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

I joined the army because the navy could not billet me for over a year

honestly the only branches i seriously looked into was the navy and air force. i spoke with others but had no desire. everything i knew of the service was from those who were prior enlisted and spoke of the military of how it used to before this "new navy". Its disappointing in some aspects. Though i will never regret my decision nor wish to take back any of the memories ive had the opportunity of making since ive joined 4 years ago.

in a trailer when we first started and I saw all aspect of Enlisted to Officer. My Dad was a limited duty Officer and a "mustang". This expirence soldified that I was not going into the Navy.

Once I went to college the desire to serve became greater than Education so I slowly indoctrinated myself into the Army on the Missouri National Guard. Desert fox and later Desert Storm was the reason I choose the to go Active Army. 22 years later I look forward to being a part of a team and the 1% who serve their country in society.

I walked into the recruiting office at the age of 17 and made a B - line into the Marine Recruiters office. I said "Please don't try to sell me anything. I'm to here to join the Marines. Just tell me what I need to do in order to go to Parris Island? ". Sgt. Gonzalez's face just lit up and he couldn't stop smiling at me. Lol
I watched the moto videos of grunts hitting the beach from both AAVs and Xodiacs. I already wanted to go infantry but these videos sealed the deal. Funny how none of the Marines ever seemed to be cold or freezing their b@lls off the way we froze our b@lls off when we did beach raids or waited in mock ambushes while soaked and wet. Sgt. Gomez also forgot to mention the long humps in the humid North Carolina swamps in Camp Lejeune or the hills of Camp Pendleton California in full gear and with a full rick. He never mentioned things like sitting in a fighting hole watching all of the traffic drive south bound on the I-5 wondering if they were headed to San Diego or Tijuana on a Friday or Saturday night or being home sick while on a ship during deployment. Sometimes it sucked being a Marine Grunt. Sometimes it was really tough, both physically and emotionally. Sometimes I thought to myself, " Damn, I volunteered for this $hit?!"
Although it was sometimes not all fun and games, it was all worth it and if asked to, I would do it all over again!
I'm physically and mentally tougher, I'm disciplined, I'm a leader and it all carried over to my law enforcement career.
Semper Fi Marines...
Yuuuuugggggghhhhhhtttttttt!!!!!!!

I joined the Marine Corps and went to Parris Island just after my 18th birthday and spent 12 years in Combat Engineering and Infantry. I would not trade it for the world. Adversity builds character.

I chose the Marines first because I figured, if I was going on, might as well go big!the Corps was everything I'd hoped for! At first I hated it, but then fell in love. When I had to switch services and go in the Army (personal reasons which required me to go home to Germany), I was broken hearted. I had very low expectations of the Army, but it was okay - not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Granted I went to war with the Army, and thankfully did not have to stay with the MI unit that provided our corps asset section with brands & bullets. Whew! Bullet dodged. LOL

I was really pleased to see the Air Force has the most bestest chairs. I earned those arm rests and I know how to use them. FACT!

No regrets except my ex-wife (may she rot).

I was in both Army and Navy JROTC, I felt like the Army was a better fit for me. Needless to say most of my family has served in the Army, so as to choosing the specific branch I was raised in an Army family and I grew to love it. As for what I expected the military is what you make it, you will only get what you put in no matter what so that would all depend on goals you set for yourself.

I loved my choice of the Navy! So many good times, so many good friends. It was everything I hoped for and more. No regrets at all!! Id do it again if they'd let my 49 year old self back in!!!