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

I went to the recruiter and told them "I want armor Europe" they said no problem. I got what I wanted, although I did have to spend 6 months in ground surveillance radar when I first got to Germany, but I made it back on the tank.

I later became very disillusioned with politics and ass kissing in the national guard and left short of retirement. I sometimes think I should have stayed regular army.

CPT (Join to see), I didn't feel like I had many options when I enlisted on 9AUG69! With respect to expectations, I think that's really in the hands of the service member. I like to think I made the best of my situation, and I think, for the most part, that's the way it is for others as well.

gave all the branches to a listen to...but every branch put down all the others, except the Marine Corps. My recruiter just talked about the Corps and he sold me...the army recruiter bashed him later that day ...solidified my position. Semper Fi!!!

Choosing the Army was a legacy, my entire family are Army vets. Since my childhood dqys i always said i wanted to be a Soldier. I was happy and proud of my career i found everything and more than i expected from. Im still very proud of my branch. Army all the way.

When I was a young boy growing up in North Carolina, I saw my Uncle come to visit us. As I saw him get out of his car in his 82nd Airborne Division Class A uniform, I knew then, I was going to be a Paratrooper. I did entertain the other branches, but I knew I wanted to be in the US Army. Unlike the other branches, I got to choose my job. I really liked that. Even on my bad days, I remind myself, I made this decision. I do not harbor any ill feelings of the other branches, but the Army was my calling. I haven't even looked back since. Glad I joined and spent 13+ of 19 years in the 82nd Airborne Division too.

No. The Army was not everything I thought it was going to be. That doesn't mean I am not happy with my experience. The best thing about the Army that I have experienced is I have been around the world twice and been to several countries I would have never even thought I would have gone.

It's been a tough 9 years so far but I'm not packing it in any time soon. The Army has provided me with opportunities and experiences that most people only dream of. I love it and I wouldn't change it.

It's exactly what I thought it would be, even better. I always like to experience something new. I have done different jobs, been to different places, and on different kinds of ships. I came in to the Navy to get out of the monotony of living life doing the exact same thing every day. I've done simple jobs such as driving a fuel truck, and I've done tough jobs such as being a being a Plane Captain. Right now, I'm a Workcenter Supervisor for a 3M/Damage Control Petty Officer shop on CVN-77. I've been to some interesting countries, including living in Japan for 2 years. I love that place! In less than a year, I will be off to my next command. Time for shore duty!

It was Army or USMC. The misguided children would not guarantee my MOS. I scored very high on the ASVAB so I kinda of had my choice of jobs.

I was let down in my enlistment and didn't reup. I was assigned to a field medical unit with no peacetime mission. I spent my time in the S-1 as the Publications Clerk and later as the Mail Clerk. I did my MOS, Combat Medical Specialist, for one three month rotation in Medical Proficiency Training at the hospital. I did "grass shack" (grounds maintenance) and lots of rent-a-crowd (formations for General Officers, Appointees and Dignitaries) but very little of my on duty time was spent being a Medic. I used my off duty time to take the Maryland State EMT course and volunteered in the Ambulance Section at the hospital. I taught First Aid/CPR and was on the team that put together the EFMB preparation packet, but then was denied being able to compete for the badge. When it was time to reenlist the Retention NCO, a lifer E-6, wasn't interested in doing his job and just wanted me to sign the line. I got out because I had no intention of spending 20 years being an 91Anything. I realize this doesn't sound particularly positive, I did meet some good folks and was able to do some interesting things. If I had been assigned to a combat unit or a hospital I probably would have stayed in, but given my initial exposure I wanted to get out and pursue my medic career outside of the Army.

I went down to enlist in the Air Force. The Army Rec. told me that the Air Force Rec. was on leave, however, if I wanted to enlist he could do the paperwork, which was interchangable between all 5 branches. I went over to the College to get some paperwork, came back and discovered the Air Force Rec. was back in the office. The Army was low on rec.
I enjoyed my time in the Army, got to go to places I couldn't see. Did get to spend a year with the Air Force, during Operation Armored Falcon.
During my 1st tour in Germany, I was the only school trained clerk for almost 3 1/2years and I got to be very spoiled by the Bn Cdr.
I expected less but got a lot more, my duties included a Work Order Clerk, TAMMS/PLL, Asst Driving Instr., Maintenance Logistical NCOIC, Asst Supply Sgt, Medical Supply Sgt, Transportation NCOIC, Supply Operations NCOIC, Mobility Sgt, OCS Regimental Quartermaster (Supply Sgt), Local National NCOIC, Badge Office NCOIC, Asst S-4, Asst S-4 for Training Region G (National Guard), and Unit Supply Instructor/Drill Sgt.
Not bad for 30 years