Posted on Mar 16, 2015
Is the reason why you joined the same reason why you serve?
9.03K
26
25
5
5
0
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?
Military Life
Service
Experience
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 11
4
4
0
2
2
0
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.
So, although, my reason for joining is much different than my reason for serving...the end result is/was life changing/focusing.
(2)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
MSgt Michael Durkee the military life has helped me to get things straight. When you joined I was 8 years old, sometimes I wish I joined earlier, sometimes not.
(0)
(0)
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.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
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.
(1)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
MAJ (Join to see) Ma'am, becoming the leader I didn't have is one of the reasons I'm willing to learn the most I can out of every experience while serving.
(0)
(0)
MAJ (Join to see)
Some of the best leaders we have still serving are the ones that made a choice to make the best of less than ideal circumstances. We can't go back and change the past, but I and other leaders have the influence to make changes that will benefit others and hopefully prevent some of the hardships that we had to overcome in our past. PFC Antonio Camacho Ortiz, you're just starting out - the military is what you make of it. It can be temporary employment, college money, or a lifetime commitment to serve and defend. There will be some difficult times if you stay in long enough. The way in which you take on those challenges will determine your strength and character.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I join the serve my country and build a solid foundation for my future best decision I ever made 1979 army infantry
(1)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
I haven't been in for that much but I already think it has being my best decision SPC (Join to see)
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Thanks for your service!!!! SGT(P) (Join to see) !!!
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.
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.
(1)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
"The worst day in the Army is better than the best day in the civilian world!" Great way of thinking Sir. I joined kind of late but I'm glad I did it. It is definitely an honor to serve. COL Charles Williams
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
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.
(1)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
Transitioning from the civilian to the military has been kind of rough, I wonder how it is transitioning to the Guard where you are still in the military and still in the civilian world. There's so much to learn... SSG(P) (Join to see)
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
SGT(P) (Join to see), 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
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
(1)
(0)
Capt Richard I P.
SGT(P) (Join to see) This is a great question, and is exactly what should be talked about on RP.
(1)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
Thanks Sir, I've learned so much since I joined that I'm thrilled of all that I still am going to learn. Capt Richard I P. I'm trying to get feedback from the Senior Enlisted and Officers and all the SM that have served longer than me, that's not that hard to find, and learn the most out of them. RP is a great forum if you use it wisely.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I joined for the opportunity to become a soldier. And that's why I'm in. I like being a soldier.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
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......
It takes a village......
(1)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
This is the kind of response I was expecting, I have a young career and already my reasons are completely different. SSG (Join to see)
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google