Is the reason why you joined the same reason why you serve?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 09:39:21 -0400

We all joined for a reason, a baby on the way, a job lost, a family Service tradition or a true desire on serving the Country. After losing +80lbs, I joined because I wanted to prove myself how far I could go. BCT had a different meaning for me, being 31 and ex obese, just being there was an accomplishment. Once I passed the BCT, the pride in serving started growing and now I feel proud of wearing my ACU every day. My wife was complaining this morning about that she had to go to work and asked me, don't you want to stay home everyday? I realized that I like what I do, everyday. The question is, is still the reason why you joined the same reason you serve?

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Mar 16 at 2015 10:07 AM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:07:52 -0400

Like most, I joined directly out of High School for the chance to get away from my hometown in WI. Through my 24 year journey my Service shaped me into the man I am today, with a sense of pride in my Nation and a bond with my Brothers and Sisters in Arms.

So, although, my reason for joining is much different than my reason for serving...the end result is/was life changing/focusing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 10:25 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:25:42 -0400

Two totally different reasons...Joined because wanted to get away from home. I stayed because of the family I inherited. My personal family and the adopted one. I look at everyday now as raising a man and a woman, both by my actions and my presence. On the uniformed side I am just trying to better my environment and the train leaders. We all say to lead from the front. I feel this needs to be done on all levels, and when the burden gets heavy we reach out and grab our left and right flank. I will be there. As I know all of you will too.

It takes a village......

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 11:35 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 11:35:27 -0400

I joined for the opportunity to become a soldier. And that's why I'm in. I like being a soldier.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 16 at 2015 11:52 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 11:52:15 -0400

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member, Great question. Why we fight is a crucial part of who and what we are.

I joined to support and defend the constitution for the united states, and to go to war. And to learn to lead. I have done these things. My oath to support and defend the constitution has no expiration date. I'll never stop learning to lead. But as referenced in another thread, I'm feelign the pull of Cincinatus.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/calling-it-quits-and-getting-out

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 16 at 2015 11:55 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 11:55:29 -0400

I joined because I wanted to be somebody. I serve now because I am.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 12:23 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 12:23:04 -0400

I joined the Marines to challenge myself, that and some folks didn't think I could do it. So, in a way to prove it to them as well. I wanted to see the world, always thinking everyone had it better than we did. That was enlightening. I stayed for for some of the reasons others have listed: the comaraderie, the family unit, the training, I'm always meeting interesting people, I'm in the Guard now, giving back as an Instructor. Is it my favorite job, NO, but very rewarding. Plus, I earn my 20 year letter in less than two years.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 16 at 2015 12:32 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 12:32:33 -0400

Thanks for your service!!!! SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member !!!

I joined at age 19, after an unsuccessful year in college on hockey scholarship; they expected me to go to class and not just play hockey.... One of my hockey buddies asked me to escort him to the recruiter, for moral support; he joined the USAF and I joined the Army...

It was an instant fit for me. I stayed because I loved what I was doing, because of the people, and because I believed it mattered.

It wasn't always great, but I had a former boss who told me after he retired... "The worst day in the Army is better than the best day in the civilian world!"

I wouldn't change a thing.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 12:48 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 12:48:21 -0400

I join the serve my country and build a solid foundation for my future best decision I ever made 1979 army infantry

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 1:12 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 13:12:10 -0400

I joined after learning that college was not something a part-time minimum wage job was going to support. I also wanted to be part of a military family like in "MASH". I stay because I am/have become the leader that I didn't have when starting this journey and the brotherhood that the uniform unites us in. We become part of a family that only each other can relate to - when you walk in someone else's shoes; most of us have all been through BCT, AIT, a field problem....having to leave home for extended amounts of time.....the unknown date of return.....our military lives bond us into a unique community. It is a home away from home.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 4:54 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 16:54:35 -0400

Nerdily, my reasons were John Wayne and the 1980's GI Joe cartoons. Now, its because I am part of something bigger, and the shining bright look of pride my wife and daughters have when they look at me in uniform.

Response by PFC Scott Ballor made Jul 13 at 2015 3:17 PM

PFC Scott Ballor — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 15:17:43 -0400

family tradition