Did you have a long-term plan when you joined the military?

Didn't have any long term plans, used to go down to the mall and make fun of the squids in their Johnny Cash uniform, then the girlfriend situation changed and joining the Foreign Legion wasn't an option I found myself at a recruiting station. They talked me into the Advanced Electronics field and I had asperations of doing my 6 yrs, learn about Trons and get out and become a sound and light guy for rock bands. Prior to the end of my 1st enlistment I met the woman of my dreams, liked the benefits, travel, and sometimes the Navy, but really loved the comradery and friendships that developed. never made it to work for any rock bands but did retire from the Navy after 21 yrs.

I had only planned to do a 3 year hitch and ended up staying over 36 years. I retired 3 years ago but miss the military every day. I miss being with troops/Warriors more than anything. While in, most Soldiers can’t wait to get out but when they get out they look back and say it was some of the best times and experiences of their life and wished they had stayed in. I can honestly say it was the best times of my life

My locker partner in high school came up to me and ask if I would join the Marines so he could get PFC out of boot camp, didn't have any other plans, so that Saturday I went and signed up. He stayed in for four and I pulled 20.

Oh heck no ... it was enlist or be drafted ... though I did discover it was a very good fit for me.

I didn't really have a long term plan until after I came back in......had a break in service, realized civilians were strange and ended up retiring after 25 yrs.

I was planning on a career, had a Uncle that flew P-51s. Knew I could not be a pilot, but I already knew what I wanted. I had a job all lined up after retirement, but due to a fall it screwed up my plans. I ended up disabled. But I loved every minute of 23 yrs.

I had hoped to do my 20 and then get a civilian job in the government. Instead Iraq gave me, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction which I was med boarded out for after almost 4yrs of service.

My long term plan was to serve my first tour after commissioning and then get on with my life. But I found I loved the challenges and the life and they strung me along with promotions, schools and extra commitment. I actually never came up to a decision point until I was approaching 30 years service and mandatory retirement!

Yes I wanted to do Thirty years!

No at 18 my long term plan was to turn 19. In other words I had no plans. My dad had been a Marine and I had a brother who was a Marine at the time. So 3 years in the Corps as an 0331, 18 months in the land of opportunity then back across the pond to E co 2/8 . Got out in September 1972. Got married Jan 73, I was going to St. Louis University, worked part time as a lift truck mechanic and played drums in bars and at parties. When wife got pregnant, complications developed and cost over 2/3 my combined pay. Went to the Marine recruiter and I could come back as a Sgt. Sorry, now I had to think of the future. The Marines offered me to stay as an 03. My DD-214 stated my civilian occupation equivalent was " Proof director at a Fire Arm's factory" In other words test Bombs and Bullets. Nope, I could not see me as a 40 year old Bugs Bunny with a hammer testing bombs. Went to the Navy took the tests and was told pick any occupation I wanted. My Aunt worked for IBM in 1973 and advised me to do Computers. Remember, there was no Apple, no Microsoft. I picked Data Systems technician. My Daughter was born in January of 1974 I completed training and was a DS3 (E-4) when training was complete. Went to Charleston S.C. and joined the crew of DLG-13 USS William V. Pratt ( later to become DDG-44). I spent 36 months aboard and made it to DS1 ( E-6). Medical complications took me off the ship and to temporary duty at Fleet Mine Warfare in the Shipyard. My last 5 years in the Navy was spent as a Computer systems instructor at CSTSC ( Combat Systems Technical Schools Command )Mare Island Vallejo, California. I was a Master Training Specialist when I was Medically discharged in 1983. They never figured out what was wrong with my joints. Now it is believed it is part of the affects of Agent Orange (Dioxin). I am now 100% disabled and motor on with a cane or a walker. I get there, just takes awhile. Life throws things at you, when your young some of us bounce around until we find our calling, or we trip over it. would I have preferred to have been a rock star? Maybe, I'll never know. But I do have 2 great kids, 2 great step kids and 6 beautiful grand kids. I'm content and no take backs..........