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

SGM John Mangels. I give up trying to figure it out so I'll just ask. Was there a reason for the down-vote for this topic?

Yes!

I went in knowing that the AF was the only branch of service I wanted to join. I spoke with the recruiter, took the package home to fill out and didn't follow through. a couple of months later I was waiting tables and was asked by the manager to work a longer shift in order to assist with a large party coming in. As I rounded the corner to the back room, there sat 35 AF recruiters. I figured it was a sign and went back to the recruiting office the next day. I was informed at MEPS that I would be going in to the Security Forces career field. I nicely explained that if they had no medical jobs open then I they could call me when they did. They found a job for me and a week later I was on my way to Texas. The AF was everything I thought it would be and more.

I wish I was still in the military everyday..

I had a great time in the Air Force and picked up a great career from my training in civilian life.

Everything I it would be. I went through the 2 year Army ROTC program in college. Went to a 6 week Basic Camp at Fort Knox that gave me credit for first two years of ROTC. I had 4 choices for my Branch, and I got Corps of Engineers which I loved being part of. I was a Mathematics Major so I guess that helped. I remember working with a CPT at Fort Bragg who was an Engineer Officer, but her major in college was English, go figure. My Dad is a Retired Air Force Master Sergeant. My Grandfather was an Army Engineer Colonel in WW2.

There is a naval tradition in my family so that decision was easy.

I wanted to go air force but my asvab wasn't up to par so the army was my best chance. Would I change it?? Naa, I had loads of fun in the army. Best decision I ever made.

Your question might not be reading the way you were thinking when you typed it; however, I'm going to answer the question that you asked:

Choosing my branch (Navy) was exactly as I expected: My grandfather, my uncles, and my cousin all were Navy. They told me what to anticipate at the recruiters, at MEPS, and boot camp. I had no disillusions nor pipe-dreams. I didn't have film- or book- inspired ideas of what it was like... although the "Cap'n Fatso" books come oddly close!

In 1981 I came into the service as an infantry recruit in the ARNG while in college. I felt it was my moral duty to put myself on the line since I believed in a strong national defense, and this was a way I could do so. Honestly, recruitment bonus was part of the decision also, but I was joining the 116th Infantry Brigade, with an honored unit history. I was really naïve, but I grew a lot in the experience. My dad and granddad were disappointed I chose the Army, as they'd both been Naval officers. My enlistment made it easier to get an Army scholarship to med school, and I served 12 years active duty upon graduation. Service as a medical officer in the "real Army" was an ongoing growth experience. I've never regretted my service time, but it was never what I thought I expected. You never know until you've done. Airborne!