Why did you pursue military service for just one term?

PO3 Dan Wagoner — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 09:25:37 -0500

Ideally many join the military to join and serve as a lifetime career, is there anyone who joined with the only idea to join only for one term and then get out and what is your reasoning? Not trying to cause an argument, just curious on why people join?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2021 12:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 12:10:30 -0500

I first joined with the intentions of doing one contract to get veteran status for preference on the list to become a police officer. Once my goal was achieved with one year left on my contract I honestly enjoyed the time I had, so I re-enlisted

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2021 1:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:12:25 -0500

I enlisted solely for college loan repayment. My plan was to do four years and get out with no debt. That didn't happen. First time I reenlisted because I was going to get stop lossed anyway. Then it was bonuses, duty station of choice. Then I was at 10 years and had my daughter who has had serious medical issues and I stayed because TRICARE covers it all. If not for that, I'd have been out at 12 years.

Response by SSG Rafael R. Rodriguez Sr. made Nov 15 at 2021 1:28 PM

SSG Rafael R. Rodriguez Sr. — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 13:28:54 -0500

Hell, I joined to travel and see the country side, go camping at the Holiday Inn with other fellow service members! Recruiter lied to me. Some people join to become a man, others for the education opportunities, others that are very Hung Ho or patriotic, and others for a last desperate attempt at life because they are in dire striate. So many reasons.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2021 3:01 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 15:01:31 -0500

I joined with the intent to help pay for college and to see the world. I don't recall having a plan to just do 1 contract or make it a career. I wasn't thinking 10-20 years in the future. Though I haven't seen much of the world I have made may friends and seen places on the Army's dime that I might not have seen on my own.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Nov 15 at 2021 7:11 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 19:11:37 -0500

I might have given it career thoughts but not seriously. I joined to see places I would never see otherwise and probably the number one reason, the educational benefits so I could afford to go to the school I wanted to otherwise it would have been out of the question without massive student debt.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Nov 16 at 2021 6:58 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 18:58:23 -0500

When I first went in, I considered making it a career. By the end of my term, though, I was burned out & needing to move on to other things - and that was before I was involuntarily extended for a year and a half.

Perhaps I could have made it to 20 years, but I feel that the military was important part of my life but I was called to be elsewhere in the years since.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Nov 20 at 2021 5:50 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 17:50:48 -0500

I was about to be drafted after graduating in 1969 so I volunteered for the draft. I did not want to be in for over 2 years and the Navy and Marine Corps didn't appeal to me so I did 2 years in the Army. I got sant to Vietnam as an Infantry grunt. That was ok but didn't make much of a resume. I never intended to make a career out of the military and had a hard time understanding why anyone would make a lifetime of it. I have always been patriotic and was willing to do my share. I couldn't understand why some punk with a butter bar was better than me? and the affirmative action was unfair. It just wasn't my cup of tea. Some got college deferments, some went to Canada, I feel I did my share with one of the worst jobs that the Army had. I'm glad that some stayed and made a career out of the service and respect them but I also respect those who did only one hitch. It just aint for everyone.