OK, so this is something I run into constantly right after my opener.
Once the target starts asking me questions about what I do (IOI's). I have to tell her I am in the military...well that seems to end one of 3 ways, either she curses me out for a couple minutes and gives me a lecture on why we shouldnt be over there. Or, she just doesnt care (WTF!). Or she praises my service and starts telling me about her cousins sister's friend that thought about thinking of joining.
I need help, this is getting frustrating.

Deflect and humor

Depending on the situation I would deflect or make a ridiculous answer. When the time is right you might be able to tell he the truth.

When I lost my job and was just tending bar I was ashamed to say what I was doing for a living. There are many time I used this tactic to not answer the question. I would say some rediculous things at some point you do have to say it but make sure you control it. This just bides you time. Even saying "enough about me.." and stearing the conversation in a different direction works. Deflating the situation before you answer works too. "I would love to tell you but I'm not interested in hearing about... and every time I tell someone they... plus isn't there more to a person than there job (funny and sacasm)" Just thoughts.

I just tried it tonight actually, I said "My job is boring, now my hobbies...thats what I am passionate about." We talk a bit more, and then it finally came out (haircut gave it away, I guess), and she loved the fact that I was modest about it. She said that most guys in the Military brag about, but it was a nice change to see someone who didnt. Thank you for the advice....
But I feel that I just got lucky with that one, I feel that I need to be able to better identify people who are going to lecture me about it...any thoughts?

I'm glad it worked out for you this time. As far as how to prepare for it in the future. Two words, INNER GAME! You have the ability to control the conversation any way you want to. Fortunatly for myself, I have spent my entire career getting trained on this because I'm in sales.

For you you just have to remember they will not be able to control what you say. If you choose to lead the conversation you will have much better results. You don't need to brush it off with "boring" unless thats what you truly feel. It doesn't display higher value.

Suggetion:

"I have a great career and I like it. I have often found people in our culture define themselves by their job. I think there is so much more to a person. but to answer your question, I'm in the military. What defines you?"

This could prevoke a more serious conversation and you'd have to control it to keep it light but it will set the tone that you don't want to talk about, jobs.

Another:

You:
"Oh know, the career questions, you can do better than that, can't you? We could go down the boring path or have fun.How many times have you steaked?"

HB:
"Never"

You:
"Me either, thats just a more fun question. But seriously, I'm in the military. I don't really like to get into it cause I think there are so many other things besides a job that are important about people.


This sets more of a fun and playfull tone. The key is to non-verbal comuication. You need to come of c/f. It will set the tone, answer her question, and introduce that you want to have fun. Just an Idea.

Great advise, however...I just got spit on the other night.

I said
"Career questions? really? here, let me show you how you get to know someone...
whats your favorite animal?"
blah blah blah
"but really im in the military, what do you do?"
Her:
Really? I hate each and every one of you...I just think that what you are doing is wrong blah blah blah

Me:
Ok, thats fine you are entitled to your own opinion

Her:
Oh so you are going to tell me that it is because of you that I can have my own opinion?

Me:
No, I was just...

Her:
Fuck you (spit)

Me:
ah balls, my shirt...

So, me and my friends left to go to another bar (after I cleaned my shirt).
What the hell

Sorry to hear that. Thats such bullshit and really you don't want a girl who's close minded like that.

After her negative responce to your career I would suggest holding your ground and not being appoligetic.

You:

"Excuse me? I know your mother didn't teach you to be this rude. If you decide to have an attitude ajustment come back and speak with me. If your lucky I might have a discussion with you."

Then you be done. You choose how things play out for you, not her.

Either way it's unfortunate.

_________________
Act like a man. Be an Alpha male

Now, Im I still being playful? or would I say that in a serious tone?

Gotta love how people have opinions on things they will never comprehend.

I would have asked her "and what is it that I do wrong? For all you know I'm a medic who works intimately within the local Afghan/Iraqi population treating sick and injured children"

It's like they just assume all soldiers are grunts and their sole purpose is to walk around killing everything

I usually never tell a girl what I do until we're leaving the club together or on an actual date. It's not that I'm embarrassed by my job (I'm a computer tech). It's just that talking about what you do is completely boring.

So when asked, I make up something completely ridiculous.

I'm a professional balloon animal maker. (this one is good because I actually have a pic of a monkey in a tree made of balloons from a kids party on my cell)

I'm the head pencil sharpener tester at a pencil company

I oversea the reproduction of all the cows at a nearby ranch

When they laugh at me, I call them on it.

You are actually laughing at my occupation?

When they start to apologize and say how they thought I was kidding, I crack a smile and tell them I was. When they ask again, I tell them it doesn't matter and change the subject. Before the end of the night, the subject is bound to come up again. If you are into her and feel she is into you, then tell her. Otherwise it doesn't matter.

Those actually sound pretty funny. I used to go with the ass model because it trigger kino. ill use them and ill let you know how it goes

My job makes me sound like a wanker when asked. I'm a lobbyist. Girls seem really attracted to it though - the arrogance and control of power in the job, plus the fact I'm well under 30.

It seems a turn on for most girls but I feel like an egotistical asshole for being right up about it. I think I might try to employ the technique above. Job may be powerful, but here's the real person.

I can't stand hearing people abusing serving or previously serving people. It shames me. I dated an army girl for a while who is still one of my closest friends and I hate hearing she might be off to one of our theaters next year.

Part of the Australian psyche: an immense respect for serving men and women.