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

Back in 1987, my first choice was the Marines. But the recruiter couldn't guarantee an MOS (or wouldn't). Plus they didn't have the old Army College Fund. Since the day I enlisted I've been proud to be a Soldier. I spent my entire career in combat support MOS's -- but always close enough to maneuver or SoF units. My last three years were in Joint Units and I am so glad I stayed ARMY.

LT: It's a personal decision -- each Service has its own culture. Very apparent to those in, harder to see from the outside. I don't regret staying in the AF (after USAFA) -- great people, cool mission (AF Rescue/Spec Ops) and opportunities to excel. Was it everything I thought it would be? Yes, in that the Academy is a microcosm of the Service -- same good people, professionalism, cool stuff and silly bureaucracy. Regardless of the choice you will be busy. Best, RD

I have read this thread several times try to put fully into perspective my thoughts. I am to this day extremely happy with my choice! However in the beginning I wasn't so much, I had a recruiter that held nothing back, he was always up front and honest! When I first arrived for boot camp though I was in complete shock, I couldn't wrap my head around what I did, it was the hardest thing I had done. Looking back it was really only mind over matter, I obviously survived and looking back it was the best thing I had done. Being fully informed helped those hard days seem a little easier, I will never regret my choice! In the end it really wasn't that hard it wad just something I haven't done before and once I allowed myself to accept that it was hard every step it paved the way to an easier muh more honorable and productive life!

My first inclination was to go Air Force after seeing "War Games" Then my father wanted me to have my head examined for wanting to be a "button man" living in a missile silo. Then since I couldn't find AF ROTC locally, I said "Army All the Way" and that was that. Never had a second thought or regret about it.

I went into the Army with my eyes wide open. I'm extremely satisfied.

I loved the Army just wish I had a recruiter that really offered more options to me at enlistment. No regrets, even opting to stay enlisted after being urged to go OCS by 3 different officers at 3 different times in my career.

I am satisfied with my selection of the Air Force. Yes I was everything that I thought it would be and more. It prepared me for the civilian workforce in many ways.

It wasn't no picnic...but wouldn't change if I could ..

Wanted to fly since I was in grade school. Knew USAF required pilots to have a degree to be commissioned so I went to college and AFROTC. Received two-year scholarship. Graduated and commissioned. Accepted for pilot training. Earned wings. Lived my dream for 16 years then came the desk jobs. Retired after 22 yrs. miss it every now and then.

Enjoyed every bit of my enlistment and don't regret a thing-going through the CORPS