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

I expected basic training to be a bit more difficult based on all the movies, but the Army has turned out to be what I expected.

I chose to find a path apart from my father. He was USAF and I was tired of being in his shadow.

Went from tightly whiteys to boxers, another big boy step. Just said fuck it when they were issuing my olive colored underoos in basic.

It's such a cathartic thing; those first decisions. the power over one's destiny; I miss it.

I had been told that the Air Force treated their personnel better and there is more room for thought in the Air Force. In this respect I believe that was accurate. I have a substantial bit of experience working with the Army and therest is definitely a different environment when it comes to thinking on your own. It boils down to needs of the service and traditions.

I planned on the Navy all along. I first took the oath in 1977 in High School, but a sport injury before reporting for active kept me out for many years. Oddly finally went active 9/11, 1984.

I knew I was going Army, I just thought I was going Infantry/Airborne with a cohort unit to Hawaii with $8,000 and my pal. He backed out, I failed the Airborne physical due to my ears, and the $8,000 bonus was revoked. I became a truck driver. Fortunately I spent five years in a Field Artillery unit. I wouldn't change a thing :)

I was originally going to follow in my Father and uncles footsteps 26 years Army. I walked into the recruiters office one day and told them I changed my mind and that I would be joining the Navy. I do not regret my decision. My Grandfather was in the Navy during WWII . I enjoyed my time in.

Originally tried to enlist into the Marine Corp but got turned away at MEPs due to having tattoos. Got referred to the Army that same day and had no regrets. I will always love being a soldier.

I chose the Air Force and loved it. Not everything in life is all you wanted it to be, but I had a ball!

Yes

I wasn't really serious about joining, just seeing what was available. I considered the Navy because my dad had been in. As soon as the word submarine came out of that guy's mouth, I was ready to enlist. I was considering being a lifer, but my career was cut short by a motorcycle accident. I loved what I did, loved subs, although I occasionally wished we pulled into more exciting places. My recruiter was brutally honest with me all during the wait for boot camp, I didn't care - I knew I was going to be a submariner.