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

Not it was less then expected. Being brought up hearing the stories from my aunt and uncles that were in army and maries i anticipated what it was going to be like trained and conditioned my self for the worse when i went for the marines in 1989 and then stayed conditioned when came into the army in 2009 and was a total upset and disappointment seeing the kids come in and leave with attitudes and chips still in place on the shoulders. To see and watch drill Sgts cringe and bite their tongues and walk away from a soldier when they threw up a stress card. Was a total mund blowing event to see how soft BCT became and how much disrespect from soldiers had towards their trainers. From seeing what BCT use to be and hear the stories of breaking down soldiers and building them back up to what it actually had become was a rude awakening to see what our military had become. If i had to do it over would i not come in no i still would be in I serve to serve my country and the original beliefs of honor in serving our great nation regaurdless of how it has become. I am sorry that those coming that stay soft becaus e the way it has become but it's up to the individual now to make themselves into a soldier of what a soldier should be. To those that do not like my comments sorry its not to disrespect anyone but it is the truth of how the military has changed like the soldiers creed and the NCO creed has simply become that just a creed to say and not live by.. To see NCOs down right throw these out the window and admit to saying its just a creed and nothing more has fueled several disputes of what is a toxic NCO and a true leader. As i stated my comments is not to disrespect anyone but just my view from seeing what was once before to what is now and they way things have become

I joined the Marines because the navy mos job I wanted wasn't going to let me go asap. So I went next door left two weeks later.

I selected the Infantry out of the Joint, which was my first choice (ADA got force selected my year). I really loved being a PL, but going Special Forces was the best professional decision I ever made. So regardless of what your basic branch might be, there are options to branch transfer, go SF, or focus on your functional area. However, advice below that "it will be what you make it" is dead on the mark. Good luck.

The Marines was ultimately what I wanted. Although there were things I wanted more of, I got everything I needed. The Marines definitely shaped my mind and body for the better and gave me knowledge and experiences that will never leave me.

I'll say no to the first question. I didn't know what to expect two years removed from graduation. I was determined, though, because I knew I wouldn't come back the same man.

I knew no matter what, I wanted to go Army. I didn't even inquire about the other branches. I couldn't be a Marine. My personality would conflict with the way some of them talk to each other.

Was it everything I thought it would be? Nah. I can say after eight years that I've made it to be the best I could have and I'm happy with that. I regret nothing.

I joined the Air Force in hopes to work with jets and expand my experiences; both worldly and professional, but being part of the military, I was hoping that it would maintain the "rough and tough" image my father would tell me stories of as a child. Even though things are changing, I still manage to capture it through my senior supervisors who've been in for a while.

I joined the Army to initially do my four years, get the college money and get out. However, based on my initial decisions and the units I went to I decided to make it a career with the Army and it was the best decision I ever made.

I always tend to choose the most rigorous path for myself. The Marine Corps was no different. Over the past 5 years, I have been challenged in ways I never thought possible. If I could go back, I would make the same decision every time. The experience I have gained is beyond measure.

I loved the Army. Being an infantrymen was the absolute best time of my life. Wish I could have stayed in longer

I was the kid the recruiters had to repeatedly ask to "come back when you're old enough." Bottom line: My MOS was selected by lottery --somewhat influence by class standing at TBS. I never thought of going Motor T... 'til the day before graduation from Quantico. However, I really believe that was a good thing. I got to play with more heavy weapons than an infantry battalion. Got to travel the world a couple of times over. And I had the privilege of working our nation's finest war-fighters. My expectations were that I'd 1.) Be a Marine, and 2.) everything beyond pinning on the Eagle, Globe, & Anchor was an absolute bonus. My expectations were, definitely, exceeded. Just to pound the cliché, it all really is what you make of it.