How did you tell your family and friends that you were joining the military & are there any conversations that stand out from that time?

2021-10-04T11:35:29-04:00

Thanks to all who participated! This sweepstakes event has ended and all prizes have been awarded. Please continue to share your stories and follow the RallySweeps page for the next event! https://rly.pt/RLYSWP

RallySweeps | RallyPoint

RallySweeps

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Oct 4 at 2021 11:46 AM

2021-10-04T11:46:35-04:00

I originally enlisted in the USMC DEP 11 days after turning 17. Because I was 17, my parents had to sign off on my enlistment. It was easy to get my mother's signature, but my dad lived in MN (we were in KS). He wasn't answering his phone, but I had his address. The USMC recruiter called a recruiter up there and had him standby to meet with my father. In the meantime, I knew all the LEOs in the town knew my dad because he was a former LEO. So, I managed to get the local PD to track him down. Turns out, he was out fishing with my younger half siblings, and he returned home to three squad cars and a government vehicle sitting outside his house, and he walked up to the house to meet three officers and a marine. I received a phone call from him a few minutes later: "So, uh, you're enlisting are you?"
It was funny.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Oct 4 at 2021 11:46 AM

2021-10-04T11:46:54-04:00

Having grown up as a dependent I always knew it was something I wanted to do. I went to college after high school and choose to enlist in the National guard and after training basic and AIT I served for a few years. It was my Senior year of college and Desert Storm just began. I was working and going to school but I knew I wanted to go active. I called my parents and explained to them what I was going to do.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Oct 4 at 2021 11:48 AM

2021-10-04T11:48:55-04:00

My family knew I was going to join the military as soon as I graduated high school. Their only question was: "Why Did You Join The Marine Corps????" Couldn't really answer why then and still cannot tel you precisely why, but I'm glad I did.

Response by PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln made Oct 4 at 2021 11:53 AM

2021-10-04T11:53:59-04:00

I joined delayed entry in December and shipped to badic in June. My family were all for it as my job prospects were slim at the time.

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Oct 4 at 2021 11:57 AM

2021-10-04T11:57:22-04:00

Me: "Dad, I've been drafted." Dad: "Don't tell your Mom."

Response by GySgt Thomas Vick made Oct 4 at 2021 12:01 PM

2021-10-04T12:01:32-04:00

Me: Dad I joined the Marine Corp, WWII Marine Dad: You made your bed son now you have to lie in it, Me: Uncle Al I joined the Marine Corp, WWII Pilot Uncle Al: didn't talk to me for 1o years because I didn't join the Air Force.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Oct 4 at 2021 12:08 PM

2021-10-04T12:08:22-04:00

It wasn't a hard decision, my Dad was a WWII Navy Veteran and served during the Korean War also. I had also been a Cadet at a Military Academy as well as a civil Air Patrol Cadet. The draft was in full force and I thought I'd rather go into the Air Force than wait for that to happen. A that point in life I wasn't sure what I wanted to do and it seemed like a good option and I felt one I was prepared for and did quite well in all the Training from Basic right into all the training beyond that point. I'm glad I had the experience and what I learned served Me well in even later civilian careers. If I had to do it again I'd still go Air Force although My only regret is I didn't take the opportunity to enter a program to become a Commissioned Officer despite My Officer in Charge and Commander plus the Base Equal Opportunity Officer trying to get Me to do so and all telling Me I'm make a good officer. They all wanted to help Me do that. I still did fine but think I passed up an chance to do something that would actually have worked out pretty well.

Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Oct 4 at 2021 12:43 PM

2021-10-04T12:43:20-04:00

No problem. Told my folks I was going to joinrd the Army. They where all for it. Came from military family anyway.

Response by LTC Greg Henning made Oct 4 at 2021 1:35 PM

2021-10-04T13:35:06-04:00

I just did an interview that answered that question.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT1gUlpE7Ik

The Teacher - Greg Henning

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2021 2:34 PM

2021-10-04T14:34:16-04:00

I was on my own since I was 16. When I told my parents I needed them to sign a paper so I could enlist in the Army, they couldn't get to the recruiters office fast enough! LOL... I was not living on my own because of a bad reason, I just didn't need to live at home anymore so I had a decent relationship with my parents and they supported me going. I will say that when I decided to re-enlist after a very long break my wife was not as enthusiastic lol... She keeps a count down to my retirement...

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Oct 4 at 2021 4:24 PM

2021-10-04T16:24:54-04:00

I told my mother I was joining the night before the recruiter came to have her sign the paper at 0545 the next morning. I was seventeen so she had to sign and he took down her divorce number because she had sole custody of me. I told my girlfriend about a week before I was thinking of joining. She backed me on my decision. (But then dumped me when I was overseas! Oh well, $hit happens!)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2021 8:21 PM

2021-10-04T20:21:47-04:00

I didn't the second time. Only my dad. Figured it was about me, no one else.
Dad was 100% behind me. Finally got out a few months later.
My older brother immediately joined the A.F. reserves as a Captain because he was a nurse. And because he wanted attention. That ended in a mess for him. He wasn't committed to the military.
Now 16 years later, I still am.

Response by SSG Christopher Conklin made Oct 4 at 2021 8:46 PM

2021-10-04T20:46:55-04:00

Here my story it very true. I told my dad a retired marine, that he was very happy for me. The sad part for dad was I joined the Army Natl. guard. He was still happy for I joined any force. I, told my girl friend, who has been with me for 33 years now. I, know told my mom. Here what about week 4 of B.T. I, was told get the TOP right away. I get there and my three D.I. , my company commander, TOP, and my senior D.I were all there. I was told to pick up the phone when it rang. I gave the greeting of day and the next words out my mouth mom. I paid for the for the next 30 mins.

Response by SGT Michael Brand made Oct 5 at 2021 10:37 PM

2021-10-05T22:37:01-04:00

My dad was a WWII Army veteran (artillery), and I always liked watching war/military movies on TV; so, it was no surprise to my family when I decided to enlist in the Army toward the end of high school (although my dad actually encouraged me to go to college instead, which I eventually did after getting out of the Army by using the VEAP).

Response by SFC Kandi Temple made Oct 6 at 2021 9:31 AM

2021-10-06T09:31:16-04:00

I just told them. My "best friend" ignored me for about 7 years until she needed money. I didn't have a good relationship with my family. My manager and regional manager told me to tell them when I got out so they could rehire me. They were probably the most devastated. This was in 2000, so it wasn't a big deal. Going to Korea then to Iraq after enlistment sure changed the way people, especially my parents, treated me.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Oct 7 at 2021 8:37 AM

2021-10-07T08:37:05-04:00

I was 18 years old amd graducated from high school in May. In Sept. I was working as a permit Ironworker. My best friend and me checked in with the selictive board (One old lady in my county) and found out that we would probably be drafted soon, so we both volunteered for the draft for the Army that day My mom was really pissed off as was his mom. My mom blamed him and his mom blamed me. The Army was only 2 years. I figured that since I survived 8 years of grade school with nuns, I could handle 2 years in the Army with no problems. Vietnam was another case though. I went to Vietnam as a grunt and he ended up in Germany. The placements were due Alphabetical order. We are both OK in our 70's and live in the same town so I guess it all turned out OK.

Response by Cpl Raymond Wiltshire made Oct 7 at 2021 2:16 PM

2021-10-07T14:16:26-04:00

My father and his two brothers went down to join just after Dec 7, 1941. The youngest brother was 14, they told him to "go home". The middle brother ended up in the Navy (Aunt was already a navy nurse). They looked at my dad and told him he had TB and needed to get to a hospital where he spent the next few years. My parent push me to go to college, not something I wanted nor was I ready for. I did 1 1/2 years in college and dropped out. Next stop was to the recruiter and I joined the Corps. When I went home and informed my parents the shit hit the fan. This was Feb 1968, just after TET and the Pueblo being captured. But I was 19 at the time, had already signed my papers and they could not do anything. It was a time of politicaly dysfunctional activation, but my country was asking for my help and I felt it was not only my duty but my responsibility
Best decision I have ever made in my life - Semper Fi!.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2021 3:42 PM

2021-10-07T15:42:15-04:00

Uncle Sam told them for me... I just responded rather than going to Canada...

Response by SPC Gerald Freed made Oct 7 at 2021 3:58 PM

2021-10-07T15:58:00-04:00

I was #2 in the 1971-1972 Draft. So I became a "Draft Motivated Volunteer"
I then enlisted the the Army.... I then told my Mom & Dad what I had done. (I was already 18) They ever believed me, until the Army Recruter called my Mom and asked her if she had any questions about my enlistment.. The she said "You Joined The Army" I said that I told her that I did... Graduated June 10, 1972 and reported to Ft.Knoxon June 14, 1972.. The rest is history..

Response by SPC John Tsutsui made Oct 8 at 2021 12:01 PM

2021-10-08T12:01:04-04:00

I was 17 years old and decided it was time to move on from high school. I considered joining the Navy being from San Diego but chose the Army to honor my father. I couldn't have made him any more proud. My dad was a highly decorated WWll Army Veteran of the famed 442 RCT. I made the right choice and never looked back.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2021 10:38 AM

2021-10-09T10:38:42-04:00

My dad was laying in a hospital bed at Walter Reed, and my mom was in Bethesda with him. I was back home in Fayetteville, making moves of my own, like the typical stupid 19 year old. I called my mom one Tuesday night and told her I just signed my contract and I was leaving on September 3rd (2 weeks later). She cried. My dad told me I was being foolish for rushing to process (I had a baby on the way, and felt like I needed to). My sister said I was gonna die if I deployed. And my brother basically called me an idiot for enlisting to begin with. But it was always my dream. So I made a trip up to Bethesda to see my dad 2 weeks beforehand, and then shipped out. The next time I saw my dad, he was in his dress blues, green beret standing out like a sore thumb amongst the brown-rounds, and all his shiny dangly bits gleaming. I had asked him to wear his blues to don my Infantry Cord, and while he told me he couldn't, due to his legs being swollen, so he couldn't get into his boots, he somehow managed it. Definitely an incredible moment.

To be fair, I had never even seen his dress uniform and would have sworn he didn't have one, so when I saw the stripes, I snapped to parade rest before I realized it was my dad, and he threatened to kick me in the chest in front of everyone if I didn't relax. Hahahahahaha. Good times. Then, my Senior Drill, who didn't believe that my dad was who I said he was, just kinda stood there shocked and my Lead Drill snaps to parade rest and says "holy shit, Private, you weren't kidding" and just gawked at my dad for a minute before walking away. 10/10 would go back and do it all over again.

Response by PO1 Don Uhrig made Oct 9 at 2021 3:50 PM

2021-10-09T15:50:21-04:00

I remember my older brother being in denial and offering to go with me to the recruiter and tell them I made a mistake. Twenty years later at my retirement ceremony from the Navy he was crying with joy over my achievements and the fact that I would start collecting a retirement at a very young age (and a multitude of other benefits).

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2021 7:54 PM

2021-10-09T19:54:16-04:00

I'm from a very (very) small town, and my recruiter was from the same one, so I actually knew him fairly well. I goofed off too much in high school to get a scholarship, and rather than rack up a lot of debt (and to get out of said very small town), I talked to the recruiter one day, and my family hosted his for dinner. Not long after that I signed up. I was 17 at the time, so I needed parental consent to sign up. I don't really recall any standout conversations, other than my dad saying "This all sounds good - sign me up too!" and my whole family - who can trace their military roots back to (at least) World War I - being proud of me.

Response by MCPO Hilary Kunz made Oct 11 at 2021 12:26 PM

2021-10-11T12:26:03-04:00

It was my dad’s idea to go check out the recruiting office. I’d dropped out of college and the farm wouldn’t support two families, so I needed to find employment, hopefully one that didn’t involve smelling like diesel. (I was the farm mechanic, came home on leave to repair equipment, but didn’t want the smell forever).
I went to see about working on airplanes, but the Air Force guy was out to lunch, so the Navy recruiter showed me how the Navy had more airplanes. Dad was a Navy veteran, so I followed his footsteps.
I told them every step of the way, test for that, medical exam for this…
They were supportive and proud, made sure everyone in our small town knew. There was a Mass for me.
Funny thing, JP5 and Diesel Fuel Marine smell just like #2 diesel…

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Oct 12 at 2021 9:43 AM

2021-10-12T09:43:41-04:00

I do not think there was much to tell my parents as I grew up watching war movies and standing for the National Anthem when played on TV. I asked my parents to sign for me to enlist in the national guard and the rest is history. It worked out well for my parents as they have been to Germany, England, France, Hawaii, and my Mother Korea.

Response by SP5 Walter Mearkle made Oct 12 at 2021 4:11 PM

2021-10-12T16:11:52-04:00

I had no choice! In 1962 I had just graduated from college. I was single, not a teacher, and not being disabled nor did I have flat feet or "heel spurs". There was a little thing going on then called the DRAFT. So, rather than taking pot luck, I enlisted because the Army recruiter said I could choose the Branch and possible specialty. He was correct. I became an Army, Linguist, Korean language and culture. The Korean War had been over for 10 years so the duty there wasn't all that bad, considering. During my time in Korea, the Viet Nam "Stuff Hit the Fan" and my enlistment was up so I got out.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Oct 12 at 2021 6:13 PM

2021-10-12T18:13:30-04:00

Thank you!

Response by PO1 James Akins made Oct 13 at 2021 10:18 PM

2021-10-13T22:18:24-04:00

I had a younger brother go into the "Navy" a year before I went in and he told my parents about it just before he went to leave before boot camp, my mom and stepfather was really supportive about what he was going to do even with the short notice. I want to fast forward a year, my best friend and I was bowling, between games he suggested that we check-out the military recruiters, we settled on the "Navy" recruiter and before we knew it we were enlisted and on our way to boot camp in "Great Lakes, Illinois" to start my military adventure. We signed on as the buddy system, went to boot camp together but ended up at different east coast naval installations. My best friends mom was really supportive because he had an older brother serving in the "Army" at that time and felt it was a good direction for him. I on the other hand my parents especially my mom didn't understand why I chose the military over going to college, well my grades weren't that good and I was tired of high school or school of any kind at that time and just wanted to do something else interesting. I made my mother understand that it was the best path for me at the time and it was only for three years because I went in as a three by six, which was three years active and three years active reserve. My best friend and I had a close circle of friends and they were cool with it and my other friend from high school was proud I went in because he went into the "Marines" following in the family footsteps.
I served fourteen years in the "Navy" and my parents were very supportive after that, my mom even talked me to back into the "Navy" after I got out after three years because the economy wasn't that good and it would be better for me. The one thing that did work out for me was without knowing it I got stationed on the same ship as my younger brother, that made my mom happy because she knew we would look out for each other.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2021 3:28 PM

2021-10-14T15:28:11-04:00

RallyPoint News the only one I heard from was Uncle Sam...

Response by MSG Kevin Elliott made Oct 14 at 2021 7:40 PM

2021-10-14T19:40:41-04:00

Only my grandmother and grandfather knew I was going to Basic. All the rest of my family knew was that I was going somewhere. I had worked on offshore oil rigs, so everyone was used to me being gone for a while. I wrote everyone while I was in Basic, using the special writing paper and envelopes to let them know that I was at Fort Benning and that I would be going to Germany.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Oct 15 at 2021 11:06 AM

2021-10-15T11:06:23-04:00

I went to my home town after basic training allowing my haircut and dufflebag tell the story. Bisited with friends and went off to my first duty assignment. I did not return to that town again ever. I did visit Family intermittently throughout the years.

Response by SGT William Starks made Oct 15 at 2021 4:42 PM

2021-10-15T16:42:10-04:00

I didn't tell anyone. I went to each of the recruiters and had them pitch me what they had. I had in mind 3 jobs but none of them were readily available after basic but for some reason the job of being a Tank Crewman really appealed to me, so I signed up. My Dad (WW2/Korea) took it hard because my ASVAB scores allowed me almost any job I wanted in the military and he always wanted me in the Air Force.. "Work smart son, not hard."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2021 8:23 AM

2021-10-16T08:23:39-04:00

I told my parents and they took it well. When I told my grandfather I did not get the reaction I thought. He burst into tears, grabbed be, and held me for a long time without speaking. I had never gotten that kind of recognition before it since.

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Oct 16 at 2021 9:25 AM

2021-10-16T09:25:06-04:00

It was an easy decision for me. I didn’t want to be drafted and because I’d had student deferments since graduating from high school in 1959, I knew I was prime meat for the draft. When I dropped out of graduate school in 1964, my name went to the top of my he list for the draft. I called the lady who chaired Draft Board Number 10 in San Antonio and asked her when she thought she might call me up. Mrs. Ford was very nice and said that she had filled her quota for the next month (October 1965), she would probably call me up in November. I asked her if I could enlist before then, so I could choose my own time for leaving my job and make plans for my wife at the time to return to her parents’ home in Edinburg Scotland. I was on a training program with a unit of Air Force Intelligence. She said hat would be just fine, and asked me to inform her when I decided to enlist. So I shopped around for a commissioning program and took the entrance exams for the AIr Force, Navy and Army; when I passed all three, I asked the recruiters for each how long I would have to serve on active duty. The Air Force recruiter said I would need to spend four years and four months; the navy recruiter said I would need to spend four years and ten months on active duty, that it would include aviator training at NAS Pensacola. The Army recruiter said I would need to spend two years and ten months on active duty and if I chose a combat arm (Armor, Artillery or Infantry, he could guarantee me a class date for OCS. The civilian personnel office at my agency said I could be absent from my position for four years and have re-employment rights when I returned. I didn’t want to haul cannons around a battlefield and didn’t think I would fit in a tank because of my height (6’3”) so please sign me up for the Infantry. That’s what I did and have no regrets at all. And when I completed my twelve month combat tour in Vietnam, I was released from active duty and returned to my civilian job with Air Force Intelligence. It all worked exactly as the Army recruiter had promised. (The only wrinkles occurred with my wife at the time: she filed for divorce two days after I returned and my training position with Air Force Intelligence had been transferred to the National Security Agency at Ft Meade Maryland; my wife at the time withdrew her divorce filing two weeks before it was to be finalized and my my old boss at Air Force Intelligence found another job for me in the San Antonio office at Kelly AFB. So it all worked out just fine.)

Response by PO1 Todd McMillin made Oct 16 at 2021 6:48 PM

2021-10-16T18:48:42-04:00

When I was looking to join the military (1988) my mother who wanted me to go to college/university and join the FBI/DoJ instead as she worked for J. Edgar Hoover himself. While my father and most of my male relatives had served in the military in some fashion. I turned down working for the Air Force/CIA due to morality issues (I have them and would rather know that I wasn't part of the War Mongers and War Profiteers).

Even back then I knew that working for the US Navy was a morally correct thing to do. I followed in the footsteps of my father and other good men who wore Crackerjacks. The Air Force/CIA had too many things going on that pointed to darker things on the horizon even back then under the #ErrorofReagan and the Bush Crime Clan. With the fallout of the Iran-Contra scandal and then first attack on the WTC; I feared that the future was going to be all about the Middle East when I was going through my first two enlistments.

The things I know now vs then also had made me believe that the shift of preparing for long term wars in the Middle East were shifting under the Clinton Syndicate and other War Profiteers including the build up of bases that were support sites overseas. The fact that Haliburton and other Military Industrial Corporations had been shifting resources for possible perpetual wars there.

Response by PO1 Howard Barnes made Oct 16 at 2021 8:54 PM

2021-10-16T20:54:06-04:00

My Dad was a WWII Army Vet, my older Brother was an Army Vet (possibly Vietnam) I just told them I was Joining the Navy. They were happy for me. For me I was getting out of the Boondocks to make something of my life.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2021 6:28 PM

2021-10-17T18:28:05-04:00

Me: "I joined the Army."
Dad: "Ok."

My oldest brother had done 3 years active and was in the Reserves at the time. One younger brother is National Guard and went to basic a year before I did and is still Guard. We deployed in 05-06 to Iraq around the same time.

I was in DEP for a year and a half. I joined when they had this program called "College First" which you could get $250 a month stipend the first year, $350 the second year and you just had to join after college - and I got college loan repayment.

Response by MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2021 10:38 PM

2021-10-17T22:38:20-04:00

My family always knew I was joining the military, but they always thought it would be the Navy. I just joined the "Men's Department" of the Navy. A lot were shocked because the Marines are so tough but I was excited for the challenge. How most people found out was when my hometown paper did an article on me and I was on the front page. THEN I got a lot of inquiries and questions. LOL. The conversations I remember the most are from family members and friends who were former Marines or in the Air Force. The Marines kept telling me to always remember that Boot Camp is just a game so don't lose my head, and the Air Force guys kept trying to convince me that I was becoming the lowest of the low: An Enlisted Marine. Of course, they were the most impressed and proud after I graduated and came home. I even got a couple of them offering me their daughters in marriage. LOL!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2021 8:03 AM

2021-10-18T08:03:20-04:00

I talked to recruiter of all branches once I figured out which one I wanted to join, I went home with all the paperwork and asked my Dad to sign as I joined when I was 17. Never really a discussion

Response by CMSgt Marcus Falleaf made Oct 18 at 2021 8:23 AM

2021-10-18T08:23:23-04:00

I made the mandatory call from MCRD, San Diego. My mom didn't believe me. I had almost joined 6-months earlier and my recruiter still had my paperwork. I called him, he said the bus leaves in the morning and I was gone. I still dream about the yellow footprints.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Oct 18 at 2021 10:50 AM

2021-10-18T10:50:43-04:00

Pretty much a foregone conclusion since I was in Air Force ROTC during my 4 years of college. No need to discuss the obvious but we did discuss staying in college kept me from being drafted.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 18 at 2021 2:19 PM

2021-10-18T14:19:01-04:00

Oddly enough my conversation about joining revolved more around football than actually military service. Just about all the males on both sides of my family served in one branch or the other. Some in two branches so joining the military was somewhat expected. It was around the seventh grade where the conversation began with a lot of talk regarding branch and path. However in 1985 Air Force football was 12-1 and ranked 5th in the country so in deciding to go either Army via West Point or Air Force by way of the USAFA I really owe it to Coach Fisher DeBerry in wooing me to attend the Air Force Academy.

Response by A1C Joseph Copeland made Oct 18 at 2021 3:37 PM

2021-10-18T15:37:06-04:00

I don't believe I didnt. I just left

Response by Sgt Wayland Burton made Oct 18 at 2021 4:49 PM

2021-10-18T16:49:29-04:00

I was a Vietnam Veteran. Discussions about the war were carried on almost daily. My older brother had been drafted and as I approached graduation from high school, I investigated volunteering. My interest had always been the Air Force every since I saw. John Garfield in a movie of the same name, Air Force. I wanted to study engineering and Electronic Warfare gave me the opportunity to do just that, I have an Engineer degree, a Business degree, and a MBA in public administration. I also served as a Contract Administrator purchasing new weapons systems from various contractors for 36 years with the Defense Contract Management Agency.

Response by SPC Carlton Phelps made Oct 18 at 2021 4:54 PM

2021-10-18T16:54:10-04:00

Nothing special. It was expected that I would join. I tried to join when I was 17 but my parents wouldn't sign off. My cousin, Luther Wheeler, Agent Orange killed him last year, told me to keep my mouth shut, never volunteer for anything, and if I went to Nam, keep my frigging head down. I'm 6'4".

Response by SGT James Bradley made Oct 18 at 2021 5:13 PM

2021-10-18T17:13:39-04:00

Question does not apply to my situation - I was conscripted on my 22nd birthday!!!

Response by SGT Michael Buckley made Oct 18 at 2021 7:22 PM

2021-10-18T19:22:22-04:00

I didn't tell them until a couple hours before I left for basic training. I did not need the negative feedback from my brothers or to see the worry in my mother's eyes. It was the best decision I've ever made!

Response by FN Steve Heglmeier made Oct 18 at 2021 7:25 PM

2021-10-18T19:25:25-04:00

My dad had been in the AF, but both of them wanted me to finish college first. The recruiter came to my house to explain to them in the Nuclear program not only would I go in at a higher rank, but I would get college level education and they wouldn't have to pay for it. They said if it's what I want to do then they support my decision.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 19 at 2021 12:10 AM

2021-10-19T00:10:11-04:00

It wasn't a single point in time. There was plenty of lead up. My parents and I always discussed what I thought I would do with myself after I graduated from High School. My plan morphed here and there, but I was going to become and engineer and earn an Army commission.

My Mom, less than enthusiastic about the prospect, morphed into tacit acceptance.

My Dad had served in the Air Force for one enlistment during the Vietnam War. He was practical about it. His advice was to go to college and earn a commission AND to make sure that I was all in. No turning back once you pull the pin. His other advice was that if I was going to stay any longer than my initial obligation that I stay for 20 years. He kicked himself for not staying in and earning the retirement. He also was making this decision in 1971, Vietnam still going, with a new born at home and craptasstic re-enlistment options.

The remainder of my family cautiously celebrated my success in pulling down a scholarship and later commissioning. Many Uncles served in various branches.

I am from metro Boston and my family's friends questioned the decision and my decision to continue serving. One remarking: "Jason you are so smart, you have everything going for you. why would you stay in the Army?" oblivious to the fact they just paid for me to go to grad school and earn a masters.

The only bone of contention was whether to enlist in the Guard or Reserve first. I was on short final to enlisting in the USMC Reserve but I received my Army ROTC Scholarship and notification that I could NOT enlist and accept the scholarship. That sealed that decision upon receipt...at least for me and the majority of the free world minus Staff Sergeant Defreitas, the USMC Recruiter. He would call my house with the tenacity and commitment of a religious zealot for the next 5 years. I had to call him and tell him to stop calling. He did not seem to get it even though I identified my self as Lieutenant Mackay, US Army. I'd been on Active Duty about a year at that point. "No, I will not be enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserve, nor will that change anytime soon. I don't live at this address nor have this phone number anymore. I am disqualified due to the fact that I am commissioned in another branch" Defreitas: "Ok, Jason. Let me know if you change your mind." Me: "I will not, and this is Lieutenant Mackay. Have a good day."

How you break that news is up to you, as you know your audience better than others. I strongly advise the "rip off the band aid" technique. I would also say they need to hear it directly from you. Be resolute and don't waffle. If you appear unsure, this makes the antenna go up. I also recommend that it not be a single conversation, even if your friends/family are non-supportive. The more impulsive and ill-thought through your decision appears, the more resistance you'll get. At the end, it doesn't matter. If you're 18, willing, and qualified, there is not much to be said. I recommend researching it extensively and answering your questions and those of your immediate family. Not that they need to be satisfied, but simply so you don't leave scorched earth behind you by easing their fears. Most parents are afraid that you'll be hurt/killed, they also fill in the blanks from TV and Movies where they have no experience. What could go wrong there? Fill in the blanks with facts. The most challenging parent will be one with a DD214 who may not have had a great service experience. Ignore the fact that it may be from the 1980s, but understand that will likely be the dominant voice in the room. No tactics, just be prepared for that. There may or may not be family and friends upset by your decision for any number of reasons, but at the end of the day it is up to you.

Response by SFC Kevin Stampfly made Oct 21 at 2021 7:23 PM

2021-10-21T19:23:14-04:00

I had been out of the house for about two years, before I spoke to a recruiter and signed up shortly after Sept 11th, 2001 to join the National Guard. A year and a half later I joined the Active Duty Army and never looked back. They never questioned my intentions or reasons for joining, I always had their support.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Oct 22 at 2021 7:00 AM

2021-10-22T07:00:09-04:00

I just walked into the house, told my parents that I had taken the entry test and enlisted with the MIARNG and would be going to basic the following year after graduation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2021 10:14 AM

2021-10-22T10:14:46-04:00

I joined the Army in 1980 when I was twenty. I had more experience with people than most recruits. I was in delayed entry, and I deliberately joined during the Iran hostage. My mother and grandmothers were fine with it because they were mothers and wives during war times. My father was hesitant to see me go because I was very stubborn, rebellious, and aggressive. He was concerned I was not a good fit for the military. (He was a veteran during the Korean war era).

My grandfather was 6'3" and a muscular 280 pound rubber worker. When I went back to Ohio to visit before basic training, I went to see my grandfather. He wept. My grandfather was a hard man, short tempered, and quick to fight. I don't think anyone ever saw him cry.

Response by SSG Rafael R. Rodriguez Sr. made Oct 22 at 2021 12:19 PM

2021-10-22T12:19:38-04:00

Well I thought I was going to have a 1 year vacation when I graduated High School. But my Dad had other plans. He told me to find a full-time job, go to College full-time, or join the Military. He kept trying to convince me to go to college. My mind was not into it at that time. So I did work around the house, and dug some holes in the backyard for my dad. He asked me to dig 3 holes, 2ft Wide X 3ft deep to plant some trees. Digging the holes I received blisters on my hands and sweated alot. My Dad told me get use to it because that is hard honest work, but if I went to College, I can get a better paying job without working so hard. So needless to say, I ended up joining the U.S. Army, and went to College on Uncle Sam's dime. Received two Bachelor Degrees and used them for better employment opportunities. Also able to travel to different countries and see the world and experience various customs and cultures. When stationed in Korea, I was able to teach English to Business professional at night as a part-time gig.
Every once in a while or during family/holiday gatherings the subject always comes up about me being so rebellious towards my Mom and Dad. Now with the experience nd knowledge I have today I had to go thru this same situation with my kids and my grandkids. Funny how life comes to a full circle!

Response by SGT Ann Gardner made Oct 22 at 2021 6:38 PM

2021-10-22T18:38:18-04:00

I told my mother, "you know how we are both patriotic and really enjoy the music,...well I joined the Army!" Her response was not one of the ones I was hoping for, "what are you freaking crazy?" Crazy or not I am proud, thankful for the opportunity, and have no regrets what-so-ever! I feel that training helped me to be a better person.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Oct 22 at 2021 6:59 PM

2021-10-22T18:59:28-04:00

I knew when I was six that I was going into the military. I just didn't know when. After watching an episode of G.I. Joe, I'd made up my mind to try and be like them. I told my parents (my dad served in MIG Alley and Vietnam in the Army) and my grandparents (both of my grandfathers are Montford Point Marines) and they all just laughed it off. So it was a bit of a surprise to them when I came home Christmas of 2000 in my Class As and maroon beret. My dad was proud, his dad was suffering from dementia so I don't know if he had an opinion, and my mom's dad glared at me a little (I'm sure it was an Army vs. Marine thing). However, my mom's dad respected me after I returned from deployment alive...especially when he'd heard what I had survived.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2021 7:17 PM

2021-10-22T19:17:24-04:00

I was 17 and needed their permission. Told them what I wanted to do and why.

Response by PO1 Frank Reiffenstein made Oct 22 at 2021 7:30 PM

2021-10-22T19:30:07-04:00

Was at my friends house talking to his dad who was a retired Master Chief. We talked about this and that. When I got home I told my Mom and Dad that I planned on enlisting in the Navy. They weren't too sure about the idea,but they were behind my decision. By the way I retired with 20 years. SH1(SW) I was lucky that my my Mom was able to be at my retirement.

Response by SPC David Laden made Oct 22 at 2021 7:38 PM

2021-10-22T19:38:38-04:00

Parents had one of my WWII vet uncles try and talk me out of it.
Didn't work.

Response by SN Orrin Donohoe made Oct 22 at 2021 7:47 PM

2021-10-22T19:47:15-04:00

I simply told them----I was not use to asking-----that later changed

Response by SGT Robert Bird made Oct 22 at 2021 7:51 PM

2021-10-22T19:51:25-04:00

I just asked to join. My parents were all for it after all my dad was in the Korean war. I also just about every uncle on both sides of my family were in one of all the was that came before. I join the Army Reserve on my 17 birthday. Took my basic my between 11th grade and 12th. After I graduated high school took my AIT. Meet my first wife in the Reserves. She herself was in the Army Reserve in the office. I talk are oldest son to join the Army. But he was KIA Nov 12 2007. Was asked if had to do it all over would I have talked him in to joining told them yes because it was up to him to make his mine up because we couldn't sign his papers to join.

Response by PFC Teresa Rademacher made Oct 22 at 2021 7:51 PM

2021-10-22T19:51:46-04:00

Once I decided to join, there was no stopping me. My father had other ideas but was supportive of my decision. I guess it was not hat remarkable

Response by PVT Michele Bowman made Oct 22 at 2021 8:25 PM

2021-10-22T20:25:17-04:00

I just came home and told my mom and she said "you ain't gonna make it because of your mouth" and I said "yes I will!" And I did. Though my mouth was something I quickly learned to zip it as those push-ups were no joke. I am one who enjoys a challenge; like don't tell me I can't because then I have to show you I CAN!!

Response by LTC Philip Marlowe made Oct 22 at 2021 8:27 PM

2021-10-22T20:27:27-04:00

I didn't have a problem. In fact, about a week after I graduated High School in December 1969, I was driving my father home from work and he said: "SO, son, now that you're a high school graduate, what's the plan'? I said I'd like to go to College. His response was, that's a great idea - whose paying for it? I said, dad, you know my grandparents told me they saved $30K to pay for it. He responded by saying, 'they sure did, BUT whose paying for it"? I thought about it - but not very long when I said: "I'm thinking about joining the Air Force." and he looked over at me, got VERY serious and said: "When the F**K are you leaving?" I was gone within 30 days. SO no problem there AND I never looked back! OH and that $30K my grandparents saved up for me? In the end, my dad inherited it after my grandparents passed away and bought a new car. However, by then I had a BS and an MBA - both of which I EARNED through my 40+ years of service to our country! Wouldn't have had it ANY OTHER WAY.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Oct 22 at 2021 8:29 PM

2021-10-22T20:29:21-04:00

I got a job and I won't be drafted. I leave for Texas in two weeks. No discussion; just "..Oh..."

Response by SFC Zena Taylor-Reid made Oct 22 at 2021 8:35 PM

2021-10-22T20:35:58-04:00

It wasn't hard at all. I just told them and after graduating high school I signed up. Everybody was on board with my decision.

Response by LCDR Diane Neff made Oct 22 at 2021 8:38 PM

2021-10-22T20:38:59-04:00

My parents knew I was planning something different because I was unhappy with my current job, but never expected me to join the Navy. I sat down with them on my birthday to let them know. The first thing my mother said was "Don't come home." Relax, everyone, this was just her way of saying that they would come visit me in different places rather than me needing to come home on leave to see the same things and people I'd been around my whole life. They were very supportive although shocked!

Response by SSG Deborah Mcneil made Oct 22 at 2021 8:39 PM

2021-10-22T20:39:09-04:00

My parents were prior Navy during the Bay of Pigs. I was recently separated from my husband and didn't have a job good enough to be able to get into college. I wanted to follow in my dad's footsteps at his then current career working for the FAA. So I tried to join the Airforce because they had better training, better living and working conditions than the other services. However I had a traffic ticket that I had to pay a $100 fine and the Airforce couldn't waiver that for entry. One penny less and I would've had no problem. So I went with Army Air Traffic Control. They had a really nice college kicker at the time which I used to pay for an AS in Environmental Science. I spent 6 years on Active Duty. I loved my job but not the administrative side of things. I did end up retiring out of the Army National Guard.

Response by SSG Roger Christiansen made Oct 22 at 2021 8:39 PM

2021-10-22T20:39:42-04:00

For me it was very simple. It was back in the 70's & I told them I was drafted, lol. Seriously though, I did come in during the 70's but the draft had just ended a year or so before (1973). Times were different back then, parents, friends, co-workers mostly "expected" folks to go in the military - unless your parents were part of the anti-military group.

Response by SGT John Alexander made Oct 22 at 2021 8:54 PM

2021-10-22T20:54:53-04:00

I was in the 11th grade in 1980. Going to school in the morning and working until 11pm at 17 years old.
One day the recruiters came to my school to do asvab testing. After I got my score, I went home and told my Family, The recruiter is coming after dinner tonight to get your signature so I can join the Army. My mom almost fainted. My Dad said Bulls#1t. 10 minutes later..... Recruiter rings the doorbell. 2 weeks later, off to basic.

Response by LCDR Mike Walker made Oct 22 at 2021 9:09 PM

2021-10-22T21:09:00-04:00

There really wasn't much surprise to my decision. My Dad was an Army Air Corps/Air Force veteran of WWll, Korea and Vietnam. The only part of the discussion involved the branch. He knew I was looking to further my education and suggested the Navy. His reasoning was that when the Air Force ran out of schools to send him to, they sent him to Navy schools.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2021 9:14 PM

2021-10-22T21:14:07-04:00

I had to make a change in living conditions. It got to the point that every time my Dad was home I was picking myself up off the floor every ten to fifteen minutes, soooo..... My parents were divorced and I was 17, so I needed a parent to sign the papers. I got my Mom fairly sobered up and she signed for me. The recruiter called my Dad anyway (Army 1SG) out of courtesy and I was at the recruiters office when he showed up. He ignored me, talked to the recruiter, and then asked me if I was sure that this is what I wanted. I said yes and he asked why. I replied I would either learn or die, and he said that's true. Fair enough. Thanked the recruiter and left. The recruiter asked me if he was going to give me a ride home, I said you misunderstand, he just said goodbye, he doesn't expect me to be back at all. And I wasn't for three years. I spent almost fourteen years in the Army, made Sergeant First Class and Reserve 1LT. My only regret was I was pushed for a bit to attend the US Preparatory School in order to go to West Point, but I just wasn't ready for college. I had to do it the hard way, one class at a time at night. I loved serving and would've stayed a full thirty if I could have, but disability sent me out. But lord I do miss it.

Response by SPC Bill Bailey made Oct 22 at 2021 9:24 PM

2021-10-22T21:24:14-04:00

I was a Vietnam draft dogger, I enlisted to avoid the draft before I got my draft notice. I just went down and enlisted, then went home and told my folks. My mom was a little worried, my Dad, a WW 1 vet, was proud. By enlisting I got my MOS (Armor) and choice of duty station (Germany) and avoided the paddies. Did I chickenshit out, yeah, I guess, but I didn't run for the border and it was still a gamble, the Big Green Machine could have still sent me to Nam. I made the system work for me at the cost of 3 years instead of 2. I'm still proud of my Service and pay all those who did serve in Nam the utmost respect.

Response by SSG Steven Gotz made Oct 22 at 2021 9:40 PM

2021-10-22T21:40:34-04:00

It was easy. I was 25 years old. I called home, asked my father if I could store my car at their place, and took off for basic. No fuss, no muss.

They knew I was unhappy with my life and felt something was missing. My father served in the Navy in WWII so he had no problem with it.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Oct 22 at 2021 9:43 PM

2021-10-22T21:43:36-04:00

Mom, I am spending the night in Mechanicsburg and leaving in the morning for Fort Knox. Well you signed the papers so I could join. It was not my fault you didn’t think I would do it…..

Response by SGT Lisa Mayne made Oct 22 at 2021 9:53 PM

2021-10-22T21:53:03-04:00

Nobody believed me at all-nobody!

Response by CPO Cory Cook made Oct 22 at 2021 10:11 PM

2021-10-22T22:11:04-04:00

Vietnam draft settled that part, but I know my dad II/Korea era did not like the navy. I always dreamed of going to sea and seeing different places. Then at a friends/family picnic, I revealed to my dad's best friend that I qualified for advanced training and had signed the two-year extension for a total of 6.........Didn't go over good at all.

Response by PO3 Dan Shaw made Oct 22 at 2021 10:17 PM

2021-10-22T22:17:50-04:00

I simple said I need a change in my life and I think the military can help me

Response by 1st Lt James Lipski made Oct 22 at 2021 10:22 PM

2021-10-22T22:22:22-04:00

During my senior year in high school I made the decision to try to get an appointment to the Air Force Academy. Both my parents told me to go for it. They were proud that I had such a goal. With the help of the school's guidance counselor I found out the list of what I had to do. My SAT scores were good, my grades were good. Then I had to go to Michigan State University to interview with an Air Force Colonel. This was my first really important interview and I was nervous as can be. I did not do well at all. A few weeks later I got an official rejection letter.

While at MSU I really liked what I saw of the campus and the AFROTC program. Since the Academy was a no go I applied to MSU as a student. I got accepted and right away joined the AFROTC program. I never looked back. Got my commission in 1985 and asked my parents to pin on my butter bars at the commencement ceremony. My dad (a Korean War Navy vet) told his buddies at the local VFW pinning that bar on me was one of the proudest moments of his life.

Response by SGM Willie Sanderson made Oct 22 at 2021 10:32 PM

2021-10-22T22:32:04-04:00

I did not join initially. I was drafted June 30, 1969. I have shared that info before with RP. We were all scared kids and Vietnam was sending soldiers home in a box by the 100s each week. My Mother was probably more worried than I was and my Father was a proud southern man and knew what I was facing and he kept his emotions in check. All he said to me on the day he took me to catch the bus to the reception station was that my country needed my help and my faith and abilities would protect me as long as I watched, listened and learned from my NCOs. He shook my hand smiled and said take care and he would see me soon.

Response by Sgt Terry Rizzuti made Oct 22 at 2021 10:43 PM

2021-10-22T22:43:17-04:00

April 6, 1966, I called home from The University of Oklahoma: Mom, I thought you should know I dropped out of school yesterday and joined the Marine Corps this morning. I leave for boot camp in San Diego on May 2nd.
My god, how could you? she said.
What’s going on? my dad said in the background.
Your son has dropped out and joined the Marines.
Stupido! Stupido! my WWII Army dad said, I told him to join the Air Force or Navy,

Response by SSgt Laurence Rose made Oct 22 at 2021 10:47 PM

2021-10-22T22:47:46-04:00

I graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in Bay Ridge Brooklyn in 1979. By 1981 I was working overnights as a security guard at the local old folks home. The possibilities for my future were endless! Oh sorry, did I say endless... I meant ended! My second to next oldest brother was already in the Air Force. When I told him I was joining the Air Force, he said "Don't volunteer for anything"! Hmmm, tell my recruiter that! Anyway, when I told a friend of mine who was 10 years older than me and was flipping houses, his quote, that sticks with me to this day was..."You're joining the military? That's worse than being on welfare"! Well needless to say, he got wealthy, and I got a wealth of knowledge and self-pride that I would never have been gifted to me, had I stayed in my sleepy little town (of 2 million residents) of Brooklyn, NY. Blessedly, I went on to work for Boeing, building the new 747-400s in the suburbs of Seattle, WA. and then rebuilding F-14s and EA6Bs in St. Augustine, Fl. for Northrop/Grumman and the U.S. Navy. (As an aside, My recruiter said, "I mean, this is the Airforce, if you sign up for Open Mechanics. What else are you going to get, but aircraft mechanic." SO...a year and a half later, I'm hanging in a cage, inside a steel and concrete silo, 90 feet above the 4 nozzles of a MMIII missile, in 65 below weather and 12 feet of snow, and I thought "yeah, don't volunteer for anything!" Truly though, It is what defined my being.

Response by SGT Patrick Sullivan made Oct 22 at 2021 10:58 PM

2021-10-22T22:58:47-04:00

I was in love. I didn't have time for college. For a "White Collar" job. I wanted to live my life, now ! I needed to start my life with my love of 42 years. The military life made that possible for this young, ignorant, arrogant .... kid.
It was the best job I ever had !

Response by SSgt Tim Self made Oct 22 at 2021 11:05 PM

2021-10-22T23:05:03-04:00

Nov '76, 17 yrs old and old GI Bill goes out 12-31-76. Told my Dad I was joining and would be better if he signed so if get this benefits or if just do it on my birthday in January. He signed and I joined the Marine Corps.

Response by SPC Will Thorson made Oct 23 at 2021 12:14 AM

2021-10-23T00:14:45-04:00

My dad served for 27 years in the Air Force. He was proud I went in, not so much the Army and definitely not the infantry. Lol. But my friends were all for it. This was 91. So the whole "war" thing was more making sure saddam didn't do anything stupid. I deployed a lot in my time all over the world. I had a few buddies write me, my parents and an ex girlfriend. But i didn't get any grief from anyone.

Response by SP5 Wayne Johnson made Oct 23 at 2021 1:16 AM

2021-10-23T01:16:57-04:00

My parents were there when my "Greetings" letter arrived, so they knew right away. A friend offered to shoot me in the foot, but I passed. I owned a boat dealership with a partner and had regular gigs as a musician, and just didn't want to give those tings up. But I did.

Response by PO2 Colleen O'Hara made Oct 23 at 2021 2:23 AM

2021-10-23T02:23:29-04:00

My parents and I celebrated at a steak house we loved. They were very happy for me for following in their footsteps.

Response by CW2 Richard Athey made Oct 23 at 2021 3:33 AM

2021-10-23T03:33:31-04:00

Me telling my parents was easy. My dad was prior service. Watching my oldest son tell my wife he was joining was much harder, she's good people, so she took it well. So proud of the 4th generation Army.

Response by CW3 John Himes made Oct 23 at 2021 5:52 AM

2021-10-23T05:52:55-04:00

I showed them the letter from the Selective Service that kind of quelled any real discussion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2021 6:20 AM

2021-10-23T06:20:35-04:00

Enlisted so I could stop going to college...told my Mom and she said "only HOOKERS join the Army," which was weird and mean and ridiculous.

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Oct 23 at 2021 6:30 AM

2021-10-23T06:30:28-04:00

I showed them my draft notice all year long while I was in The 11th grade, And Immediately after receiving it, I signed up for D E P( Delay Enlistment Plan),I Stayed in touch with all family, And my High School Guidance counselors histed visits by the military, And Even during My Graduation year, And rightduring planing to graduate, The Military stayed in touch and I stayed in touch eith them and family

Response by CPO Charles Miller made Oct 23 at 2021 7:18 AM

2021-10-23T07:18:15-04:00

I just told them I had to do this it was important to me. And I wanted to serve my country. They tried there best to talk me out of it. It didn't work I served 20 years, best thing I ever did.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Oct 23 at 2021 8:49 AM

2021-10-23T08:49:52-04:00

I was still in High School when I told my parents. My mom objected. She wanted me to go to college, which was something I didn't want to do. My father, who was a WWII vet, asked me:" Forget all the stories I told you about when I was in the Army. Is this what you want to do?" I said Yes, this is what I want to do. My father then gave me an ultimatum. He said:"You will not be a screw up like I was, and you will get you some hard stripes." Needless to say, I joined the Army in 1987, and retired as a Staff Sergeant in 2008.

Response by PFC Sandra Myers made Oct 23 at 2021 8:55 AM

2021-10-23T08:55:49-04:00

I told them the night before I was shipping out. They really didn’t have time to react. They were super proud once I got leave before going to my permanent station.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2021 8:58 AM

2021-10-23T08:58:07-04:00

While looking at a picture of my middle brother in his class a's, I told my mom, I'll be going to Fort Jackson in May...she looked and told me I'm crazy and couldn't do it...I told her, I am 24 years old, watch me. I want to serve my country. We didn't talk for 16 months.

Response by CMDCM Dave Johnsen made Oct 23 at 2021 9:23 AM

2021-10-23T09:23:14-04:00

I wasn't working and I wasn't going to college, so my Mother said I might as well join the Navy. I said ok. I ended up as an FMF Corpsman so I got a twofer. USN & USMC.

Response by PFC Larry Cunningham made Oct 23 at 2021 9:25 AM

2021-10-23T09:25:44-04:00

It was easy. I had no future plans wanted out of my house. Dad was a Marine, grandfather was Army so as the first born son I continued the tradition by joining the Army.

Response by SSgt Shawn Levis made Oct 23 at 2021 10:17 AM

2021-10-23T10:17:46-04:00

I told them I wanted to join especially after 9/11 happened. I felt like I needed to join and do my part. My mom was scared since I was the oldest but I didn’t let them down. They were extremely hesitant since I 17. It was a great 9 years in.

Response by PV2 Terry Agee made Oct 23 at 2021 10:17 AM

2021-10-23T10:17:49-04:00

I had joined while still in high school. So, my parents had to sign. Then, I graduated in May. I went to Boot Camp in June. That being said, my kid brother joined 9 years later. Then, my brother-in law joined after college. I just did my part.

Response by SGT Fred Flick made Oct 23 at 2021 10:32 AM

2021-10-23T10:32:46-04:00

Was in front of parents and grandparents. My grandpa served in WW2 said I've joined and jaws dropped. A moment I'd never forget.

Response by PFC Laurie Doelle made Oct 23 at 2021 10:37 AM

2021-10-23T10:37:44-04:00

Well, when I was graduating from high school, I wanted to join the Air Forces like my favorite Aunt had. When I told my mother, she said, "oh, are you really going to leave your pour little mother all alone?" Needless to say, I didn't joined then, but about 20 years later, I joined the Army. Then I was deployed to Desert Storm and she was so stress out that it must have killed her. She got cancer while I was there and I had to be discharged, cause she was so sick, I needed to try to take care of her. But, it's all good....but I sure do miss her!

Response by SGT James Colbert made Oct 23 at 2021 10:42 AM

2021-10-23T10:42:35-04:00

I didn't really tell them...my older brother who was already in the army as a tanker..got 2 yr with 1st ID told my parents

Response by PO1 Richard Cormier made Oct 23 at 2021 10:52 AM

2021-10-23T10:52:57-04:00

Told my dad that I was joining the Navy (he was Army WWII) and he offered to send me to college to become an accountant. Nope. Signed both their names on application at the Recruiters office (they called and verified it was ok). MEPS on my 16th Birthday.

Response by SPC Richard Rauenhorst made Oct 23 at 2021 10:59 AM

2021-10-23T10:59:00-04:00

Everyone I told was surprised since they knew that I was almost killed in a car accident with a broken neck and compressed vertebrae in my back.

Response by Sgt Jim Mullins made Oct 23 at 2021 11:13 AM

2021-10-23T11:13:19-04:00

Joined the Marines in 1963 advised my family.

Response by Sgt Jim Mullins made Oct 23 at 2021 11:20 AM

2021-10-23T11:20:43-04:00

Joined the Marines in 1963 and advised my family. Served in Vietnam 1965-1966. Discharged 1967 at the rank of SGT (E-5) with a Honorable Discharge.

Response by PFC Jeanine Thomas made Oct 23 at 2021 11:28 AM

2021-10-23T11:28:22-04:00

My High School had placed me on the "eligible list". So the Recruiters were on campus "all the time". I initially shied away from any deep convos with them. As I entered my Junior year @ HS, the recruiters were more persistent, especially to me and other female students to "boost" the ratio of female recruits into the military. Of course a female recruiter wrangled me in and I thought, well it is either JCollege or the military after HS. My stepfather was a drafted, ex-Marine and he convinced me that going into the military would be an "excellent" decision. My mom was not as eager to "let me go" because I was the eldest of siblings and she would miss me too much. I was curious on what assignment I would be qualified for, also believed in my ability that "I could do it" and I was willing to challenge myself in taking a "huge leap", what else was there to lose? I had no inhibition but I was also nervous of the unexpected. Lol! Little did I know my path to future hurdles were about to begin and the life changing event would unfold! It was very sudden, the decision and leaving home, and seemed like forever before I left for "duty". There were endless "good bye parties", tears, and a sense of loss that I was leaving my "safe place". Ultimately my life had never been the same and people moved on. I realized the earth still moves no matter where your feet are planted and luckily I made it back home.

Response by SN Harry Conrad made Oct 23 at 2021 12:29 PM

2021-10-23T12:29:04-04:00

My father had programmed me from childhood that I would be leaving at 18 to join the Navy. By the time I was 18, it was understood by all my friends and family that I would be Viet Nam bound. The only thing that stands out is my fathers insistence that I was "GONE" at 18. Obviously things were much different then, and, I survived just like all of us.

Response by Lt Col Claire Saucier made Oct 23 at 2021 12:29 PM

2021-10-23T12:29:15-04:00

I was in my 5th year of teaching school. My brothers had both enlisted in the Air Force. My younger brother and I got to comparing paychecks. He was doing better financially than I was with my college degree!! So I decided to investigate. Discovered the USAF didn't have a need for non-tech officers at that time...only pilots, navs and engineers. So I decided to enlist too. Didn't really have anyone to tell as the family was totally on-board. Two years later OTS opened up for non-techs. I applied, got selected and was immediately wearing SSgt stripes on my way to OTS. It was a great career and I'm glad I spent time on both sides of the fence.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Oct 23 at 2021 1:09 PM

2021-10-23T13:09:00-04:00

Pone call from local draft board director enabled me to join rather than receive mailed draft notice

Response by Sgt Russ Brayton made Oct 23 at 2021 1:30 PM

2021-10-23T13:30:34-04:00

I told my dad and he gave me a bit of usable advice, “Keep your chin up and your head down.” I joined the Marines. It was 1971. The draft was winding down, but I wanted to go in on my terms, so I signed up. Many of my friends were anti-war and couldn’t understand why I had done that. Glad I had, though.

Response by PO3 Yaelle Glenn made Oct 23 at 2021 1:33 PM

2021-10-23T13:33:30-04:00

I guess this is a bit unusual, but I was married & he later enlisted. Not long after we moved to our first duty station, I was kind of horrified by the lifestyle of the other military spouses, and I could not imagine becoming that way. Plus our marriage was terrible, and I wanted to establish a future for myself once it ended. Which I did.

Response by SPC William Richardson made Oct 23 at 2021 1:53 PM

2021-10-23T13:53:26-04:00

I do not really remember it was 49 years ago was being drafted and said no i will join and get the MOS that i wanted not much was said that I remember

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Oct 23 at 2021 1:57 PM

2021-10-23T13:57:29-04:00

I just went to see my mom and told her I wanted to enlist. I needed her signature as I was 17. She didn't oppose my joining at all, so we went to the recruiter and I signed up.

Response by SPC(P) Matthew H. made Oct 23 at 2021 2:09 PM

2021-10-23T14:09:20-04:00

Nothing too interesting just one day I decided try the Army and see where it went. Had previously tried the Marines but was told "don't hurt yourself old man try the army". A few weeks later I'm signing my paperwork. I remember when I told my mother and father, and after they knew it wasn't a big joke. My immediate father's response was "Why didn't you join the Air Force?". By the way he's retired Air Force. My mother was a little shocked but she was okay with it. All in all the family was very supportive. However my father still pouts today that i didn't join the Air Force.

Response by SFC Lisa Dumire made Oct 23 at 2021 2:24 PM

2021-10-23T14:24:03-04:00

When I told my dad I was joining, it was the first time I ever saw him cry.

Response by CPL Woody Wood made Oct 23 at 2021 5:31 PM

2021-10-23T17:31:22-04:00

Joining for me was as natural and as expected as breathing so, for me the question and or response from others was "what took you SO damn long".
Pretty much all of my "chosen" family were already serving and helped square me away with anything I didn't already know so, I was good to go before day 1!

Response by SGT Doug Comer made Oct 23 at 2021 7:12 PM

2021-10-23T19:12:38-04:00

When I discussed it with my wife at the time, she didn't want to move out of state, so I compromised and joined the Army Reserve. After the divorce was final a few years later, I went active. My father was fully supportive since he's an Air Force brat. The day I shipped out for BCT when saying my goodbyes, my dad started crying tears of joy. I didn't know why until a few years ago. He wanted to join in 1972, but my high-ranking NCO grandfather made sure that didn't happen because I was on the way.

Response by PFC Mark Cook made Oct 23 at 2021 7:24 PM

2021-10-23T19:24:58-04:00

I sad down with my mom and dad and let them know I wanted to join the army my dad was a marine so it went well they listened and supported my decision to join as far as my friends I only told my close friends so when I disappeared for a few years they thought I went to jail kinda funny now

Response by PO3 Lynn Spalding made Oct 23 at 2021 7:30 PM

2021-10-23T19:30:04-04:00

My parents already knew by my junior year of high school. I signed up on the delayed program Dec 71 and was sworn in shortly after. Signed up for the draft on my 18th birthday in Jan 72. I beat those suckers. Left for GLakes that July.

Response by PO3 Jed Dunkin made Oct 23 at 2021 8:28 PM

2021-10-23T20:28:31-04:00

I first wanted to join the Army but Vietnam was hot at that time and my mom freaked out because she said she feared that I would be killed so I enlisted in the Navy though she didn’t like me going away she was okay with that. I was the oldest and I had an absentee father she depended on me for things but I had 3 brothers and told her they would be there to help her.

Response by PO3 Monica Zink Davenport made Oct 23 at 2021 8:32 PM

2021-10-23T20:32:45-04:00

Told the entire family during a family reunion that I had joined the Navy as a hospital corpsman, some were happy for me and some couldn’t understand why I would do such a thing.

Response by SPC Justine Blankenbeckler made Oct 24 at 2021 12:54 AM

2021-10-24T00:54:27-04:00

I actually went with my sister in law to see the recruiter in Johnson City, TN. After my husband had been out of the Service for 5 years, we were living in his small town in Tennessee. I made 1 good girlfriend, the kids were young, but My husband. Had a Seasonal job which kept him working on an exclusive golf course. Then he came home and said he wanted to go to truck driving school on the weekends in Winston Salem, NC. I was more depressed. I never saw him. I went a couple weekends with him, and my mother in law watched the children, as my sister in law lived down the lane in a nice trailer. So one day Nancy and I went to Johnson City and I talked with the Recruiter. He said I needed to take the test in Knoxville, tn. He would take me. I set a date up, and asked Nancy to watch out for the kids. I scored very high and with some college behind me I could enter as a PFC. Well that ext night I told my husband. He was not mad. He knew I was unhappy. He was finishing up trucking school. So I spoke with the Recruiter and got what I wanted. Work in a hospital. PFC entered . My Mom was glad she knew I was unhappy. I was glad I took the step. At 31 years old!! I maxed everything I had to do in basic. Then to Ft. SAM HIUSTON for 12 weeks. Best decision of my life. Thank you and Bless our Troops!!

Response by 1SG Steven Malkowski made Oct 24 at 2021 12:57 PM

2021-10-24T12:57:34-04:00

I went to see a recruiter on a Monday, took the ASVAB on Tuesday and the physical on Thursday. Friday I took the oath of enlistment with a 3 month DEP. Friday afternoon I got home and told my parents I joined. Apparently my mom didn't initally understand what was happening because she said "Oh no you're not". Sorry mom, already done. Everyone else, I just sort of told them what I did. Nothing sticks out. But all my friends gave me a going away party the weekend before I left for BCT. They all signed a card and gave me a necklace with a pendant that said "Never Forget" on the front and "The Corner Boys" on the back (what we were known as around the neighborhood). Two weeks after I arrived at Ft. Dix for BCT, my home town of Buffalo, NY got hit with the "Blizzard of 77". Something people talk about to this day 44 years later. One of those "where were you" points in time. I missed that one.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Oct 24 at 2021 4:21 PM

2021-10-24T16:21:56-04:00

I was one of the two older guys in a High School Fraternity. I had a job at a printing company where my father worked but still attended the Fraternity meetings once a week. They said that they were at school for a presentation from a Navy Recruiter and what they heard sounded really good. They were all thinking about joining the Naval Reserve. It required 2 years of Active Duty, 4 years of attending Reserve Meetings and 2 years of Standby Reserve. I asked them if they had any training for specific jobs and they said yes. I told them that I would check into it and let them know. I found out that as long as you were attending school and maintaining a good grade, you could waive Active Duty until you finished school or 4 years. I also learned that they had training for nearly every type of job including Printing. I talked it over with my parents and they said that if that was what I wanted, they were all for it. Since I was the only one in the group who was already 18, I asked them when they were planning to join. They said in May just before they graduated because they would all be 18 by then. All 7 of us went in to join. We were all given a physical exam to make sure we qualified, given the Enlistment Tests and when we all passed the exams, we were sworn in. We had a choice of Meetings every Monday night or on one weekend per month. We all chose 1 weekend a month. In June after the graduations were finished we were all scheduled to go to Boot Camp in June. Only my boss at the Print Shop was disappointed that I was leaving but cheered up when he learned that I would be back in August.

Response by SPC Jackie Faggart Jacobs made Oct 25 at 2021 4:43 AM

2021-10-25T04:43:04-04:00

I joined the Army in April, a month before my 18th birthday, with my mom's permission and signature on the enlistment documents. My reporting date was TBD based on when I could be scheduled into AIT for my MOS, 91Q. Since I was not leaving immediately, there was time to work up the nerve to tell my dad (who lived in another state). I talked to him every Sunday, but it took a few weeks before I picked up the phone, and with knots in my stomach told him the big news. My dad had been in the Army long before, but he was old school and I had a feeling he was not going to love the idea. Turns out, it was even worse than I expected. He said the Army was no place for a young lady (this was 1976) and ultimately forbid me to go and said "no daughter of mine is gonig in the Army, so you decide." I cried and fretted but was sure he would get over it and call soon, but he didn't. Come October, I left sunny California for Fort Jackson. If you're reading this, I don't have to tell you what that was like at 18, especially when you find youself 4 weeks into basic training and you're having Thanksgiving dinner in the mess hall about as far away from mom's Turkey and Pumpking Pie as possible. Missing home, and not knowing what to expect, I called my dad. Relieved to hear him tell the operator he would accept a collect call (remember calling collect ;-) ), I said Happy Thanksgiving Daddy! And, just like that, all was well with the world, like nothing ever happened, except there were probably a few move I love you's than normal.

Response by MSG Charles Kaiser made Oct 25 at 2021 10:29 AM

2021-10-25T10:29:55-04:00

I talked to mom and my uncle and convinced them it was the best thing for me . My older brother said i was a Sucker for doing this Vietnam was going on. for me it was the right thing to do . Every time i went in Harms way i went home to see them he never could tell me he loved me said i had a death wish. The Brotherhood i got from comrades was stronger than my own Brother .

Response by Cpl Craig Howard made Oct 25 at 2021 6:31 PM

2021-10-25T18:31:20-04:00

I was 20 when I enlisted. I was still at home, and I did it while my parents were gone for the weekend. I was an adult and it was my choice, but was still nervous to tell them. Dad wanted to throw a party. Mom was happy, but commented, "Did you have to join the Marines?" She would have preferred the Air Force. Years later I told her my second choice was the Coast Guard. I can still feel where she punched my shoulder on that one.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Oct 31 at 2021 8:58 PM

2021-10-31T20:58:28-04:00

Already joined, 2nd posting England. Mom said don't marry an English girl , I asked what if I do, she said don't come home. Our people came over from the troubles.

Response by CPL Louie Stanfield made Nov 1 at 2021 6:16 AM

2021-11-01T06:16:44-04:00

I didn’t need to tell my family, my mother was kicking me out of her house for the 2nd time.
I was in AIT before I turned 18 years old.

Response by SPC Jeff Stassin made Nov 1 at 2021 9:42 PM

2021-11-01T21:42:57-04:00

Family knew I had been looking into it since the beginning of junior year. I ended up signing up after school that summer, into the delayed entry program. I graduated the following year took a week off, and flew off to boot camp. Everybody was ecstatic and proud.

Response by SSG Rick Miller made Nov 3 at 2021 8:12 AM

2021-11-03T08:12:43-04:00

I came out of High School in 1978, looked around and saw nothing there for me. I didn't want to go to college, there were no jobs except Mickie D's or Gino's. So I sat down, told the family I think I'm joining the Army to travel and get some experience that will help me later in life, and did just that. The plan was to do my 4 years active, then go get on with life. Something happened along the way during those four years, though. I hung up my uniform for the last time 24 years later.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2021 5:42 PM

2021-11-03T17:42:24-04:00

Many who I told were shocked that I had signed up. They thought I was too small, skinny and short to make it. Ended up doing over 20 years and being personally honored by the president. I was determined from day one to serving honorably to support our missions.

Response by PO2 Camille Muhammad made Nov 3 at 2021 6:01 PM

2021-11-03T18:01:51-04:00

I told my Mother I wanted to join the Navy in my Junior year in High School. She didn't want me to go but I was ready to be on my own. My Uncle helped me convince my Mom that I was making the right decision so she eventually gave me her blessing and let me join.

Response by SA Sacheen Weston made Nov 3 at 2021 6:09 PM

2021-11-03T18:09:33-04:00

I had to ask my father to sign paperwork so I could join the Navy, as I was only 17 years old at the time I shipped out.

Response by SPC John Deschenes made Nov 3 at 2021 6:34 PM

2021-11-03T18:34:49-04:00

I told my family I was joining the Army and leaving in 2 weeks my mother was super angry with me my father fully supported me and when I told my friends there were wicked supportive of me

Response by SR Alpha Sandy made Nov 3 at 2021 7:06 PM

2021-11-03T19:06:45-04:00

I didn't tell my family, my family told me lol...I have two older brothers who joined(this was back when a court judge told you you were gonna go instead of jail/prison time) so, they always told me to try and join, but by the time I was 22-23. I was living at home with my mother at the time (she was single) and I was going to Chattahoochee Technical College in Smyrna, Georgia taking classes and working two minimal jobs, one as a bus boy at a restaurant and as a grocery bagger at a local grocery store, one day after work I walk in to my mothers home and there was a recruiter sitting on the living room couch, obviously I was like "who is this?" lol the recruiter introduced himself and we addressed the elephant in the room. The next thing you know I'm on my way to the MEPS station and then to great lakes, IL. and the rest was history lol.

Response by SPC Kerry Weaver made Nov 3 at 2021 7:08 PM

2021-11-03T19:08:56-04:00

While I joined the military at an older age than normal, I had spoken to my wife after I did my research and kinda made my mind up. So we went to my Pastor, who is my wife's uncle and someo e whom I respect dearly and talked to him and got his blessing and also I re- commited my life to Christ and was baptized. The funny thing was he (my Pastor) told me later he thought that I was trying to leave his niece with our 2 kids...we laughed about that he said he had to take that to God and pray for me

Response by SSgt Marina Marini made Nov 3 at 2021 7:18 PM

2021-11-03T19:18:30-04:00

My dad was 100% behind me joining the AF. He was career Army and told me the AF treated their people better. I was ready to leave home and start my life and was excited about the opportunities that awaited me. My sister who was a year older thought I was nuts, and my younger brother (6yrs younger) didn't want me to leave.

Response by SFC Dawn Tighe made Nov 3 at 2021 7:33 PM

2021-11-03T19:33:49-04:00

I actually didn’t tell anyone until it was time to go to the meps station. Shocked was a good word I didn’t tell my friends until after I got back from BCT. But I was 20 when I went in my husband was in the Marine Corp stationed in Philippines I joined the Army in San Diego and when my husband couldn’t contact me my dad told him. Yeah not my best moment. But twenty two years later, retired it was the best decision I made.

Response by SrA Lindsay Allen made Nov 3 at 2021 7:34 PM

2021-11-03T19:34:03-04:00

Well, I was a teenager and I was sick of my parents telling me what to do. I sat my parents down and told them I was enlisting so that I could do what I want. They laughed. I cried when I got to Lackland.

Response by SPC Alexis DuBuque made Nov 3 at 2021 7:34 PM

2021-11-03T19:34:30-04:00

Told them over dinner I signed up and would ship out in Oct.
They were very mad and asked why I signed up. I told them they had promised to pay for college and ended up giving money to my brother instead. So instead of waiting for them to pay for me I told them I would pay my own way through college by joining.

My brothers were mad as well and hated that I signed up. It was the best decision of my life.

Response by SGT Melina Bush made Nov 3 at 2021 7:49 PM

2021-11-03T19:49:37-04:00

I called my grandma and said I have something to tell you that you may not like, I’m joining the Army. And she said ohhh how exciting! Then I learned that she was in the Army as well, something I somehow never knew.

Response by SGT Howard Shute made Nov 3 at 2021 7:50 PM

2021-11-03T19:50:20-04:00

My father served in WW2 in the 34th Inf Division. When I left for basic he said to me, "if you are going to fight in a war do it with the best". In Vietnam I volunteered for Company H 75th Inf assigned to the First Cavalry Division. I was trained as a LRRP Ranger going on missions to locate and identify enemy position. Team were composed of 5 or 6 men! I in fact remembered what my dad said and was grateful that I did serve with the best men I could have ever known!

Response by SP5 Kenneth Neubauer made Nov 3 at 2021 7:53 PM

2021-11-03T19:53:53-04:00

Just told the family I signed up for the army for 3years active. Later came to file out my father had cancer and told they I would not go because I hadn't finished the final paper work. He said no you go into the military and he passed while I was in AIT.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2021 8:07 PM

2021-11-03T20:07:27-04:00

Dropped out of college after 9/11, so my parents were stunned.

Response by Sgt Richard Graziano made Nov 3 at 2021 8:36 PM

2021-11-03T20:36:36-04:00

To say I was a tough kid to parent would be an understatement. My Dad who had been a Vietnam Era SeaBee, threatened on a number of occasions to send me to the Marines to straighten me out. When I showed up in my parent's kitchen at age 18 and told my Dad I was joining the Marine Corps, he pulled me aside. He asked me, "You know I wasn't serious about making you join the Marines, right?" I told him I knew, but I told him I wanted to become a Marine anyway, he said, "Ok, I wanted to make sure."
He was incredibly proud of that until he passed.

Response by SGT Amy Pasqualini made Nov 3 at 2021 8:44 PM

2021-11-03T20:44:30-04:00

I was a single Mom of 2 young boys (widowed). I knew I needed some skills and a stable career. I also wanted to make my boys feel proud. I talked to my Mom first (I needed to sign over custody to her). Then I prepared and talked to a recruiter. I told my boys about 6 mo before, giving them only information a 4 year old, and a 2 year old could process. My Dad was in Korea so he prepared me the best he could. It was a decision I do not regret to this day.

Response by LTC Paul Rivette made Nov 3 at 2021 8:45 PM

2021-11-03T20:45:15-04:00

From the youngest age I 'played Soldier' constantly. Huge wargame collection. Military posters on my bedroom wall. Told everyone that I was going to join the Army when I grew up. I sent my ACT scores to West Point. However when I came home just after my 17th Birthday with a recruiter everyone was SHOCKED! They said they didn't think I was serious. LOL. My parents did sign off on my early enlistment but my Father didn't think I would last long. Wish he could have been there 28 years later when I finally retired.....

Response by CW2 Darrell Newman made Nov 3 at 2021 8:50 PM

2021-11-03T20:50:55-04:00

I joined while I was still in High School on the delayed entry program. My family was pleased and supportive, we have a long family history of military service going back prior to WWI. Plus I had no plans to attend college.

Response by PO2 Jenny Wu made Nov 3 at 2021 8:53 PM

2021-11-03T20:53:50-04:00

My family immigrated to the States while I was in my freshman year of college. It was not an easy transition and after a year, I still felt like I didn't really belong and wasn't going anywhere in life. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and discover what I could do and what I could achieve on my own, so I chose the military as it was an inexpensive way for me to figure things out. It took a lot of research and convincing for my parents to support me on this path. However, it has been a fulfilling journey for me. Not only have I met friends that are closer than some of my family members, but I also figured out what I want if life.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2021 9:10 PM

2021-11-03T21:10:55-04:00

I joined the army as a 17 year old young man on something called the split option program. Because of my age, my parents had to sign some paperwork before I joined.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2021 9:51 PM

2021-11-03T21:51:42-04:00

When I told my family, they were very supportive but my mom said we will back you on whatever you chose in life. She passed away in 2010 when I was stationed in Hawaii.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2021 9:54 PM

2021-11-03T21:54:58-04:00

I was 19yrs old when I told my family I was going to join the military but my mother had the most impact on me when she said, we will support you on whatever you choose to do in life.

Response by Cpl Gregorio Garcia made Nov 3 at 2021 9:58 PM

2021-11-03T21:58:22-04:00

I met a recruiter in high school as a senior. We talk about the benefits in joining the few the proud, the Marines. I enter in a dekay entry program in 1976, and after graduating in June of 77 I told my parents that I leave to boit camp the following week.

Response by SPC James Cox made Nov 3 at 2021 10:01 PM

2021-11-03T22:01:18-04:00

I spoke to a recruiter at my high school and took the asfab test. He showed up at my house and my mom flipped out. Dad was ok though.

Response by PO3 Marijo Cole made Nov 3 at 2021 10:11 PM

2021-11-03T22:11:00-04:00

I was ready for a change. I wanted to explore more than my home state. So, I told my mom and siblings that I joined ( my dad passed in 1984)

Response by PO2 Doug Young made Nov 3 at 2021 10:25 PM

2021-11-03T22:25:38-04:00

My dad was a Boiler Tech during Korea. He was happy I chose the Navy. My mom cried when I told her.

Response by SPC John De Poe made Nov 3 at 2021 10:35 PM

2021-11-03T22:35:26-04:00

After talking with the recruiter at my High School I talked with my dad that night, He was in the U.S. Navy. I told him I didn't like being on the water and wanted to be a soldier. Because I would still be 17 years old when I graduated, he had to sign a release form allowing me to enlist early. I handed him the form, he smiled at me and said, Where do I sign?

Response by Sgt David Donnelly made Nov 3 at 2021 10:41 PM

2021-11-03T22:41:53-04:00

My mother said she wouldn’t sign when I turned 17. I said I was joining no matter what even if I had to wait til I turned 18. She eventually signed. I took a day off from school to go to MEPS. My sister was a year behind me in school and we had the same Spanish teacher. The teacher asked if I was sick cuz I wasn’t in class. My sister said that I went to Boston to join the Marines. The teacher said “What is he crazy ??” Joining was the best thing I ever did.

Response by Sgt Justin Nosenzo made Nov 3 at 2021 11:02 PM

2021-11-03T23:02:21-04:00

I told my mom I was joining the Marine Corps, and she said, "Really?! That's crazy!" I told my dad, and he said, "I am very proud of you - I don't think any choice you make will be a wrong one, as long as you put 100% effort in." I told my grandpa, and he said, "Have you looked into the Air Force?" Lol

Response by PFC Greg Colbert made Nov 3 at 2021 11:04 PM

2021-11-03T23:04:34-04:00

I was 17 and enlisted after a judge emancipated me, went home to tell my parents I was enlisting and they told me they would not sign for me. Then told them the judge did and they kicked me out of their house so I went in a little earlier than planned.

Response by PO3 Ken Bell made Nov 3 at 2021 11:07 PM

2021-11-03T23:07:30-04:00

My brother was home on leave following boot camp. He was working in the recruiters office. I decided to join after he overheard some discussion over me. The army/marine recruiter were not playing it very smart so a few months later I was enlisted in the Navy.

Response by PO3 Jami Pereira made Nov 3 at 2021 11:12 PM

2021-11-03T23:12:18-04:00

When the recruiter came to talk to mom about joining she started telling the Chief all the good reasons I should join, he ended up saying to her "Ma'am I cam to convince you, you don't have to convince me, I am already in" haha So yeah my family supported me.

Response by MSgt Sharyne Albertson made Nov 3 at 2021 11:26 PM

2021-11-03T23:26:18-04:00

I live in NJ & my mom lived in a Suburb of Philadelphia. Since I couldn’t just drop in to tell her I told her over the phone. She almost had a heart attack!!! I retired 24 years later.

Response by PFC Wilder Cambara made Nov 3 at 2021 11:34 PM

2021-11-03T23:34:07-04:00

I was ready to start college when I decided to join and I really didn’t have a conversation at all with my family other than me just telling them what I was going to do.

Response by A1C William Curry made Nov 3 at 2021 11:54 PM

2021-11-03T23:54:04-04:00

I joined when I was 17 back in November 1990. I told my dad that I would be leaving for basic in two days because I either had to join or I would kill myself just to get away from him sexualy molesting me and that one way or the other you Will never see me again.
Sorry for being so blunt but I just wanted to tell the truth about it finally because I was too embarrassed to tell anyone about it.

Response by SrA Thomas McClellan made Nov 4 at 2021 12:23 AM

2021-11-04T00:23:38-04:00

I told my parents I enlisted I was 18 senior in high school so they couldn't stop me but we discussed it and they were accepting but my mom asked if I thought a war would happen while serving and I never had the best of luck so I said yes and a week into basic training 9/11 occured.

Response by CDR Charles Buechele made Nov 4 at 2021 12:28 AM

2021-11-04T00:28:49-04:00

It was not a difficult decision. I was in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Civil Airport. I applied for a 4 year ROTC to the Army, Air Force and hedge my bets with the Navy. The Navy offered me the 4 year scholarship and anchors away and I never looked back.

Response by PO2 John Drake made Nov 4 at 2021 12:40 AM

2021-11-04T00:40:44-04:00

My dad and grandfather were both in the Navy an I had been wanting to go ever since I was a little child. So it wasn't a surprise to them at all. I think it would have been more of a surprise if I didn't join after I graduated High School

Response by PO2 Anthony Hester made Nov 4 at 2021 12:42 AM

2021-11-04T00:42:54-04:00

I was 18 and father's job was taking my family to the UK, so instead I decided to join the Navy. I grew up in Nashville suburb of Madison in 1973. I had about two weeks before I was going to sign up and on Wed night I would pick up a friend who worked at Giant Foods, one of the first businesses that was open late.
Well back then Johnny Cash had his television show which was filmed in a downtown Nashville studio on Wednesday night also. So apparantly after leaving the studio Johnny would stop in Giant Foods on his way home to his house on the lake in Hendersonville TN. As I was just sitting on the hood of my car waiting for my friend Johnny came along carrying two bags of groceries toward his car. I greeted Johnny and he stopped and talked to me for a bit. At some point I told him I was joining the Navy real soon and then it was on. I must have gotten about a 10 minute father-to-son talk from Mr Cash. I was thinking, this poor man is standing there holding two bags of groceries (paper sacks back then), has to be worn out from performing at his TV show and now he feels compelled to give me, a stranger, advice about my future. So I guess that is an inflection on what kind of down-to-earth person Johnny Cash was.

Response by SSgt Anthony Coppola made Nov 4 at 2021 12:45 AM

2021-11-04T00:45:22-04:00

I just straight up told everyone. Only my brother, who was 82nd I'm Iraq was genuinely mad at me and hung up.

Response by PV2 Cherish Allen made Nov 4 at 2021 12:47 AM

2021-11-04T00:47:00-04:00

I told my mom and dad together. My dad was so proud of me, but my couldn't have been any less supportive.

Response by SrA Ciara Ward made Nov 4 at 2021 12:49 AM

2021-11-04T00:49:30-04:00

It wasnt a hard decision for me. I was tired of college and was getting burnt out as a cashier. So, my young 19 year old mind, said school is dumb after attending my cousins bmt graduation for the marines, and decided to join the ranks myself. I have always loved the military and love my country. I went to a recruiter and joined the air force. A little while later my career began with me going to BMT.

I didnt really ask for permission from my parents. I just told them what i did and that was that. My mom and dad were upset at first but still supported me. Which i understand, they didnt want their little girl to go fight in war. But it was what my heart told me and i knew it would have been something i regretted if i didnt.
Now, i am glad that i did, its where i met my husband and created a beautiful life and family. I went back go school, and didnt go in debt for it, earning my bachelors degree in emergency sercives administration. If i went back in time and had to choose if i would join again or not, i wouldnt hesitate and follow the same path that i have already been on.

Response by A1C Aaron Porter made Nov 4 at 2021 1:06 AM

2021-11-04T01:06:14-04:00

I just remember being a junior in high school when I decided that I wanted to join the military. My parents and everyone was very supportive. My Uncle Tom was a retired chief master sergeant in the Air Force and he really helped me with enlisting and it ended up being one of the best decisions I ever made.

Response by SN DeAndre Loving made Nov 4 at 2021 1:11 AM

2021-11-04T01:11:45-04:00

While dinner one night I said that since my little brother was a star athlete and we knew he was going to get a full ride in college. I was going to the Navy to keep them from paying for my education.

Response by CPL James Kalekas made Nov 4 at 2021 1:17 AM

2021-11-04T01:17:50-04:00

Well, my dad was the one who suggested it, so no issue there. My mom panicked quite a bit. I don't remember any conversations but I do know that the decision changed my life for the better. I felt a sense of accomplishment.

Response by SSG Stewart Ritchey made Nov 4 at 2021 1:35 AM

2021-11-04T01:35:50-04:00

As a know-it-all kid I went off to college and played around instead of studying. I was flunking out and withdrew. I decided I had to do something to make a living, so I went down to the recruiting office to join the Army.
My dad and my uncle had been in the Army in WW2, so it was a family tradition. It turned out the Army recruiter was out to lunch, and the Air Force recruiter was in, so I woke up some days later in the Air Force.

Response by LCDR Sam Cope made Nov 4 at 2021 2:11 AM

2021-11-04T02:11:02-04:00

I had three uncles on my mother side that were in the military. 2 in the Army and one in the Navy. I always told my mother that I wanted to be like my uncle Buddy and join the Navy. Neither she nor my Dad had any problems with that.

Response by GySgt Nicholas Cross made Nov 4 at 2021 2:32 AM

2021-11-04T02:32:59-04:00

I come from a line of Marines both my parents 2 of my siblings and their spouses. I started talking about joining the Marine Corps in the 6th grade. This was before 9/11 so the conversation was that hard with them.

Response by SPC Michelle Levia made Nov 4 at 2021 3:04 AM

2021-11-04T03:04:55-04:00

It wasn't so hard for my mom always believed every young person fresh out of highschool should automatically serve two years in the military, I totally agree with her she had three daughters and all three of us served in the military 2 Army 1 Marine, when I joined the military I purposely went to visit all my friends that mattered to me to let them know and say my goodbyes, everyone was encouraging I had saved the best for last my ex Andre, he opened the door I said I just wanted you to know that I joined the military and will miss you we hugged and said our goodbyes, while stationed in Germany I received a letter from my mom that Andre was shot and killed it's important to always say see you later to the ones we care the most about, I am very happy I served and would not change anything.

Response by Cpl Tonya Green made Nov 4 at 2021 3:15 AM

2021-11-04T03:15:33-04:00

After I passed the test and received a date to swear in, I knew it was a go. I then told my mom first. I knew she would take it the hardest. But at the same time, I knew she nor anyone else could talk me out of it.

Response by SGT Darnell Mora made Nov 4 at 2021 3:35 AM

2021-11-04T03:35:09-04:00

Honestly did not tell many people

Response by PV2 Kaitlyn Barnes made Nov 4 at 2021 3:41 AM

2021-11-04T03:41:00-04:00

I was in trade school learning about plastering when I first asked my friend if I should join or not. She told me that I should not think about it too much and just do it if it feels like the right step moving forward. I was still considering it but decided to start training for the military anyway. I asked my mom if I should join and she said if my heart was content with the decision. Shortly after weighing all the options I went in and I don’t regard.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 3:51 AM

2021-11-04T03:51:57-04:00

I just called my family and told them I won the vocalist audition for the Regional Band career field and that I would be heading to basic training in a couple months. They were thrilled because they knew my career as a singer in the civilian world would never get me a real retirement for my future. I remember my brother saying that I was really smart joining and going for a job I really cared about so it would never really feel like work.

Response by LT Hefsiba Cohen made Nov 4 at 2021 4:03 AM

2021-11-04T04:03:32-04:00

I remember the day I told my mom that I was going to join up, and I was expecting resistance. I was surprised how full-heartedly she embraced my decision, and all the other family members are very excited for me to join the Navy, as we are Navy family.

Response by SPC Parvin Daneshvar made Nov 4 at 2021 5:21 AM

2021-11-04T05:21:55-04:00

Family was proud and nervous at the same time but supportive overall.

Response by PFC Marianne Ludwig made Nov 4 at 2021 5:39 AM

2021-11-04T05:39:37-04:00

Just said…”I enlisted”. My WWII Army dad taught me all the Army songs and cadences before I left for basic.

Response by Amn Terry Atkins made Nov 4 at 2021 5:43 AM

2021-11-04T05:43:04-04:00

I just told them I was going. USAF. My mom had to sign so that I could go since I was only 17 at the time.

Response by PO3 Benjamin P Porter, Jr. made Nov 4 at 2021 6:11 AM

2021-11-04T06:11:06-04:00

After graduation from High School my 3 childhood friends decided to do our part to serve our country. One went into the Army. Another went into the Air Force. Another went into the Marines. Last but not least I joined the Navy.

Response by MSgt Kenneth Thomas made Nov 4 at 2021 6:29 AM

2021-11-04T06:29:36-04:00

My sister and I share the same father. When I asked my mother about him, she did not want to talk it him at all. However, when I told her I joined the Air Force, she replied "your father was in the Air Force". I imagine she was shocked that I joined, following his footsteps though I did not know this about him. What a coinciedence.

Response by SPC Titus Harris made Nov 4 at 2021 6:35 AM

2021-11-04T06:35:34-04:00

I told my mother that I was joining the military to get my attitude and priorities in order. At first she was scared of me being killed in a potential war, but overtime she became proud of the choice I made.

Response by SSgt Stephanie Howell made Nov 4 at 2021 6:40 AM

2021-11-04T06:40:03-04:00

My mother was in the Army for most of my childhood, so when it came time for me to decide my future my mother insisted I join the Air Force even though I had been awarded a full academic scholarship. She thought this would be the best way for me to transition into adulthood. She said the military would instill core values and provide me with job skills to be successful in life. Also the military also provided educational benefits similar to the scholarship I had. So the conversation went as my mother guiding me to follow in her footsteps, and I wanted nothing more than to make her proud.

Response by PO1 Christopher Griffiths made Nov 4 at 2021 6:44 AM

2021-11-04T06:44:06-04:00

I'm joining

Response by SGT Jeremy Hunt made Nov 4 at 2021 6:58 AM

2021-11-04T06:58:11-04:00

I talked to the recruiter at a local fair. Set up a meeting. Told my parents this is what I wanted to do. They were supportive. Signed everything they needed to since I was only 17 when I joined.

Response by SPC Eric Townsend made Nov 4 at 2021 7:42 AM

2021-11-04T07:42:03-04:00

The day I decided to join I came home and told my mother I was joining. That I volunteered to be a paratrooper and passed on a bit of knowledge that it was if I get hurt but as a paratrooper it was when I get hurt. That did not make the conversation go smoothly. I was proud to be joining up but that was not how my mother took it. I got all kinds of reasons why that was a stupid decision and tried to tell me that I couldn't do this to them (my parents). But I was 18 and ready to be an adult and make my own decisions (or so I thought at the time)

Response by TSgt Matthew Covey made Nov 4 at 2021 7:48 AM

2021-11-04T07:48:50-04:00

My brother joined when I was 12. I always wanted to go to West Point but by the time I was 16 it was evident that was not going to happen. At 17 my parents sat me down and told me they could not afford to pay for college for me and that I would have to find a way on my own. As a result I told them I was joining the military.

Response by SPC James Kittrell made Nov 4 at 2021 7:52 AM

2021-11-04T07:52:26-04:00

I said I needed a change I got to get away from here this place sucks maybe there will be better

Response by TSgt Debra Messina made Nov 4 at 2021 7:52 AM

2021-11-04T07:52:55-04:00

Family was supportive. Left abusive marriage. Made it easier to face whatever came next.

Response by CPL Robert Torian made Nov 4 at 2021 7:53 AM

2021-11-04T07:53:55-04:00

I wanted to be like my father and brother who where all dedicated service men all everyone in my family was excited for me

Response by PO3 Nate Gonzales made Nov 4 at 2021 7:54 AM

2021-11-04T07:54:00-04:00

I didn't tell my mum till I had my recruiter drop me off at home till after going to MEPS.

Response by Cpl Shawn S. made Nov 4 at 2021 8:22 AM

2021-11-04T08:22:06-04:00

I didnt have to tell, all my family and friends knew I was going to join. During High School I was active in the JROTC program and mentioned that when I graduated I was joining the Marine Corps. My mom was happy and proud of my decision.

Response by SPC Patricia K. (Williams) Elliott made Nov 4 at 2021 8:29 AM

2021-11-04T08:29:08-04:00

I remember my dad coming into my room on my 18th birthday, telling me I had choices to make. One was going to college and he would pay my first year, the second get a job and pay rent at home or go into the military. Did not want to go to school, I had just finished 12 years of that after all, and working minimum wage, living at home paying rent was the last thing I wanted to do!!! So I applied to go into the Coast Guard. Tried three times to pass the entrance exam but got hung up on the algebra portion (which by the way I barely passed in high school). So the day I failed the third attempt I walked across the hall way, and took the exam for the U.S. Army and passed with flying colors. Went home and told my parents and my dad was disappointed that I wasn't going into the Coast Guard, but accepted what I had done by joining the Army!! By February of 1974, I was on my way to Basic Training!! Never looked back!!!

Response by PO2 Kiana Garcia made Nov 4 at 2021 8:30 AM

2021-11-04T08:30:46-04:00

I remember signing up for the DVD on my computer and then requesting a recruiter to contact me. I initially signed up for the Army and even took my ASVAB for the Army. The Army recruiter took me out to eat afterwards, felt somewhat flirtatious. I felt he was pushing me to enlist when I only took the ASVAB to see what my score would be. I was still kind of up in the air about joining the military and wasn't for sure if I really wanted to. It was a big decision and a scary one at that. Then a Navy recruiter contacted me after i requested one on the website. He made me feel more at ease and made me feel as if I had a choice and he didn't seem to rush me to make that decision. In the end, I choice the Navy because I felt like I had a choice and didn't feel pressured into hurrying and enlisting right away. I was able to weigh my options and choose between which branch I wanted to join. I didn't tell my family until the Army recruiter was scheduled to come to my home and meet with me. I don't remember anything that stood out about my decision to join from my mother. My cousins were more excited for me than my mom. My dad lived in another state and he was happy and sad and worried all at the same time. He instantly thought I was going into a war zone lol. Overall I remember my cousins and I just making the most of my time remaining before boot camp and having a blast. I felt freedom from my controlling mother was just over the horizon and I could wait to leave.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 8:32 AM

2021-11-04T08:32:56-04:00

I told all of my family members very openly and honestly except for my dad. He was actually the last one to know because I knew that he would be irate with me; he had an idea of what I should do, and the service was not it. Long story short, I asked my recruiter at the time for some guidance since I figured he had seen similar circumstances. He had seen my like my case. He gave me a few pointers and I told my dad. It still didn't go well, but my dad could see that I was determined to serve. Eventually, he came around to the idea and became one of my biggest supporters.

Response by SSG Leonard Harrell made Nov 4 at 2021 8:40 AM

2021-11-04T08:40:32-04:00

I just went home and said I joined the army today mom I need your signature lol

Response by SPC Sharon Wolfe made Nov 4 at 2021 8:51 AM

2021-11-04T08:51:14-04:00

Luckily I was older, 33 right after 9/11, when I enlisted. My hubby was already a veteran, having served 5.5 years in the Army. My husbands family was all military so it was accepted quickly. My dad and step-mom however weren't as pleased. I had 2 children aged 4 and 2 and they were worried about being stationed in Korea or somewhere. In the end, they came around and wrote to me in Basic and all was good.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 8:52 AM

2021-11-04T08:52:01-04:00

I told my wife (gf at the time) I was joining the Army. Her response, why not challenge yourself. 12 glorious years in the Marines. SFMF

Response by Cpl Tiffany Way made Nov 4 at 2021 8:54 AM

2021-11-04T08:54:41-04:00

I did four years of MCJROTC in high school, so it didn't come as much of a surprise that I was joining the Marines. But a week before I enlisted, my father, who I've never met, reached out and tried to talk me out of it. Trying to scare me about what the risks were.

Response by SSG Stephinie Johnson made Nov 4 at 2021 9:00 AM

2021-11-04T09:00:39-04:00

My military retired uncles loved the idea, but wanted me to go Airforce instead of Army. I did not listen. My mom and sisters thought I was crazy and tried to talk me out of joining. I didn't have many inputs from friends, but most people knew I my mind was made up, so they were supportive. My partner at the time gave me pointers on what to expect, but he was NG so it did not help me much. My mom just reminded me of my purpose and told me to be safe. She didn't like me joining, but knew she couldn't talk me out of it.

Response by LCDR Jt Greeno made Nov 4 at 2021 9:04 AM

2021-11-04T09:04:56-04:00

It was a no-brainer. I was in NROTC in college, and wanted to fly jets. My mother always worried about my safety!

Response by SMSgt Katrina McIntosh made Nov 4 at 2021 9:15 AM

2021-11-04T09:15:10-04:00

With my parents being in the Air Force, no one was surprised when I joined. My parents were super proud.

Response by Cpl Jeff Burns made Nov 4 at 2021 9:41 AM

2021-11-04T09:41:51-04:00

It was easy for me, my dads family were in military in one fashion or another. My dad was a Vietnam guy, and did almost 30 years. But ever since I was in 7th grade, I wanted to be a Marine. My family and friends could not believe when I shared with them.

Response by CPL Steven Barthle made Nov 4 at 2021 9:45 AM

2021-11-04T09:45:39-04:00

I just told them at a family get together that I had joined the army they were definitely surprised LoL

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 9:46 AM

2021-11-04T09:46:03-04:00

When I was about to enlist, my mom had one question for me: "what have you considered when it comes time to going to war?"

Response by CPL Christopher Morris made Nov 4 at 2021 9:54 AM

2021-11-04T09:54:57-04:00

I didn't tell anyone.. I just left!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 9:56 AM

2021-11-04T09:56:36-04:00

I told my family that "I want to serve my country and pay my taxes".
Surely, the tax portion stands out..... they all forgot of me joining.

Response by MSG Steve Durrah made Nov 4 at 2021 10:03 AM

2021-11-04T10:03:47-04:00

I had gotten into an argument with my dad and out of spite I thought, I’ll show him…. and I joined the Army. A few weeks later, while low crawling in a sand pit, with Drill Sergeants yelling at us, I thought… I’m sure showing my Dad.

Response by SGT Jaime Vizcarrondo made Nov 4 at 2021 10:15 AM

2021-11-04T10:15:00-04:00

When I joined, we were already in Afghanistan, and it was possible we could go to war with Iraq (and we did). I knew this would make my family worry. I wasn't harsh but I was direct. At the time I had nothing going for me, anyway. Then to drive the point home I invited my recruiter (who I'm still in contact with) to my home and they got it.
You don't have to have parents who served themselves to know you're about to embark on a life-changing journey. I did remind them of the other family members - aunts, uncles, cousins - who have served and the impact it had on their lives.

Response by CPL Stephanie Lyle made Nov 4 at 2021 10:17 AM

2021-11-04T10:17:13-04:00

It was hard to tell my family. It wasn't because of it being military service as my family had a history of service. It was the why. At the time I had two babies under two years old and my husband was unemployed by choice. I had no real job skills and needed to support my family. When I told my family they were upset because my husband wasn't the one doing it but he was unable to because he had been discharged from active duty because of too little grade for time in. My family was proud of my taking the steps to support my family and were proud to know I was a great soldier.

Response by SrA Allen Leibowitz made Nov 4 at 2021 10:21 AM

2021-11-04T10:21:39-04:00

When I joined, I told the recruiter that I wanted to get in asap, because I knew that my Mom would not accept my decision. So I was at basic training seven days later. I told my Dad right away. He agreed with my decision and that he would figure out how to tell Mom. It was not a pleasent seven days with Mom.

Response by PO2 Gilbert McGuire made Nov 4 at 2021 10:24 AM

2021-11-04T10:24:20-04:00

I called from the airport to let them know that I was on my way to boot camp. Which they didn't believe me, so I had the recruiter on the phone.

Response by PO2 Lisa Nesbitt made Nov 4 at 2021 10:26 AM

2021-11-04T10:26:59-04:00

I come from a military family (Navy), there were 5 of us kids,when you graduated high school it was go into the military or get a job and move out. I wanted to see the world and not get married right out of high school as some of my friends were doing. I really wanted to fly (flight attendent), but due to being under 5'5" I could not fly with an airline, there where height requirements at the time. So I thought about the Air Force and was told I would actually have a better chance at flying in the Navy, so that is where I went. Swore in in Baltimore, MD and went to bootcamp in Orlando at 17. Funny thing unless I was going on leave I didnt fly at all.

Response by Sgt William Meiers made Nov 4 at 2021 10:30 AM

2021-11-04T10:30:40-04:00

I did not tell my parents until the day a Staff Sgt showed up to my door in his blues to talk to me and them. They asked why he was here, I said I told him to come and to help me tell you I am joining the Marine Corps. They did not like it at all, for many reasons, my dad for one was Navy so you know how that went. My mom did not want me to go away. At one point they even offered to pay for my college so I would not go. I knew I needed it after thinking and talking to the other recruiters and family. It was the best decision I ever made. I still talk to my parents today about it, they do realized and tell me all the time, so glad you did that and what you became because of it.

Response by CMC Alex Webb made Nov 4 at 2021 10:40 AM

2021-11-04T10:40:25-04:00

Told parents my ship out date for basic so they would cease with the packing my things and tossing them out the door to make me homeless.

Response by MSgt Mike Ash made Nov 4 at 2021 11:00 AM

2021-11-04T11:00:34-04:00

It was an easy task as I was lucky to have a very understanding family. I had gotten with a couple of high school friends and we decided to go in together - so that might have helped in some way. I just remember my mom telling me that she wouldn't be there to wash my clothes (fix my meals, etc) - Dad and I just kind of looked at each other and then back at mom and said "It'll be alright".

Response by TSgt Jaysen Basu made Nov 4 at 2021 11:01 AM

2021-11-04T11:01:15-04:00

I came home from high school one day and told my mom not to worry about sending me to college because I was joining the military.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 11:02 AM

2021-11-04T11:02:19-04:00

It was moree of a spur of the moment thing, after I went to the recruiting station I went home and told them my report date.

Response by SGT Thomas Brabec made Nov 4 at 2021 11:03 AM

2021-11-04T11:03:20-04:00

I just told them I got my draft notice

Response by CW4 Mark Hebenstreit made Nov 4 at 2021 11:04 AM

2021-11-04T11:04:40-04:00

For me, it was a one-way conversation with my Dad when I just graduated high school… him telling my twin brother and I that we needed to join the military or else pay him rent and pay for our own college! In the end, it was one of the best things that ever happened for me. As a retiree now, I am still reaping the benefits from whatever sacrifices I made over my 29 years in the Army.

Response by PO2 Charity Keller made Nov 4 at 2021 11:09 AM

2021-11-04T11:09:57-04:00

I went to my dad‘s house and he was watching the news, I lightly said that I join the Navy it is the only time I can remember my dad turning off the news. I also told my uncle Joe who Serve in Korea can you tell me the best thing he can tell me was to keep my mouth shut and do what I was told. He said it would not be easy and I would have to do a lot of adjusting. And boy was he right

Response by SPC Steve Werninger made Nov 4 at 2021 11:10 AM

2021-11-04T11:10:40-04:00

Nearly all of the men in my family had served in one branch or the other, so I don't think that it was a terrible shock, but I still remember my mother crying. My father just patted me on the back, asked if I was certain, and smiled.

Response by SP5 Melvin Wilkerson made Nov 4 at 2021 11:15 AM

2021-11-04T11:15:59-04:00

When I told my family that I was joining the Army they were so excited for me. And I went in the Army 7 days after I graduated from high school. The only thing they wanted to know is why I did not spend my summer at home and then going Army at the end of the summer

Response by PO2 Katrina Dang made Nov 4 at 2021 11:16 AM

2021-11-04T11:16:12-04:00

I told my mom I already sign up for bootcamp. I have no clues what I was doing.

Response by Cpl David Langford made Nov 4 at 2021 11:27 AM

2021-11-04T11:27:31-04:00

Actually I was told that i was going into the service by a local judge.

Response by SN Ian L made Nov 4 at 2021 11:41 AM

2021-11-04T11:41:41-04:00

I just explained that this was the best choice for me right now, talking with other veterans were the conversations that stuck with me most. They told me some harsh truths

Response by FN Scott Ebbe made Nov 4 at 2021 11:45 AM

2021-11-04T11:45:00-04:00

My family were all proud of me for joining the Navy. Many felt it was a good decision on my part.

Response by SFC Adama Roy made Nov 4 at 2021 11:48 AM

2021-11-04T11:48:33-04:00

Lost my steady job. Showed up to recruitment center next day. Came home and told my girlfriend at the time I enlisted and we needed to be married by Saturday. Her only question was enlisted in what?

Long story short I'm retired now and she's still married to me.

Response by SPC Abbie Romero made Nov 4 at 2021 11:49 AM

2021-11-04T11:49:52-04:00

I saw my parents struggling to already helping my two older sisters pay for college. I thought about it and talked to my dad who is a veteran. He told me no I shouldn't do it. But being the good daughter who he taught me not to accept no as an anwser, I joined. My mom was really sad but knew I had to prove it to myself and to help them for not having to pay for my education.

Response by SSgt Joshua Strick made Nov 4 at 2021 12:05 PM

2021-11-04T12:05:29-04:00

LOL... Told my mom via a phone call that the woman she just met 5 days prior (now my wife of 20 years) that we were pregnant, getting married, and I decided to join the Air Force. Needless to say she was shocked, however, my dad was fine with it. He retired from the Air Force and I was deciding to join after 9/11. We joke about that call all the time.

Response by CPT Antonio Canas made Nov 4 at 2021 12:08 PM

2021-11-04T12:08:22-04:00

It was a massive surprise to anyone who knew me. I was going to join the Marines, not the Army, and when I told them that I enlisted in the Army, my friends were upset, but my dad was proud that I had joined the armed forces

Response by PO2 Brittany King made Nov 4 at 2021 12:08 PM

2021-11-04T12:08:57-04:00

I took the ASVAB in high school thinking it was literally just a career personality test to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. The Navy recruiters got my score first and called me one evening just before Christmas break. They talked me into coming to the office with my parents and talked everything up. I thought yeah, this sounds great! My parents had to sign off on me going to MEPS to get signed up and they were a little reluctant but were okay with my decision. I went the next week to sign up/sign my contract to go into boot camp after graduating and that was that. I think we told all the family at Christmas since I had already signed up just days before that.

I did have friends later that didn't believe me but I was like well, I'm gonna be gone so I don't know what there isn't to believe...

Response by Cpl Jonathan Tomaszewski made Nov 4 at 2021 12:13 PM

2021-11-04T12:13:03-04:00

I waited till I was 18 years old and was legally able to make the decision for myself and simply sat them down and said this is my new direction and would appreciate the support but would move forward with or without it.

Response by SPC Brian Brown made Nov 4 at 2021 12:13 PM

2021-11-04T12:13:34-04:00

I was a kid that had zero military affiliation whatsoever. I’d grown up poor and had assistance from the government as my mom had been on disability. I wanted to repay what I thought was a debt. I told my mom I wanted to go so that I could help take care of her. She agreed. I told my friends and not one of them supported me. Not one. The night before my MEPs testing, my friend’s mom came over to our one bedroom apartment drunk (it was 2:30 in the morning), screaming at my mom “You’re sending your son to die” among other things. I did deploy to Iraq as 11B during what was called “The Surge,” and another deployment to Iraq again not long after returning home. I did what I thought was right. I no longer associate with those “friends” and couldn’t be happier. Without the military, I would not be where or who I am today.

Response by SPC Judy Dykstra made Nov 4 at 2021 12:19 PM

2021-11-04T12:19:26-04:00

I had just graduated from our community college with my associates degree and wanted to continue in the medical field. I was unsure of what capacity it might be. I pondered nursing, radiography or mammography. After several meetings with a local recruiter, he offered me xray tech training in the army with the option of continuing my education once I completed basic training. I took the offer snd signed on. Later that night as my family of 6 (3 sisters) sat down together at dinner, I said guess what? Nobody guessed, so I said “I joined the army today and I’m going to become an X-ray tech”. Silence and my Mother’s jaw dropped nearly onto the table. Lots of congratulations and questions followed like when do I
Leave snd where will I be going. No one tried to talk me out of it in fact with my older sister’s help, I began my own training (sit-ups) so I would be fit for basic training; which by the way was of the more extreme periods of my life! One big question was whether or not I’d be home for my oldest sister’s wedding in June and yes I asked to leave at the beginning of July. My friends threw a big going away party and I had quite a send off.

Response by PV2 Geoffrey Hall made Nov 4 at 2021 12:24 PM

2021-11-04T12:24:56-04:00

Two conversations stand out.

The first was with my father, who was a veteran himself. He'd spent years gently pushing me away from military service, since he didn't want me to join up simply because he did, or to end up with a service connected disability like him. But the day I enlisted, he was so proud of me.

Then there was my brother. I don't remember much of the conversation, but I remember he was mad. He got into a verbal sparring match with my dad and when I tried to calm dad down, my brother just went off on me about how he didn't need me help even though I was in the military, something about "I know you think you're supposed to protect us mere civilians." Still have no idea why he got so angry, but it wasn't the last time someone had that kind of reaction to my enlistment.

Response by SPC Jose Ibarra made Nov 4 at 2021 12:26 PM

2021-11-04T12:26:42-04:00

I advised my parents and siblings during my senior year in high school that i was planning on enlisting in the US Army to learn a skill and travel to other parts of the national and world. I was the first member of my family to enlist in the armed forces, making difficult for my family members to understand the possibilities offered by the Military. Their understanding of the Military was you train to fight, go to combat and then die.

Response by CMSAF Eric Stephens made Nov 4 at 2021 12:36 PM

2021-11-04T12:36:55-04:00

My Dad served in the Army during Vietnam, so joining the military was something I always thought about. I spoke with recruiters from every branch of the military before deciding to join the Air Force. My family know it was something I was planning to do. Of course my Mom wasn't excited at first, but she was proud non the less.

Response by CPL Jason Blackwood made Nov 4 at 2021 12:36 PM

2021-11-04T12:36:57-04:00

I had always told my family that if college didn't work out I would join the military. And, low and behold, I joined and although it was stressful at times, it was all worth it.

Response by SP5 Sara DuBois made Nov 4 at 2021 12:52 PM

2021-11-04T12:52:36-04:00

My first time I spoke to my great grandfather was the most heartfelt. He was in WWII along with his son, my grandfather, fighting in the Vietnam War. I have 8 of us cousins in our generation, and no one wanted to step up. I was the smartest and the toughest of them all, efforts given to my parents, and I told my great grandfather I decided to join the Army. When he passed away a couple months later, he has given me all of his military awards and his leftover artifacts from his time in service. I will always remember that conversation and how much it meant to him and my grandfather.

Response by SSgt Annette Dominguez made Nov 4 at 2021 1:04 PM

2021-11-04T13:04:20-04:00

I didn't tell my family that I had met with the recruiter. So after I signed the paperwork I told my dad and stepmother. I think my dad was really proud but not too sure about my stepmother. I am not too sure what my siblings thought, it was a REALLY long time ago.

Response by SGT Carol Thompson made Nov 4 at 2021 1:06 PM

2021-11-04T13:06:04-04:00

When I decided I wanted to join up I knew that conversation would be hard. I was raised in a time when young ladies out of high school had certain expectations. Like become a nurse, teacher, secretary, get married have a family. I did not want any of that. I wanted to see the world. Yes get an education but not in nursing or education. But something else but wasn’t certain. So I took the ASVAB test with all the jr in high school boys. - it was required of them. Back in my days. I scored very high. So the recruiters started talking to me. I was 17. I needed signatures to enlist. I was raised by my grandparents- ohhh when I first mentioned it it went over like a lead balloon. So I just kept mentioning it. I was secretly talking with recruiter and had decided on when I wanted to go in and to become a heavy equipment mechanic. The recruiter went with me to talk to my grandparents. That worked. Yeah they signed but grandma cried. It was the best thing for me to enlist

Response by SSgt Kevin Zempko made Nov 4 at 2021 1:10 PM

2021-11-04T13:10:07-04:00

I saw a salty USMC Recruiter in Hudson, NY. Signed up and came home w/my enlistment papers. End of story. LOL! At first everyone was upset. However, they quickly supported my decision. I was born to be a Marine. Ooh Rah and Semper Fidelis! -KZ.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 1:11 PM

2021-11-04T13:11:44-04:00

One thing led to another which led me to join the military. I only told my dad about signing the contract, and there would be a ceremony that he could come to. I had to skip part of my intro physics class for the ceremony that day. Oddly enough he showed up while I swore in. He seemed really proud to be there at that moment; meanwhile, all my brain could think of is that I'm missing out on quality physics and that could be on the next exam. I'm glad my dad was there, but I was really glad when I got class notes from a classmate so I could catch up on what I missed.

Response by Cpl William Stilwagen made Nov 4 at 2021 1:15 PM

2021-11-04T13:15:46-04:00

Every young man ponders what he will do with his life. I was no different. College was out of the question. There was a good possibility I’d be drafted into the Army and I didn’t want to be part of the masses of dogfaces. I needed to become part of, for real, what I believed in. I figured I’d have the best chance at combat if I joined the Marine Corps. Therefore, enlisting in the Corps sounded like a great idea. The Marines were taking recruits in quickly, and I wanted to get into the war before it ended.

There’s a great quote from General George S. Patton, Jr. given to the troops during the D-Day buildup in England in 1944. This is it: "When it’s all over and you’re home once more, you can thank God that twenty years from now, when you’re sitting around the fireside with your grandson on your knee and he asks you what you did in the war, you won’t have to shift him to the other knee, cough, and say, ‘I shoveled shit in Louisiana.’"

I spoke to my buddy, Howie Kaiser (whose neighbors, the Sherman twins, were already in the Marines and fighting), and Howie wanted in as well. Another buddy, Steve Currie, who came from a military family, was definitely going in. So, on Friday, 10 May 1968, while still attending high school, the three of us went off to the recruiting station in Valley Stream, NY. The Marine Corps recruiter, SSGT August W. Luhrs, was very happy to see us and we signed up for the delayed-entry program (DEP). The DEP deferred our departure for boot camp until after our high school graduation and four weeks of “vacation.” He also told us about the “Buddy Plan” (those joining together could go through the same training platoon in boot camp together). SSGT Luhrs said another Oceanside High School student (Billy Wilder from Island Park) had signed up just a few days earlier. Wilder was a mild acquaintance at best, but we said to put all four of us on the Buddy Plan.

Upon returning home from the recruiter, I informed my parents that I had just enlisted in the Marine Corps. My Mom was not happy. My Dad looked proud, but worried. I failed to realize then the significance or the depth of anguish that my announcement must have brought to them. My Mom still felt deep pain remembering when she heard that her young nephew, Herbie Smith, had been killed on the DMZ (demilitarized zone) in Korea on 15 August 1952. I was just 2½-years old at the time of his death. I can imagine her looking down at me in my crib with tears in her eyes hoping that her little boy would never have to go to a war. In an instant, I had dashed that hope and she realized her worst fears. Growing up, I had never heard of my cousin Herbie. Perhaps they felt it too painful to talk about.

Herbert Winfield Smith, Jr., my cousin, enlisted in the Marine Corps in April 1951 and was sent to the Korean War in December of that year. Herbie was serving with Baker Company, First Battalion, First Marine Regiment, First Marine Division (B/1/1/1). He was from Putnam, CT, born on 8 December 1931 and was my mother’s brother’s first son, his namesake, a handsome lad with a bright future.

Herbie died when a Chinese mortar round made a direct hit in his foxhole on Bunker Hill (Hill 122) in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) dividing North Korea from South Korea. In 2003, I spoke with Herbie’s Platoon Leader, Phil Ackert. He said that on the night Herbie was killed, the unit received a hellish amount of incoming mortar and artillery rounds from the Chinese. Everyone who was in a bunker survived, and everyone who was in a foxhole was killed.

Herbie’s Dad (Uncle Herb) was at a wild party, having a fabulous time at the same moment his son was dying half a world away. Two Marines showed up at his Connecticut house a couple of days later to inform Uncle Herb that his son had been killed by the Chinese on the DMZ. Uncle Herb never forgave himself.

Herbie was just 20-years old and planning to marry his sweetheart.

Mom composed herself and accepted my choice. She still had two months with me before I graduated high school and left for boot camp.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 1:16 PM

2021-11-04T13:16:19-04:00

Joining the Army National Guard wasn't a hard decision. My grandfather was a POW in WW2 and my father was in the Air Force. So, I decided to continue to carry the flag, as well and write that blank check to Uncle Sam , as my family that preceded me.
I came home and told my father that I decided to follow in his foot steps. To this day, I will never forget his words to me...
"I'm proud of you" I hear them often, to this day! So, I say to him now, "Thanks, pop, I Love you! And I hope I made you proud.

Response by TSgt Victoria Mackey made Nov 4 at 2021 1:23 PM

2021-11-04T13:23:40-04:00

I don’t really remember telling anyone I was joining. I was 25 at the time and didn’t need anyone’s permission. It was a decision that I made for me and I never regretted that decision!

Response by SPC Jesse Johnson made Nov 4 at 2021 1:37 PM

2021-11-04T13:37:59-04:00

In a way it was kind of easy, but telling my mom was the hardest cause she had just lost our oldest brother in Vietnam and I was only 17 and she told me she was not signing any more damn papers excuse the language, but those were her words.

Response by Sgt Timothy Gassman made Nov 4 at 2021 1:39 PM

2021-11-04T13:39:08-04:00

It wasn't much of a discussion, I just told them of what I had decided to do and they respected that. They were no doubt afraid of what might happen, but they never once tried to talk me out of it. The only thing they asked was that I wait until I was 18 and able to enlist without them having to give consent. They wanted me to make the decision on my own. I don't think it came to a surprise to any of my friends or family, as I had always aspired to be a Marine. To me, it was the only thing I seriously considered after high school.

Response by Sgt Mark Bilger made Nov 4 at 2021 2:05 PM

2021-11-04T14:05:08-04:00

I told my Mom and Dad that i was going in the Air Force under the guaranteed job program so i knew what job i was going to be trained for and do. Nam was winding down in 72 when i decided to go in. They were OK with it all.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 2:08 PM

2021-11-04T14:08:30-04:00

I joined when I was 17, had to have my mom sign me away!

Response by SFC Michael Elam made Nov 4 at 2021 2:12 PM

2021-11-04T14:12:22-04:00

was in Military High school, just went to a recruiter and signed up called home and let mom know

Response by Sgt Glen Mcdonald made Nov 4 at 2021 2:14 PM

2021-11-04T14:14:26-04:00

I was in California living with my dad. I was reckless, stupid and lazy. I had no direction and partied every day. I knew ONE thing. I wouldn't survive long living like that. I told my dad I needed....something to do. I needed STRUCTURE. He served in the Navy so he understood. My mom.....freaked out. But they all got on board eventually. They were proud of me. All the straight A's in high school were NOTHING in comparison to the look i saw on their faces when I graduated basic training. PRICELESS

Response by PO3 Micheal T. made Nov 4 at 2021 2:34 PM

2021-11-04T14:34:18-04:00

I was estranged from my familyat that time. I didn't notify my family until my first duty station. They never came to see me, although I went to them my first leave.

Response by SFC Ronald Bell made Nov 4 at 2021 2:38 PM

2021-11-04T14:38:14-04:00

Having served 4 years in the Air Force right out of High School and much later joining the Army was difficult to explain. I was married with two young children and had to explain to my wife what life would be like for a military spouse. Also many friends and family thought I was nuts going back in, but I was able to prove them all wrong as it was the best decision to make. Now being retired from service and receiving the benefits, it was well worth the journey.

Response by SP5 Tom Lerche made Nov 4 at 2021 3:03 PM

2021-11-04T15:03:10-04:00

My dad was proud of me because he was a WW2 veteran, but my mom struggled with it even though she knew that with Vietnam was heating up it would be when not if. Both of them said their bottom life was the Army was ok as long as I did not go to Nam, which of course I did.

Response by SrA Larry Gray made Nov 4 at 2021 3:05 PM

2021-11-04T15:05:48-04:00

As a military brat, I just said “I’m going in” it was always expected.

Response by SPC Hakeem Britt made Nov 4 at 2021 3:19 PM

2021-11-04T15:19:12-04:00

I told my moms i wanted to serve and take care of her. She took me to a recruiter the same day

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 3:20 PM

2021-11-04T15:20:45-04:00

I honestly just told them I'm joining and the leave date. I let them know I will be fine and they came to my graduation

Response by PO1 Jeffrey Felan made Nov 4 at 2021 3:23 PM

2021-11-04T15:23:38-04:00

When I was in high school I was part of JROTC. I thought it was so 'cool' to wear a military uniform and show off my ribbons while walking around the school halls. Then as I got closer to my graduation in 2007, I started looking into getting into a university, but, something tragic happened. My dad got into an accident and became paralyzed from torso to his feet, and that all our money including what was supposed to be my 'college money' all went to my dad's surgery and recovery. At that point, I looked back into considering joining the military for the benefits it would give me and my family --- financial, educational, and on-the-job experience support. But I was not in utmost thrill for this decision, I was afraid to go to combat and get hurt. Even my friends was worried if I will do any good if I join the military. But I know at that instance I want to serve my country; I want to give back to this country which through all things has always been good to me. And when I had the strongest conviction and hope in joining the military, that's when my parents and friends stood next to me and supported me wholeheartedly. They were all happy how the military has made me a better person.

Response by PO1 Francis Bulfamante made Nov 4 at 2021 3:27 PM

2021-11-04T15:27:51-04:00

I was up front and honest about my desire and intentions to serve. Most of my family supported that. Many of them were veterans themselves

Response by PFC Rachel Duff made Nov 4 at 2021 4:01 PM

2021-11-04T16:01:18-04:00

i came home and told my parents i needed their signature so i could enlist since i was 17, mom was worried but dad was on board

Response by SFC Charles Covey made Nov 4 at 2021 4:08 PM

2021-11-04T16:08:01-04:00

I told them I had joined the Army on a $5 bet between 3 other friends we all joined a different branch and the 1st one to complete 4 years on active duty won the bet. I beat out my friend Damon by 2 days only because my training strted 3 days before his did.

Response by SSG Michael Jenkins made Nov 4 at 2021 4:17 PM

2021-11-04T16:17:00-04:00

I was a junior in high school with no plans after high school. After the ASVAB, went home and told my parents that i had decided on the military. My mom was proud and my dad said if thats what i wanted to do, go ahead.

Response by SPC Jameson McGlaughlin made Nov 4 at 2021 4:25 PM

2021-11-04T16:25:28-04:00

My family didn't seem to concerned until after 09/11.

Response by PV2 Michael Schwarz made Nov 4 at 2021 4:27 PM

2021-11-04T16:27:18-04:00

The reason told to my family and friends was, this was the only way I would break the cycle of my family working fast food and back-breaking labor. It still stands true today.

Response by PO2 Gerald Tetreault made Nov 4 at 2021 4:34 PM

2021-11-04T16:34:15-04:00

I was 16 years old. My parents lived in Arizona and I stayed with my Aunt in New Hampshire. I wanted to finish High School, so I went to the High School Principal and asked to get back in school.
He said, because I didn't have a legal guardian, that I would have to pay $600 for the year. I went out and got two jobs and saved $600 and went to the Principal and told him I was ready to return to school. He sat back in his chair and laughed jokingly and said, "You don't have to spend your money to go back to school--just go across the street and sign up for the Navy. They'll send you to school for free. . . the rest is history.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 4:41 PM

2021-11-04T16:41:48-04:00

I just straight out told them. They were ok with it since my brother was in the military. But they were worried that I was going to turn gay since women in the military were lesbians

Response by SN David Miller made Nov 4 at 2021 4:42 PM

2021-11-04T16:42:39-04:00

It was the Vietnam era. My father took me to a recruiter; I was 18 and about to be drafted, so I enlisted. After two yrs in the Navy I was out, and no one “THANKED ME” nor were they interested in the troubles I’d experienced.

Response by SSgt Chris Loomis made Nov 4 at 2021 4:55 PM

2021-11-04T16:55:26-04:00

I told them and the only comment was from my dad and that was just dont join the Army :)

Response by SFC Marsha Smith made Nov 4 at 2021 4:59 PM

2021-11-04T16:59:28-04:00

My sister met the recruiter. Set up an appointment for me and we did not tell anyone until the day I was leaving for MEPS.

Response by SPC Edgar Jordan made Nov 4 at 2021 5:03 PM

2021-11-04T17:03:01-04:00

Just came out with it

Response by Sgt Christopher Jackson made Nov 4 at 2021 5:39 PM

2021-11-04T17:39:20-04:00

Being raised Jehovahs witness then leaving at 17, joining the corps bright a lot of frowns and disappointment. All my supposed friends in that faith abandoned me, I never spoke to them again. Thankfully my wife and her family were very supportive.

Response by SPC Cheryl McLean made Nov 4 at 2021 5:42 PM

2021-11-04T17:42:14-04:00

When I told my oldest brother I said "what do you think of me joining the Army?" He said "you know you can die right?!" I told him I could die crossing the street or something like that so why not. He supported my decision after that.

Response by SGT Jessie Dillard made Nov 4 at 2021 5:52 PM

2021-11-04T17:52:12-04:00

I remember as a young about 18 yrs old in 1978 telling my father i was joining the army and him being a father who loved having his family close didn't believe me at the time so after i left i called him and he heard noise or in our world cadence and marching in the background and he said boy where are you and i said i told you i'm joining the army and he told me that was find=e but remember i always had a home to return to oh and how about sending me an allotment jokingly and from that day forward my entire life changed

Response by PO2 Dennis Newman made Nov 4 at 2021 5:59 PM

2021-11-04T17:59:38-04:00

Bless her heart but Mother didn't say goodbye, be safe be sure to write, that sure warped my mind.
Relationship which became infamous dear john could not believe I could just tell Navy I changed my mind. She also wasn't willing to follow where posted homeported. Closest friends wished the best of luck.

Response by FN Simon Trejo made Nov 4 at 2021 6:23 PM

2021-11-04T18:23:46-04:00

I told my father unexpectedly i was joining the navy to provide gor my new family, he shook my hand and said he was very proud of me

Response by PO2 Therese Stevens made Nov 4 at 2021 6:42 PM

2021-11-04T18:42:23-04:00

I had already graduated high school, and wanted to immediately go into the Navy. My dad was pretty set against it, as I was a girl. He was a Navy Vet, along with my brother who had graduated the year before me. I instead tried a year of college, and tried a year of working, before I went down to the recruitment office alone to sign up. I did not want a factory job, which was the norm for my area. I wanted more for myself. I joined, but in those days, they needed so many females before they could make a company. I was in DEP (Delayed-entry Program) for almost 7 months. I was disapoointed, but glad I had some time to get things in order before I left. I finally told my parents in November (I joined in August), and they took me to the bus station for MEPS themselves in March. Turns out, it was the best thing for me. I stayed 10 years in the Navy, and probably would have stayed longer, but I met my future husband and decided it was time to start a family. I know my parents, although worried at the time, became proud of what I had accomplished and could see the growth I had both confidence-wise and ability wise. I was definitely on the right track!

Response by SFC Donald Mulder made Nov 4 at 2021 6:45 PM

2021-11-04T18:45:28-04:00

I was a JRAFROTC cadet and raised within the military branches. I think it was more of an expectation than anything else in their eyes. For me, I "wanted" to earn the right to be named "soldier". I'll never forget when my parents asked me what I wanted to eat for dinner as my last civilian supper.. Hotdogs!

Response by A1C Margaret Hall made Nov 4 at 2021 7:05 PM

2021-11-04T19:05:54-04:00

I told my dad the day after I visited the recruiter (USAF). He was proud of me for making a change in my life. I didn't go to college. I hated my job. No real prospects. Only spent four years in the military but it gave me a sense of purpose and changed my outlook on life. Even my dad saw the change in me. Best decision I could've made at the time.

Response by SFC Dennis Reabold made Nov 4 at 2021 7:17 PM

2021-11-04T19:17:44-04:00

Easy decision to join as almost all of my family members (males) served in the military. My dad pushed military my last couple years of high school.

Response by PO2 James Hampson made Nov 4 at 2021 7:17 PM

2021-11-04T19:17:55-04:00

My father was ok with the idea since he served in World War II, on the other hand my mother, my 2 sisters, and my girlfriend were not crazy about the enlistment.

Response by SFC Leo Sharpe made Nov 4 at 2021 7:20 PM

2021-11-04T19:20:20-04:00

Mom had to sign the forms since I was 17 when I signed up

Response by Sgt Sophia Cottrill made Nov 4 at 2021 7:26 PM

2021-11-04T19:26:29-04:00

I told my family in high school that I was joining the military. They didn’t think I would do it.

Response by SGT Jaclyn Search made Nov 4 at 2021 7:27 PM

2021-11-04T19:27:54-04:00

I told my mother and father together that I'd decided to join the Army. My older brother had served in the Air Force a few years earlier, so I don't think it wasn't as shocking as if I was the first. However, the Vietnam War was still going on and they were worried. I stressed the need I felt to serve my country and also the opportunities it would provide my to learn new skills and allow me to earn GI college benefits. My parents still insisted on talking with the recruiting sergeant!

Response by SP5 Erica Miller made Nov 4 at 2021 7:33 PM

2021-11-04T19:33:13-04:00

Senior year of High School, I missed the college placement test- my next best option was joining the military. It gave me the opportunity to still be on track to apply for the FBI. In the end, everything worked in my favor.

Response by SPC Kathy McCaslin made Nov 4 at 2021 7:52 PM

2021-11-04T19:52:16-04:00

I went to the recruiter by myself. I started on all the in processing paper work. It took quite awhile to get in. Then because of my choice of job I entered the delayed entry program for 6 months. My mother didn't believe I joined the army. She told me I wasn't going and just wanted to sit around the house and do nothing. But the early morning my recruiter came to get, she got up with me and made me coffee to send me on my way to defend our mighty nation!

Response by SGT Ray Wilner made Nov 4 at 2021 7:54 PM

2021-11-04T19:54:17-04:00

I just told them and moved on

Response by LCpl Michael David made Nov 4 at 2021 8:05 PM

2021-11-04T20:05:03-04:00

I watched Full Metal Jacket and said f it I’m joining the marines. My family was happy. I come from a long line of military vets, going back to ww2. For me it was my uncle that talked to about Vietnam and his time there. He gave me his k-bar he had during his time there. He said if you are going to be a bear be a grizzly. Be the biggest baddest think out there.

Response by PO3 Paul Scheel made Nov 4 at 2021 8:06 PM

2021-11-04T20:06:18-04:00

Air Force Family
I went Navy I needed Parents to sign off on it
I had 2 months before I was legal
They found out when Recruiter Showed up at door as my dad got home from Base
He opened the door said what the hell do you want and slammed the door

Response by PO2 Sasha Martin made Nov 4 at 2021 8:24 PM

2021-11-04T20:24:55-04:00

I had a desire to be a part of something greater than myself while being able to help others. I told my family I was enlisting to go serve
in the Coast Guard to help others and be a part of something bigger.

Response by Sgt Wendy Brownlee made Nov 4 at 2021 8:25 PM

2021-11-04T20:25:28-04:00

I wanted to go to college but my father didn’t think I should attend. My boyfriend had joined the Army and asked me to marry him and this was more appropriate according to my father. I went to class a few months later and there was an Air Force recruiter handing out literature about the military. I wrote my boyfriend a letter (no email or texts in those days) and told him I decided to join the military too. He was overjoyed… until I told him my first assignment would be Alaska (he was stationed in Hawaii).
My father said I would not make it through basic training. I did. And my father was quite proud of me.

Response by PO2 Jw Chadwick made Nov 4 at 2021 8:34 PM

2021-11-04T20:34:12-04:00

Several already knew I'd wanted to join the Navy 8 years before I finally did but my mother?? acted as though I needed her Permission, and a few step sisters thought I'd never make it,, Thanks Jackoffs.. Anyways, I didn't need any selling points or talking up bc I was almost 26, knew exactly what I was getting into, Plus I really needed a better paying trade/skill and traveling wasnt even a problem. I was open to almost anything just leave a town where I saw a d experienced nothing but lay offs for many generations prior to mine.

Response by PO3 Andrea Wilmot made Nov 4 at 2021 8:41 PM

2021-11-04T20:41:02-04:00

Being the first one to join the military, I expected some push back. The day I turned 17, I told my mom we can do this now or I'll do it in a year. After a while she relented and took me to the recruiting office.
There were many doubts. I had several older family "friends" tell me that I wouldn't last. That the military is for made for males. That it's ok to give up and come home during my one phone call.
I would have to say the most disappointing conversations were those friends who promised to stay and touch. You'll lose friends in your hometown but you will make more at each duty station.

Response by SrA Robert McAvoy made Nov 4 at 2021 9:13 PM

2021-11-04T21:13:46-04:00

Military service for my generation was perceived as my duty as a man and a key part of my transition to manhood. It had been the same for older generations and part of the price we all paid to safeguard our way of life for generations to come.

Response by SPC Audriana Hairston made Nov 4 at 2021 9:17 PM

2021-11-04T21:17:42-04:00

Personally I did not come from a military Background. Not only did I join it very randomly I left for basic training within 2 weeks of doing so. I basically told my family that this is what I'm gonna do for Is minimally at least this many years. My family was very proud and supportive.

Response by Sgt Arthur Farmer made Nov 4 at 2021 9:17 PM

2021-11-04T21:17:43-04:00

I had to tell my mom since I was only 17. She didn't see any reason to make we wait the five extra months for me to reach 18 so she filled out the form that said it was OK. Everyone knew I was going to join since I had talked about it for so long.

Response by SPC Joseph Rebro made Nov 4 at 2021 9:21 PM

2021-11-04T21:21:17-04:00

My family was proud, but very nervous. They asked if it was really what I wanted to do. I lost a relationship with a girlfriend over it but it was the best decision I made.

Response by SGT Carlos Leyva made Nov 4 at 2021 9:23 PM

2021-11-04T21:23:24-04:00

I told my mom she was reluctant but ultimately allowed me to go, everybody else was excited

Response by Sgt Michael Mote made Nov 4 at 2021 9:30 PM

2021-11-04T21:30:54-04:00

A close friend of mine called me one day and said he joined the Corps and told me I should as well. I drove to the recruiting office after that phone call. I told my parents upon returning home and they were incredibly supportive and continue to be supportive to this day.

Response by PO2 Kevin C O Dunn made Nov 4 at 2021 9:58 PM

2021-11-04T21:58:01-04:00

I enlisted on the delayed program. It was September and I was to report the following May. I didn't tell my brothers or parents until April. I told my friends in October. I was enrolled in the music program at Broward Community College and learned that the Coast Guard was going to be very much a part of the Bicentennial celebration. When I told my friends, it was all about the Coast Guard Band. They were cool with it. I had no idea if I would be able to be in the band but I was playing at a college level so I was pretty sure. My parents had never been very supportive of me so when I told them they acted as they had always acted, critical with no basis for their opinions. My brothers and I were all musicians, my older brother was a cop, my younger brother is 5 years my junior and not yet in high school. He understood it was going to be good but he and I were close and it was sad. The life I got in the Coast Guard was way better than my home life for sure. The US Coast Guard is an amazing organization and I thrived in it.

Response by PFC Joanie Simmons made Nov 4 at 2021 10:09 PM

2021-11-04T22:09:09-04:00

My family was happy that I would able to travel the world but I was kind of scared to tell them at first..

Response by SN John Geralds made Nov 4 at 2021 10:12 PM

2021-11-04T22:12:35-04:00

When I told my family, it was a slow process. I entered delayed entry program, I let them know what I had done. My brother and sister were coming up behind me. So I had hoped they would have a shot at college. So I created my own way to the same goal of college.

One particular conversation I had telling a friend next door stood out. He said I would never make it in boot camp, that I didn't have what it takes. I thought about it every day in boot camp. When I finally graduated and had my uniform, I had to make a visit to this fool. I wanted him to know he underestimated me. And if you underestimated me, then anybody could do it. Because I was certainly nobody special. I just had to stick with my plan, and do whatever it took to get to it. Including showing that guy my uniform, on me. Sorry John Carpenter Sr., You were wrong, buddy.

Response by SN Aaron Wheeler made Nov 4 at 2021 10:24 PM

2021-11-04T22:24:54-04:00

My step grandpa bet me 50$ I couldn’t make it through boot camp well I ended up 50$ richer

Response by Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna made Nov 4 at 2021 10:58 PM

2021-11-04T22:58:47-04:00

1. I was under age when I signed up, so both my Parents had to agree. 10 months before Planned Boot Camp I promised To train. My father was first to sign but my mother had a harder time trusting my decision...
2. My male cousin asked me why Marines & not Army or Navy (he was in Vietnam with Navy).
3. One of my fathers Co Worker & friend laughed, yet showed me how to do about Face move.
4. I kept it quite from majority of friends and school friends (think I told 5 only)
5. I am first Female to join any military, but now 4 others have.

Response by PO2 Darin Hetman made Nov 4 at 2021 11:09 PM

2021-11-04T23:09:28-04:00

Dad came home from work and told him.

Response by HN Shaun Ryan made Nov 4 at 2021 11:18 PM

2021-11-04T23:18:07-04:00

I actually was kind of forced in. I hurt my knee so I had to give up on trying to play professional soccer while working a $7.25 an hour job at a grocery store. My parents said since I wasn't in college that I had to join the military or move out. I was 20 years old and the only reason I wasn't able to afford school at the time was because my father was Navy so we moved during my freshman year (didn't finish 2nd semester) and out of state tuition was crazy. As for everyone else, a simple facebook post did the trick.

Response by PO2 Henry Sotomayor made Nov 4 at 2021 11:58 PM

2021-11-04T23:58:09-04:00

I told my mom I talked to a recruiter and once I was ready to sign a contract I told the rest of my family and friends. They ask me why and if I lost my mind because I was known for being somewhat of an anti-oligarchy person. But my reasoning made sense to them.

Response by CPT Lauren Dowless made Nov 5 at 2021 2:24 AM

2021-11-05T02:24:13-04:00

I didn't tell my family that I enlisted in the Army until I was a week from shipping out. I took my best friend with me because I knew that my dad was going to be upset. At first I just told him I was moving and needed a place to store my furniture. Got my furniture stored at one of his houses. Then I told him that I was moving to Kentucky. "What's in Kentucky?" he said. The Army I said. I joined the Army dad. As I predicted he was pretty upset. But we talked about it and he kind of got over the shock. I was the first in my family to join the military.

Response by Cpl Jimmie Debity made Nov 5 at 2021 6:17 AM

2021-11-05T06:17:00-04:00

I walked in to the house and just said it. My parents were not excited but they knew it would be a good stepping stone and that it would give me a good set of principles to live by.

Response by SSG Michael Pershell made Nov 5 at 2021 8:53 AM

2021-11-05T08:53:02-04:00

My dad was drafted for Vietnam and had unpleasant thoughts about the military. I always wanted to join, and was the kid in middle school wearing the fatigues and reading the books about Carlos Hathcock. When I was a senior, I was 17 years old and my mother had to cosign for me to join the Army. Originally I thought I wanted to be an engineer, but the MEPS counselor showed me a video (1998) about dune buggies and dirt bikes and Cavalry Scouts. That's what I signed up for.

My dad refused to talk to me for about 3 months. Literally.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2021 9:03 AM

2021-11-05T09:03:28-04:00

We were sitting at dinner & my parents were asking us about our days. I shared that I went to the Navy Recruiter to join, but they were closed for lunch, so I walked next door to the Air Force Recruiter & joined in the spot. My parents’ mouths pretty much hit the floor. This was in August of 1998. I was DEP until November. Best decision of my life.

Response by SGT Bruce Summers made Nov 5 at 2021 9:36 AM

2021-11-05T09:36:20-04:00

In Jan 1966 my parents thought I was returning to college in Colorado from New Jersey. Instead a friend and I both left college and went to his house in Florida. After a couple of weeks I enlisted and was sent to Ft Benning GA. My parents were sent a postcard stating that their son had arrived safely at Ft Benning GA and that is how my parents found out that I had enlisted

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2021 10:54 AM

2021-11-05T10:54:42-04:00

I joined in my senior year of high school. My family was supportive of me joining, however my father didn't want me to join infantry because he didn't want me to deploy to Iraq and die. So I ended up joining Artillery, and still deploying to Iraq to do a infantry job, but fortunately did not die. All of my family was proud of my decision and service.

Response by PO3 Debra Dart made Nov 5 at 2021 11:04 AM

2021-11-05T11:04:13-04:00

I remember telling my Pops, an army WWII and Korean War vet, and him asking me if I was sure. My godmother and favorite aunt and I had a long conversation about it. My maternal grandfather was very proud and wanted a picture of us when I was home on leave after boot camp

Response by SP5 Richard Johnson made Nov 5 at 2021 11:16 AM

2021-11-05T11:16:24-04:00

I left for MEPS & came back two days later & when I walked through the door my dad asked where I had been in jail I replied no I joined the Army...& he replied that I would never make it. It turned out to be the best time of my life. :)

Response by Cpl Shaunda Boulware made Nov 5 at 2021 11:18 AM

2021-11-05T11:18:01-04:00

My recruiter came over and met them because I was under age at the time. Tmy parents signed me up and they told the family and i told my friends which were about two at the time. They asked the same question are you sure the Marines are hard. And I replied yea but I like the uniforms

Response by CPO Linnea Thompson made Nov 5 at 2021 11:33 AM

2021-11-05T11:33:49-04:00

Told my mom first, she was happy because she didn’t like my boyfriend. My dad didn’t speak to me for months because women don’t join the service. My mom has always been proud of me and to this day 15 years after retirement my dad still doesn’t recognize my service. Joining the NAVY and retiring from it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Response by SP5 Donna Barr made Nov 5 at 2021 11:34 AM

2021-11-05T11:34:38-04:00

A lot of girls are fixated on the WWII German army - like me. My family knew sooner or later I’d have to go see for myself. Joined out of high school on a stupid dare with two friends. Parents helped me sign up early. Then I returned after basic and managed to shock each of my family separately. Best practical joke ever. The big dog didn’t know and I almost got slammed.

Response by SGT Todd Lohr made Nov 5 at 2021 12:04 PM

2021-11-05T12:04:55-04:00

I remember telling my parents and the long silence. I guess they were choosing their words carefully. They both supported my decision and supported my through my enlistment.

Response by SFC Joseph McGraw made Nov 5 at 2021 1:02 PM

2021-11-05T13:02:22-04:00

My family was in the know from the get go always supportive and encouraging.

Response by Sgt Kelsie Owen made Nov 5 at 2021 1:39 PM

2021-11-05T13:39:43-04:00

I originally wanted to be a Corpsman in the Navy since I was going to school for nursing. The Navy recruiter at MEPS said they didnt have anything medical open, but they could make me an electrician and I could lat move. I told him, "So you want to make my skinny 115 pound ass climb on electric poles and blow away? Are you high? No, I'm good." Aaaaaaand he told my Navy recruiter not to bring me back haha. The same day my recruiter brought me to the Marine Corps recruiter and it was perfect.

Response by SP5 AngelNasgnA2019 Santiago made Nov 5 at 2021 4:16 PM

2021-11-05T16:16:03-04:00

It wasn't easy to tell my parents because it was 1968 and the Vietnam war was in full swing. Young guys from my home town, Ponce, were being killed in action so it was hard for them to accept this situation. Also my girlfriend was suffering due to the separation that wasn going to happen and the inconvinience of not being able to visit me in Ga. There was a lot of pressure from my friends to not comply with the draft and become an activist to protest the draft.

Response by SP5 Bill Dempsey made Nov 5 at 2021 4:37 PM

2021-11-05T16:37:44-04:00

I just told them. No real conversations about it.

Response by SPC Carlton Phelps made Nov 5 at 2021 5:25 PM

2021-11-05T17:25:51-04:00

That I had done the craziest thing ever, I joined. My lottery number was 44, so not a lot of choices. I hoped to at least learn a trade. Nope!
Everyone in 1969 that a lot of us unmarried and not in college was going soon anyway. I came from a military family, many lifers, and was expected to do my service. So when I joined some slapped me on the back, while other have a sad look in their eyes.

Response by SP5 Richard Parker made Nov 5 at 2021 6:12 PM

2021-11-05T18:12:04-04:00

I didn't tell a sole I just did it an hoped things would be better than they were.

Response by SN Jose Gee made Nov 5 at 2021 9:43 PM

2021-11-05T21:43:44-04:00

Response by SN Jose Gee made Nov 5 at 2021 9:44 PM

2021-11-05T21:44:58-04:00

Most of the people that I told that I was going in did not say anything except give me support and just asked if I was sure that's what I want to do was the main question. And then there was my girlfriend you know we was like you know I was going to go in come back and then we would get married and then we'll live our life as a married couple in the military

Response by SN Jason Hawes made Nov 6 at 2021 12:18 AM

2021-11-06T00:18:29-04:00

My entire family on my mothers and fathers side were entrenched in military service for the past 5 generations. On my moms side it was all Navy and on my dads it was mostly Army and some Marines. I was always going to serve and I am glad I picked the Navy!

Response by SP5 Lonyae Ransome made Nov 6 at 2021 9:19 AM

2021-11-06T09:19:52-04:00

I didn’t tell them, I showed them. It was simply a matter of sending them a selfie while signing the papers and the next day I was off on the bus to BootCamp at Fort Jackson aka Action Jackson. The conversations didn’t change because I was adopted so I made my own decisions at 18 and now I’m 35 living comfortably.

Response by PFC Shaundrika Taylor made Nov 6 at 2021 2:39 PM

2021-11-06T14:39:16-04:00

My decision was very random an unexpected so when I told everyone they were actually just shocked

Response by PFC Susan Lodes made Nov 6 at 2021 6:03 PM

2021-11-06T18:03:28-04:00

I was a senior in high school. I was ready to leave my tiny little town and experience more. As soon as I turned 18, I walked into the recruiter's office and signed up for the Army. I went home and told my parents, and they both cried.

Response by PO1 Ricky LaFountain made Nov 6 at 2021 7:46 PM

2021-11-06T19:46:52-04:00

I told my parents that I wanted to join the military. My mother helped out by calling the Army recruiter and she told him about the issue I have with my right hand. We told the recruiter that I had my right ring finger amputated, he then told my mother that they wouldn't accept me and she asked why? He said that I would not be able to salute right or perform my duties. So we went to the Navy recruiter and told him what the Army recruiter said and he said he would get me in. I went to my MEPS station 4 times got denied 3 times before going in for a 20 year career.

Response by MAJ Billi-Jean King made Nov 6 at 2021 8:08 PM

2021-11-06T20:08:22-04:00

I think it was actually not much of a surprise to my family that I was joining the Army. I have always been physically active, enjoyed challenges, and wanted to travel, so my family encouraged and supported me at that time.

Response by CPL Stephanie Hale made Nov 7 at 2021 12:51 AM

2021-11-07T00:51:28-04:00

I took the ASVAB test when I was in the eleventh grade and since I was underage, my parents had to sign the paperwork. So, I guess that would be when I told them and they knew I was serious. My two older brothers were already in the military, so the conversation with them was a little awkward.

Response by SFC Charles E Hightower made Nov 7 at 2021 1:48 AM

2021-11-07T01:48:27-04:00

I tell my father a CSM in US Army and my mother back i Nov 1970 I join US Army and went Dep Nov 1970 after High School Jun 1971. I took the Entitlement at the Los Angeles induction center on Wilshire Blvd than to Fort Ord and Fort Knox for Training on 23 June 1971 for Base Training in US Army (A-4-2) and Retire from US Army at Co A, USAG Fort Ord 31 July 1993. After being station all the over-world ie: Vietnam (7mo), Germany (6 years), Middle East (1 year), Korea (4 years), Okinawa (2 years) Panama ( 3 years) and the Philippines. (2 years). I miss Fort Ord, CA I was station there 4 times. My Uncle was Uncle, my Borther and all cousin where all Marines and went to Vietman back min-60's

Response by SGT Nathan Whorton made Nov 7 at 2021 8:44 AM

2021-11-07T08:44:43-05:00

I didn’t even tell my mother. The recruiter came to her and asked her to sign the papers allowing me to go. She was a bit surprised to say the least. I spoke to my high school counselor about it and he said I would never make it in the military. 21 years later, I’m still serving and I proved him wrong.

Response by PV2 Kim Allen made Nov 7 at 2021 4:01 PM

2021-11-07T16:01:17-05:00

My mother replied, “It’s too dangerous. You don’t have to do this. You don’t come from a military family.”

Response by LCpl Robert Moor made Nov 7 at 2021 8:32 PM

2021-11-07T20:32:44-05:00

I came home the day in highschool i decided to go. I said to my italian father "I joined the marine corp." my father ofcourse responded with. "did you hit your head or somthing?" I told him that he said if i do somthing go big so marine corp it is. He responded with "yea now you listen to me"

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2021 9:56 PM

2021-11-07T21:56:25-05:00

I was in SUNY Farmingdale College in the Aerospace Technology course. In 1984 it was a two year program. A summary of the program is that it was a ground school for flight. I did want to fly aircraft. To continue my studies after graduating with a Associate of Applied Science degree, I would have to transfer to a four year college where the tuition was at least $10,000 a semester (or year). In 1984 that was big bucks that I didn't have, nor my parents. Many of the people in the program did not have that kind of money. So most were looking at going for a ROTC program to pay for the rest of the college years. Since I wanted to fly helicopters, I figured that the Marines and the Army had the most helicopters. I went to the Marine recruiter and scheduled a date to take the ASVAB. I was 20 years old at the time. I went home and told my parents. My dad, a WWII Army Air Corps Veteran, blew his top. I walked out the front door and walked around the neighborhood. Came back home in about a half hour. My mom said that Dad had calmed down to please talk to him. I did. Dad basically said that Marines are the first ones to die in a war. That I am his only son and that he asks that I choose any branch but the Marines. Called the Marine recruiter and cancelled. Went to the Army recruiter and started the process. SSG Raymond T Willig was my recruiter. I enlisted and became Military Police. Never did become a pilot, but did fly in a few helicopters. My girlfriend thought I was joining the Army to get away from her. Ha! We've been married 35 years!

Response by PO2 Neil Viertel made Nov 8 at 2021 12:05 AM

2021-11-08T00:05:40-05:00

To be honest, everyone was fine with it in my family and also not surprised. So many people in my family have served 1 was or another, via guard, reserves, 1 4 yr term, etc. Most peoples reaction was " Oh. Ok. Cool!" LOL

Response by SrA Erik Mitchell made Nov 8 at 2021 2:06 AM

2021-11-08T02:06:08-05:00

I spoke of it for awhile. Did much research on the different branches and benefits. Consulted family members that were veterans. For the most part, my family was supportive and proud.

Response by SP5 Suzanne Montiel made Nov 8 at 2021 4:21 AM

2021-11-08T04:21:27-05:00

I called my mom from a friends house whose dad was a recruiter and told her I had joined the military. She was shocked since I was basically a beach bum then.

Response by Cpl Art Torres made Nov 8 at 2021 9:01 AM

2021-11-08T09:01:17-05:00

I told them I talked to the recruiter and left 3 days later. I remember everyone being happy.

Response by Maj David BenJames made Nov 8 at 2021 9:08 PM

2021-11-08T21:08:55-05:00

My Dad said: "Good"

Response by PO2 Edward Findley made Nov 9 at 2021 9:51 AM

2021-11-09T09:51:47-05:00

I was just released from jail for a DUI. I had lost my job and sitting in jail was a time too reflect on my life and came to conclusion it was time to do something with my life. I couldn't afford college and joined to get some training and an education. telling my family was easy they were relieved to here I was ready to grow up

Response by CW2 Chalmers Kirk made Nov 9 at 2021 12:07 PM

2021-11-09T12:07:24-05:00

After speaking to the Army recruiter and doing the paperwork, I went home and informed my parents that I had enlisted in the Army. My father (a retired Army Medical Corps officer) looked at me seriously and said "I would have recommended the Air Force."

Response by SP5 Nina David made Nov 9 at 2021 12:15 PM

2021-11-09T12:15:43-05:00

I researched all branches of the military service, choice the branch of service. I reported to Basic Training and sent my friends letters and post cards regarding my recruitment. I surprised my friends.

Response by SSgt Jaime Carothers made Nov 9 at 2021 2:58 PM

2021-11-09T14:58:17-05:00

I wanted to see the world, so it wasn't a hard choice. When I learned that I could do that in the Air Force, I enlisted as aircrew on the KC-135. I do remember when I told my best friend about it, she said she didn't think I would survive basic training - that only ticked me off and made me more determined to prove her wrong. So ultimately, I thank her for the added motivation!

Response by PO2 Dru Popham-Snavely made Nov 9 at 2021 4:27 PM

2021-11-09T16:27:28-05:00

One friend saying "join the Navy ride the Waves", then finding out years later that he joined the Navy himself.

Response by SSgt Kayla Gordon made Nov 9 at 2021 6:07 PM

2021-11-09T18:07:05-05:00

I think I had decided to join the military by my sophomore year in high school, and I don't actually remember telling my friends because it was not an unexpected career choice, so the conversation wouldn't have really stood out. I remember being scared to tell my parents because I worried they would have too hard a time letting me go. But I needn't have worried because before I could broach the subject, my dad actually asked me if I had considered the military. I said yes and he was incredibly supportive, as was the rest of my family when they found out.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2021 6:07 PM

2021-11-09T18:07:56-05:00

it was not a big deal...they were proud, happy for me...

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2021 3:09 AM

2021-11-10T03:09:11-05:00

My family, especially my father was shocked at my decision to join the Marines. The conversation was direct and simple, "I am going to join the Marines once I graduate." There was some silence and then a lot of questions. It was not easy but felt right. There had been discussions of grad school post my undergrad, however, I felt a deep desire to serve as so many of my had going back to WWII. Eventually, they came to understand it was my decision and was a good one, even if it concerned them about me going to war.

Response by SGT Carolyn Honesty made Nov 10 at 2021 8:29 AM

2021-11-10T08:29:50-05:00

My Mom had moved us from Cleveland to Youngsport. There were no jobs to be found since beginning of summer. My sister and I were walking downtown... looking for any help wanted signs and she said wow there is an recruiting office. Carolyn lets go in. She convinced me to take the test and I scored very well and since I was 17 my mother had to sign. She didn't want to but my father figure "Webb" her boyfriend said give her this opportunity to do something with her life. 'coming from a poor background and welfare" So she cried, signed and I turned 18 in Basic training. 1979. Best decision my little sister helped me to make.

Response by A1C Ken Dsvis made Nov 10 at 2021 8:32 PM

2021-11-10T20:32:22-05:00

My family was super excited and so proud of me for enlisting and in my own. It was a way for me to find my own way and path in what I want to become as a grown man. It was the best decision I made for my life.

Response by Sgt Christine Kittler made Nov 10 at 2021 9:59 PM

2021-11-10T21:59:54-05:00

My father had just died. I was to graduate in a month, with no way to afford college, too late to apply for scholarship, too young-looking to get a job (I know, I have tried, even with 4 years of technical school and a year of college by the time I graduated high school). Since my mom was recently widowed, and we were a very poor family, I suggested that, since the military were beating down our door to have me join (because of my high-test scores), why don't I join, and thereby have one less mouth to feed and I can have security. My mother was partially relieved, but nervous of having the responsibility of taking full care of my brother and two sisters, since I took on that very role early.

Response by SPC Elizabeth Gray made Nov 11 at 2021 4:57 AM

2021-11-11T04:57:40-05:00

I joined the Army delayed entry, and while I was waiting to go to Basic, had a friend who was a veteran taking me out for runs so I could be in better physical shape to start Basic Training.

Response by SGT Mary G. made Nov 11 at 2021 11:30 AM

2021-11-11T11:30:25-05:00

I enlisted, then told them the date I was leaving. I was past my 20s at the time, and was no longer willing to tolerate family efforts to redirect my life away from my goals for me, which were entirely different from family's efforts to force me in other directions. I had thought of enlisting, even way back in high school. After choices for women improved, it seemed foolish not to make use of an opportunity move forward on my own path in life while in service to our nation.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2021 4:37 PM

2021-11-11T16:37:47-05:00

Fortunately, my father and brothers were already in the military at the time, so that made telling them the news much easier.

Response by PO2 Darryl Omari made Nov 12 at 2021 8:13 PM

2021-11-12T20:13:52-05:00

After learning that I had been drafted, I spoke to my family about the Air force. Several family members who'd served in the USAF expressed having positive experiences. I went on to serve in both the USAF and the USCG; proudly serving this great country of ours.

Response by Sgt Joel Pedaline made Nov 17 at 2021 6:02 PM

2021-11-17T18:02:24-05:00

Coming from a military family I had my eye on enlisting since my early teens. In h.s. I told my dad I was going to take the ASVAB he was very supportive without trying to influence my decision. After taking it I visited Army Navy and Marine Corps recruiters. After mulling it over I decided on the Corps. That Friday at dinner my asked if I had decided whether or not to enlist. I told the whole family I enlisted and would be going to boot camp in just over a month

Response by PO2 Sandra Rhei made Nov 17 at 2021 6:41 PM

2021-11-17T18:41:52-05:00

I was at a bad place with my parents and when I told my grandmother that the recruiter was picking me up in the morning, she got mad and told me I was going to die. That was pretty memorable.

Response by CPL Jimmy Webb made Nov 17 at 2021 7:17 PM

2021-11-17T19:17:32-05:00

Tears love future

Response by SrA Aiden Ferguson made Nov 17 at 2021 7:18 PM

2021-11-17T19:18:27-05:00

My parents knew I always wanted to be a part of the military. I was an Army brat, and we were stationed both stateside and overseas. From all of my memories of the Army (few honestly), and what I knew about my dad, I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, and on his advice, I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force lol.

Response by PVT Dan Chmielewski made Nov 17 at 2021 7:21 PM

2021-11-17T19:21:44-05:00

it was i join or get drafted,my number was low

Response by Sgt William Von Ohlen made Nov 17 at 2021 7:25 PM

2021-11-17T19:25:08-05:00

Actually, I joined the Air Force and on the way home I stoped off at the Marine Corps recruiter and he beat the Air Force Recruiter to my house because I was only 17, my parents had to sign me in.
My mother’s brother was drafted into the Marines during Korea.
I joined right out of high school in 1965. All my uncles served (6), father USN WW2, grandfather USA drafted during WW1, great, great grandfather drafted into civil war.

Response by PO3 Thomas Jester made Nov 17 at 2021 7:42 PM

2021-11-17T19:42:49-05:00

My parents told me that either I joined the military I move out

Response by CSM Edward Litherland made Nov 17 at 2021 8:01 PM

2021-11-17T20:01:09-05:00

Yes, my dad was retired Army and was working for the selective service. He sat me down and said I needed to think about joining as my draft lottery number was low. So joined the Army Reserves, did 34 years and retired as CSM.

Response by SPC Richard Lindsey made Nov 17 at 2021 8:04 PM

2021-11-17T20:04:42-05:00

Wasn't very hard to inform my family that I had enlisted. My father spent 27 years in the Army. My brother-in-law served for 20 years in the army. My brother joined the Coast Guard reserve. It's a family tradition to serve our country with honor on the military.
I knew from an early age that I would volunteer once I graduated high school. I made sure that I was in ROTC in school to give me a leg up once I joined up. My very best friend also did the same, since his father also served in the army.
So basically, it came as no surprise to anyone that I made this choice. And my entire family supported my decision.

Response by PO3 Omar Riveracolon made Nov 17 at 2021 8:11 PM

2021-11-17T20:11:24-05:00

I decided to speak with my family about joining the military and making a real difference in this world after the attack on September 11, 2001. My parents were so proud that I wanted to stand up, fight back, demonstrate grit, and wanted to serve my country proudly. Our freedom is so special to me and I was honored to serve with others and protecting what we hold dear and close to our hearts. Serving my country and giving 110% what’s the best decision of my life!

Response by PO3 Omar Riveracolon made Nov 17 at 2021 8:18 PM

2021-11-17T20:18:23-05:00

I joined the military after the September 11, 2001 attack on our nation. Serving my Country was the best decision of my life! My parents were so proud of me because I learned about sacrifice, dedication, leadership, and collaboration.

Response by PFC Dennis Resch made Nov 17 at 2021 8:27 PM

2021-11-17T20:27:44-05:00

For family, I basically was forced to join. My grandparents were told later. For friends, I told everyone I knew. I was proud. No. No conversation stands out.

Response by SP5 William Jones made Nov 17 at 2021 8:32 PM

2021-11-17T20:32:29-05:00

Straight out. No.

Response by A1C Jennifer Luttrell made Nov 17 at 2021 8:36 PM

2021-11-17T20:36:04-05:00

My friend was going to a meeting with her recruiter andAnd asked if I wanted to go with her and told me there would be free pizza there. I went for the pizza lol. I ended up signing up that night. Next day I told my parents and they were shocked but supportive. I left for boot camp a couple months later!

Response by LCpl Bobby Walker made Nov 17 at 2021 8:38 PM

2021-11-17T20:38:24-05:00

I had a very negative relationship with my dad, and my mom was at the end of her rope. I turned 16 and met with a recruiter. Of course I had to have a parent sign for me, and I simply went home, asked if they were going to be around at 5pm the next day. Recruiter showed up in his Blue Dress Cs and my folks jumped at the chance to sign for me. The.Best.Decision.Made.

Response by SSgt Racine Marks made Nov 17 at 2021 8:45 PM

2021-11-17T20:45:47-05:00

I was seventeen years old and a high school graduate when I first met with the Marine Corps recruiter. Since I was two months shy of my eighteenth birthday I had to convince my mother to let me withdraw from Community College and join the Corps. My mother was hell bent on me getting my education. But after the Recruiter's excellent presentation and my promise that I was going to join on my own as soon I made eighteen anyway, she broke down and signed my enlistment papers. She would ask almost daily if I was sure that this was what I wanted to do. Since I never wavered on my choice she slowly came around. I was in the Delayed Entry Program for 90 days before I actually went to Recruit Training. But it was a life changing decision that I made with no regrets.

Response by SSG Lindsey Reamer-Knutson made Nov 17 at 2021 9:08 PM

2021-11-17T21:08:58-05:00

I told them I had just joined and was leaving in a week for basic training.

Response by Sgt Javier Romero made Nov 17 at 2021 9:09 PM

2021-11-17T21:09:47-05:00

My mother and mothers side of the family knew that I wanted to be a Marine. As a young kid, I wanted to go special forces because of shows like The A-Team, Hawaii 5-0. But my end game was to become a District Attorney in the city I grew up in as a delinquent. But my father wasn't surprised when I told him and needed his signature to enlist at 17 while still a Jr in high school, being a platoon leader and eventually 2nd in command of my JROTC unit as a senior. Sr year I was living with extended family and my uncle talked me out of going infantry/special forces and talked me into going administrative where I was able to serve in the infantry/air group/wing/reserve/school units. My MOS allowed me to be in different types of units and learned alot of skills over the years.

Response by SPC Tommy Meadows made Nov 17 at 2021 9:12 PM

2021-11-17T21:12:41-05:00

Uncle Sam drafted me in 1968 for two years my family knew all about it what they didnt know is where my basic training was for four weeks

Response by SGT Rebecca Walker made Nov 17 at 2021 9:13 PM

2021-11-17T21:13:14-05:00

I told my mom first. I just knew I didn't want to go to college after high school but I wanted a decent job. I didn't have anyone in my family that was in the military, so I was the first one. My mom was fine with it. This was before 9/11 so the worst thing that could happen to me (I thought) was getting sent to Korea. If I joined while there was a war going on, I'm not sure if my mom would have been so understanding.

Response by PO2 Angela Brush made Nov 17 at 2021 9:20 PM

2021-11-17T21:20:29-05:00

I don’t remember specifically how I broke the news, but I recall my stepmom immediately and directly asking me if I was gay (which I’m not). I’m not sure where her assumption that women in the military must be gay came from, but hopefully I helped debunk it.

Response by PO2 Kathleen R made Nov 17 at 2021 9:59 PM

2021-11-17T21:59:25-05:00

Dad didn’t want me to go, sad to leave me at the bus station

Response by Maj Karina Glover made Nov 17 at 2021 10:06 PM

2021-11-17T22:06:14-05:00

I grew up in the foster system. My conversation was a little different. The talk you get is usually how you’re going to end up on drugs, pregnant, and/or dead “like all the others”. I made a point to go back to those group homes and let the residents know that they have so much more to give and shared a bit of my story. I’m praying I encouraged a few to join the service and see their potential.

Response by PO2 Thresa Arney made Nov 17 at 2021 10:22 PM

2021-11-17T22:22:08-05:00

I didn't tell them till I had already enlisted. Told them at 18:00 that I was leaving at 05:30 for Boot Camp.

Response by PO3 JOsephine Casale made Nov 17 at 2021 10:41 PM

2021-11-17T22:41:53-05:00

Having a dad that was in the Navy and my brother who was in the Air Force, it was pretty easy telling my family that I wanted to go in the military. I had many conversations with my brother who gave me guidance and helped me make that decision while I was still in high school! Best decision ever made!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2021 11:03 PM

2021-11-17T23:03:32-05:00

It was really hard as I had my master's degree before I joined the Army and convincing my family was a challenge. I wanted to join as enlisted so that I didn't want to commit for 6 years but in the end, I stayed a lot longer than the 2 years that I initially enlisted for, but I enjoyed most of it. If I had to do it again would have done a couple of things differently.

Response by SGT Bobby Brooks made Nov 17 at 2021 11:24 PM

2021-11-17T23:24:30-05:00

I told my family I scored well on the entrance exam and I did not have plans for the future and I gave Army life a try. They were all very positive. When the recruiter picked me up at the house my mother started crying.

Response by PO1 Carlos Xochihua made Nov 17 at 2021 11:26 PM

2021-11-17T23:26:08-05:00

Parents were pushing me to go but leave the attitude. Best decision of my life, grew up quicker than most of my friends.

Response by PO2 Fredisvindo Bebe made Nov 17 at 2021 11:35 PM

2021-11-17T23:35:48-05:00

I was 18 and I asked my mother what she thought if I signed up for the Navy. She simply said, "If you think that is where the work is and you see that as your life, then do it." I signed up and my military career began. That was 1960!

Response by SSgt Sandra Cunningham made Nov 18 at 2021 12:50 AM

2021-11-18T00:50:26-05:00

My late father was a USN veteran & my brother was currently serving in the USAF, so it seemed normal for me to enlist. The only conversation was about which branch I'd join. I took mt brother's advice & enlisted in the USAF.

Response by Sgt Diego Murillo made Nov 18 at 2021 12:52 AM

2021-11-18T00:52:47-05:00

I told them a couple hours after my high school graduation. They were very open to the idea of it because I communicated to them that I wanted to do something else other than go straight to college. My dad signed my papers to enlist (since I was 17 at the time) and I shipped to recruit training shortly after at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego on July 2015.

Response by PO3 Sean Evans made Nov 18 at 2021 1:33 AM

2021-11-18T01:33:15-05:00

My best friend wasn't particularly ecstatic about my decision to join the service. My family and friends overall were overwhelmingly supportive. I recall having a going away party and everyone had a turn to shave my head, since they were going to do it when I got to boot camp anyway what did it matter? My mother and grandparents were strong influencers of me joining the service. I thought it was a great idea and had no hesitations about doing so. The conversations I recall having were supportive and encouraging as I started on a new journey. Whenever I meet a young person who seems to lack direction I merely recommend that they speak to a recruiter. I think it's important for someone to make the decision to join the military on their own, and not be overly influenced to do so.

Response by Sgt Hazel Abraham made Nov 18 at 2021 1:34 AM

2021-11-18T01:34:19-05:00

they all knew from childhood that I would most likely join
dad (retired Army) after signing the waiver since I was under 18 said, "your a** belongs to uncle Sam now"

Response by SPC Robert McElreath made Nov 18 at 2021 2:38 AM

2021-11-18T02:38:17-05:00

Simple: I've been drafted! See you in 2yrs!

Response by A1C Keylassiun Rose made Nov 18 at 2021 2:41 AM

2021-11-18T02:41:09-05:00

My mom found the contract under my mattress the summer after graduation and asked me so at that point I just came out and told her.

Response by SPC Robert McElreath made Nov 18 at 2021 2:49 AM

2021-11-18T02:49:08-05:00

When I was assigned to the engineer school, a grizzled, old Master Sgt told me, "There are old demo men and there are bold demo men but you will never, ever find an old, bold demo man."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 7:31 AM

2021-11-18T07:31:16-05:00

When joining the Marines at 17 it was more of a "something to do" decision. Me, being my mothers youngest, I am sure weighed heavier on her than me. After making it through several deployments during my 6 year tour and transitioning to civilian life for 10 years, it was much more of a shock to the family when I re-enlisted into the Army knowing the country was at war. Many didn't understand the "calling". It was tough to explain to someone who hadn't "walked the mile". After the initial shock and understanding it was what I wanted they all came around.

Response by AN Catherine Wray-Tully made Nov 18 at 2021 8:00 AM

2021-11-18T08:00:54-05:00

I wanted to join after high school, I wanted to go into OCS in college but my parents pitched a fit. I finally did when I was 32, and they cut me out of their lives for years.

Response by 1LT Michael Contos made Nov 18 at 2021 8:14 AM

2021-11-18T08:14:18-05:00

I pushed up my draft and asked to have it delayed a few weeks upon learning that a fellow with whom I sang Doo-Wop songs in Philadelphia was being drafted then. We went to boot camp at Fort Bragg, NC, and reunited more than a year later after he returned from Vietnam a sergeant and me a lonely second lieutenant about to be deployed in Vietnam as a combat infantry platoon leader.

Response by SPC Dawn Harvey made Nov 18 at 2021 9:01 AM

2021-11-18T09:01:40-05:00

My grandfather was a WWII veteran and when I told him that I joined the Army he said why would you go and do a dumb thing like that for?

Response by PO2 Mark Gates made Nov 18 at 2021 9:46 AM

2021-11-18T09:46:10-05:00

My parents knew I wanted to join for a long time. They wouldn't sign my papers for me to enlist (I graduated high school at 17). So after a couple semesters in college, when I came home and told them I dropped out and joined the Navy, they were less than thrilled, but I think they knew it was coming.
The conversation that I will always remember, though, is a relative telling me all this bull crap about how I am making a big mistake, this is bad for my future and I will end up poor because "every year I waste in the service increases the gap in my earning potential between me and my peers." (those exact words are seared into my brain)
I got out after 6 years, got paid to go back to college on the GI Bill, and am not saddled by student loan debt. I now have a career that I love continuing to support the Navy and am doing just fine financially.
I don't think any of this would have been possible without joining the Navy. Finally, I can't lie, I still take a little bit of smug satisfaction now every time this person tells me they are proud of me.

Response by Charlotte Rose made Nov 18 at 2021 9:48 AM

2021-11-18T09:48:04-05:00

When my dad, the service member, announced that he would be re-joining active duty, the conversation was actually a joyous one because, while this meant my dad had a higher chance of being deployed, it also meant that as a family we would have the opportunity to see the world. I think the one thing that people take for granted while being in the military as an active duty member is that we are given so many opportunities to see the world. I remember the conversation being exciting because, again while I knew there would be times where my dad might have to go into the throng of danger, there would be even more times where we would get to make lasting memories traveling the world.

Response by SGT Jennifer Watkins-Schoenig made Nov 18 at 2021 9:52 AM

2021-11-18T09:52:17-05:00

I had been considering military service for quite some time but at 16 I really felt that I should join the Marine Corps. When 9/11 happened I wanted to join but I was only 17 and I wasn't interested in the DEP. I spoke to an Army National Guard recruiter who said I could join at 17 and that my time counted on my contract of 6 years. I felt this was a good route for me but my parents felt differently. I tried to explain that I would be non deployable for at least a year due to scheduling of training but they were hesitant because they were scared of the potential of being in harms way. I told them if they didn't consent to the Guard that I would join the Marines when I turned 18 (4 months away) and would most certainly be deployed. They signed and I deployed less than 2 years later. They still talk about how I manipulated them into doing what I wanted. I don't regret it at all.

Response by SGT Gary Bloomfield made Nov 18 at 2021 10:05 AM

2021-11-18T10:05:56-05:00

My father was an Army CSM, having served in the Korean War and deployed twice to Vietnam, when I got my draft notice in 1972, My fiance and I decided we wanted to get married after basic training and whatever advanced course I would be taking. My future father-in-law was also an Army CSM and Vietnam vet. All of our parents were together when we announced our wedding plans. This was after I got the welcome letter from Uncle Sam and before I left for Basic at Fort Polk. Our happy announcement was met with total silence, No congratulations, just blank stares. All our parents could think of was the likelihood I was headed to Vietnam, and that my fiance would become a widow, or the primary care taker of a wounded husband. They recommended we wait a year, but we were dead set on getting married a week after my AIT, while I was home on temporary leave. Instead of going to Nam, I spent 13 months in Korea and by the time that tour was over, Vietnam was winding down. Next year my wife and I will celebrate our 50th anniversary, and probably look back on those first ten years when I was in the Army, deployed twice, three advanced schools, plus multiple TDYs. It certainly is nothing compared to the sacrifices of today's servicemen and women, but still a struggle to maintain a happy marriage.

Response by Sgt Richard E Lambert made Nov 18 at 2021 10:22 AM

2021-11-18T10:22:13-05:00

My " friends and neighbors" selected me. Seriously??? NONE of them would have so after being drafted I ended up in the Marine Corp. Then I sighed up for 3 years (???) MY dad and mom weren't happy. They had sent 6 other sons off to war but they said you have to do what you think is right.

Response by LTC Jerry Gordon made Nov 18 at 2021 10:25 AM

2021-11-18T10:25:59-05:00

It wasn’t really very hard for me to join the military I had her cousins and my dad was in the Navy World War II my cousin served in Vietnam as well as I did Anna just the background of my family my mom was a camp kid in World War II she packed parachutes and search so I had that background instilled in me my stepfather was medically retired from the army duty injuries in Korea so all that was instilled in me and when I went into the military it was fairly easy the discipline and everything I already knew from home. If you

Response by SGT Alston Phillips made Nov 18 at 2021 10:30 AM

2021-11-18T10:30:42-05:00

I met with my siblings that served and were still serving to discuss my plan to join the U.S. Army. I had 7 siblings with military service and I wanted to continue the family tradition. They were very supportive but didn't think dad would be happy. I later met with my dad to tell him that I was joining the U.S. Army but needed his signature because I was not 18 years old. What stands out about my discussion with my dad was the awkward silence between us those firs 4-5 minutes after I dropped the bomb on him. He was disappointed that I opted to join the military instead of continue on with college and initially refused to sign. I told him I would wait until I turned 18 and join anyway. After another few minutes of silence, he agreed to sign and wished me the best. When everything was finalized, I called my friends and told them. Many were surprised but supported my decision to serve.

Response by SFC Robert Surrette made Nov 18 at 2021 10:38 AM

2021-11-18T10:38:40-05:00

I didn't have to tell my family. The draft notice came in the mail and mom opened it. She said, Robbie you have to go. So I went.

Response by SGT Marie Vedder made Nov 18 at 2021 11:39 AM

2021-11-18T11:39:30-05:00

I called one of my best friends to tell her I’d enlisted. “But green isn’t your color!” Through gasping tears. It was hilarious and true.

Response by SCPO Timothy Canup made Nov 18 at 2021 12:12 PM

2021-11-18T12:12:11-05:00

My family thought that joining the military was a great idea. They never understand why I joined the Navy because I was the one who always got seasick on the ocean. That changes really quickly when your on a ship and you hit 20’-30’ seas. You Adam PT quickly and get over your issues.

Response by Cpl Edward Grensky made Nov 18 at 2021 12:23 PM

2021-11-18T12:23:52-05:00

I called them by phone because we were in seperate states.

Response by SSG Richard Witkop made Nov 18 at 2021 12:45 PM

2021-11-18T12:45:43-05:00

Right after high school graduation I joined the USAF as I needed something meaning full to do. The Air Force helped me grow up & gave me a free electronics education. I also worked in the electronics field during my 14 years in the MIARNG untill my retirement in 1988.

Response by SSG Richard Witkop made Nov 18 at 2021 12:48 PM

2021-11-18T12:48:00-05:00

i joined the USAF right out of high school in 1957. I felt

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 1:18 PM

2021-11-18T13:18:11-05:00

I just told them. I remember my mom was a little nervous.

Response by PVT Jeremy Moody made Nov 18 at 2021 1:50 PM

2021-11-18T13:50:36-05:00

I just sat them down and told them. My parents were okay with it, and talked to me about other members of our family that served. My wife at the time wasn’t happy about it. She didn’t want me to join. Fortunately, my current wife is proud to be married to a veteran!

Response by PV2 Wanda Morris made Nov 18 at 2021 2:51 PM

2021-11-18T14:51:11-05:00

The decision to join the military was simple I felt the opportunity to see outside my small hometown border was was greater this way. And following my hero’s footstep made my family proud. My Grandfather served on a ship stationed in Pearl Harbor and he came home with a Purple Heart. I had always had him to go to for advice and he said I would do great things in the military. I couldn’t wait to start my medical career.

Response by SFC Donald Shilo made Nov 18 at 2021 4:10 PM

2021-11-18T16:10:46-05:00

Unemployment at a young age, my experience level, my Father wishing I hadn’t, but recognized that I was making my own choice in my life even if against it.

Response by SPC Jessica Reed made Nov 18 at 2021 8:20 PM

2021-11-18T20:20:26-05:00

There isnt much to say about when I joined the military. I have always been a very independent person making my own decisions on my own time. I do not have much family so telling a few of them wasn't a problem. My brother had a hard time with me leaving because he felt like I was leaving him and wouldn't be there to support him. However he is the type of sibling who is in and out of jail struggling with a lot of trauma. So we spent the night before I left together and I bought him some stuff he could have to be a little bit okay with the idea. That night he left and got messed up and arrested. My friends were sad to see me leave, excited for the future, and supportive. They wrote to me all the time and out of basic we still kept in contact for a year or so and we drifted apart which is okay, it's apart of life and being young and joining and leaving your hometown it can be expected.

Response by SrA Amber Harris made Nov 18 at 2021 9:22 PM

2021-11-18T21:22:00-05:00

I was 17 and still in high school, but I wanted to make sure I had a fast track ticket out of my town, so I told my mom I wanted to join the USMC (I'd wanted to be a Marine for years). My mom said, "No, I'll only sign the paperwork for you to go into the USAF." So I went with what she said because I wanted that guaranteed ticket. Joke is on me because I didn't leave until I was 19! I still had my whole senior year left of high school until I left. O well I guess it all works out. The rest of my family and friends took it well because they knew I wanted to be in the military. My papaw was a bit upset since I was his only granddaughter, but then he got another granddaughter soon after I left haha

Response by SPC Sandra Allen made Nov 18 at 2021 10:52 PM

2021-11-18T22:52:53-05:00

All of my friends knew but my family did not know initially. One day my mom came to me and asked me what did everyone know that she did not. So I finally told her and asked her not to tell my dad because I knew somehow he would not like it. I found out that evening at dinner that she in fact told my father and I was correct he was not thrilled with the idea. I told them that If I was not able to college now that I was going to get money to be able to go myself.

Response by PVT Thomas Allen made Nov 19 at 2021 5:01 AM

2021-11-19T05:01:18-05:00

I call my mother and father collect, I didn't have a dime. Told them I had seen a recruiter and had joined that Army was heading to basic in a few days. My father sent me a telegram " congratulations General ! Along with 50 bucks that was a lot of money in 1974

Response by PO3 Chris Nichols made Nov 19 at 2021 9:35 AM

2021-11-19T09:35:08-05:00

I was part of the "Top Gun" generation (part of the 500% increase in enlistments after that movie was released). In truth, I would have joined anyway. I knew I was going to serve in the military - I just didn't know if I would go in as an officer or enlisted. I decided that I didn't want to wait (plus, by all accounts - enlisted men had a helluva lot more fun on liberty than the officers did - and I found that to be true, as one officer used to hang out with my group when he could - finding his peers to be boring). My dad was very proud, being a Navy Korean War veteran, himself. The hardest part was leaving my high school girlfriend behind. At that age, you think you're meant to be together forever and, of course, over time that ended.

Response by SGT Nathan Hunt made Nov 19 at 2021 2:47 PM

2021-11-19T14:47:29-05:00

I told my Dad and brothers, all veterans. They were glad that I joined and offered advice.

Response by CPL Leslie. Shaw made Nov 21 at 2021 4:13 AM

2021-11-21T04:13:39-05:00

I told my family and they were happy and relieved. I was going down the wrong path and they saw it as a. Blessings. And looking back, it was

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2021 5:00 PM

2021-11-21T17:00:42-05:00

I didn't tell many people before I left. I just signed the paperwork, swore in, and left a few weeks later.

Response by SPC Robert Jennett made Nov 21 at 2021 5:56 PM

2021-11-21T17:56:15-05:00

I just told my mom after I had signed a contract with the Army. That way she couldn't try and change my mind. She supported me although I'm sure she was concerned about me joining while there were 2 active wars. Dad was much more simple to inform as he was a veteran already and he was rather excited about the news.

Response by HN Tammy Lawrence Giger made Nov 21 at 2021 8:01 PM

2021-11-21T20:01:44-05:00

I recall my father asking why Navy since he was in the Army.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2021 9:48 AM

2021-12-02T09:48:40-05:00

Congratulations to CPT Lauren Dowless, SPC Edward Vidmar, Sgt William Meiers, Charlotte Rose, and Cpl William Stilwagen! You've all won a $100 Amazon gift card! An e-gift card will be sent to the email address associated with your RallyPoint account.

Thanks to all who participated and shared!

Response by SGT Linsey Anderson made Dec 4 at 2021 3:54 AM

2021-12-04T03:54:41-05:00

I was put into foster care at 15. Prior to then I lived with my father and brother. My father, grandfather, and my great-grandfathers served in the military. I thought it would be an honor to be the first Female in our family to carry on the tradition of serving our country.
My foster family was very supportive. My older foster sister had joined the Army two years prior and was discharged for parenthood while her husband stayed in. She said it was hard. My foster parents also said it was hard and not everyone makes it. They were shocked when I told them I Joined the Army. When I informed my biological father who had served twice in Vietnam I did not expect the response I received. I thought he would be proud that the next generation was serving our country. I was dead wrong! My father made me repeat myself when I told him over the phone. He was is total disappointment, and told me I was making the worst mistake of my life. He hung up on me without saying goodbye he was so angry. My father still to this day (22 years later) will not speak to me for more than a couple seconds. I will admit, the Army was very tough as a female in the 90’s. Especially as a mechanic. I felt I had to work five times harder than the males to prove myself as a soldier and not as a girl. I served honorably a total of 12 years as a mechanic and a truck driver. I would not change a second of my experience. I am who I am because of the constant personal struggle to succeed, no matter how hard things were or how I was treated. Yes, I do suffer from injuries from my combat experiences , but I feel honored to have served my country and accept the challenges I face daily in the place of those who can not serve. I would have continued if the Army made it easy to be a single parent.
I am also honored to continue to serve at the VA. I am among other veterans who take pride in our service and and helping service members, veterans, and their families the benefits they earned.

Response by PFC Lisa McDonald made Dec 10 at 2021 1:18 PM

2021-12-10T13:18:10-05:00

It was an interesting conversation that led to me joining. I had dealt with feeling I was the wrong sex from.birth. Family dynamics and fear had prevented me from saying anything about it before the age of 17. 17 was still pretty young to be talking to a parent this issue in 1981. My mother didn't take it real well and decided I needed to join the military as it would make a man out of me. She also decided it had to be the Navy because she liked the cracker jacks and want the pea coat.
I didn't want to join the Navy I wanted to join the Marines as that was family tradition. Anyway in an extremely fast amount of time I was at Great Lakes beginning training. While recruiting me they missed I was colorblind and therefore couldn't do the job I was recruited for. There aren't many jobs in the Navy for a colorblind person and while offered some pretty good jobs I turned them down.
I tried to do an in service transfer to the Marines but they wouldn't let me so I opted for an honorable discharge. I had hurt my knee in training and it took me a few months to recover but I ended up joining the Army. I am happy to say I got sent to Berlin Germany and completed my enlistment and proved my mother and her idea of conversion therapy wrong.

Response by SFC Barbara Layman made Jan 3 at 2022 5:30 AM

2022-01-03T05:30:29-05:00

My Dad had been in the Navy during WWII. I came along not long after and heard a lot of the stories about how the war came to an end. I also had grandparents who had immigrated before the war. As a result, in my young mind, the military was the place for me.
I wasn't the little girl who wanted to grow up to be a teacher, a nurse or 'a mommy.' Always leaned toward the military.
During my freshman year in HS, I began thinking seriously about what I was going to do after graduation. Recruiters were coming to talk to the boys and I slipped into a session or two which seemed to surprise both guidance counselors and recruiters. By my senior year, I had decided that the US Army was my destination.
Dad was an all-around 'sportsman.' He hunted and fished with a constant group of friends, all of whom had served in some branch during WWII.
One Friday night they were having coffee before heading out with the dogs to chase raccoons. The subject turned to my post graduation plans and lots of advice. I was told to stay away from the USAF because of the reputation of WAFS, stay out of the USMC because of the character of the Women Marines (BAM - aka Broad Assed Marines), and by my father and what he 'knew' about female sailors. It was suggested I pick a 'good college' and enroll. Well, the latter was not possible because we had no money for such things.
I made a statement and asked a question - "Those women didn't acquire their reputations on their own.." "Are you speaking from personal experience or hear-say?" "If from personal experience, you have no self-respect and none for anyone else. Your 'experience' should be kept personal and PRIVATE." "Each of them is someone's sister or daughter. Is that how you expect your sister or daughter to be treated/remembered?"
Needless to say, there were no future discussions about my post-graduation plans.
I followed many paths during my military career in the US Army - as a WAC, in the USAR, the NG and RA, pretty much in that order. I returned to AD USA 21 years after my enlistment in the Women's Army Corps and returned to the USAR where I completed my career in the Retired Reserve.
Thanks to a great nation whose arms were opened to my grandparents and great grandparents offering an opportunity for them to establish a home and future for them and their heirs.

Always a PROUD Female Soldier.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2022 3:18 PM

2022-01-11T15:18:05-05:00

For me it was easy. I decided it was best for my wife and I. I joined delayed entry so I could finish my associates degree. Doing the Army would give me experience on my resumee, allow my wife and I to have kids for free, and free college. Just told my parents the benefits outweighed all other options in life. In the end what others think of your decision doesn't make it a right or wrong choice. Do what's right for you.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Jan 11 at 2022 4:06 PM

2022-01-11T16:06:39-05:00

I made the decision when I was five years old to join the military but my parents just didn't get it until I signed a contract just weeks before my graduation. I wanted to do this. Mom went berserk when I stayed a night at MEPS, calling everybody at church and didn't think I was coming back.

Response by Sgt Douglas M. made Feb 1 at 2022 3:35 PM

2022-02-01T15:35:45-05:00

I told my friends and family 3 days before I left for the US Air Force in 1974, I secretly enlisted in Sept of the prior year when my last year of High School started. The family was surprised and in almost all conversations proud of my decision. I grew up in a VETERANS HOUSING area/project [These were built after WW2 for returning war veterans].
My parents served in WW2, my father was TSgt in the Army - Transportation after a stint in the US Navy as a band member. My Mother was a 2Lt US Army Nurse, joined after she completed Nursing School - my Grandfather who served during the Spanish-American War in Teddy Roosevelt's division convinced her to serve.
No. 1 brother - US Army, Military Intelligence 66-68 Drafted - Stateside, Vietnam Era Vet
No. 2 brother - US Army, Military Intelligence 67-70 Volunteered - Stateside/Vietnam Vet
No. 3 brother - US Army, Military Intelligence 68-71 Volunteered - Stateside/Vietnam Vet
No. 1 sister - War Protestor with all her High School girlfriends

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Mar 15 at 2023 5:41 AM

2023-03-15T05:41:38-04:00

Thanks for sharing