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

I kind of knew what to expect because I grew up beside El Toro Marine base, but I still tried to join the Army first and they said I would make a better Marine than a soldier (I got in a little trouble as a youth) it was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I will be fore ever grateful to the Army recruiter and the Marine Corp.

I had wanted to join the military since grade school. Being a Star Trek fan, and Fleet Week in Portland Ore every year, I was really leaning toward the Navy. But I decided to check them all out. The recruiting station Army, AF, and Navy all on one floor. The Army sounded interesting...choose job or base with a two year hitch, both with three years. AF was a little off putting with a 4 and 6 year hitches but they stressed the value of education. Then I went to see the Navy recruiter. A fat guy leaning back in his chair, fingers laced over his gut. When I asked what the Navy guaranteed his answer was..."I can guaranteed you will do your basic in Florida, cause that's the only base we got for women." I turned around, walked out, went to the AF and never looked back.

I joined the Navy as an electrician's mate which workd on ships. If I had to do it again I would have done Seabees or Army 11B.

Nope. I regret some of my choices while in, but never my choice of branch. I was always a nerd, total space geek. Couldn't care less about women (not homosexual lol, just didn't want the hassle...I'm married now!), alcohol, or partying. I just wanted to do something sci-fi-ish. Which is why now I am intel working space. Been offered jobs at SpaceX and Lockheed, but not gonna quit. They'll either have to medically separate me or downright kick me out. I'll retire when the time is right, but I got at least a decade left.

Affirmative to the Nth degree squared.

I spoke with a Marine recruiter before speaking with the Army. I felt as if a dog was barking at me the whole time, the best thing I did was to leave that office. The US Army recruiter treated me with dignity and respect, and I am glad I chose the Army. Best choice I ever made.

Never a regret. The Army (in 1978) had the most jobs to offer women. The Marines and Navy limited my skill choices to admin and medical. Didn't want to join the AF unless I could fly which they said I couldn't because I was too short. So then I decided I wanted computer repair and that's what I got. Of course I also the XM1 Abrams tank

I never thought about joining any other branch other than the Marine Corps. If I was going to do it, I was going to do it right and join the best.

I was never disappointed in enlisting into the USAF. I was however disappointed in life after I decided to get out.

I originally wanted to enlist in the Marine Corps, but I was home schooled and they wouldn't take me without 30 college credit hours. I figured all the branches had similar requirements until I went to the Army recruiter with a friend. The army let me in with a GED after I took their pre-ASVAB. Its been a great experience and I have no regrets.