At what age did you realize that you wanted to become a United States Army Soldier, Marine, Airman, Sailor?

2015-08-05T02:03:19-04:00

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 5 at 2015 2:05 AM

2015-08-05T02:05:04-04:00

I enlisted April 23rd, 1975. I was 23.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 5 at 2015 2:18 AM

2015-08-05T02:18:14-04:00

Oh My. At 18 I was fed up with school (Actually I wasn't interested anymore long before) so after Graduating I joined the Navy (After Summer Vacation of course). Went to Boot Camp and then, guess what, Back to School to learn how to Type (Little Obnoxious Black Gunny was my Basic Typing Instructor) and then more school to learn how to be a Communications Expert for the Intelligence Community. In 21 years I got to be a pro at going back to school. Key Operator for Xerox, Telecommunications Managers School, Tactical Intelligence School, Damage Control Maintenance Material Management System. 17 Sep 76 I think was the start of my Adventure.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 5 at 2015 2:28 AM

2015-08-05T02:28:28-04:00

Can't remember. About eight?

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Aug 5 at 2015 2:31 AM

2015-08-05T02:31:57-04:00

At 18 and joined the Marines at 19

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 5 at 2015 2:49 AM

2015-08-05T02:49:29-04:00

I was 16. Top Gun had a lot to do with it. I joined at 17. Had to have a parental waiver.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Aug 5 at 2015 2:59 AM

2015-08-05T02:59:42-04:00

I would have enlisted at 17 but my parents had to sign and they didn't want me blaming them if I didn't like the military. So I had to wait till I was 18 and after checking out all the branches of service, I made my choice to go into the Marines. My mother tried to get me to change my mind and she would come into my room and cry. She kept asking me to reconsider and join the Navy instead.

To be honest, the Marines worked the hardest to get me in. I would have felt bad having them do all the work and then letting some other branch coast on all the work they did. And besides, I was looking for the biggest challenge. Was a jock in high school so the thought of being on ship where much of my running would be on a moving steel deck or treadmill didn't appeal. Anyway, to make a long story short, my mother didn't sway me from choosing the Marines, and I never looked back with regret for that decision. My parents were initially worried, but when they saw that I didn't come out of bootcamp all brainwashed and ordering people around, and they saw me excelling in school and getting meritorious promotions, their fears turned into pride. Now, in hindsight, they are proud to say that their son is a former Marine.

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As an aside, my decision to go into the service at 18 was precipitated by a girl whom I was dating and wanted to marry. She was a high school sweetheart. It was my idea to join the military. She didn't understand why I was leaving her. Turns out I was a little more long-term visioned than she was. We were together till I got to "A" school and then I got the "Dear Jeff" letter. We each went our separate ways.

[So if you are thinking about joining the military so that you can marry someone, think long and hard about that. Do NOT build your future around other people. People come and go and invariably most will let you down. Seek out what you want to do in life, and if someone else wants to come along and ride with you, that's okay.]

As fate would have it, our paths crossed again 33 years later. We were both the same people, just a little older and it was as if time had stopped. We simply picked up where we left off. I would wish on any man what I have with her. We got married on 11/11/11. Have no excuse for forgetting our Anniversary LOL.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 3:21 AM

2015-08-05T03:21:33-04:00

Honestly, when I was a kid, probably around the age of 9. I grew up watching old John Wayne movies, GI Joe cartoons, and the like. On top the fact that I had several family members who served. My grandfather served in the Navy during WW2, after his brother was killed on the USS Arizona. A great uncle was a side gunner during WW2 in the ETO. A cousin was a Marine during Vietnam. My father was a Marine during Korea. These on top of many other factors, made me want to serve. The stories they told had me in awe. I saw them as something bigger than Superman, honestly.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 5 at 2015 3:31 AM

2015-08-05T03:31:56-04:00

I knew when I was in high school. I knew from early in life I wanted to serve.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 5 at 2015 4:07 AM

2015-08-05T04:07:21-04:00

At 19, when I made the decision to drop out of college, and get out of dodge... 1979...

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 4:45 AM

2015-08-05T04:45:29-04:00

Well 17 but I didn't join until 19. It appears many Marines experienced the same thing I did. Marine Corps recruiters were the only ones in the office the first few times I went and they worked the hardest to get me any info I wanted. Long story short, I don't regret becoming a Marine although sometimes it would be nice to be around more intelligent Marines who can hold a decent conversation

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 4:52 AM

2015-08-05T04:52:43-04:00

My Great Grandfather, Grandfather, Father and Uncle all served in the USAF. It was an easy choice for me to make at 17 years old. I was in BMT 2 days after I turned 18 and haven't looked back since. No one in my family has retired so that was my goal. Only 10 years left!

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Aug 5 at 2015 5:01 AM

2015-08-05T05:01:14-04:00

I knew by 13 Id either go Army or Marine Corps, in some sort of combat-arms job. At that age I didn't know much about the compare/contrast of those 2 branches. I am glad I chose the Red Pill. Come to think of it, I'm not sure the Red Pill didn't choose me.

Semper Fi

Response by SFC Stephen King made Aug 5 at 2015 5:18 AM

2015-08-05T05:18:25-04:00

I knew I would serve my country in the 3rd grade.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 6:00 AM

2015-08-05T06:00:34-04:00

at 16, I joined the Navy when I was 17 :)

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Aug 5 at 2015 6:08 AM

2015-08-05T06:08:34-04:00

When I was in 7th grade my friends and I were starry eyed about the military because of the movie Pearl Harbor. Then when one told me that she could really see me in the military it snapped me into reality. I balked and said I didn't think it was for me. Fast forward to when I was 22, and I had to join just to survive at life. I have always loved airplanes and even though I don't work directly with them it is closer than I ever was before. I guess I was just destined to be here lol.

Response by MSgt Erik Copp made Aug 5 at 2015 7:02 AM

2015-08-05T07:02:49-04:00

I knew I wanted to go into the military at 9 or 10. Decided on the Marine Corps at 15ish. Followed through with my dream. Proved to be one of the best decisions in my life.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Aug 5 at 2015 7:26 AM

2015-08-05T07:26:38-04:00

I enlisted at 17 with parents signing off. This was during the Iran hostage crisis so many of us decided to join together as we were sure we would be at war with Iran quickly.

My dad was career USAF so he thought me enlisting in the Marines was the biggest mistake I could have possibly made but he signed the document thus sealing my fate :)

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Aug 5 at 2015 7:34 AM

2015-08-05T07:34:40-04:00

At 17, I just didn't see myself sticking around my hometown. I had to have parental signatures and entered delayed enlistment in December until I graduated High School. I turned 18 at the end of August 1987 and started Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, TX in September 1987.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 5 at 2015 8:19 AM

2015-08-05T08:19:53-04:00

17. I went and signed up for the DEP program.

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made Aug 5 at 2015 8:41 AM

2015-08-05T08:41:29-04:00

I was 19 years old, my girlfriend at the time and I had just broken up so I walked into the recruiters office and signed up. Waited almost a year in DEP, I was 20 when I officially joined.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 8:45 AM

2015-08-05T08:45:52-04:00

I was four or five years old watching the Blue Angels flying at an airshow in the Memphis Tennessee area. It was amazing and I knew that's what I wanted to do. I chased that dream up until a year ago.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Aug 5 at 2015 9:10 AM

2015-08-05T09:10:22-04:00

I went to the recruiter in June of 1997. I needed to lose weight to enlist. I took my oath on December 17th 1997. I was 23 years old. I wanted to do something meaningful. I had tried to become a Law Enforcement Officer, but that didn't happen. So I was working for a health care system doing security at a mental health center. I decided to look into the military. Grandad's both served in WWII one as an Army Doctor in the Pacific. The other was in communications. My great uncles served in the Navy. One as a coxswain on a landing craft. My uncle served in the Navy during Vietnam. He never talked about what he did in the service. So military service has been a family tradition. Then I found out my youngest brother was going into the Air Force, and decided there was no way on this Earth that my snot nosed little punk brother was going to serve, and I was not. So I set an appointment with the Air Force recruiter. He missed the appointment so I went to the Navy and Marine recruiter. I was going to go into the Marines, but was so far out of shape that I did not see it as possible. I went to the navy recruiter, he told me lose twenty pounds and get some conditioning. And the rest is history.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 9:27 AM

2015-08-05T09:27:35-04:00

I wanted to be a pilot since I was 3 years old, but it always seemed like such a long shot that I didn't take it seriously. I decided to be a Navy nuke at 17 because of the opportunities it would afford me, then ended up in a commissioning program at 21, which is when I really started to take the possibility seriously.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 9:27 AM

2015-08-05T09:27:36-04:00

About a month before I started my Senior year in high school the idea came upon me to join the military. Navy was the only choice as my brother is a Mustang in the Navy, currently an LT. I walked into the recruiting office one day, and after a couple hours of talk with (then, now BM1) BM2 Andrews, I was signing my life away to the United States Navy. I was 18 at that time.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Aug 5 at 2015 9:30 AM

2015-08-05T09:30:55-04:00

I was a kid, probably a freshman in high school, when I knew I wanted to join the military. Air Force and Army were my two choices. It was close, but I chose the one that gave me opportunities to travel and further my education. 15 years after joining (and nearly five since being removed), I can say I have visited some wonderful places and have a bachelor's degree.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Aug 5 at 2015 9:33 AM

2015-08-05T09:33:20-04:00

I don't like I realized it at the time, but when I started reading a lot more history when I was 13. By the time I was 17 it had just gotten to the point where I told myself "I need to do this even if I don't want to" and a month later I was at MEPS. Best experience of my life and no regrets.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 9:36 AM

2015-08-05T09:36:08-04:00

Great question SPC Margaret Higgins! I would say growing up I had a strong sense of patriotism, but never really considered serving until I was getting ready to graduate college at 22. I spoke to a few recruiters but didn't follow through with anything, after the events of 9/11 (age 23) I followed through.

Response by PO3 Jonathan Cooper made Aug 5 at 2015 9:45 AM

2015-08-05T09:45:56-04:00

Probably since I was a kid. It was either a position in the Military, a Firefighter or a Cop. Although I'm pretty sure I thought I'd be a Soldier. Flash forward over 20 years later, and I ended up joining just to get a job and support myself. It hasn't been easy, but I don't regret the decsion to serve my country at all.

Response by CW3 Stephen Bacon made Aug 5 at 2015 10:08 AM

2015-08-05T10:08:50-04:00

I was 17, hanging out in High School (Well, OK I was at the beach most days) and knew I wanted to Join the Navy. So I went down to the recruiter got the paperwork, had mom and dad sign... walla! At the time I just figured it was everyone's responsibility to do something for their country. College was not in the plans, and this met my need to "serve". I still believe service to one's country should be compulsory. I do not believe most 18 year olds are equipped to handle college, and even if they didn't want to be in the military, the peace corps, national parks, etc would be a way to "serve", gain some maturity, and then head into adulthood with something under your belt. Pretty much makes everyone have some stake in the country and a little skin in the game.

Response by SSG Ray Strenkowski made Aug 5 at 2015 11:22 AM

2015-08-05T11:22:26-04:00

I didn't really. One day after school I went to the recruiting station. The Army was the 1st door on the left.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Aug 5 at 2015 11:26 AM

2015-08-05T11:26:32-04:00

I was 17 when I joined.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 5 at 2015 11:27 AM

2015-08-05T11:27:08-04:00

I knew as soon as I hit High School and couldn't stand it. Army Recruiters were the only ones in town (never did see any of the others to even talk to them). Joined with parents co-sign at age 17 between Junior and Senior year.... Went to basic training after HS Graduation, July 22, 1987.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-08-05T11:29:40-04:00

At 17 when I was informed there would be NO financial aid for entering freshman.

Interestingly four years later I roomed with the son of a dentist who got aid for his full costs as an entering freshman from the same school. I guess I didn't need it as much as the son of a dentist.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 11:42 AM

2015-08-05T11:42:25-04:00

When I was five.
Runs in the blood line.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 12:10 PM

2015-08-05T12:10:52-04:00

I realized I wanted to join the Air Force when I was 19 and decided I wanted a better life for, then, my only daughter than living off of food stamps and $400.00/ month.

Response by SGT William Howell made Aug 5 at 2015 12:44 PM

2015-08-05T12:44:08-04:00

Mine was at 16 when I saw Top Gun. At on my 17th birthday I quit HS and joined the Navy. I graduated from boot camp 2 weeks before my HS class graduated. I went to AE "A" School and got to pick my duty station. I picked the PI with VC-5 so I could work on those beautiful A-4 Skyhawks.

I decided I wanted to reenlist in the Army the night after Sept 11 while sitting in my police car listening to the news on the radio.

Response by PO1 Kyle Crippen made Aug 5 at 2015 12:46 PM

2015-08-05T12:46:49-04:00

Always did.

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made Aug 5 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-08-05T13:40:53-04:00

I actually wanted to join the Royal Marines as my parents are English, (I was born here) but I couldn't without losing my US Citizenship. I could join the US Marines and keep my UK rights though.

Response by LCpl Leander Holston made Aug 5 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-08-05T13:42:47-04:00

I actually chased my recruiter around campus getting all the info he could give me since my sophomore year.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Aug 5 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-08-05T13:47:09-04:00

about 4
(but my family has a multi-millenial history of military service)

Response by PO2 Christopher Taggart made Aug 5 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-08-05T13:48:25-04:00

About 10 years throwing GI JOES off the house with parachute on his back or playing with them in the swimming pool we had..had the diver one and big rubber shark from Jaws movie. 1976

Response by PO2 Christina Hutson made Aug 5 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-08-05T13:55:45-04:00

15 yrs

Response by SSgt Carrie Foster Campbell made Aug 5 at 2015 2:02 PM

2015-08-05T14:02:34-04:00

to make a long story short, 16-17 years old. I wanted to become do become a weather forecaster but didn't have the grades for college. So I enlisted, the only problem I missed that AFSC by 10 points on my entrance exam but enlisted anyway. Also father was in Army at that the and was PCS'ing from Ft. Carson, Colo to Germany.

Response by SrA Andrea West made Aug 5 at 2015 2:10 PM

2015-08-05T14:10:12-04:00

I was about eight. We lived across from an Air Force base and I wanted to join up. All the men in my family served in either the Army or Navy, so it just seemed like the proper thing to do. I went Air Force because of that old dream of mine.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-08-05T15:21:16-04:00

I looked at the Air Force when I was 19 right out of high school, but did not have a good recruiter and the idea of commiting to something I had never done for 6 years scared me. I was 33 years old when I join the Army National Guard. I served for 9 years most full time on ADSW Orders and then got a Mil Tech position with the Air National Guard where I served for 13 years before retiring. My only regret was that I didn't come in sooner. I loved serving in the military and continue to serve our Warriors at Fort Knox.

Response by SGT Theodis Young made Aug 5 at 2015 3:26 PM

2015-08-05T15:26:42-04:00

I grew up in a small town in Alabama, and realize that I want to travel and see the world as a US Soldier. Best choice I ever made.

Response by LCpl Clayton Coon made Aug 5 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-08-05T15:47:27-04:00

I was 17 walking by a recruitment center so I walked in and was off to Paris island a week later.

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Aug 5 at 2015 3:53 PM

2015-08-05T15:53:23-04:00

I wanted to join the Air Force from my Freshman year until my Senior year. Then in my last Semester as a Senior. I changed to the Marine Corps. I don't regret that decision.

Response by GySgt Curtis L Leetch made Aug 5 at 2015 4:33 PM

2015-08-05T16:33:44-04:00

I knew I was going into the service at 3 or 4.... Dad was in the service for 27-1/2 years. The kids came later (first one when mom was 39!). I always felt more at ease with military folks, vice "never served civilians...

Response by PO1 Scott Cottrell made Aug 5 at 2015 4:33 PM

2015-08-05T16:33:46-04:00

My father's side of the family goes back 6 generations of serving in the military. My father is retired Navy (Nam), Grandfather Army (WWII), his Father Army (WWI), his Father also Army, and his Father fought for the South. So, you could say it's in our blood. Although, My grandfather talked my father out of the Army.

Response by MSgt Shawn Doyle made Aug 5 at 2015 4:44 PM

2015-08-05T16:44:59-04:00

I never really thought that I would ever join the military having been an Army Brat most of my youth, having lived on Ft. Bliss, Ft. Rucker and some other Army Forts that I was too young to remember. My father was a helicopter pilot, served two tours in Vietnam. My older brother had join the Army and was a cannon puller (that’s what I called him), but I guess he was officially an Artillery Officer. My uncle had been in the Air Force for nearly 20 years as an aircraft navigator (when they still had them) stationed at Little Rock AFB, when my wife and I went for visit. He retired as a LtCol with a PhD that the AF paid for (what benefits, right!) At the time, my wife and I were attending the University of Oregon and not doing as well as expected (she was doing well, I was on double academic probation), so we decided to join the Air Force together at age 22/24 (I was the younger) after seeing what life was like on an Air Force Base verse an Army Fort; besides we looked better in blue than drab green (now that’s funny). Our game plan was to serve together for 4 years, save enough money for a house and earn college benefits. Well, all does not go as planned sometimes; I ended up going to the MEP station first, left for basic training in San Antonio, TX, then 3 weeks later received a call from my wife stating that she wouldn’t be joining me as when she went to the MEP station in Portland for her induction, her physical indicated she was pregnant (must have been my going away party). So, we ended up making the Air Force a career together, spending 21 fantastic years in the AF. I served in the JAG Corps for 19 of those 21 years, had wonderful experiences, worked with great people and truly felt at retirement that it was a successful run. I served in the Air Force and it served my family.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 5:03 PM

2015-08-05T17:03:06-04:00

early teenage years. I knew I did not want to go straight to college and I made a promise to myself to be out of my parents house by 18

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Aug 5 at 2015 6:00 PM

2015-08-05T18:00:16-04:00

Hmmm... I was 19, recovering from a weekend-long Hamm's binge, suffering through Computer Science 205, "Assembler / Hexadecimal Machine Code" and realized that I just did not have the internal "whatchamacallit" to succeed in life with my then-current tools in my toolbox.

I needed somebody to whip my dumb ass and teach me to grow up (or, at least, feed and shelter my dumb ass as I learned the hard way to grow up).

Living in North Dakota, I "knew" that if you were in the Air Force and weren't flying a plane, you were shoveling snow off of runways. Nope.

Army told me that with my 97 on the ASVAB, I could pick the Armor, Artillery or Infantry. Oh. By the way, all the tank units seem to be full, and we stopped buying big guns with wheels on them. Uh... OK.

Couldn't fit my head in a jar, and knew that I didn't WANT to learn how to fit my head in a jar. I didn't even look sideways as I walked past the USMC recruiter's office.

Hey. I'm half Norwegian. Some of my ancestors just HAD to be Vikings. And besides, the odds of becoming "beach fertilizer" as a sailor were pretty low, I figured.

Two years later, I'm a nuclear navy electrician on a fast attack submarine "at least" 12 miles off the coast of the Soviet Union, riding in a 300' long metal tube that was born 13 months BEFORE me... AND the lead ship in the class sunk with all hands lost.

Funny how God lets us think WE make the decisions...

Response by Sgt Joseph Brent Montgomery made Aug 5 at 2015 6:14 PM

2015-08-05T18:14:11-04:00

Sophomore in high school, my engineering electronics teacher was a Navy submarine electricians mate. He only allowed Marine Recruiters to come talk to the class, four people signed up to have them call us our senior year's. All 4 of us are now proud Marine Veterans.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-08-05T19:11:19-04:00

I joined Naval Sea Cadets at age 14 and Army JROTC at age 15, Thats when I got interested in the military! I supposed it traces back further when I joined Cubs Scouts at age 8. I liked the idea of being part of something that important and always like wearing uniforms! Instead of Boy Scouts, I find something that wear you could wear real military uniforms and go onto real military bases and ships. To this day I still work with Sea Cadets as an adult leader and also joined the Civil Air Patrol as an adult leader in their cadet program!

Response by PO3 Jonathan Monson made Aug 5 at 2015 7:12 PM

2015-08-05T19:12:19-04:00

its been a family tradition going back farther then I can trace I was just destined for it

Response by PO2 Kevin Peine made Aug 5 at 2015 7:21 PM

2015-08-05T19:21:18-04:00

Response by PO2 Gerry Roberson Sr. made Aug 5 at 2015 8:53 PM

2015-08-05T20:53:29-04:00

After boyhood fantasies of being a pilot, I would guess the idea of joining solidified in the 16-17 age range. At 18(no letter from mommy needed) on Dec. 31 1974, Navy boot camp here I come. Great Lakes--ice and snow and 40 below.

Response by MSgt Tim Grose made Aug 5 at 2015 9:42 PM

2015-08-05T21:42:53-04:00

My dad was a WWII Marine and I had two brothers that are retired Marines and I am a retired Marine. I had dress blues when I was in the 5th grade. Stood tall in them too!

Response by TSgt Sean LaPlante made Aug 5 at 2015 10:17 PM

2015-08-05T22:17:45-04:00

13. I joined Civil Air Patrol & I knew being in the military was the way to go. So if I include my C.A.P. time I've served our nation & the state of R.I. for 29 years. From C.A.P. to the Army, the R.I.N.G. to the U.S.A.F. and retired this year. I'd been dream of this since I was 13 & I made it.

Response by SN Earl Robinson made Aug 5 at 2015 11:37 PM

2015-08-05T23:37:59-04:00

At age 4 My mother dressed me in a Sailor Suit (Cracker Jacks) and had a portrait taken and I knew I would join the Navy and at 9 I watched Michigan State play in the Rose Bowl and I knew I wanted to attend Michigan State University and I accomplished Both! Some things are meant to be.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 6 at 2015 4:08 AM

2015-08-06T04:08:58-04:00

When I was about 17 and was first contacted by the Navy recruiter. I had honestly given no thought good or bad on joining the military before then.

Response by LTC Troy P. Thomas made Aug 6 at 2015 4:28 AM

2015-08-06T04:28:43-04:00

When I was about 2!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 8:40 AM

2015-08-06T08:40:01-04:00

When I was at a very young age, loved what the men and women did wanted to do it myself...

Response by PO1 John Juarez made Aug 6 at 2015 9:22 AM

2015-08-06T09:22:49-04:00

As the son of a 30 year Master Chief Intelligence Specialist, I knew from about 4th grade I was going into the Military. I joined when dad had two years left on active duty. Both my dads brothers had been in the Navy one retiring as a PNC. I retired as an HT1 about 17 years ago and my little brother retired about 3.5 yrs ago as an HM1. My sister married a 26 yr. CTRC/CWO4 when he was a CTR1. And my wife was also in the Navy.

Response by MAJ Anthony Henderson made Aug 6 at 2015 10:29 AM

2015-08-06T10:29:48-04:00

It was the summer after my junior getting ready to go into my senior year in high school. I realized that I liked wearing the uniform and the structure of the military. I ended up serving in it for 31 years.

Response by SPC Joshua Heath made Aug 6 at 2015 10:47 AM

2015-08-06T10:47:47-04:00

I didn't. At the age of 23, I realized that the direction my life was heading in, was not where I wanted it to head. I sat down and wrote out my long-term goals. I realized I needed to go to college, and I couldn't afford to. The military was the only way I could get the education I needed, without perpetually bankrupting myself. I spent a year trying to contact the Air Force recruiter in my area, who kept refusing to return my calls. The Army got me into the ASVAB immediately and offered me a pathway to the goals I had. 10 years later, I have my Bachelor's, I'm working on my Master's, and goals have shifted, but largely I'm headed where I wanted to be.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Aug 6 at 2015 11:35 AM

2015-08-06T11:35:52-04:00

My mind was made up at the age of twenty (20) years old to enlist into the U.S. Army in 1972.

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made Aug 6 at 2015 12:07 PM

2015-08-06T12:07:28-04:00

As far back as I can remember. One of my grand pa's was a sailor and always talked about those crazy freaking jarheads. So I always wanted to be one. So I became one.

Response by PO1 Brian Schletty made Aug 6 at 2015 12:21 PM

2015-08-06T12:21:09-04:00

When I was 10, I snuck out to the old Japanese fueling piers near East Loch, Oahu....I saw the Lincoln coming into port, and always thought "I want to be on one of those someday!". Fast-forward 12 years, and I was walking down the pier in Bremerton, WA reporting to the Nimitz, thinking "What have I done!".

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 6:57 PM

2015-08-06T18:57:48-04:00

I would say 13 or 14. I was going to join the Navy and then saw the Marines and said "Yep!"

Response by SGT Jesse Walton made Aug 6 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-08-06T19:11:57-04:00

I was 22 years old when I decided that Detroit at that time was enough for me

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 9:43 PM

2015-08-06T21:43:52-04:00

Probably 12 years old during 9/11 in 7th grade. After that I knew I wanted to be an Air Defender.

Response by A1C Charles D Wilson made Aug 6 at 2015 11:01 PM

2015-08-06T23:01:12-04:00

6 years of age. 1972 I visited my father at Shaw A.F.B. and heard the call of the F-4 Phantom (Screaming my name) as they landed. I joined 1984 after I became 17 I asked him to sign the papers and off I went...My dream came true.

Response by SSG Daniel Brewster made Aug 6 at 2015 11:28 PM

2015-08-06T23:28:20-04:00

15 when I joined the Civil Air Patrol. Our squadron commander was a great guy, former Army Major and was a heck of a father figure for a bunch of us hooligans. Signed up in the delayed entry program in 1982 and was in boot camp at Benning a week after I graduated high school. Thought at the time I would make it a career - life has a funny way of working out, though. Served 4 and change active and another six in the reserves. Believe me, I paused for reflection on what would have been my 20th anniversary. Got out, got started on my life, have been very blessed with how things worked out.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 11:34 PM

2015-08-06T23:34:39-04:00

It wasn't so much an age as it was a stage. I figure I was about knee high to a grasshopper when I made the decision (prior to that, the only other option that had ever entered my head was astronaut). Never really wavered from that, signed the dotted line at 16 and was in basic training when I was 17. Having an Infantry/Special Forces NCO for a father will do that for you.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Aug 7 at 2015 2:59 AM

2015-08-07T02:59:54-04:00

I wanted to join the Air Force since before 5th grade. My grandfather who was both a retired AF Staff Sergeant and private pilot engrained a passion for aviation and the military in my mind when young and although I won't be an AF pilot my enjoyment for aviation hasn't waned. The experience I have had will not compare to anything I'd have received anywhere else. That and knowing that I proved some certain teachers and others wrong about my abilities is nice too. XD

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 7:09 AM

2015-08-07T07:09:53-04:00

When I was a senior in high school and I realized I needed a plan if I was truly going to go to college. A US Army recruiter ran into me shortly after and discussed with me how the Reserves could help me accomplish that goal. I enlisted a month thereafter into the Army Reserves, while I was going through the training I realized I was good at being a soldier so I volunteered and enlisted into the Active component. 13.5 years later and I have zero regrets.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 8:04 AM

2015-08-07T08:04:43-04:00

When I was 4 years old.

Response by PO2 Ron Burling made Aug 7 at 2015 8:43 AM

2015-08-07T08:43:31-04:00

Heh,heh... At 18 I was a high school senior, I graduated in June and partied until that Fall. On 14 October, 1965, I told my Dad, a WWII tin can sailor, that I was going to enlist in the Marines that very day. He said "Don't do anything until I get home!", so I waited for him. When he arrived home (He took the day off.) he had lots of reasons why I should join the Navy instead of the Marines, he also had a bunch of Budweiser with him and the more Budweiser I had, the better his reasons sounded. I ended up enlisted in the Navy on their 120 delay program. Whilst I was waiting my turn I discovered a bunch of the guys I knew had been WWII Seabees and they convinced me the way to go was Seabees, if I could get in. I reported to Great Lakes on 11 February, 1966 convinced I had to get into the Seabees, while Dad was convinced I was not going to Vietnam. At classification, all my choices were Seabee rates and for some reason, I got my first choice, EO. I stayed in until 1978 but it was no fun after peace broke out.

Response by PO3 Jody Wangen made Aug 7 at 2015 9:35 AM

2015-08-07T09:35:00-04:00

was 21. living out on my own. working 12 hour shifts 4 days a week and partying the rest of time. usually worked 2nd shift. my mother would come and bang on my door at 6 am every morning on her to work and bitch at me giving me an inventory of every where I had been the night before. walked across the street to the library and saw the navy recruiter. my mother never banged on my door at 6 am again.

Response by PO1 Mike Edgecomb made Aug 7 at 2015 10:16 AM

2015-08-07T10:16:59-04:00

At a very early age. Many family members were Veterans and I grew up in the shadow of a SAC Base. I viewed military service as somewhat of an obligation to our country.

Response by Sgt Karen Hobby made Aug 7 at 2015 10:35 AM

2015-08-07T10:35:28-04:00

I was 10 - 1975 - I watched MASH and wanted to be that nurse running to save lives just like Hot Lips Houlihan. I got goose bumps every time that scene came on with "Suicide is Painless" playing in the background, and the bloody stretchers being loaded. Ironically, I served 4 years in the AF, fell in love with nursing, and became an RN in the ER and CCU when I got out. :)

Response by SFC Michael Fiedler made Aug 7 at 2015 11:01 AM

2015-08-07T11:01:56-04:00

I joined at 17, was sworn in two weeks after graduating from High School. Did not really think about the different services, Army recruiter was the first one I saw. Went in 75 and got out in 97 after completing twenty two years of service.

Response by Cpl Raul DeMoura made Aug 7 at 2015 11:04 AM

2015-08-07T11:04:40-04:00

I was 19 years young! Turned 20 in boot camp, at Parris Island Sc. I grew up in the army. My father was career army, 22 years. Its just what we DID! you grow up, you SERVE YOUR COUNTRY! PERIOD! I really believe, EVERYONE should serve at least ONE term. I chose The Marine Corp, because I knew i NEEDED some "self discipline" in my life. I have absolutely NO regrets for my decision. Had I NOT been injured, I would have pushed on for 30 years. My goal was to MAKE the Corp retire me!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 11:44 AM

2015-08-07T11:44:28-04:00

SPC Margaret Higgins I come from a family rich in military service. My father was in the Navy and I currently have many cousins who have/do serve in the Marine Corps, Navy, Army and Air Force. I have more cousins that have served in the military than not. 80% of both sides of my family has military service. I was not encouraged to join, in fact my mother refused to provide consent when I graduated HS at 17. I had to wait until I was 18 to leave (yup I was a DEPer). She told me later that she was hoping I would just enroll in college and forget the "non-sense" of joining. Out of all her children (I am her only daughter), I was the only one to step up. Almost 12 years later, she still says she can't believe how far I have come and how much I have grown.

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Aug 7 at 2015 12:41 PM

2015-08-07T12:41:13-04:00

Literally when I was about 3 or 4. But, it took me 30+ years to get there.....

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 1:18 PM

2015-08-07T13:18:58-04:00

I grew up in a highly military family. I never remember not wanting to join.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Aug 7 at 2015 1:33 PM

2015-08-07T13:33:25-04:00

Was my Jr year in Highschool.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-08-07T13:40:04-04:00

Ever since I was in fourth grade I took a plane ride to Disney world with my mom and dad. I got to meet the pilot and sit in the flight deck because of mat. delay and a late take off. I told my mom I really wanted to fly! As I got older I understood my parents both knew 2 people who had died in 9/11. It impacted my family greatly. I took it very personally and wanted to make it a goal of mine and join the military like my dad and grandfather did and take the fight to the enemy. So at the age of 18 4 days after graduating high school I left for basic and then to training to become a Sensor Operator on the MC-12 (now sold to the Army). I still fly today just on a different aircraft.

Response by Cpl Peter Martuneac made Aug 7 at 2015 2:29 PM

2015-08-07T14:29:23-04:00

When I was 10 years old and I watched the World Trade Center towers fall to the ground, that's when I knew I had to be a United States Marine.

Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Aug 7 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-08-07T14:54:25-04:00

Was 18 yrs. old when I decided to join the Army.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 3:03 PM

2015-08-07T15:03:32-04:00

I knew from an early age that I wanted to join the military. My family served and I wanted to serve too. As soon as I got out of high school I signed up for the army, but then decided to change my mind and join the Coast Guard. I have since enjoyed every moment of it and would not change it for the world.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Aug 7 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-08-07T15:58:04-04:00

When I was 7 playing A-Team with my friends.

Response by Capt Michael Halpin made Aug 7 at 2015 4:02 PM

2015-08-07T16:02:25-04:00

Probably by the age of 10. I knew the military would be part of my life!

Response by SSG Sancte Archangele made Aug 7 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-08-07T16:32:11-04:00

At Conception.

Response by SSG Sancte Archangele made Aug 7 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-08-07T16:32:34-04:00

At Conception.

Response by SPC Stephen Riddle made Aug 7 at 2015 5:28 PM

2015-08-07T17:28:16-04:00

I grew up watching movies like Platoon and Rambo. My father told me he wished he had joined the military. My Uncle Butch was in the Army and my Uncle Paul in the Marines both served in Vietnam. They never talked about anything that happened(at least not in front of me). Around the age of 6 or 7 I knew I wanted to join the military but that was all. I had no idea what I wanted to do in the military or which branch I wanted to join. In high school I helped raise my niece and a few years later my nephew as well. Things were tough and I sat down with my sister (I was living with her and her husband to help them pay the bills) and talked to her about me leaving for the military. She was excited (she wanted to join the USAF) So when I went to the recruiting station I went to talk to the marine recruiters but they weren't there and the army recruiters snatched me up. I ended up joining the army infantry.

Response by SPC Alejandro Martinez made Aug 7 at 2015 8:16 PM

2015-08-07T20:16:54-04:00

34, when 9-11 happened.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 7 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-08-07T21:25:30-04:00

I became interested in joining the Army before I was 10 years old SPC Margaret Higgins .
My paternal grandfather was a lance-corporal in the British Army who served at Gallipoli and in the trench warfare in France and Belgium until the war ended. He was wounded during that conflict and his experiences sourced him to warfare forever. My father was 11 when WWII began in 1939. He tells of attending school under the football field [soccer for USA citizens :-)] where they built an extensive air raid shelter. He said that at first it was exciting but then got boring. Similarly his family built an air raid bunker in their back yard which they spent one night in and decided to spend the rest of their nights on the ground floor. He described an aunt and uncle that were killed in a V-1 or V-2 strike yet both of their children survived - one was in a closet and the other under the dining room table. After that incident my father and his two cousins went to live with another aunt and uncle in Surrey where there were many USA soldiers. He said the USA soldiers helped pump life blood into the economy by spending their money and how they interacted well with the populace. I learned the details of my father's wartime experienced in a radio interview he gave in April 1993 to years before he died and many years after I enlisted in November 1974 and was commissioned in May 1980. COL Mikel J. Burroughs, LTC Stephen C., SGT Forrest Stewart, SGT Private RallyPoint Member, SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", SPC Private RallyPoint Member, PO3 Steven Sherrill, CPT Private RallyPoint Member,

Response by CPL Richard Flagg made Aug 7 at 2015 9:34 PM

2015-08-07T21:34:55-04:00

I would have to say at a very young age watching all those WW2 movies and the movie "A Brodge Too Far" really cemented my desire to be a Paratrooper.

Response by SFC John Birks made Aug 7 at 2015 10:15 PM

2015-08-07T22:15:50-04:00

12 years old.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 10:16 PM

2015-08-07T22:16:41-04:00

I knew my whole life that I would be in the military. One grandpa received multiple Purple Hearts from the Korean war, and the other was a Pearl Harbor survivor. Growing up I wanted to follow my grandpa and father into the United States Navy to be a Pilot or a Seal. Then I wanted to join the Army to fight the Russians (I know showing my age). God had other plans and I joined the Air Force and went to BMT 2 months after graduating High School. I was born and bred to be in the military, and I absolutely love being an Airman.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Aug 7 at 2015 11:25 PM

2015-08-07T23:25:35-04:00

I was so young I can't remember exactly. Seems I always wanted to be a Soldier. At one point early in High School I considered joining the Marine Corps. My Dad and Senior Army Instructor in high school both talked me into becoming an Army Officer. After looking at all my options North Georgia provided me the best way to fulfill my dream of being an Army Officer. My Dad joined during WWII and served in the Infantry in Europe. Two Uncles from my mom's side served in the Pacific during WWII with the Army Air Corps. On my Dad's side, his younger brother, my uncle was drafted during the Korean Conflict and served in Germany. In 1972 During the Vietnam Era my older brother was drafted shortly before the draft ended. I started in the Field Artillery and ended up in Logistics. Seemed like everyone prior in the family ended up serving during a war. I wanted to make it a career and retire in my early 40's. The end of the Cold War and Dessert Storm helped change that plan but I managed to salvage a reserve career retirement. Now I'm thankful for all the folks I served with that helped me get this far! Persistence pays in the long run.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 11:32 PM

2015-08-07T23:32:31-04:00

I was born at Fort Dix, my father was AF and my uncle fought on Guadalcanal. Growing up watching John Wayne in the Green Berets and as Marine Sgt Striker it was inevitable. So at 18 I married my high school sweetheart and joined the Marine Corps. And the rest they say is history.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 8 at 2015 12:44 AM

2015-08-08T00:44:46-04:00

I was 12, 1983. I was watching the Green Berets with my Dad. When they hit the fugas.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 8 at 2015 1:56 AM

2015-08-08T01:56:58-04:00

I decided I would become military preteen as I learned more about my uncle, US Army, who was a KIA in Vietnam... I decided Air Force when I was 16 and joined at 17. I guess my brothers and sisters had the same idea as my older brother went Navy, and my younger brother and sister went Army.

Response by Sgt Matt Koeneman made Aug 8 at 2015 4:25 AM

2015-08-08T04:25:06-04:00

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 5:47 AM

2015-08-08T05:47:05-04:00

I was two months old, chewing on homemade beef jerky and listen to Waylon Jennings and said to myself. Self, let's be all that you can be. In the Chair Force. Well pretty soon and not even out of diapers, I boarded the bus with my tearful mother shedding rain drops. Yeah but at two months and not even walking, I wanted to stretch out my wings, play with the ladyfolk and all that fun stuff.....

SFC Mark Merino SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" PO2 Ed C. MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca @Village People....lol CPT L S

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 8 at 2015 6:22 AM

2015-08-08T06:22:02-04:00

Probably at 18. I was in my freshman year at URI and took my first ROTC course and said, "Yeah I can do this."

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Aug 8 at 2015 8:21 AM

2015-08-08T08:21:13-04:00

at 15 i made that decision, i felt that if i joined i could make something of myself that could not be contributed to my parents or grandparents. I wanted to be successful because of who i am, not who my family is. I never intended to do more than my first 6 year contract but i am thankful every day that i did.

Response by CWO3 Patrick Wills made Aug 8 at 2015 2:40 PM

2015-08-08T14:40:36-04:00

I knew I wanted to serve in the U S Coast Guard since I was a 4 year old watching the boats off the mouth of the Columbia River. 3.5 years of Army ROTC helped hammer home my desire to serve in the USCG. I forewent a commission in the Army to start as a Seaman Recruit in the Guard when I was in college. 20 years later I retired as a CWO3 with my college degree and the wonderful woman I met while serving a tour ashore.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 6:21 PM

2015-08-08T18:21:56-04:00

20yrs old

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 8:23 PM

2015-08-08T20:23:45-04:00

I was mentally committed to joining the Armed Services since my early teens.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Aug 8 at 2015 8:43 PM

2015-08-08T20:43:15-04:00

18, and not so much as wanted to. I was living in the attic of my best friends house. He and i had taken over the attic when we were in 10th grade and you would find us there most of the time if we were not out running the streets (Chasing girls). Mom M. Came up one day about a month after graduation and asked us a simple question; "Now what?" About a month later we were on our way to Buddy Basic.....

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 8 at 2015 9:49 PM

2015-08-08T21:49:37-04:00

SPC Margaret Higgins The first time was watching my Dad get very upset and tearful during the Vietnam War, the second time was when is older brother (Bob) died from Malaria (WWII), and the third time was when I found out my Dad have to give up his VA benefits from wounds suffered in Korea because there was no Labor Union at the time to protect his job at Caterpillar. They said he had to drop his 40% disability from the VA/Army in order to return to work full-time . (He put in 37 years at Caterpillar without being able to read or write), but he was dishonored as a veteran by having to give up his benefits. I knew from a long line of military personnel that I would serve someday and serve I did!

Response by PO2 Michael Dick made Aug 9 at 2015 2:38 AM

2015-08-09T02:38:13-04:00

10 years old

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 3:03 AM

2015-08-09T03:03:40-04:00

Coming from a military family, and growing up with a father who was an Apache pilot until I was 13. As soon as I become conscious of myself I realized the only thing I wanted to be in life was a soldier.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 6:48 AM

2015-08-09T06:48:58-04:00

Dad fought in Korea, my Uncle in Vietnam. Their father's also fought. I didn't feel the desire to follow them until late in my college career. I was probably 23.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Aug 9 at 2015 8:52 AM

2015-08-09T08:52:53-04:00

I don't recall ever making a conscious decision on being military, it just seemed a part of life for me. Keep in mind, that I was a child of WWII veterans, and the USMC was considered one of the family roles . By the time I was in my teens, I had fifteen cousins in the Marines, and two in the air force... those two by the way, were looked on, and sadly muttered over by their fathers who kept asking where they went wrong.... but that's another story. It was just a normal part of our family to serve in the military, and has been for many generations.

Response by SSG(P) Erik Hein made Aug 9 at 2015 9:02 AM

2015-08-09T09:02:56-04:00

I was six. My Mom was a Nurse in the Navy and Dad was an Ordinance officer in the ARMY. As I realized that many of my family members had served I became very interested. I joined the Army Guard at 18. Looking back, I'm bummed that I hadn't gone active as a Ranger. No regrets, I have made life long friendships. The camaraderie is what I miss the most today.

Edit

Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made Aug 9 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-08-09T13:36:59-04:00

I took the test for the Air Force in high school. Vietnam was going on.Thought I could pick up nursing or something like a medic. The tests came back and I didn't get mine...my principal told me it had to be rescored because the recruiter told him I got "too high for a female who hadn't taken physics, etc." It came in a while later and I got even higher. I said screw it and went to college. It was about 10 years later that I enlisted in the Army..scored high enough to have my pick of jobs that were open and they didn't question my score and limits by gender...I guess I was still a bit disgusted about the first encounter with the AF, but they had done me a favor. I went in the Army as PFC and got a jump on rank, my education in advertising helped later when I went into journalism as I already knew about writing, copy editing, photography, etc.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Aug 9 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-08-09T13:55:47-04:00

Never did really want to join. Since my Father served, he felt it would be good for me. He was right. Still had doubts until after making E-7. As with submarines, I volunteered because two friends talked me into it. Both never made the cut, I did for 21 years. Things happen!

Response by SrA Jay Rockwood made Aug 9 at 2015 3:28 PM

2015-08-09T15:28:02-04:00

I knew I wanted to enter the Air Force when I was 18.
I enlisted in the "Deferred Enlistment Program," that day.

Response by MSgt Robert Slagle made Aug 9 at 2015 10:00 PM

2015-08-09T22:00:49-04:00

When I was in Kindergarten we were given an assignment to draw what we wanted to be when we grew up. I knew right away and drew an Airman in full service dress.

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Aug 10 at 2015 12:26 AM

2015-08-10T00:26:15-04:00

23 when I flunked out of college for the second time. I realized I had to do something so I joined the USAF one of the best decisions I ever made!

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 12:26 AM

2015-08-10T00:26:48-04:00

16, almost 17.

Response by SFC Joseph James made Aug 10 at 2015 7:23 AM

2015-08-10T07:23:08-04:00

When i was a kid i had two loves, GI Joes and my Grandfather. The later was a WW2 Veteran and even though he kept much to himself he did regale me with stories of being in the Navy Seabeas and also being a sniper. He told me how they would dive into vehicle tracks on the beach for cover from enemy planes firing at them. How the Japanese could bomb an allied airstrip and they could fix in in a matter of minutes so their planes can land. Amazing stuff. His life and his story brought to attention the desire to serve and to give back to our country. That's when I knew i wanted to serve.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Aug 10 at 2015 7:51 AM

2015-08-10T07:51:02-04:00

In WWII when I learned my birthday 10 November was also the birthday of the Marine Corps so on my 18th Birthday I enlisted for 3 years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 1:07 PM

2015-08-10T13:07:53-04:00

As long as I can remember. Our family has a long military tradition and I grew up with it. Proud to carry on the tradition. However, not sure if I want my kids to continue it. I'm sure one of the will, but it will not happen at my urging.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 1:19 PM

2015-08-10T13:19:36-04:00

At the age of 16.. And signed up with parents permission.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 10 at 2015 2:00 PM

2015-08-10T14:00:35-04:00

Regardless of family influence I knew around 10 that I was headed into the military - right out of high school went to the USAFA.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 10 at 2015 2:28 PM

2015-08-10T14:28:11-04:00

22 and I was offered accounting jobs, talk about boring. I joined the Army for the adventure, diversity of jobs, and of course free travel :)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 4:39 PM

2015-08-10T16:39:30-04:00

27 is when I joined. I did JROTC in high school and was going to join the Navy. I had my daughter at 17 and put it out of my head. At 27 my career as a Realtor was in the toilet so I joined the Army Guard to go back to school. Now Im thinking the end of my first contract im interested in going active Navy. Should have done it to begin with.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 6:20 AM

2015-08-11T06:20:11-04:00

When I realized my senior year of high school if I went to college all I was going to do was party and typical college shenanigans. I never had a thought about joining until on a random day the Air Force recruiter was outside the entrance to my school after my lunch break and I asked him about it all and I just went with it. Best decision I have ever made. 1 year down and many more to come

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 6:54 AM

2015-08-11T06:54:44-04:00

Response by MSG Scott Swank made Aug 11 at 2015 11:26 AM

2015-08-11T11:26:01-04:00

I wanted to be in the Army from a young age, I think 12-13, but everyone told me it was a bad idea and only dummies or people who can't think for themselves join the service. This was the 70's right after the Vietnam war so I guess that was pretty much the sentiment at that time. When I was a senior in HS my girlfriend talked me out of joining the Army. We broke up after I went to college so again I thought about joining but a few of my professors talked me out of. Then when I was just about to graduate I saw the invasion of Grenada on CNN early before classes and that was when I decided I was going to do it. 27 years later I'm retired and working for the Army. I know I made the right choice by joining and I look forward to helping others make their dreams come true!

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Aug 11 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-08-11T15:34:29-04:00

Ever since I could remember. I am a military brat.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 6:17 PM

2015-08-11T18:17:15-04:00

I realized I wanted to be an Airman after my original plans to study Electrical Engineering fell apart when I couldn't get a part time job that payed enough to allow me to stay in school, combined with a lack of aptitude for performing higher math. I was faced with the choice of working dead end jobs, or grow up and do something with my life that I could be proud of. I have spent the past 24 years as an Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems Craftsman. While there have been several storms throughout my career, I still convinced that I made the right choice.

Response by PO1 John. Bivins made Aug 14 at 2015 2:30 PM

2015-08-14T14:30:15-04:00

Very early, I had a navy uniform when I was 3

Response by PO2 Nick Burke made Aug 18 at 2015 11:16 PM

2015-08-18T23:16:12-04:00

18. Didn't like college...... Yeah I know. Straight to schools. But less wasted time.

Response by SPC Raymond Wickson made Aug 20 at 2015 1:56 AM

2015-08-20T01:56:35-04:00

I was at the age of 18, I was living a life that leads no where and one day I looked in the mirror and needed to change my life. I heard the marine corps was the hardest military branch there is so I enlisted and changed my life around.

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 11:20 PM

2015-08-20T23:20:22-04:00

Probably going to sound cheesy, but I think I really committed to joining the Air Force was back in 6th grade when I read an account of Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier. Say what you will about the man and his many flaws, but that part of his career inspired me to want to become a test pilot. Now, life rarely works out as we plan and I'm an enlisted aircraft maintainer right now, but I'm still chasing that dream of becoming a fly-boy to this day and will probably keep pursuing it until I get to old to be considered for a slot... got a few years left before that window closes, haha!

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Aug 21 at 2015 6:30 AM

2015-08-21T06:30:56-04:00

When I was four years old. I would watch a series called Combat and another one called Desert Rats. Then I would see the Vietnam war on T.V. I was always in awe of the uniforms and weapons. All my older cousins were in the Army during Vietnam, All my great Uncles were WW2 Vets and my Dad was a Korean war Vet. I turned 17 December 24th 1978 , by Feb 22 of 1979 I was standing on the yellow footprints at Parris Island S.C. I chose the USMC because everybody said they were the toughest bootcamp. Never had any regrets. OOORRRAAAAHHH

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-08-26T17:56:10-04:00

I would like to say around the age of 8. I always dreamed of becoming pilot in the Air Force. It was the TV show JAG at around 15 I'd switched interest into becoming a Marine. I went to Boot Camp on May 31st 2005.

Response by SPC James Higgins made Apr 6 at 2017 10:44 PM

2017-04-06T22:44:58-04:00

All my life

Response by PO2 Christopher Taggart made Apr 13 at 2017 3:05 PM

2017-04-13T15:05:44-04:00

After watching Popeye the sailor man ....who lived in a Frying pan ok ok you know the rest...LOL No actually I was so impressed days of watching US Navy Frogmen ie SAR get the Astronauts and pick up that space capsule. I know I wanted to do that job one day and thus I did. Best experience ever in my life except freezing my A off coldest recorded winter at Great Lakes Boot camp.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2017 4:10 PM

2017-04-13T16:10:24-04:00

I've wanted to be in Special Forces since I was about 3. And when I was about 8, I decided on 18D. I am still on the path and determination for that!

Response by CMDCM Philip Seely made Apr 13 at 2017 4:37 PM

2017-04-13T16:37:33-04:00

I was 17 and knew I wanted to go into the navy. When I left boot camp my company commander commented that I would never make it, well I did 28 years and was a command master chief. so much for not making it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 3:21 PM

2017-04-20T15:21:10-04:00

Last 2 years of High School. Everyone told me no do not do it. Many years later some are trying to enter the Service.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 3:21 PM

2017-04-20T15:21:23-04:00

Last 2 years of High School. Everyone told me no do not do it. Many years later some are trying to enter the Service.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 20 at 2017 3:35 PM

2017-04-20T15:35:37-04:00

When I discovered there were very few jobs for HS grad with no skills.

Response by SSgt Carrie Foster Campbell made Apr 20 at 2017 4:34 PM

2017-04-20T16:34:46-04:00

I was actually at a crossroads. My dad was still serving in the Army and I had just graduated High School. I didn't have the grades for college, and wanted to be a weather forecaster. Despite the score on my AVSAP test, I enter under "open general" and ended up in supply. The rest is history. Worked in Air Cargo and American Airlines for 24 yrs. Retired now working in professional sports in Seattle. I've come a long way baby!!!!

Response by SGT Theodis Young made Apr 20 at 2017 5:46 PM

2017-04-20T17:46:05-04:00

During my junior year of high school career day after talking to a recruiter and seeing them in their uniforms I was sold on the Army so enlisted during my senior year and went delayed entry never regretted a min I spent in the Military even though half of the info the recruiter told me was all lies.

Response by SFC George Smith made Apr 20 at 2017 10:43 PM

2017-04-20T22:43:47-04:00

Thanks for the Share...

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jul 3 at 2017 3:04 PM

2017-07-03T15:04:23-04:00

6, when my parents bought me a GI. Joe for my birthday. I was hooked.

Response by MSgt Jason McClish made Jul 3 at 2017 4:13 PM

2017-07-03T16:13:03-04:00

I was 19 when I decided to join the World's Greatest Air Power.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 3 at 2017 5:39 PM

2017-07-03T17:39:07-04:00

When I was about 19, in 1976.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 3 at 2017 8:59 PM

2017-07-03T20:59:38-04:00

I deeply apologize for leaving out you: Coastguardsmen. Most Sincerely, Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach/Photographer

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 3 at 2017 9:16 PM

2017-07-03T21:16:45-04:00

I wanted to be a sailor in the Brown Water Navy ever since I heard there was such a thing. I had been a Sea Scout since the age of 14, earned my Coast Guard license as an operator of commercial vessels on inland waterways (gained my experience on the shallow waters and twisting waterways of the Chesapeake Bay), and was a college and law school graduate when I put in my application. Damned Navy dragged their feet and I realized that being an enlisted soldier was a better option than a draftee about 15 minutes before the deadline arrived. So, I guess you could say that 15 minutes is the answer to your question

Response by Sgt Jay Grigsby made Jul 3 at 2017 9:27 PM

2017-07-03T21:27:47-04:00

I realized it at about age 12 as my Uncle came to our house in his dress blues, I was sold and knew I wanted to become a Marine.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jul 3 at 2017 9:29 PM

2017-07-03T21:29:01-04:00

I always wanted to be a Soldier since a young age, very interested in history,although not maybe the best physical specimen for my choice of MOS (Infantry) I somehow persevered and did make it through my three year enlistment that started at age nineteen,now at 71 ,I am amazed how fortunate I was to serve my Country and proud to part of Army history ,hope this finds you well Margaret,Phil.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2017 9:45 PM

2017-07-03T21:45:23-04:00

At age 15