will be required to ensure you can afford
> the inherent TDY costs. Also be aware that USASOC may bill your account
> at any time and is not required to tell you why, as it will be classified.
>
> If you are interested in joining the Army and wish to be shouted at, paid
> little, fly aircraft the FAA would not certify, have premature arthritis,
> put your wife and family in a condemned hut miles from civilization, are
> prepared to work your *** off daily, risking your life, in all weather and
> terrain, both day and night, and whilst watching Congress erode your
> original benefits package, then please stay on the line. Your call will
> shortly be connected to a bitter passed-over Army Recruiter in an old
> strip mall down by the Post Office. Have a pleasant day, and thank you
> again for trying to contact the United States Army.
But now, for some amusement: Imagine using the telephone.....
> Thank you for calling the United States Army. I'm sorry, but all of our
> units are out at the moment, or are otherwise engaged. Please leave a
> message with your country, name of organization, the region, the specific
> crisis, and a number at which we can call you. As soon as we have sorted
> out the Balkans, Iraq, Korea, China, the Y2K Bug, marching up and down the
> streets of Washington, D.C., and compulsory "Consideration Of Others"
> training, we will return your call.
> Please speak after the tone, or if you require more options, please listen
> to the following numbers:
> If your crisis is small, and close to the sea, press 1 for the United
> States Marine Corps.
> If your concern is distant, with a temperate climate and good hotels, and
> can be solved by one or two low risk, high altitude bombing runs, please
> press 2 for the United States Air Force. Please note this service is not
> available after 1630 hours, or on weekends. Special consideration will be
> given to customers requiring satellite or stealth technology who can
> provide additional research and development funding.
> If your inquiry concerns a situation which can be resolved by a bit of
> grey funnel, bunting, flags and a really good marching band, please write,
> well in advance, to the United States Navy. Please note that Tomahawk
> missile service is extremely limited and will be provided on a first-come,
> first-served basis.
> If your inquiry is not urgent, please press 3 for the Rapid Deployment
> Force.
> If you are in real hot trouble, please press 4, and your call will be
> routed to the United States Army Special Operations Command. Please note
> that a compulsory credit check will be required to ensure you can afford
> the inherent TDY costs. Also be aware that USASOC may bill your account
> at any time and is not required to tell you why, as it will be classified.
>
> If you are interested in joining the Army and wish to be shouted at, paid
> little, fly aircraft the FAA would not certify, have premature arthritis,
> put your wife and family in a condemned hut miles from civilization, are
> prepared to work your *** off daily, risking your life, in all weather and
> terrain, both day and night, and whilst watching Congress erode your
> original benefits package, then please stay on the line. Your call will
> shortly be connected to a bitter passed-over Army Recruiter in an old
> strip mall down by the Post Office. Have a pleasant day, and thank you
> again for trying to contact the United States Army.