If you could do it over again, would you choose to enlist or be commissioned in a different branch of service (or MOS)?

Sgt Jay Jones — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 21:48:26 -0400

Since mostly everyone here is either Retired, Veteran, or Active Duty Service Members we all have a experienced different careers based on our respective branches of service. So here is Question #1) Would enlist or be commissioned in a differentbranch of service other than the one you originally chose? Question #2) If you did choose to enlist or be commissioned in your in your original branch of service, would you choose a different MOS, if you could?

(SORRY, BUT THE POLLING DID NOT WORK AS ANTICIPATED!)

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2018 9:51 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 21:51:59 -0400

I was originally in AFROTC in college. I was not selected between my sophomore and junior year to go to field training. I wish I had been patient and waited it out another year like my friend did. He got selected, got commissioned, is a pilot, and now a Capt.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jun 24 at 2018 10:45 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 22:45:07 -0400

#1 No
#2 No

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 8:01 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 08:01:06 -0400

If I could go backwards in time, with full knowledge (gee, how cool would that be)...I'd do a lot of things different. I'd have enlisted, and I have chosen the Army, and I've had aimed for 11X. Why? First, as much as I love my Navy...I'd be lying if I said I chose it for any other reason that it was the first "certain" offer of a commissioning program (and more importantly, a way to afford college). Second, while it's a big team and everyone has a part to play in the game-I liked/excelled at the small piece of ground operations I experienced, and wanted more than I was going to realistically find in the Fleet. Third, as proud as I am to have earned a commission and made O-4, I believe being enlisted is the best way to experience the military fully and build true experience and competency. Perhaps I'd have sought a commission later, but entering as a 20 year old ensign meant that I was handed a great deal of benefit much earlier than I had full comprehension of how to use it to benefit my Sailors best.

Response by Sgt William Hodges made Oct 28 at 2020 10:27 PM

Sgt William Hodges — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 22:27:24 -0400

I joined the Air Force and it was in hindsight the best possible place for me to be. I needed to grow up a lot and I was lucky enough to have a great squadron with outstanding leadership from both the NCOs and Officers. I am still friends with my section officer 57 years later and my squadron commander until he died a few years ago.