Was choosing your branch of service everything you thought it would be? Did you expect more or less?

It was more than I was expecting one of the best decisions I ever made.

I was somewhat dissappointed with the branch of service I chose, but I made do and enjoyed the work most of the time. As far as fair, NO it's not, but neither is life.

Since I was drafted the question is mute but I did reenlist in the Army

I joined the USAF in 1980. I have always been highly intelligent. I scored almost a perfect score on ASVAB. Yet though out my duty I was recommend to the below the board promotion several times. Each time even though I had better scores if there was a woman in the same group she always got the nod. I did not think it was fair. The last time I was recommended I turned it down. Also I scored 98 percent on the SSGT test and was told I did not make it, but several women did who had lower scores.

Before I enlisted, I researched the Army, Airforce and the Navy. Then I went to the federal building in NY to talk to all 3 recruiters. I chose the Army for the job, school, and the bonus. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.It was so much more then what I expected.

My parents told me I could not go to the Marines, we knew someone who was prior Army and told me that I would hate the lifestyle and he would recommend Air Force. So that narrowed it down to Navy and Air Force. My brother is in the Air force so I knew I could ask him questions and he wouldn't lie like the recruiter. Then I weighed other factors like the fact I'm terrified to go underwater, there was no where to practice swimming, and I would rather be shot than drown (you think im kidding, but those really were some determining factors for me).

I didn't expect the amount of immaturity in the military that there is but that is because from the civilians point of view we are the heroes, the badasses, etc. But perhaps our level of immaturity is just to counter the day to day BS we have to put up with. I did expect more in a lot of areas. However, there are a lot of things in the military that you will not find else where, like the brotherhood and camaraderie we share, the bond we have of sacrificing our daily comfort thanklessly.

I do not regret my decision though. I am glad that my life took me down this road. I remember thinking in my bunk the first night of Basic, "What did I get myself into?" I think I know the answer now. I got myself into an elite group of individuals, I got myself into a place where I can stand on my own feet, I got myself into a life that I can be proud of when I tell my children and grandchildren one day "This is what I did".

I really did not know what I was getting into when I enlisted. Fortunately, I ended up in a flying position and absolutely loved it. Ran into a few dip sticks (both officers and enlisted) on the way. My motto was: either I or they get promoted and move out or we can get orders to ship out. either way I never had to put up with them my whole career.

htcs retired may 22.1982

I loved the Coast Guard until I was stationed in Buffalo.

I grew up in Michigan, lots of water and an international boarder. The Coast Guard was always visible when I rode my bicycle, down to the water front. I'd gaze in awe at the expanse of water hugging the southern & eastern coast of the Detroit area.

Out of High school I sought out work on the boats plying the waters and lakes. A Merchant Mariner's ID Card was a requirement which was obtained at the Coast Guard Station. I worked that first summer on the boats and was pretty sure the Coast Guard was my future. I joined. However, there was a half year waiting period during which time I received an Army draft notice. The Coast Guard recruiter told me I had my choice, 2 years drafted Army service or 6 years Coast Guard. In the fog of a 19 year old I opted for 2 yrs Army. No regrets but I've oft pondered the person I'd be had I chosen differently.

I proudly served the Army and enjoyed my experiences during my tours in Germany. I seriously contemplated 're-uping' but times had changed and I headed off to college on the GI bill. I had my career, retired, and now continue to serve as a volunteer at the VA Medical Center, "In support and care of America's Veterans".