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

I had no idea what it would be like. The Army had more choices for me as a woman. I joined when I was 17 (my Mom and Dad had to give me permission since I was still a minor). I wanted to go to college, but with six brothers and sisters, that seemed like a dream. I loved my job in the Army and having it gave the opportunity to grow as a person, gain confidence and discipline which helped me when I finally did go to college. I would not trade the experience that I had even though sometimes it wasn't easy, like when I had to leave my baby when she was three months old. If I had to do it again knowing then what I know now, I would still do it.

That's a tough one to answer because I have had family in almost every branch of service, the vast majority being navy! I chose the army because I would rather have my feet on the ground than being stuck on a ship! If I was going to do it again I would have joined the marine corps!
They seem to have more discipline than I saw in the army!

I scored high enough on my AFIES test that I could choose which branch I wanted to go into. I don't do well on water due to motion sickness and I knew I wasn't that physically fit so I chose the Air Force. I knew I wanted to do something different so I chose to be an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist (weapons loader) and was assigned to the A-10 A Thunderbolt. It was absolutely the best thing I have ever done in my life. While it was challenging being the only woman in a flight of 58 men at the 76 AMU / 23rd AGS / England AFB, it was also very rewarding to be able to keep up with my brothers and on occasion out load them. The 3 man load crew I was on won the load competition with the fastest time for a full fuel/load turnaround (6 - MK82s and a full GAU-8 under 16 minutes!). Some of my brothers didn't like getting shown up by a girl but that just pushed them to be better, not bitter. Our Flying Tigers were bad a$$ and I was proud to serve my country and with some of the best people I have ever known in my life.

Actually, it really was everything I thought it would be...except for the G.I. parties lol! That was a bit of a shock. I did have a great experience, and I'd have done it again.

I enjoyed my many assignments and tasks assigned to me. Some were better than others. I just didn't care for all the bullshit and lies I was told and expected to pass on to junior airmen. The lies are going to catch up to the leadership soon when our country will need the young people to fight future wars for this nation.

Yes. 'Nough said....

My Father was in the Air Force and I had Uncles that had served in the Army. From the time I was a Sophomore in high school, I knew I wanted to be a Marine. After the first couple of days in Boot Camp, I was seriously thinking that I had made a bad mistake. I learned to quickly adapt and enjoyed the excellent training that I received. The Marine Corps was everything that should be expected of a great organization. Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Semper Fi!

My biggest frustration at the time was that I had a Presidential Appointment to the Air Force Academy, but failed the physical due to flat feet. Then I attended college on my own, and had it interrupted due to the demands of personnel for Viet Nam and the waiving of all physical requirements. So, I had to make a quick choice before the draft board made one for me. I had a pilot's license, so I first looked for flight options which all had long waiting lists. Then the Navy recruiter "guaranteed" me a carrier, so I chose the Navy. So they sent me to advanced electronics school due to my college background and deployment on a submarine. It was a long way from flying, but I made E-6 in 3-1/2 years and really enjoyed the duty, extra education, great food, and camaraderie. So, after 7 years and obtaining a commercial pilot's license during my off-time, I decided my best chance for a commission was to return to college, and join the Naval Air Reserves. Unfortunately, unanticipated life circumstances slowed the acquisition of the BSEE, and lack of openings in the upper ranks prevented advancement in the reserves. But overall, my father's encouragement to not follow his footsteps into the Army and Air Force was a good choice.

I was attracted to the Army since I was a young kid. I never wanted to serve or live on a ship so the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard were automatically out. The Air Force didn't have "combat arms" so to speak, so it was Army all the way!

It was much better than I ever thought it would be. I went to the army's door.
Times where tough and collage looked like a pipe dream, it was the best thing I ever did at the age of 17. Being from a small town that was shutting down, my parents were out of work. I did the unthinkable, in 1976 I dropped out of school. I joined the service, my goal although modest, was to become a diesel mechanic. I had never been in any trouble, and was a bit of a jock at the time. My counselor was a Sargent drill instructor type, he talked me right out of my dream in to a new dream world. He introduced me to fire control operations, long range radar, nuke missile systems and air defense. Wow is all I can say. I worked with men that had integrity, incredible intelligence, and was immersed in knowledge and comradery. It was a sad day when it ended , and yes I have a high school diploma, and more college than most... no degree. I specialized in the field of water treatment and waste water engineering. I've only been out of work for three weeks my entire life. Thanks you US Army!