What are the best excuses you have heard for people not joining the military?

2014-01-23T20:32:41-05:00

People always have some pretty colorful excuses for not joining the military. What are your favorite/ most absurd?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 8:34 PM

2014-01-23T20:34:22-05:00

"I was totally going to join up last year, but then this job came through." - Seattle Taxi Driver

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 8:41 PM

2014-01-23T20:41:20-05:00

They would have joined, but they'd never make it through basic because if someone gets in their face and yells at them they'd knock them out...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 9:16 PM

2014-01-23T21:16:48-05:00

"I don't like being ordered around" As they work a 9-5 following orders of their managers everyday.......

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 9:22 PM

2014-01-23T21:22:09-05:00

"I really wanted to but my parents said I'm not allowed to go get blown up..". Yeah.... because your mommy and daddy tell you how to run your life after 18? You're just someone looking for an excuse. Just admit you're scared like anyone else who chooses not to.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 9:23 PM

2014-01-23T21:23:40-05:00

I always like hearing, "I'm thinking about joking in the next month or so."

I am like, "really? That's cool." Then abruptly leave before they can engage anymore.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 9:24 PM

2014-01-23T21:24:21-05:00

We are baby killers and we are dumb compared to the civilian populace.   That coming from teenagers whose only real problem is what acne medicine works best.....

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 9:29 PM

2014-01-23T21:29:08-05:00

No excuse is necessary as there is no shame in being a civilian
but many of them feel the need to justify themselves.

A college buddy said this one “I like the military, I would
join if I was drafted”.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 10:21 PM

2014-01-23T22:21:23-05:00

"I was gonna join, but then I found out the Army is just a puppet for the Bilderburg Group / Illuminati / New World Order."

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Jan 23 at 2014 10:22 PM

2014-01-23T22:22:59-05:00

I would join in peace time, but I heard you have to go to Iraq and get deployed. They shoot people over there!

YA THINK! We are at war! Hmmmmmmm

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 10:26 PM

2014-01-23T22:26:06-05:00

Conspiracy theories on the left are plausible and never called out . Let those scurrilous Republicans take the fall since we all know they want to starve people and oppress Illegal Immigration, err Undocumented workers. LOL, does anyone here still believe in Santa Claus.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 10:45 PM

2014-01-23T22:45:10-05:00

"I have so much going on and have done a lot of things I wouldn't have been able to do if I was in the military, so I don't regret not joining with you.  Hat's off to you though."   27 years old, still in school, still lives with parents, still receives some money from parents, still hasn't even had a girlfriend, still 150-200 pounds overweight.  The best part, he pops in every once in a while to ask about how it is in the military like he's interested, but it's for a friend.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 11:06 PM

2014-01-23T23:06:51-05:00

"I'm not the Army type. I cant deal with being ordered around. If I do join, I would try to start off as like a Sergeant or Officer or something so that I can be in control" - Lowe's Employee

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 11:44 PM

2014-01-23T23:44:56-05:00

I find it hilarious when I tell people (particularly if it's a first date) that I am in the Army and the excuses start flying.... I don't care that you are not in the Military and especially am not going to ask why you did not make the same choice I did. I am sure there are tons of life decisions others have made that I would not choose, so why do I care?! Typically at this point is where I check out of the conversation.... However, my favorite is the standard "I don't like people telling me what to do..."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 8:43 AM

2014-01-24T08:43:58-05:00

Because I don't wanna die at a really young age. A few months later, he was hit by a drunk driver a couple blocks from his house. He would've been in AIT at the time had he enlisted.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Jan 24 at 2014 9:41 AM

2014-01-24T09:41:31-05:00

I was a recruiter around the 911 attacks. A month or so before I contacted a kid to try and set up an appointment with him. He told me not now. It the country was at war he would join. So, a month or so after the attacks I call him back. "Mike, Sgt M with the Marines. Our country is at war. We need you. You ready to do this?" He replies "no I don't want this kinda war" Well Mike, what kinda war you waiting for?" At this point I just continued to play with his mind for a while. I have a half dozen other kids like that after the attacks

Response by PO3 Peter Carr made Jan 24 at 2014 10:01 AM

2014-01-24T10:01:41-05:00

The worst one that I've heard is " I would never pass the psych eval " seems like a twisted type of arrogance to me. The second worst is " I don't want to get brainwashed. " This really gets to me, the military does not brainwash, it merely shows you who you really are and what your mind and body are capable of. That's my rant for the day, keep safe out there..

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Jan 24 at 2014 10:09 AM

2014-01-24T10:09:06-05:00

The one excuse that made me step back was "I have better things to do with my life than  you do, apparently..."   said to me by a high school dropout who was working at McDonalds, who lived in his parent's house and got high as long as his paycheck allowed him to.

Response by SSgt Lynda Bloomberg made Jan 24 at 2014 10:35 AM

2014-01-24T10:35:14-05:00

I was having a conversation with a friend who is 21 about this. She's in college and is an eventer (rides horses eventing and she also trains and breaks to saddle horses) In talking about how my son Alex whom she knows well had gone into the Army to be an MP, she said she could never do that. Going into the military. It was too hard. This from a 21 year old who gets bucked off a horse and gets right back on. But its too hard....huh.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 10:42 AM

2014-01-24T10:42:33-05:00

"I don't like people telling me what to do"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 12:31 PM

2014-01-24T12:31:04-05:00

"I have a problem with authority" ---sure you do
"I have to lose x amount of pounds first" --- well get on that I can help you
I have a few friends and even my step brother ask me all these questions about being in and all the benefits and what your day is like. I tell them and they seem really interested and they go talk to the recruiter and then that's that. The military isn't for everyone.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Jan 24 at 2014 12:45 PM

2014-01-24T12:45:17-05:00

"I'd join if the pay was better than what I make right now." Said by my friend who currently makes over 50k a year, only a high school graduate, no kids, and 20 something yeas old. That was my favorite excuse.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jan 24 at 2014 1:30 PM

2014-01-24T13:30:09-05:00

This has been said: "Why? We're not at war."

Quit a few times too...

Response by SPC Christopher Morehouse made Jan 24 at 2014 3:48 PM

2014-01-24T15:48:16-05:00

"I'm a tool"

Well thats what I hear anyway, I think they might actually have said the "problem with authority/telling me what to do/punch my drill sgt in the face" thing.

Response by SPC Brendan Kearns made Jan 24 at 2014 7:29 PM

2014-01-24T19:29:26-05:00

"Ill just wait until i get drafted "

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 10:20 PM

2014-01-24T22:20:46-05:00

"I don't wanna die!"

Response by CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 3:04 AM

2014-01-25T03:04:35-05:00

I'm from Memphis, TN, so most of the responses I got were generic: "I'm waiting on this scholarship" or "I'm being recruited by this college" and "How much money you got in yo account?" Grammar as is. But the most absurd response which came from a majority of the people in my neighborhood was: "I don't need to join the Army to shoot a choppa! I don't need to go overseas to have a war! I can do that here for my HOOD!" My face------> (-_-) everytime!! Uuuuh ok dude.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 3:12 AM

2014-01-25T03:12:06-05:00

Converstation:me:"So are you still going to join the military like we talked about?"them: "I can't now"me: "Why not"them: "Im in college"me: "me too"me" Do you get paid to go to school"them: "no, but I have to work to pay my loans off for tuition"me: "I get paid to go to school and I don't pay tuition"me: "so, again you still going to join the military?"them: "see I have this thing"lol ......- but they drop out the next semester and never finish and still paying off their loans!

Response by SSgt Jonathan Ayers made Jan 25 at 2014 5:07 AM

2014-01-25T05:07:59-05:00

"I would have joined but then the wars started"

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 8:46 AM

2014-01-25T08:46:50-05:00

Them: "I can't do push-ups, so I don't think I could make it." Me: "Why can't you do push-ups?" Them: "I don't know, I have never tried." Me: "It's easy, watch...." (I demonstrate 3-4) Them: "Wow! I couldn't do that many!"

Response by Travis Breeijen made Jan 26 at 2014 3:30 PM

2014-01-26T15:30:47-05:00

I don't want to would suffice
But, the way that some of them think that that's not a good enough reason shows kind of a cult mentality. If there are life goals and aspirations you have that wouldn't be compatible or even permitted in the military, then that's a legitimate reason to abstain. You're not less of a person for having other aspirations.

And anything to do with "But, it'll pay for your college," shows that the people who join in those instances aren't actually interested in being in the military - they're interested in milking something and ignoring its core values, which is shameful and disparaging to people who go to the military to be an Armed Serviceman.
And these same people are more likely to have authoritarian personalities which lend themselves to also believing that socialism is bad (only because it deviates from the status quo's idea of what it good for the country . . . as authoritarians tend to simply comply with the status quo).
To break it down: The same people who are more likely to reject socialism are the ones joining the military simply to milk a very socialist system (paying for college in exchange for helping the government).

And not wanting to fight because you're a pacifist in also not a shameful reason. It's completely self-serving to espouse that to be an active member of society you have to fight for it. What if I want to remain here and change things about the country that I think are fucked up? That's being a particpatory citizen from the inside, while others are free to defend my ability to do that in the first place.
It's a two-way street. If everyone is off fighting and no one is addressing and advocating for the changes they want to see as conferred through our representatives in Congress, then it could get to a point where military is simply fighting for a country that's going down the drain and is no longer the country they vowed to serve and protect.

Dismissing any reason and saying "You're just scared, and that's why you're making excuses" is making way too many assumptions. Yeah, I'd be scared, but my other reasons supercede that (pacifism, wanting to educate myself and be a part of the participatory representative democracy that would even make me give a damn about the country in the first place, simply having other aspirations period).
Dismissing someone as scared is cowardly in and of itself - it means you're scared to understand other people's motives, and possibly scared also to examine your own. And yet these people espouse the importance of mental strength.

The worst comment I saw was that people who have reasons for not joining the military are "normals" and "They matter not." Then why the fuck are you fighting for their safety and freedom if you don't give a fuck about them?

Response by 1LT David Newman made Jan 26 at 2014 8:03 PM

2014-01-26T20:03:47-05:00

I was talking with my oldest daughter about a month ago.  She'd managed to fail all 5 of her first semester, college freshman classes.  I suggested she look at the military where she'd get paid, have 3 squares, a bed, and a roof over her head while she "finds herself" or gets properly motivated to do well in college.  She said no, because they don't take women in the special forces.  Now that was the funniest shit I'd ever heard out of her!

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jan 27 at 2014 7:42 PM

2014-01-27T19:42:35-05:00

"I watched Full Metal Jacket...I don't think I could be treated like that..."

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Jan 28 at 2014 9:36 AM

2014-01-28T09:36:57-05:00

I have been continually confused by the statement, "If Uncle Sam called I would definitely answer it" or "I would join if they needed me". As if "they" would be running out of any given MOS and start going door to door knocking and asking for volunteers.

Usually don't say anything, just grunt and nod.

Response by PO2 George Baskin made Jan 28 at 2014 1:38 PM

2014-01-28T13:38:00-05:00

The excuse I aways hear is I don't anybody telling me what to do is the reason I will not join the military

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 10:07 PM

2014-05-19T22:07:47-04:00

As a recruiter, I hear different excuses almost daily. Some of them are just straight out hilarious while some are just too ignorant it boils my blood. The best excuse I've heard so far is - "I don't want to join because the military is only for those who can't get into colleges because they're too dumb".

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 19 at 2014 10:15 PM

2014-05-19T22:15:36-04:00

The dumbest thing I have ever heard a potential recruit say, well, that would have to be: I have bad knees will I have to spend very much time on them? He was talking to me shortly after I got out of the Army after my first active duty tour. I punched him in the mouth, of course.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made May 19 at 2014 10:17 PM

2014-05-19T22:17:21-04:00

As a former recruiter, I heard just about everything on excuses. Far too many to list on here if you can imagine.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 10:39 PM

2014-05-19T22:39:59-04:00

My all time favorite excuse while on Recruiting Duty in NW MI,

"I am moving to Canada and going to college there because the Canadian Army wont call me or come to my school every month!

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made May 19 at 2014 10:45 PM

2014-05-19T22:45:38-04:00

Prospect:
"I cant join right now because I got a job."

Me: Oh what job is that partner?

Prospect: "I sell perfumes and cologne to people at businesses like yours!"

Me: "Duhhh now you're getting screwed in your pocket and wallet!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 20 at 2014 3:56 AM

2014-05-20T03:56:39-04:00

The following are some responses or excuses to why some folks don't want to the military:

"I don't want to be owned" (slavery is over)
"I don't like to be told what to do" (but you work at McDonald's)
"I broke my arm when I was ten"
"I am an only child"
"I don't believe in violence"
"I don't like to exercise"
"I'm not smart enough" (but you were accepted to a college)
"I don't like to be yelled at"
"I don't like showering with other men/ women"
"Won't I just be drafted"
"I don't like guns"

///////////End statement/ NOTHING FOLLOWS///////////

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 8:02 AM

2014-05-20T08:02:41-04:00

"I don't want to die"...I looked around my office at my peers and said I don't see any dead people here.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 8:09 AM

2014-05-20T08:09:23-04:00

Me: So johnny you did real good on the ASVAB, are you ready to go to MEPS and pick your job?

Johnny: Here is the thing Sarge, Mom does not want me to join she is scared that I am going to die in Iraq. (this is 2006-2007). She said if I don't join she will buy me a motorcycle. I think I am going to pass.

Me: $%(@# %^&&$

Fast foward 6 months......

Me: So Johnny (while ordering a #2) Did mom ever get you that motorcycle? I don't see any outside.......
Johnny: No.....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 8:39 AM

2014-05-20T08:39:18-04:00

Here is a few more.

"I'm waiting for my record deal"
"I make too much money selling drugs"
"I ain't going to fight no white man's war!'

Yea I recruited in the ghetto.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 8:47 AM

2014-05-20T08:47:31-04:00

"I can't stop smoking weed. Ive tried but I just can't do it." Im thinking to myself seriously, you can't stop for one month? lol

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made May 20 at 2014 9:16 AM

2014-05-20T09:16:31-04:00

"I'm too smart for the military" as they tell me I am one of the smartest people they have ever met.

Either they don't link up that my haircut and posture and interest in the military links to my service, or they are too self absorbed to care.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 9:43 AM

2014-05-20T09:43:51-04:00

My 26 year old cousin has wandered a lot in life, and his argument since high school has been “can’t get a job without experience, can’t get experience without a job.”

So, one Thanksgiving dinner, it was mentioned that he could join the military (in my extended family, replete with a plethora of cousins, I’m the only one that joined.) The table became uncomfortably quiet at that suggestion, and he said “No way! I support my military, but I’m not getting shot at.”

“But you support someone else doing it, though,” I said. “You support someone else getting shot at or blown up in the defense of your Constitution and your freedoms and your liberties, but you’re unwilling to secure those things for yourself, is that it?”

I don’t get invited to many Thanksgiving dinners anymore.

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made May 20 at 2014 9:47 AM

2014-05-20T09:47:05-04:00

"I am Allergic to chi-ken" was what my daughters POS boyfriend said at the final MEPS swear-in, in front of the recruiter and his father.
The recruiter told me that on the way home they stopped at the Golden Arches and the POS BF orders a 20 piece chi-ken fingers dinner.
Last time I heard, the POS is working as a prison guard. A real stellar Gems he is. NOT!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 11:05 AM

2014-05-20T11:05:42-04:00

"I'd Join, But I like smoking weed to much"

Response by SFC Gary (Bigsarge) Portier USARMY RET. made May 20 at 2014 12:14 PM

2014-05-20T12:14:44-04:00

One among many is my mother won't let me. I have always felt the US should go to a mandatory 2 year enlistment after High school for all. It gets people off the street and puts them in a position to start a path to a career. They have the option to go to College, or stay in. At least for most it would be a good start to growing up.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 12:44 PM

2014-05-20T12:44:54-04:00

The best I've herd is that we're all a tool of the man and that's why they wont join.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 2:41 PM

2014-05-20T14:41:33-04:00

I had a local law enforcement officer tell me that he wanted to serve his country but didn't want to leave his family so he joined the local PD....

Response by SSgt Jonathan Ayers made May 20 at 2014 3:50 PM

2014-05-20T15:50:09-04:00

I was on an RTT tour from Ramstein to Paris with some DODDS teaching students from the states. One of them told me: "Yeah, I was thinking about joining but then the wars happened, so I didn't." I didn't know my eyes could roll that far back into my head...

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 20 at 2014 8:37 PM

2014-05-20T20:37:04-04:00

I am going to flip this one around. The dumbest reason I ever heard for joining the service, Marines specifically, "I am tired of people telling me what to do, I am joining the Marines so I can be myself." Don't remember which one of my dumbass friends said this, but last I heard he was still taking orders and being told what to do by people who screamed in his face if they didn't think he was breathing correctly. I last saw him in 1983. Hope he is still alive.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 9:04 PM

2014-05-20T21:04:57-04:00

As far as the Air Force goes I heard this "The Chair Force isn't the real military... and Israel's Air Force is far superior to ours" ...smh

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made May 20 at 2014 9:25 PM

2014-05-20T21:25:49-04:00

I was supposed to join with a buddy of mine when I told him the decision the judge handed down. When it came time to do the paperwork, his response was, "I just chickened out"...

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 9:26 PM

2014-05-20T21:26:40-04:00

"If I got yelled at my first reaction is to hit someone in the face" a friend of mine said that one

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 20 at 2014 10:09 PM

2014-05-20T22:09:51-04:00

My favorite was as an AMEDD Recruiter. Had Cardiothoracic Surgeon who didn’t accept a commission because he would only come in as LTC. I was disgusted with him before this but that pushed me over the edge. I was ordered to go back and see if he would consider joining if we could offer him Colonel…that was not good enough either, he thought he should be able to come in at LEAST as Brigadier General.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 12:22 AM

2014-05-21T00:22:18-04:00

These days when I have conversations with my friends about where they see themselves in the next couple, if they say they don't know, then I propose joining the reserves. What I have found is that most of them actually think it's a good idea. A lot of people are enlisting right now and I rarely get any excuses other than family commitments for not joining.

Response by SrA Corey Steadman made May 21 at 2014 1:07 AM

2014-05-21T01:07:08-04:00

This biggest excuse I have heard from people is "I don't want to get yelled at."

Good lord, that's only for Basic and AIT/Tech School is what I tell them. Then I get, "Well, I still wouldn't like it." At that point I am disinterested in anything they have to say.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 2:44 PM

2014-05-21T14:44:03-04:00

Hear this one in 2004. "I don't want to go to war with China".

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Jul 31 at 2014 9:59 PM

2014-07-31T21:59:08-04:00

"I totally respect the military, but I couldn't bring myself to kill somebody."

I tell them to remember that if we're ever invaded....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2014 10:17 AM

2014-08-27T10:17:06-04:00

It is not a good excuse (an old CSM would say that none are), but the most common one I hear is, "I don't believe in war".

As if the only thing the military does is war.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2014 3:29 PM

2014-08-27T15:29:34-04:00

"I dont know if I could ever on purpose kill someone...'

So what your saying is if its on accident its possible? But if someone is purposefully threatening your life or the welfare of others you would do nothing..?

Response by SGT Kristin Myers made Jan 8 at 2015 6:37 PM

2015-01-08T18:37:41-05:00

Their recruiter told them they were too fat, so they just decided to stay fat.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Jan 9 at 2015 6:23 PM

2015-01-09T18:23:51-05:00

So my sister can't figure out anything on her own. As her older sister wanting to look out for her future, I was trying to convince her to join ANY service. At least there would be structure and enough buddies around to help her out at any time if she was 'lost'. She refused on the grounds that the military is a 'gang' and she doesn't want to be part of a gang.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jan 10 at 2015 6:30 PM

2015-01-10T18:30:59-05:00

"I don't like to be told what to do" "But you work at McDonalds for minimum wage and someone there tells you what to do"

Response by LCpl Brandon Barnes made Jan 10 at 2015 7:42 PM

2015-01-10T19:42:14-05:00

My brother in law always hounded me about the Marines. He'd ask about everything, always wanted to know more. He always said that he would join at 18. 18 rolls around, and he abruptly stops asking about it. I ask him what's going on, since he kept posting on Facebook how he was joining. His response was that he couldn't get his dad to sign. I responded that as he was a legal adult, he didn’t need his father's signature. The next excuse, 3 months later, was that his dad had told him he wanted to go with him to the recruiter but couldn't go that week. At 20, he finally shipped, and he turned out to be a good Marine, but I'll never forget the 2 year debacle that marked his decision making process.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Jan 10 at 2015 7:58 PM

2015-01-10T19:58:54-05:00

What I find hilarious is the way they talk about how they "almost joined" and somehow that makes us the same.

No. No it does not.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 11 at 2015 12:42 AM

2015-01-11T00:42:56-05:00

"If someone told me to cut my hair I'd kick their a$$!"

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 11 at 2015 12:59 AM

2015-01-11T00:59:24-05:00

The best excuses come from those who couldn't even get a waiver to get into the Boy Scouts if they tried.

Response by Sgt Sherry Taylor-Bruce made Jan 11 at 2015 7:05 PM

2015-01-11T19:05:18-05:00

I'm not sure I would call it an excuse but my best friend from High School and I decided to join the Air Force together. There we wear at the MEPS station taking our ASVAB then on to the Physical. I think we were standing in line for the chest Xray when they pulled her out of line. A couple of hours later I'm standing alone in my group taking my oath of enlistment for delayed enlistment (5months). I called her later that afternoon and found out she didn't pass all parts of the test. She re-took the test and even tried another service but never actually joined the military. That was over 30 years ago.

Response by SP6 Jessica Regan made Jan 12 at 2015 9:48 AM

2015-01-12T09:48:28-05:00

When I joined, I was "roped in" by the guys on my street (the buddy system). I fought tooth and nail to join at 17 trying to get my parents to sign off on the delayed entry program sheet. I was living on my own renting a room, working two jobs and in high school AND night school for cosmetology. I finally went in on my own signature at 18. Understand something - coming from a Catholic Italian family it didn't get any stricter so the military WAS A HUGE ESCAPE for me and I yearned for a more predictable structured discipline where punishment was replaced with "consequences" and you knew that every little thing counted and meant something and not some punishment that far outweighed the crimes prompted mostly by emotions rather than a clear solution oriented goal my parents had. I am grateful now that my parents were strict and exercised corporal punishment ONLY because it toughened me up. I had thicker skin going in. Kids today many because because of lack of real discipline or their parents afraid of violating their teenager's" rights" (Mom, how dare you look at my Facebook page without my permission! You are violating my rights!", "Dad how dare you yell at me, this is emotional abuse and I will report you to my school") have no clue what they are impulsively signing up for after seeing a movie about heroic military men and women on a movie screen or sitting around all day playing Ghost Recon. Around here its all big teen talk and I have yet to hear a single teen say to me "I would never join" it's usually the exact opposite. BIG TALK.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Jan 12 at 2015 10:25 AM

2015-01-12T10:25:58-05:00

The one I haven't heard from y'all, "I couldn't pass the physical."

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Jan 12 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-01-12T16:19:46-05:00

I joined the Army because the Navy recruiter was closed that day...then in basic I received a letter from the Navy offering to pay for my college through a masters program for their nuclear program. I went to my CO to respectfully show him the good news letter and ask for the opportunity to join that program. Being a good infantry officer, he snorted and responded the Army had just as tough a time getting infantry soldiers as the Navy did getting Nuclear officers. Needless to say...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 11:25 AM

2015-01-13T11:25:21-05:00

They can't handle the change and if someone would yell at them they punch them in the face

Response by AN Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 3:31 PM

2015-01-13T15:31:28-05:00

I would die

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 3:41 PM

2015-01-13T15:41:44-05:00

Best one I've heard is "I don't like being dirty."

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 13 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-01-13T16:12:30-05:00

I don't know SSG Private RallyPoint Member, but the guy in the photo really needs to join, because he sure doesn't know how to snap a tabbed collar shirt around a tie!

Response by Sgt Monroe Seigle made Jan 13 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-01-13T16:32:04-05:00

"I can't have someone telling me when I can eat and I don't want to cut my hair."

Response by Cpl Tom Hunter made Jan 13 at 2015 4:36 PM

2015-01-13T16:36:36-05:00

I almost joined but I got a sprained ankle the day before I was suppose to leave for boot camp so I just said forget it.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 5:18 PM

2015-01-13T17:18:04-05:00

"Only stupid people would join the marines/military" from a high school drop out, and not because he moved on to bigger and better things!

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 5:27 PM

2015-01-13T17:27:54-05:00

I'm on recruiters assistance, guy walks in with tattoos on hands neck and a small one on his face "I think it's time to do something better with my life"

Response by PO1 David Richardson made Jan 13 at 2015 6:30 PM

2015-01-13T18:30:38-05:00

No one should be persuaded to join. Then we'd only get those that want to be there. First thing I tell "prospects"...this is not your ordinary job, this one may require you to lay down your life...in more ways than one. I've had people come back and tell me that was the best and most truthful thing they've ever heard. Some have served, some are still serving and some...never joined because it wasn't for them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 7:18 PM

2015-01-13T19:18:38-05:00

Lazy

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 9:03 PM

2015-01-13T21:03:20-05:00

Personally, I'm proud to be the 1%. It wouldn't be the same if everyone was suited for it, or wanted to do it. If someone's interested, I'm cool with it. I choose not to be a lion tamer, and I don't think anyone would judge me for any excuse I'd give for that decision.

Response by Cpl David Brown made Jan 13 at 2015 10:28 PM

2015-01-13T22:28:46-05:00

What I see as really sad is all these "kids" that give excuses why they don't want to go, where as my 20 year old son would give anything to serve but has a pacemaker for a heart valve issue and isn't allowed to do so.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Jan 13 at 2015 10:32 PM

2015-01-13T22:32:25-05:00

No excuses, cowards!!!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 10:41 PM

2015-01-13T22:41:44-05:00

"I like being fat."

Response by SPC Branden Hazukaminch made Jan 13 at 2015 10:53 PM

2015-01-13T22:53:22-05:00

I would have joined but my girlfriend wouldn't let me!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 11:38 PM

2015-01-13T23:38:40-05:00

"I am such a great leader the recruiter told me not to join because I would be a threat to Generals, I might take their job away. Seriously what would they do if I took their jobs?"

I responded "retire and pray for our Army"

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jan 14 at 2015 12:59 AM

2015-01-14T00:59:23-05:00

Canada is calling. But don't worry, I can still be president.

Response by SFC Josh Jackson made Jan 14 at 2015 12:59 AM

2015-01-14T00:59:54-05:00

While on recruiting, I was working a job fair booth. A woman walked by and, without prompting, told me that she was married.

After she was out of earshot, I said "I'm offering you a job, lady, not dinner and drinks."

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jan 14 at 2015 10:12 AM

2015-01-14T10:12:10-05:00

Do not believe in a best excuse as there really to me is none. The shocking statistic that I received in a recent G1 brief is that medically and educationally, that only like 30% of the population even qualifies to be a recruit. So when I hear folks in conversation when friends introduce me as "IN" the Army, they often reply that they were medically unfit or "TOLD" they couldn't serve. Where there is a will, there is a way and its called a waiver.

It is my belief that we should nationalize the service and give everyone a sense of duty for our own national defense. Expose them to the profession that none of them even really know.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Jan 14 at 2015 11:36 AM

2015-01-14T11:36:42-05:00

After I graduated high school my grandfather said I should join the military. Yeah right, I want to have a life so I was certainly one of those who WAS NOT going to be a servicember...ever. After an awesome 21 year career in the the Army the only regret I have is not joining sooner.

Response by PFC Jennifer Sheldon made Jan 14 at 2015 12:07 PM

2015-01-14T12:07:42-05:00

I had 2 different teachers, when they found out that I was signed up to go into the Army tell me that they felt it was a bad decision and that I would ruin my life and that I'm too smart for the military. My point of view about them changed on the days each said it to me.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 1:17 PM

2015-01-14T13:17:38-05:00

Here's on one... "OH I would have joined but I was smart enough to get into college" ... throat punch engage

Response by SrA Ryan Albright made Jan 14 at 2015 2:34 PM

2015-01-14T14:34:43-05:00

I would be homesick

Response by SSG Matthew Chambers made Jan 14 at 2015 4:55 PM

2015-01-14T16:55:46-05:00

"I was gonna join, but I'm flat footed." - Said recently

Response by SSG Matthew Chambers made Jan 14 at 2015 4:58 PM

2015-01-14T16:58:24-05:00

"I was going to join the SEALS, but I can't swim."

Response by CPL Gina Tryon made Jan 14 at 2015 8:55 PM

2015-01-14T20:55:07-05:00

I failed the drug test

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 8:55 PM

2015-01-14T20:55:44-05:00

I was having a conversation with a buddy of mine once, I was fresh out of AIT. We used to work together as cooks, for minimum wage, 4 days a week at a restaurant. He tells me how he would like to join. So I ask "why don't you? Just sign the dotted line and raise your right hand." His excuse? "My son prevents me from joining, I could never leave him". (He is NOT a single parent, he's happily married). I proceed to remind him that when I joined I was already a father and a husband, long before he was, and that didn't stop me. He never responded to that.

Now, 4 years later, he's still working the same job with same pay and same 4 days. Living in the same neighborhood, doing the same stuff he's been doing since we were kids.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jan 14 at 2015 9:15 PM

2015-01-14T21:15:52-05:00

Have to wake up too early,clothes dont fit properly, having to shower with a bunch of strangers, dont like to travel too far from home, will interfere with schooling.

Response by SFC Richard M. made Jan 14 at 2015 9:16 PM

2015-01-14T21:16:28-05:00

When I was a recruiter, it was at the peak of the surge to Iraq. The biggest objection was "I don't want to die."

Response by PFC Ed Ortiz made Jan 15 at 2015 12:23 AM

2015-01-15T00:23:57-05:00

Not my war

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 5:09 AM

2015-01-15T05:09:25-05:00

I don't want to cut my hair

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 6:12 AM

2015-01-15T06:12:13-05:00

The best one I've heard was from a guy at a BBQ. He said "I thought about joining but I don't like people telling me what to do." I asked him what he did for money and he said he was a carpenter. I asked "so your boss doesn't tell you what to do?" He didn't say anything.

Response by LCpl James Katanic made Jan 15 at 2015 9:01 AM

2015-01-15T09:01:45-05:00

"The first time someone would yell at me...I'd knock them on their..."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-01-15T12:56:33-05:00

"Flat feet"..... Really?....

Response by SFC Ariel Gonzalez made Jan 15 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-01-15T13:03:38-05:00

My mom told I couldn't.

Response by PFC Karen Sylvester made Jan 15 at 2015 4:29 PM

2015-01-15T16:29:00-05:00

They have problems with authority or they want to wake up whenever they want

Response by SGT Jeremy Greer made Jan 15 at 2015 5:39 PM

2015-01-15T17:39:21-05:00

I would but I don't want to go to war

Response by SSG Jefferi Felton made Jan 15 at 2015 8:19 PM

2015-01-15T20:19:09-05:00

Can't be hollered at

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 9:35 PM

2015-01-15T21:35:04-05:00

"I can't leave my bros back home."

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 10:17 PM

2015-01-15T22:17:16-05:00

"I'm too indepent for that shit, if some Drill Sergeant got in my face and yelled at me I'd yell right back."

Response by SPC Scott German made Jan 16 at 2015 11:40 AM

2015-01-16T11:40:17-05:00

Karl Rove said something like...they wouldn't an old fat guy like me

Response by SN Jeremy Stone made Jan 16 at 2015 6:47 PM

2015-01-16T18:47:50-05:00

Couldn't join because his parents didn't want him too.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 7:18 PM

2015-01-16T19:18:04-05:00

Soldiers are just mindless robots and conformists who surrender all control of their life and and give up their personality -said my mother when I said I wanted to be a soldier when I grew up

Response by SPC Robert Wagner made Jan 16 at 2015 11:41 PM

2015-01-16T23:41:21-05:00

I actually have an "I almost joined". I was originally trying to enlist in mid 2002 when word reached me that my grandmother would need help around the house when going through cancer treatments (my Grandfather, able bodied at the time, worked away from home). My father's response to my intentions to join was "The Army will still be there when she feels better."

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jan 16 at 2015 11:44 PM

2015-01-16T23:44:56-05:00

The absolute best "excuse"--- I didn't want to.
I completely respect ANY civilian who will say they didn't want to join, but they respect that I did.

Response by SFC Victor Serrano made Jan 16 at 2015 11:52 PM

2015-01-16T23:52:52-05:00

I have better things to do!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 3:27 AM

2015-01-17T03:27:02-05:00

I always get, "I'd fail the drug test/I'd have to stop doing drugs."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 4:36 AM

2015-01-17T04:36:43-05:00

I get a lot excuses why civilians don't join. Some of my favorite ones are
-I don't want to deploy if you gurrantee that i will enlist
-I don't think i can pass the ASVAB
-I love myself and I don't want to die

The way i see it "to get somewhere in life you have to take risks to get somewhere". I love my country and very proud to serve.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 7:07 AM

2015-01-17T07:07:58-05:00

An old high school buddy of mine is in a band. He makes no money, has 2 kids, and lives at home with his mom. He is 33. His excuse was "because I would have to cut my hair." I feel sorry for his daughters.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 9:43 AM

2015-01-17T09:43:16-05:00

I don't like being yelled at.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Jan 17 at 2015 2:09 PM

2015-01-17T14:09:36-05:00

I have to share this one... Forgive me as I set the stage.

I'm at Brookings Institute taking a class called "Public leadership in the 21st century" and the class has 30 students. All of us intro ourselves at the meet and greet... And as normal include in my pitch that I served for 22 years. There were only 2 retirees and three prior service so we were the minority.

As we go through the week we are mixing it up and conversation and discussion on various projects and meals as we eat at a cohort.

At dinner about midway through the class I get volleyed with the "what all have you done?" So I'm making casual about stories and keeping it lite. One of my classmates calls me on the lightness and tells me he found my mil bio on a website and "you've not just been here and there" I agree and then he asks me what was the invasion like... Without getting graphical I describe it being "hairy and a scary" then one of guys, a Ph.d medical researcher with HHS who works with diseases and stuff that will kill you as fast as a bullet, says, "I would have joined the military... But I was afraid that I'd go off someplace and get killed"

I was speechless as I stared at him almost dumbfounded... Then one of my other classmates said, "but getting killed by an unnameable disease you pick up in a laboratory is ok.... That's a weak ass reason even in my book"

I didn't know if I should say anything so I gave a pregnant pause and the table started laughing... The Ph.d laughing said, "yea it was... I guess was just a chickenshit when I was younger" Which caused us to laugh even harder.

A great group of pros regardless of there service... But I thought I'd heard it all in recruiting and then for that guy to say that... Was priceless

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 4:29 PM

2015-01-17T16:29:46-05:00

"I can't enlist because I was already an officer once."

-"Really?"

"Yeah, I did four years in the explorer scouts and became a cadet Captain. "

-"Uhhhh. Well it's probably for the best." I didn't want to finish the statement "...for us!"

Response by PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) made Jan 17 at 2015 6:10 PM

2015-01-17T18:10:55-05:00

This was stated to me by my 18 yr old son... I refuse to join because I hated not having you around!

Response by SGT Freddie Bustillos made Jan 17 at 2015 6:46 PM

2015-01-17T18:46:57-05:00

On a related note I think anyone who eventually wants to run for the U.S. Presidency should have at least a few years of military service as a primary qualification. This way they'll identify with whom they are ordering around and whose lives they are voluntarily putting on the line.

Response by SPC Brent Webster made Jan 17 at 2015 7:46 PM

2015-01-17T19:46:16-05:00

My favorite was actually from my father. I served in the Navy before joining the Army, and was attached to the 7th Fleet. We were Forward Deployed, I spent more time out to sea than in port (it seemed.)

Anyway, after being discharged my father made the bold statement "Son you were in the Navy, didn't really have to get your hands dirty. My father was in the Army and was a real man. Carrying a hundred pounds on your back, making your way through treacherous landscapes, that's a man, a real man."

Keep in mind this was the first time I've hung out with my father since I was 2 years old. I was discharged around the age of 23...

So I replied, "So if that's what 'real' men do, why didn't YOU join."

His face flushed red and the response he uttered was, " I would have but..."

Honestly I stopped listening to him after he mumbled those words. I spent my whole career overseas, and busted my tail doing my job. I didn't sit at a desk, I didn't work in communications, I worked one of the oldest rates in the history of the United States Navy. I was stationed away from everything and everyone I loved. To this day, I don't like celebrating holidays. I spent so many working, they just became another day to me. Like many other veterans, I didn't spend my 21st birthday doing what most did, celebrating it downtown and having an unforgettable night. Mine was spent deployed. On my birthday, I went to the mess decks, took a shot of water while facing the machine, and mumbled "happy birthday to me."

Needless to say, I joined the Army to appease my father and chose a respectable "real" man's MOS. After being discharged (Honorable) he had the same reaction, and showed his disapproval for me.

We no longer speak.

Response by SSgt Rick Idaho made Jan 17 at 2015 8:55 PM

2015-01-17T20:55:21-05:00

All the shots they give you every year.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 9:06 PM

2015-01-17T21:06:05-05:00

They like weed to much

Response by SPC Christopher McClaskey made Jan 18 at 2015 10:26 AM

2015-01-18T10:26:00-05:00

They brain wash u is what i have always heard

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-01-18T10:30:50-05:00

A person doesn't have to have an "excuse" to not join the military. There is no draft; no one has to break the law not to join. Some people just aren't cut out to live that kind of life.

Response by AN Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 10:49 AM

2015-01-18T10:49:24-05:00

Being in the Navy I always get (that's alot of and I can't swim)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 11:33 AM

2015-01-18T11:33:27-05:00

I've heard everything from "I can't handle that kind of criticism" to "its just not for me" to "they wouldn't let me in" to "something is medically wrong with them".... In most cases, it was total "bs". I have been in for 5 years, I know that's not a lot of time, but in that 5 years I have overcome mental and physical hardships to be in the greatest fighting force in the world. In my experience, those who are selfish, or childish, need to stay away... In that case this really isn't for you! And besides, we really don't want those people anyway. And as far as medical, I have been an H-3 hearing profile for the entirety of my service, but that hasn't stopped me! I've been to medical review boards, I've spent the time waiting in lobbies as a panel decides if you can have a career or not... It's the one who truly want to be here that will be! Don't tell me you can't join cause you can't see... That's what they make bcg's for... Tattoos are removable, and deaf people wear hearing aids... 1/3rd of the people that start the initial recruitment process never make it past meps. Another 1/3rd washes out during basic training. And then there are those that make it... The choice is up to you!

Response by PVT Dominique Stewart made Jan 18 at 2015 12:25 PM

2015-01-18T12:25:53-05:00

"I dont want to"

To me that's the most absurd reason to not want to join. Who in their right mind would turn down being a part of the greatest military force. IJS

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 4:31 PM

2015-01-18T16:31:13-05:00

"I'm smarter than that and have too much going for me." -A no job, college dropout.

"I'm a girl. Girls don't do that. I have to have my nails done and I would be mad if I broke one off doing that Army stuff and getting dirty." -An unmatured college freshman just out of daddy's care who probably hasn't seen a week without going to the salon. ....

You're right, 'girls don't do that'.... Men and Women stand in my ranks.

Response by MSgt Mary Lane made Jan 18 at 2015 5:37 PM

2015-01-18T17:37:55-05:00

I have a problem with authority and don't like to be told what to do. She ended up joining anyway!

Response by PFC Jennifer Cannon made Jan 18 at 2015 6:51 PM

2015-01-18T18:51:54-05:00

I won't allow anyone to yell at me and I can't run

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 9:18 PM

2015-01-18T21:18:49-05:00

Well, what I've mainly heard is all the arguments folks put forward to stay in i.e. avoid a med board, involuntary separation etc.
I'm not opening up a partisan can here. Please bear with me. There have been and will be many examples cited of folks who never served in the armed forces who nonetheless have done great things for the nation in general or for veterans. [I'm thinking of folks who lease houses near bases or other installations]. Certainly firemen, EMS and electric utility linemen (linepersons?) step forward to do stuff the rest of us would reject doing.
So anywho..where was I. Oh yeah, the partisan thing.
I absolutely cain't stand any politician of any party stripe who wants to "talk tough" and faults this or any president for his decision to NOT intervene in (insert country or crisis here). Some of them are R guys. Example former Veep Dick Cheney, former Senator from my state Gramm, and the former Virginia Gov George Allen.
Now let me qualify this yet again. If someone was in his 20s during the Viet Nam years and he didn't serve then yet he's all gung ho for boots on the ground and bombs in the air TODAY I want his explanation why he didn't serve in the late 60s. Gramm said he had an MBA and knew they'd just stick him in an office somewhere. [Of course you have platoon leaders with advanced math or science degrees who chose/demanded combat arms as their branch]. So Phil could have easily requested a combat infantry job. Or been an aircraft maintenance guy at an air base in Japan like my Uncle.
Dick Cheney--yep former Veep, former SecDef and Wyoming congressman-- has always been up front about how he missed out on the trip to SE Asia. George Allen? His Daddy somehow got Georgie a job at a wild west dude ranch.
I was a translator/interpreter during Desert Storm who wound up tagging along with SF from Campbell's 5th SFgroup. After a good service break I wound up going to Iraq to be a nurse during 2 separate deployments. I will never boast or inflate facts if someone like one of my daughters ever asks "What did you do during the war, Daddy?"

As to the original question. I've heard folks say "I was gonna ship off to boot camp BUT.. (and as they say, it's usually a really big but) "they said I was on a wait list for this or that MOS, AFSC etc" "My recruiter wouldn't return any of my calls" "I had an old sports injury flair up and the MEPS docs rejected me.." "I smoked a doobie a few days before my MEPS physical.." "I got offered a really good job with the city sanitation dept so I took that instead.." "My then girlfriend said she'd dump me if I went off to Paris Island SC"

Response by CPT Theodore DiVito made Jan 19 at 2015 12:52 AM

2015-01-19T00:52:33-05:00

The classic ... my uncle..... my dad .... my relative joined.......

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 1:34 AM

2015-01-28T01:34:40-05:00

My boss's boss once said to me, "I can't submit myself to stupidity." He's a VP in the company and I hear where he's coming from. If ur in the military, you know how inefficient things can get. Ironic right? This is supposed to be the epitome of organization.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 1:03 AM

2015-02-13T01:03:38-05:00

"I'm going to smoke blunts until I die..."

Understood playa.

Response by CPL Charles Sainz made Mar 6 at 2015 2:49 PM

2015-03-06T14:49:44-05:00

"I was about to join but then my parents said I should just go to school and get a job." Burger King employee

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2015 10:17 AM

2015-03-15T10:17:04-04:00

"I'm not a bullet sponge" was one I found quite interesting. I told them I wasn't either, I was in the Navy and then an air defender in the Army National Guard. Some just aren't cut out for it I guess.

Response by MSG David Chappell made Mar 15 at 2015 10:06 PM

2015-03-15T22:06:16-04:00

I can't stand someone telling me what to do lol!

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-03-16T16:12:04-04:00

Most of my old high school friends used the excuse "I don't want to go to bootcamp."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 10:52 AM

2015-03-20T10:52:23-04:00

While I was visiting my sister at her work in downtown Colorado Springs, a young man told me "Thanks for fighting the war so I do not have to". My response was "My pleasure"

While not entirely on topic, it is close.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 5:15 PM

2015-03-25T17:15:07-04:00

Why does it need to be an excuse? Idk about any of you but I fight for a nation that enables me to have choice. I choose to serve. He/she didn't. Who cares.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 5:55 PM

2015-03-25T17:55:54-04:00

God told him not to. That he would kill many.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 13 at 2015 10:43 AM

2015-04-13T10:43:30-04:00

"I had other priorities in the 60's than military service."
Dick Cheney

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 8:11 PM

2015-06-29T20:11:30-04:00

My buddy (who's not military) asked me if he could join the navy as an admiral. I said probably not. He said "then nevermind"

Response by Sgt Tom Vaughn made Jul 17 at 2015 10:47 PM

2015-07-17T22:47:21-04:00

One turd told me he wanted to be a Marine , but the Marines said he was in way to good of shape and they would not be able to train him the marine corp way ???
I swear this is true

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 12:57 PM

2015-07-23T12:57:01-04:00

You see, this is the beauty about living in this great country. We have the choice to do or not do something and not have to defend our choice to another person. Why does it matter why they didn't join the military? Why are you all looking down on someone who didn't? They live in a time where they can choose to not join the military if they do not want to. I wouldn't want them serving next to me anyways if they didn't want to be there.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Jul 30 at 2015 3:28 PM

2015-07-30T15:28:46-04:00

"I have heard how early the military gets up and i am just not a morning person"

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 2:56 AM

2015-08-17T02:56:52-04:00

"Thought about joining but not during a war"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 5:44 PM

2016-01-16T17:44:57-05:00

I came out to recruiting shortly before president Bush left office. I heard the excuse, I dont support bush so I won't join while he's in office. Once president Obama took over, I heard that they didn't want to fight bush's war (same kid). I recruit in a different region now. I've heard someone say they don't support Obama and won't join while he's in office. They'll take any reason they can not to serve.

Response by PO3 Tim McGrew made Jan 16 at 2016 5:44 PM

2016-01-16T17:44:58-05:00

I would miss my mommy too much. I called him a little worthless bitch and told him he needs to grow up.
We also had a guy in boot camp who would cry himself to sleep every night. He quit after two weeks because he missed his wife.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 6:00 PM

2016-01-16T18:00:08-05:00

I would have joined but I can't handle being told what to do

Response by SPC Matt Johnson made Jan 16 at 2016 6:08 PM

2016-01-16T18:08:18-05:00

I wasn't tallest, strongest, or the fastest guy when I joined. I couldn't even run a mile started doing a 20min 2 mile. By the end of my first year I was running 14min 2 mile and doing 4-6 miles a day (still wasn't the fastest guy) but maxed push ups and sit ups and was benching 300lbs. So I would laugh at people they say "because I'm not in shape" I just tell em "the only thing you need to do is not give up. Intestinal fortitude. Forget the words "I quit""

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 6:25 PM

2016-01-16T18:25:26-05:00

I was told the military is only for those who aren't smart enough for college. That person is still working fast food.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 6:30 PM

2016-01-16T18:30:09-05:00

No excuses here. I joined, proudly, at 38! HOOAH!

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 6:45 PM

2016-01-16T18:45:44-05:00

"Made it half way through boot camp, it was way harder than I thought it was going to be so I left." And then my second favorite - "I'm too smart to join." - the 24 y/o making minimum wage with a bachlor's degree and thousands in student loans.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 6:45 PM

2016-01-16T18:45:57-05:00

Response by SSG Joel Galford made Jan 16 at 2016 7:22 PM

2016-01-16T19:22:18-05:00

Responses I have gotten:

"I would have joined but I could actually get into college"

"I'm too independent for that, like if a drill instructor screamed at me I would scream right back"

"There is no way with a high school diploma I could ever join something where my less than 5% of my bosses ever completed high school"

"I would never cut my hair"

"Only way I would join is if I was drafted as a ranger or a seal or something"

All direct word for word quotes

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 7:44 PM

2016-01-16T19:44:14-05:00

"I would if I had to, like, if I was drafted, or the war came here".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 8:42 PM

2016-01-16T20:42:49-05:00

I'm don't really pay attention when people bring up why they never joined, but my cousin who was chaptered said this: "I'm smart and don't agree with a lot of the stupid things that they do in the army. My leadership didn't like that and it caused problems so I was pushed out"

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 9:54 PM

2016-01-16T21:54:57-05:00

"The only way that I would join is if I could go Special Forces.... or be a Sniper." Or when you talk to someone who "used b to be in the military" they were always a Sniper or so bad ass... Just once I would love to meet someone who was a cook, or supply etc. Lol

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 11:55 PM

2016-01-16T23:55:21-05:00

"I am not supposed to fight for my country, my country is supposed to fight for me" ... Last I heard this clown is still in prison on drug charges

Response by Sgt Daniel Albrecht made Jan 17 at 2016 12:32 AM

2016-01-17T00:32:06-05:00

I had cancer as a kid. I works my ass off to become a devil dog. so if any one tells they would but.... I just walk way, I don't need to be their friend anyway

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jan 17 at 2016 1:15 AM

2016-01-17T01:15:49-05:00

I usually go stone deaf as soon as the words "I would have joined the military, but..." comes out of somebody's soup cooler. I just figure they all have FTS,, Fractured Taint Syndrome

Response by SSgt Randy Sanchez made Jan 17 at 2016 2:00 AM

2016-01-17T02:00:10-05:00

I use to get a lot of answers while on recruiting duty. I don't want to get shot at, I don't like taking orders, I can't leave my mom, she needs me.
I used to get into trouble because I would tell they guys "I don't want any pu$$ies in my Marine Corps". I did very well and average of 7.3 per month. The people who didn't want to take orders some work at fast food restaurants other in retail. The other guy who didn't want to leave his mother still lives with her. His mother doesn't want him there anymore because he's a loser, no real job no girlfriend

Response by SFC Robert Smith made Jan 17 at 2016 5:46 AM

2016-01-17T05:46:03-05:00

there was this kid living out in the middle of nowhere in a shack with his mom and 5 other kids he said he couldn't leave home......I would have been the first on the bus lol

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2016 7:21 AM

2016-01-17T07:21:16-05:00

"No I could never join the military. If I ever got deployed I would just shoot everyone"

Response by CPL Gregory Joslyn made Jan 17 at 2016 7:55 AM

2016-01-17T07:55:52-05:00

I had a guy tell me that he wanted to go in, but the Marines wouldn't take him and there is no way he would have joined the Army. I f he truly wanted to serve his country he would have served in either branch.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2016 8:16 AM

2016-01-17T08:16:35-05:00

Why would one need an excuse? The military is not for everyone. Frankly, I served when there was a draft and people "joined" only to be able to have some control as to what branch they served in.

Some of these were very good, some, just put in their time.

Response by SSG Oliver Mathews made Jan 17 at 2016 8:58 AM

2016-01-17T08:58:49-05:00

I wanted to Join the army, then i took an arrow to the knee.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 17 at 2016 11:25 AM

2016-01-17T11:25:47-05:00

My 2 favorites are:
1. I don't want to cut my hair.
2. I don't want to wear a uniform.

Response by PO2 Maxwell Jones made Jan 17 at 2016 11:44 AM

2016-01-17T11:44:26-05:00

This post was a repeat. Darn login screen confusion.

Response by PO2 Maxwell Jones made Jan 17 at 2016 11:45 AM

2016-01-17T11:45:48-05:00

"I scored to high on the that test they have you take (ASVAB), so they said I was better off going to college." A great thing for a Home Depot employee to tell a Navy Nuke.

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Jan 17 at 2016 1:41 PM

2016-01-17T13:41:28-05:00

There is no excuse needed.

Response by SGT Benjamin Lindsey made Jan 17 at 2016 3:54 PM

2016-01-17T15:54:38-05:00

I can't join the military because I'm not a puppet and no one tells me what to do

Response by Benjamin Crabbe made Jan 18 at 2016 7:54 PM

2016-01-18T19:54:36-05:00

they wouldn't take me because i'm deaf. i wear a hearing aid and with it i hear quite well but i do not have directional hearing and without it on i can't hear a damn thing.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 10:36 AM

2016-01-19T10:36:15-05:00

"I don't trust the government/administration."

Response by SGT Andrew Goetsch made Jan 19 at 2016 1:27 PM

2016-01-19T13:27:15-05:00

Not everybody is fit to be in the military. If they're not willing to do the grunt work, they're only in it for what it gets them or they refuse to recognize that every single person there is a warrior first, they shouldn't join. Every time I hear some military person decide they're conscientious objectors when it's time to do the job, after they've taken everything the military has to offer for years, I want to walk them off a cliff.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 4:13 PM

2016-01-19T16:13:07-05:00

"I couldn't stand having someone yell at me in my face, I'd punch them."

Basic wasn't that bad, then again... I have a German mother.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 11:42 AM

2016-01-20T11:42:45-05:00

I couldn't join the military, I couldn't take orders from someone....
Ok really? so...you couldn't work for anyone, at all, like EVER? *facepalm*

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 1:15 PM

2016-01-20T13:15:28-05:00

"I don't want to die." Since when did signing a service contract become a death wish? If it's your time to go, its your time to go. Serving or not.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 2:08 PM

2016-01-20T14:08:13-05:00

distant cousin on why he never joined: It's too hard and he didn't think he could hack it. 50 y/o and has spent his entire life hanging drywall. smh....

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 2:27 PM

2016-01-20T14:27:30-05:00

People that make excuses for not joining piss me off to no end. My oldest son tried for two years to enlist but because he was honest and told the recruiter he had had childhood asthma that was an automatic disqualifier. The funniest part about that was the recruiter was missing two fingers on his right hand. Apparently you can get into the Army with 3 fingers on your shooting hand, but you can't get in if you had asthma 15 years ago.

My daughter spent 6 years in the ARNG and got out. Finished her degree and tried to get into the Navy doing intel (degree in International Politics and Russian, deployed as an intel analyst). The Navy wouldn't take her because she had lasik done while in the NG. stupidest excuse I ever heard from a recruiter. According to him, you can have lasik once you are in the Navy but if you have already had it done, even if while in another branch of service, it is a disqualifier. I would have thought she was making it up if I hadn't heard him say it myself.

Response by SFC Erich Orrick made Jan 20 at 2016 4:57 PM

2016-01-20T16:57:29-05:00

I always get pissed off at the excuse i'm not joining because you can get killed. guess they should stop driving, drinking, drugs, eating junk food, working dangerous jobs and live in a bubble because god knows only military people die.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 8:03 PM

2016-01-20T20:03:17-05:00

I should have, but I was not ready or family member did not want them to join.

Response by SSG Ron Smith made Jan 20 at 2016 8:44 PM

2016-01-20T20:44:08-05:00

"If someone attacked us I'd join." Or "If we were in a real war I'd join. "

Response by PO3 Todd Edgar made Jan 20 at 2016 9:45 PM

2016-01-20T21:45:35-05:00

one I've heard a few times.......I wanted to join and even went to the recruiters once but I never went back

Response by PV2 Luis Aroca made Jan 20 at 2016 10:45 PM

2016-01-20T22:45:57-05:00

My mother didn't allow me to join, I can't have someone yell in my face.

Response by LCpl Paul DeMoura made Jan 20 at 2016 11:20 PM

2016-01-20T23:20:36-05:00

I'm so tired of the "if I got yelled at I'd Yada Yada Yada" excuse. No you won't, so shut up.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 12:07 AM

2016-01-21T00:07:08-05:00

"I've got a pet ferret and a turtle to take care of, at home" -true story

Response by LCpl Sean Piccioli made Jan 21 at 2016 1:31 AM

2016-01-21T01:31:51-05:00

The best one was a civilian who was honest, he said, " I'm a pussy, I won't lie. I didn't wanna do that shit! And I'm thankful for those that do!" Verbatim, I was stunned.

Response by SSG Jeff Carlisle-Tierno made Jan 21 at 2016 2:04 AM

2016-01-21T02:04:22-05:00

I think it's ridiculous that they give excuses. If it's not for them, it just isn't. Can they live a good life? Are they productive? If the answer is yes, there's nothing to give them a hard time about. I certainly think no less of them than I would someone who never deployed (or did, but never left the FOB) but won't miss an opportunity to flaunt their 'combat service'.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 2:35 AM

2016-01-21T02:35:24-05:00

Had one person tell me he never thought about enlisting because he was intelligent enough to get a job as a civilian and the military is for people who can't hack it in the civilian world. Apparently stupid Americans serve their country

Response by LCDR William Breyfogle made Jan 21 at 2016 2:39 AM

2016-01-21T02:39:14-05:00

When I got out I became a newspaper reporter .... the only ex-military guy in the newsroom. One other reporter in particular told me he thought he could best serve our country by being out "...in the civilian economy and helping to create wealth." In other words, he was serving his own bank account, like a lot of today's politicians

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 5:17 AM

2016-01-21T05:17:07-05:00

I had a buddy who was supposed to do this buddy system with me where you get your first assignment together. He told me after I went alone to MEPS, "I'm not goin to join. I got flat feet and they won't take me." He told me my recruiter told him that, but my recruiter never herd of him or dealt with anyone flat-footed recently. Fast forward six years, he lives in his grandmother's garage. Unemployed with no work ethic.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 8:20 AM

2016-01-21T08:20:35-05:00

Heard from my wife's ex boyfriend...."I can't tell the difference between friend and foe." I'm thinking to myself, yeah go ahead and fire on your own guys. Freaking fruit loop...

Response by SGT Robert Wagner made Jan 21 at 2016 11:00 AM

2016-01-21T11:00:25-05:00

what I've heard a lot was "only people not smart enough to get into college join or those who are too poor join to get out of the hood".
and another one is "I don't like being told what to do" as they're being told what to do at their job now.

Response by SGT Robert Wagner made Jan 21 at 2016 11:01 AM

2016-01-21T11:01:37-05:00

I don't want to be Brain washed and kill for oil

Response by Maj John Bell made Jan 21 at 2016 11:22 AM

2016-01-21T11:22:57-05:00

These are all from the mid 70's

1) The only reason someone would join the military is because they lack the imagination to think of doing something worthwhile. (friend who was still working at the Burger king counter six years later, now managing a Bed, Bath and Beyond)
2) The only reason someone would join the military is because the lack the initiative to complete a task if someone isn't yelling at them. (friend who was on honor roll in high school, that was thrown out of three universities in three years because of drinking)
3) Marines are stupid. If you tell them to do something, they do it. (Really cute waitress I was trying to pick up in a bar)
4) I'll never get rich doing that (friend who is still a used car salesman after 38 years, and not rich)

And yes I should have picked better friends in high school.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 2:15 PM

2016-01-21T14:15:47-05:00

"I'm a pacifist, I don't want to fight anyone" ends up joining the national guard three years later to get free school and then get out

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 2:26 PM

2016-01-21T14:26:53-05:00

I would rather they make excuses than join and waste time and $$ just go go AWOL or get put out for Article 15's. I had my bad times in the Army, but it also gave me every opportunity to go to any and all schools I wanted. Where else can you get Paid to jump out of planes?

Response by SCPO Lenny Gatto made Jan 21 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-01-21T14:38:15-05:00

I hurt my leg/arm/back/foot/butt being a four-letter jock in high school!

Response by MSgt Marion (Trey) Miller III made Jan 21 at 2016 2:42 PM

2016-01-21T14:42:15-05:00

I have several daughters about to graduate high school. Their mom and I have discussed the military with two of them. Daughter 1: "I don't think I could be in the military, because if somebody started yelling at me, I would just curl up on the floor in the fetal position." Me: "I yell at you more than they would." Daughter 2: "I don't think I could even get in the military because of all those physical tests you have to pass before you can get in." Me: "You don't have to pass any physical tests before you go in. But you will have to do a LOT of physical stuff in Basic." Daughter 2: "Noooo. I'm pretty sure you DO!"

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 4:37 PM

2016-01-21T16:37:10-05:00

" I don't do well with discipline and structure"....
yet you have no problem living in your parents basement and making babies??
"I'm not gonna take orders from anyone"...
yet you'll let join a gang and go to prison based off the gang leaders orders??

Response by SGT John Jenkins made Jan 21 at 2016 7:28 PM

2016-01-21T19:28:43-05:00

I wanted to join but I have astma.....

Response by Sgt Stacey Craig made Jan 21 at 2016 7:47 PM

2016-01-21T19:47:23-05:00

Upon graduating recruit training I actually heard this one...."I was going to join the Air Force but my recruiter told me not to."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 8:12 PM

2016-01-21T20:12:00-05:00

As soon as I hear, "I wanted to but..." I pretty much tune out what ever BS comes next.

Response by SSG Sean Riley made Jan 21 at 2016 10:16 PM

2016-01-21T22:16:50-05:00

"Was going to join up after school but I got this great job, " says the assistant manager of Burger King

Response by Cpl Robert Warner made Jan 21 at 2016 10:48 PM

2016-01-21T22:48:58-05:00

Thos was actually my brother, the day I graduated from basic.
"I was gonna join, but some family stuff came up"
Me: "Yeah, that didn't stop me."

Response by Col Daniel Fraley made Jan 22 at 2016 1:10 AM

2016-01-22T01:10:53-05:00

I asked my son why he did not join the Military years back-His answer was "Four Years is just Too Long!" Now I tell him if he had join when I asked he'd be more than half way through with a nice retirement into another career!!

Response by SSG James Graydon made Jan 22 at 2016 3:02 AM

2016-01-22T03:02:47-05:00

I suggested to my daughter's boyfriend that maybe he should join the Army since he is going nowhere in life. His reply was "I tried but the recruiter told me they don't take people with G.E.D.s".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 7:43 AM

2016-01-22T07:43:31-05:00

The best one I have heard so far.... The Army doesn't pay enough. When I asked him where he works, .... McDonald's, and his $14.75 / hour covers his rent that he pays his momma. Asked about healthcare... "I'm young, I don't get sick, and if I do, there is always the free clinic." What about education, career, retirement.... "McDonald's will train me to eventually become a Manager, and I will save my money in the bank; plus I don't want to have to worry about being shot at."
At that point, I thanked him for his time, and ordered a large sweet tea, and just chuckled as I left.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 9:52 AM

2016-01-22T09:52:39-05:00

The best one I heard was "I would join, but I'm too busy working on my career as a (fetish) model"

Response by PO2 Mark Romero made Jan 22 at 2016 10:38 AM

2016-01-22T10:38:37-05:00

"Joining the Army is a death sentence."

Response by PO2 Mark Romero made Jan 22 at 2016 10:39 AM

2016-01-22T10:39:12-05:00

"I don't like people telling me what to do."

Response by Cpl Ernest Thomas made Jan 22 at 2016 12:15 PM

2016-01-22T12:15:00-05:00

NONE of us ALMOST joined!

Response by CW2 Michael Mullikin made Jan 22 at 2016 12:26 PM

2016-01-22T12:26:33-05:00

The best excuse for not joining the military came from a draftee in my basic training company in 1967. This young man was an ethnic Chinese who grew up basically isolated in San Francisco's Chinatown. For several reasons, his body could not tolerate mess-hall food. After every meal we'd find him ouside throwing up everything he'd eaten. In two weeks he lost 15 pounds, which he couldn't really afford. After two days of tests at the army hospital, it was officially determined that his system could not tolerate army food (would have been interesting to see how he handled C-rations). In two more days he was processed for a general discharge (no doubt later upgraded to honorable) and sent back to San Francisco. All-in-all I think this young man's medical condition was one of the best reasons I've heard of for not joining the Army.

Response by SFC Thomas Hrabe made Jan 22 at 2016 7:17 PM

2016-01-22T19:17:00-05:00

When I recruited in Iowa a kid told me he couldn't leave his cows. Lmao

Response by SPC Stacey Lowell made Jan 22 at 2016 7:38 PM

2016-01-22T19:38:39-05:00

I joined the Army in place of my young brothers who both had accidents and couldn't serve. I do not for once instance regret joining and serving my country. It was an honor to serve in the famous Berlin Brigade from 1985- end of 1988. I had seen the inside of Spandau Allied Prison and pulled guard on Rudolf Hess (no. 7) and had a trip to Italy, Wildflecken and several places for training and made alot of friends along the way. The morons who do not volunteer for service to this nation will never experience what I did. These buggars that sit on their asses and swill beer all day won't amount to much any how unless they are one day drafted and made to serve. I say bring back the draft for all the young men and women who are 18 and they can serve the country and earn a free college education. I also served in Operation Just Cause from December 1989 - end of January 1990. The Best place I served was A Co. 4/502d Infantry Berlin Brigade.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 9:45 PM

2016-01-22T21:45:37-05:00

"I'm sure I could do it, but I'm scared my girlfriend wouldn't be able to make it that whole time without me."
It wasn't really a 'good' excuse, but at least he was being honest because that girl had some serious attachment issues...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 22 at 2016 10:40 PM

2016-01-22T22:40:05-05:00

I only have one nut left. Seriously our is culture is drastically different from the Spartans. They had more of a warrior culture which opens up a can of worms I don't want to indulge in.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 11:39 PM

2016-01-22T23:39:21-05:00

I've been told by a relative "I would've joined when I was younger but I didn't get the chance." Yep, those words exactly.

Response by PO2 Sean McKinney made Jan 23 at 2016 12:36 AM

2016-01-23T00:36:12-05:00

Almost always, "I'm too much of a bad ass to be told what to do" or some chicken shit variation there of. Just about got my now brother in law nocked on his ass when I first met him.

Response by Mike Cracolici made Jan 23 at 2016 2:25 AM

2016-01-23T02:25:28-05:00

I come from a military family. I tried to join all services. I have been a type 1 diabetic since I was 3 yes old. Apparently that is an instant disqualification. I strongly support our troops as best i can though. I have younger siblings that actually could have and still are young enough to join but wont. They talk a big game and think they know everything about what goes on in foreign wars and brag about their dad (my stepdad) serving in Vietnam.

One evening we were talking about the war going on in Iraq and Afghanistan while that was in its peak. For all their supposed self proclaimed knowledge of the milItaly they called me a coward for not enlisting after 9/11 since it happened the year I graduated high school. This was years and years after that and they were both in their early 20s still living at our parent's home. I told them how dumb they sound and explained that I tried, I met enlisting officers and even talked with my uncles whom are now retired about if there was anything I could do. There wasn't.

So I asked them why they didn't join. It was like seeing deer in headlights. They proclaimed that they were needed to stay at our parent's house to take care of them
.... my parents are healthy and active. Our mom just turned 55 and my step dad is in his early 60s.

They're nothing more than squatters on their retirement. (Their house) one of my brothers is now married and has a son. His wife moved in with him. The other lives in the basement and collects guns and grows pot. Both dropped out of high school. If anyone needed the military I would think it would be them.

Response by Hunter McIntosh made Jan 23 at 2016 4:16 AM

2016-01-23T04:16:15-05:00

I'm not one for excuses. I've always found the arguments to join or not to join very interesting, and at the end of the day, they are ultimately a very personal decision. For me, out of high school, I was too immature to understand or know what the decision entailed, however, I was off to college on an athletic scholarship so that decision was made for me to a degree. However, fast forward a decade or so, and 9/11 happens. I felt a very strong urge to do something, I was an adult, college educated, good head on my shoulders, etc. I headed on down to my local recruiting center, spoke with the different branches of our fighting elite and ended up signing on the dotted line with the USMC. I was set to report to Quantico. I filled out all of the paper work, worked out with the Gunny who had recruited me. Was able to handle any and all PT that could be thrown at me no worries. Two weeks prior, to the time I was set to report, I was informed that I had been released from my commitment because I had "lied" on my application, etc. I had neglected to inform the Corps that I had had several shoulder and knee surgeries in my past. Now, I was a collegiate football player at a major division one university, knee and shoulder surgeries are not uncommon. I didn't think anything of it as I was able to score high on PT testing out the gate. Everything happens for a reason, and sadly I was not afforded the opportunity to serve in the traditional sense as many here have and continue to. But I try to support in any way I can. One of my dear friends and college team mates was one of the first casualties of the war on terror, an Army Ranger killed in the battle of Taku Gar (spelling?). May he rest in peace. To all that serve and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that I may sit here and type this message out, Thank You, and may God Bless.

Response by PO3 William Krolewicz made Jan 23 at 2016 8:05 AM

2016-01-23T08:05:35-05:00

How about this one : I would have joined,but i didn't want to be a leach on the public,this same individual collects welfare and food stamps..go figure...there should be a mandatory 2 yr service requirement for every able bodied American ( male and female ) between the ages of 18 thru 45,and 4 yrs for any one who wants to gain U.S. Citzenship,instead of j6st coming here and collecting services,or better yet coming here when they are 65 plus and collecting social security with out ever working to contribute to it

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2016 8:50 AM

2016-01-23T08:50:49-05:00

Dude where to start? I've heard about all of them.

Response by MSgt Daniel Williams made Jan 23 at 2016 3:43 PM

2016-01-23T15:43:47-05:00

I've only heard really lame ones. Most common was they at least admitted that they were "afraid."

Response by CN Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2016 7:38 PM

2016-01-23T19:38:47-05:00

The "Oh you're in the Navy? If I was gonna join I'd be a Marine so that I could shoot people. I'm just hardcore like that."

Response by Sgt James Murphy made Jan 23 at 2016 11:21 PM

2016-01-23T23:21:00-05:00

I was going to be a pilot, but I'm too tall

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2016 11:03 AM

2016-01-24T11:03:23-05:00

I don't think I could kill some one.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2016 11:37 AM

2016-01-24T11:37:43-05:00

"I'd like to be in The Army Show, just not the Army..."

Response by SSG James N. made Jan 24 at 2016 12:11 PM

2016-01-24T12:11:52-05:00

My younger brother did not join because I would have kicked his ass all over every bit of the property. One son per family is enough per generation. My father did not serve because he was at the time, the sole heir. My boys will not serve. See younger brother reason, and I served so they would not have to.

What I have heard from civilians is nothing more than one bad excuse over another, and most are based in cowardice when I ask 'why' six times. It is because they are afraid. A few claim righteous injury or physical issue which does preclude them from service, but at least they tried. All the ones who could not because of a physical issue some tried once and were stopped at MEPS. A few tried every way possible. Letters to federal reps, waivers, you name it, they tried HARD and were told no. The way I see it, those people would have been great fobbits or REMF's who could have been admin, finance, or other type so as to allow someone else to be outside the wire.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2016 2:20 PM

2016-01-24T14:20:27-05:00

I was the Unit Movement Officer (UMO) for one of my deployments and on one particular day prior to deploying I had takin my daughter with me to work. She looked a tad bit bored so I asked her if she wanted something to do. I had about 10 ea ARBO boxes lined up ready to receive equipment that needed to be stenciled. I gave her stencils and said to work your way down the line marking all four sides and the top of each. Box 1, box 2, box 3 etc... I had walked away for for about an hour and when I returned she looked disgusted. I asked her what was wrong and she said "this is exactly why I won't join the Army, everybody knows it's a box. Why do I have to paint box 1, box 2? This is stupid" My only answer... Because I said so... :)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2016 7:51 AM

2016-01-25T07:51:29-05:00

"I did jrotc for a couple weeks and decided the army wasn't for me. I do civil war reenactment now, so I understand what you guys are going through."

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2016 10:47 AM

2016-01-25T10:47:08-05:00

I have a problem with authority

Response by SPC Joshua Davis made Jan 25 at 2016 12:42 PM

2016-01-25T12:42:56-05:00

My dad was a recruiter when I turned 17. I told him I wanted to join, he told me no its dangerous...... WTF really. So what did I do, I turned 18 and I went to the other recruiter in the office and he signed me up. No excuse not to join

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2016 3:57 PM

2016-01-25T15:57:59-05:00

From a female friend of my cousin "I don't want the join the Army becasue I don't want to get raped" She went to college and had "unregulated" sex three times since college.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2016 1:16 AM

2016-01-26T01:16:42-05:00

Just one of the many I've gotten from my son.

Me: You should join the military.
Son: My friends told me that the ASVAB test is really hard.
Me: Really? So, why didn't you ask me or your mom?
Son: Because I believe my friends.
Me: How many of your friends have taken the test?
Son: I don't know.
Me: you do realize that both of your parents are the best people to ask.
Son: why?
Me: She's in the Navy and I've served in (at the time) the Marine Corps and Air Force.

That was the last conversation we had before I financially shut him off.

Response by SGT Joy Olmstead made Jan 26 at 2016 6:39 AM

2016-01-26T06:39:15-05:00

I always love the response well I had to go to school.. as they are moving back to their parents basement and paying student loans.

Response by CPO Dan Neal made Jan 26 at 2016 9:46 AM

2016-01-26T09:46:05-05:00

My Favorite was a friend from High School said: "Man I'm gonna see the world on my own without a "buzz cut" (it was 1979 and short hair was not the thing). He's 54 now and never left the East Coast or even seen the Mississippi River

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-01-26T14:38:47-05:00

One that I heard..."it's scary you know...being shot at"...says the guy who still lives in the neighborhood that gets 3 to 4 drive-bys a week and has no intention of moving out. Go figure!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2016 3:17 PM

2016-01-26T15:17:04-05:00

1. I can't control my temper
2. I don't like being told what to do.

Response by SPC Anne Miller made Jan 26 at 2016 9:00 PM

2016-01-26T21:00:01-05:00

"Well, I'm a society lady.
Only 'bad girls' join the Army."

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jan 27 at 2016 3:28 PM

2016-01-27T15:28:13-05:00

My mother did not let me enlist is the best one, I heard from a guy that bought me a beer while on leave in 05.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Feb 19 at 2016 2:22 AM

2016-02-19T02:22:40-05:00

Vietnam era..."Am waiting for my parole board".... "Waiting for Court orders on the Judges Judgement"...." I like my dope"...." Am 4F"..."Mom will kill me"..."I got other plans"..."if I go in, who will farm the family business ?" We all know somebody who went in, am not like them, I don't want to be brainwashed."
Don't want to be a tunnel rat, pull guard, or be a baby killer" ... Dad is paying for my college"...."I can't swim and blind as a bat" ...."I got flat feet and am too fat"...." I got kids, and a loving wife"... "It's all push button, they don't need me"...."I don't want break anybody's heart, coming back to the world in a box, being crazy, or suicidal like Joe, Robert and Mike did"..."I joined the Peace Corps"...are just a few reasons why people took a different path....Fear of the unknown could be a factor....

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2016 10:20 AM

2016-04-28T10:20:44-04:00

"I get shin splints when I run" - I've heard this one more than any other
"I should've done it when I was younger, I'm too old now" - I've heard this from guys between 25-30 (cutoff age is currently 35 for non-prior - enlist before the 35th birthday and 42 for prior)

FYI, I enlisted at the age of 30 and I was one of the oldest privates, in preparation for basic training I too would get shin splints and as soon as I recovered I would run again until I would no longer experience any discomfort. I watched 18 year old's quit and go home, I did convince a couple of them to stay by telling them "If my old ass can make it, this should be a walk in the park for you". As long as you're physically capable, it's all in your head

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Dec 16 at 2016 6:28 PM

2016-12-16T18:28:44-05:00

I think it that they don't want to have to carry a weapon or when I went in long Hair in and no one wanted to loose there hair.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA VET

Response by LCpl Micah Brown made Dec 30 at 2016 11:20 AM

2016-12-30T11:20:04-05:00

I heard someone say I can't lose weight fast enough so I can't join I said how often do you work out for and what you eat he said 1 hr a week and KFC for all 3 meals OK stop the KFC and go longer at the gym like I do 10 to 14 hrs at the gym

Response by AN Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2017 3:18 PM

2017-01-20T15:18:28-05:00

Keep the F35 project alive. And look into the ADAM weapons system

Response by CPO Roy Thornton made Jan 24 at 2017 4:18 PM

2017-01-24T16:18:55-05:00

I interviewed a kid as a recruiter still in HS.
After 30 minutes:
Me So are you interested…?
Him Yes but I’m keeping my options open.
Me May I ask what kind of options?
Him Scholarships I’d like to go to Ohio State
Me You do know that I’ve seen your grades, you have all C’s and D’s
Him Yes but they’re high C’s and D’s
Me OK I guess we’re done here call me when reality stops by for a visit.
He leaves
Counselor I am so sorry for dragging you out here for this.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 5:16 PM

2017-01-24T17:16:54-05:00

I don't want to cut(women) shave(men) my hair to meet regulations. Or this is one I heard from a girl.....will I get dirt under my manicure that was just done?

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Apr 6 at 2017 5:10 PM

2017-04-06T17:10:06-04:00

The most common excuse I got was, "Couldn't join due to some obscure Football injury"

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Apr 13 at 2017 4:36 PM

2017-04-13T16:36:41-04:00

The question seems very ambiguous; best excuse up top and absurd, colorful on the bottom! So best reasonable excuse was; medically turned down for any number of serious medical conditions. Most absurd, colorful and quite common excuses were: I don't like being told what to do, I refuse to be brainwashed or the military is for the poor or mentally challenged not gifted individuals. Somewhere in between is I don't want to die on the battlefield!

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Apr 13 at 2017 7:11 PM

2017-04-13T19:11:10-04:00

Bone spurs.

Response by SFC Michael Howell made Jul 8 at 2017 6:17 PM

2017-07-08T18:17:43-04:00

When I was a recruiter I had a kid tell me that he had decided not to join because " If I enlist mama and pops will lose half of their welfare check, they can't live on that."

Response by SSgt Luke Hunt made Jul 8 at 2017 7:07 PM

2017-07-08T19:07:19-04:00

could not deal with rules regulations or authority

Response by PO3 Donald A Helms made Jul 18 at 2017 2:54 PM

2017-07-18T14:54:40-04:00

My two sons say they won't go in because they have seen first hand how the va treats wounded and disabled vets. They say if they get hurt while serving they would be screwed like I have been.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Jul 18 at 2017 3:15 PM

2017-07-18T15:15:10-04:00

My favorite is My Mom wouldn't let Me.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2017 4:07 PM

2017-07-18T16:07:55-04:00

I've heard several different excuses that are laughable, most of them probably on this thread somewhere already. But the kicker with most of these excuses is the follow up of "If I had joined I would've done SEALs/SF/RECON/Delta/etc". Sure buddy!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2017 10:40 AM

2017-07-19T10:40:08-04:00

Best ones I have heard were from my family:
Brother (25 years old w/ Bachelors) - I don't like getting my hair cut more than once a month.
Sister (22 years old) - I don't want to quit smoking pot... or move out.
Sister (20 years old) - I am taking 1 class this semester and I need to be in college.

My wife was the only one who even considered it, but didn't want to leave our toddler to go to BCT or AIT.

Frankly, my opinion is that if someone doesn't want to join, then we are probably better off without them.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jul 19 at 2017 10:47 AM

2017-07-19T10:47:28-04:00

On recruiting duty, I heard a lot. But most common was "I am not the Army type". My response usually was, "so what is the Army type?" In some cases, based on the appearance of the individual, my response was simply "yeah you are probably right, I doubt you are even qualified to join".

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2017 6:20 PM

2017-08-11T18:20:48-04:00

Best things ive heard are as follows:
1. "Aint no way im joinin'! If a drill sarg get in ma' face, imma finna punch his ass outta here!" (No joke, they said it like that)
2. "...But the military is for stupid people!"
3. "I almost joined, but then i broke my arm/leg/tiny heart/etc.."
4. "But im too fat!"
And 5. "Nah man, im going into the coast guard, why would i EVER join the army??" (No offense to any puddle pirates, if any are on here)

Response by PFC Chris Bradley made Aug 11 at 2017 6:39 PM

2017-08-11T18:39:19-04:00

My dad always says, "I didn't want to join the military, so I went into the Navy instead."

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2017 2:20 AM

2017-08-12T02:20:41-04:00

1.) My girlfriend/ boyfriend doesn't want me to leave.
2.) I don't want to give up.... (smoking, dipping, drugs, or ....)
3.) I'll get in shape and enlist next year but never does
4.) Use multiple excuses just to make one big dumb excuse which makes no sense of why they can't
5.) I don't want to be sent off immediately if a war breaks out
-SHS Students

Response by SP5 Hank Vandenburgh PhD made Aug 12 at 2017 4:06 AM

2017-08-12T04:06:10-04:00

"Not in my plan!" "US is a bully." "We don't need a military." - Disagree all. We should bring back the draft, with almost no deferments. Maybe draft people into the Reserves or National Guard. I was amazed at the number who got out of serving. I went in right after high school. We had the draft then.

Response by LCpl Douglas Landrith Jr made Aug 12 at 2017 8:52 AM

2017-08-12T08:52:18-04:00

The excuses I have heard have been fairly legit reasons in all honesty. They have all been medical reasons such as a heart murmur or screws placed in an ankle or wrist or some lung / breathing issues. All issues that would disqualify the person upon a medical exam at MEPS.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2017 12:37 PM

2017-08-15T12:37:23-04:00

I was 18 years old working at a sandwich shop, and when I told my coworker I was leaving for the Navy.

He said, "I would never join. How are you so okay with being expendable? Because that's exactly what you will be. They'll promise you a good life right before they throw you out on the streets when they are done with you."

At 27 years old, I am a happy, married, home owning E6.
... at 30, he is currently unemployed.

Response by SSG Ernest Gonzales made Aug 15 at 2017 12:53 PM

2017-08-15T12:53:47-04:00

My mom said I can't!!!

Response by Cpl Robert Warner made Aug 17 at 2017 1:30 PM

2017-08-17T13:30:31-04:00

My older brother. He "Had some family issues come up" right before he was going to join. The biggest family issue we had was our dad passing when I was 12 and he was 15. He still uses that excuse.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2017 1:42 PM

2017-08-17T13:42:33-04:00

Well I don't have great excuses, just let life get in the way. But I am in the process now, so we will see. Never too late, right?!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2017 5:27 AM

2017-09-19T05:27:08-04:00

This chick- "like I totally signed up and stuff, and like SERIOUSLY, for REALLY though- went to MEPS THREE times, and each time I found out I was pregnant" .....I knew I reconized her from somewhere. Whorely shit son!

Response by SGT Richard Swanson made Oct 23 at 2017 10:44 AM

2017-10-23T10:44:30-04:00

They don't want someone telling them what to do.

Response by AN Christopher Crayne made Oct 25 at 2017 9:05 PM

2017-10-25T21:05:59-04:00

They wouldn’t let me, I was too old to join. Said 23 year old.

Response by PO2 Richard Keeler made Nov 9 at 2017 11:17 AM

2017-11-09T11:17:38-05:00

My favorite had always been, "I'm smart, I don't need to go into the military, I'm going to college."

Response by MSG Robert Gouge made Feb 24 at 2018 2:23 AM

2018-02-24T02:23:09-05:00

I can't serve because I have heel spurs (but can golf every weekend).

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 24 at 2018 1:18 PM

2018-02-24T13:18:43-05:00

"I don't think I want people yelling at me." "I don't like to get up early." I don't think I could deal with all that hostility." Those come to mind.

Response by LTC Lewis Cox made Mar 8 at 2018 5:40 PM

2018-03-08T17:40:38-05:00

Trump
: “My Frey hurt”!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2018 3:47 AM

2018-03-09T03:47:03-05:00

Flat footed

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2018 12:58 PM

2018-04-15T12:58:55-04:00

I've heard from some saying " No way am I going to be a slave to the government!" I'm sure he still can't sit down from my 4810.5!

Response by Cpl Louis Garcia made Apr 16 at 2018 11:22 PM

2018-04-16T23:22:42-04:00

Bad eye sight :(

Response by SPC Rikk Hillicoss made May 9 at 2018 7:59 PM

2018-05-09T19:59:02-04:00

I tried to join but didn't pass the physical I have flat feet

Response by MSG Tim Waychoff made May 31 at 2018 1:12 AM

2018-05-31T01:12:32-04:00

While recruiting on the west side of Chicago in 2005, I was told by a guy who changed his mind on the day that I came to pick him up and take him to MEPS, “I can’t go, Sergeant.. I just can’t risk going over there and getting shot, man...”

This was after we had to wait six months for his medical processing time, because he had (literally) been shot clean through his right butt cheek while sitting on his porch, next to his mother, while holding an infant niece.

Response by SFC Roberto Mollinedo made Jun 7 at 2018 6:23 PM

2018-06-07T18:23:01-04:00

Don't like to be ordered around. Also afraid to deploy.

Response by SFC Roberto Mollinedo made Jun 7 at 2018 6:26 PM

2018-06-07T18:26:19-04:00

Don't like to be ordered around.

Response by SPC Brian Lister made Jun 9 at 2018 8:12 AM

2018-06-09T08:12:56-04:00

The 2nd Amendment IS our national defense. The standing army is a corporate boondoggle of epic proportions destroying the lives of true americans by stealing their wealth and causing the brutal deaths of millions around the world in stealing foreign natural resources.

Response by SPC Will Hartman made Jun 10 at 2018 5:17 PM

2018-06-10T17:17:42-04:00

I shot myself laughing when its readily apparent when you talk to someone who joined but either didnt make it through basic, or did nothing while they were in because all of their stories are about some point during basic.

Response by MSgt John Carter made Jun 11 at 2018 1:41 AM

2018-06-11T01:41:28-04:00

The only one to ever say anything about it to me was my younger brother. He was griping about having to work a nowhere job even with his masters degree. I suggested the Air Force to him and he told me he'd never join because he didnt want to lose his freedom and his rights. He spent years looking down on me for being a "lifer".

Funny thing, though: He's not shy about enjoying the benefits of belonging to the Sons of the American Legion. It kinda chaps my ass a bit.

Response by SFC Harry (Billy) Tison made Jul 1 at 2018 2:45 PM

2018-07-01T14:45:32-04:00

When I was a recruiter, I had a young man, who scored above a 70 on the ASVAB, that he only wanted to work with his mama at the local chicken processing factory

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2018 11:13 AM

2018-07-11T11:13:33-04:00

Guy said to me once, "Theres a difference between love of country and love of government. Military works for the government and as long as the government is treating its people like crap, I will never work for them." He still thanked me for my service and dealing with, and I quote, "All the bullshit they put you through."

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Jul 23 at 2018 2:51 PM

2018-07-23T14:51:29-04:00

My oldest daughter dummy boyfriend...I have flat feet. Dude, my feet are almost flat! Get the hell out of here with that nonsense. Lol

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2018 9:15 PM

2018-07-23T21:15:46-04:00

"I have flat feet"

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jul 23 at 2018 10:50 PM

2018-07-23T22:50:50-04:00

I guess the best or worse, take your choice came from our esteemed( gag throw up sounds) former Secretary of State(,John horse face Kerry) who said only those that cannot make it in civilian life join the Military,this from a former Naval Officer ,you just can’t make this stupid stuff up ,what a disgrace to the uniform and Country.

Response by SGT David Reed made Apr 7 at 2019 5:29 PM

2019-04-07T17:29:23-04:00

Afraid of going to war!

Response by SGT David Reed made Apr 7 at 2019 5:33 PM

2019-04-07T17:33:39-04:00

Oh yea, I don't think I can have people yelling at me or telling me what to do. That's ridiculous, lol

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2019 11:28 AM

2019-05-27T11:28:43-04:00

My Daughter’s ex-boyfriend (thank god). He told me on the day we met in order to impress me “yeah, I thought about joining the military”. So I asked “why not, you’re only 18”? He responded with “You know, I just have too much going on with my life right now”.

Response by Brad Powers made Aug 11 at 2019 3:39 AM

2019-08-11T03:39:38-04:00

I am a civilian and i geuss that puts me in the questionable category of potential candidate, to say the least. . I do want to live for a purpose and if it takes a rude awakening then i geuss its time to rise and shine. Only i can limit my own potential be it via fear or complacency. only we can potentialy go through the stages of life life buck shot with a purpose.

Response by SPC Jodi Harbroe made Sep 4 at 2019 4:45 AM

2019-09-04T04:45:15-04:00

I joined for the college benefit. During Nam they gave us $45K for college & that would buy you a bachelors degree at any college except Ivy League. I was disappointed to learn Congress cut this benefit. In my mind Congress should increase this benefit.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Sep 4 at 2019 6:23 AM

2019-09-04T06:23:57-04:00

My son Erin Aaron did not like his name. His mother named him. He has never had any discipline. Went bankrupt. I call him wimpy

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Sep 4 at 2019 6:24 AM

2019-09-04T06:24:48-04:00

Chickens.

Response by CSM Tony Blair made Sep 4 at 2019 2:48 PM

2019-09-04T14:48:07-04:00

My mother wouldn’t let me????

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Sep 4 at 2019 4:10 PM

2019-09-04T16:10:34-04:00

"I have a bone spur" SSG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Sep 4 at 2019 10:00 PM

2019-09-04T22:00:35-04:00

That's a really interestingly phrased question, honest...seriously...lemme give that some thought, for real...sometimes, questions on here most definitely catch my eye, though I do perceive the humor in why you posed it, certainly...really very well phrased, once again, honest...

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Oct 15 at 2019 9:02 PM

2019-10-15T21:02:12-04:00

I don't have any excuses for not being in military thanks to a SFC and a Warrant officer my 16.5 yrs and I was hoping to retire and get another job in which I work for the Boeing company in Everett Washington working at issuing out tools for 38.00 per hour.

Response by SPC Sharra Schwartz made Oct 18 at 2019 9:48 AM

2019-10-18T09:48:03-04:00

I hear a lot of health reasons, usually something about flat feet, even though I served with two VERY flat-footed soldiers. People have all sorts of reasons, but I mostly get fed up with the answers to questions I didn't ask. And always from males. They just can't seem to handle the idea that a female did something more badass than they did. I suppose it offends their fragile manhood.

Response by PV2 Beverly Epps made Oct 31 at 2019 6:45 AM

2019-10-31T06:45:44-04:00

Two of my cousin's daughters wanted to join but were afraid they would be labeled as being gay or a whore. I explained to them if you are not that now, then you need not worry. Do not be afraid of serving you country. You join for your own reasons, not someone else's reasons.

I was the first woman in my family to join the Military. Am very proud of my service as one of the last members of the Women's Army Corp (WACs).

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 6:38 PM

2020-02-01T18:38:30-05:00

I've heard this line many times from the guys and gals. "I almost joined up."

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 8:31 PM

2020-02-01T20:31:19-05:00

The best line I’ve ever heard in regards to this topic was when some of my colleagues and I were getting lunch during a drill weekend. A middle-aged gentleman approached us, shook all of our hands, and thanked us for serving. He said “I almost joined the military myself...” We were all anticipating the usual lame excuses, but he threw us all for a loop when he said “...but I decided to join the Air Force instead”.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 2 at 2020 4:23 PM

2020-02-02T16:23:46-05:00

Can't stand authority figures.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 2 at 2020 5:39 PM

2020-02-02T17:39:32-05:00

JROTC made me a military genius. My Vietnam was avoiding STDs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2020 4:37 PM

2020-02-11T16:37:30-05:00

Worst one was “Only dumb people who can’t get into college join the military”. Okay buddy, have fun paying off student loans the rest of your life.

Response by Sgt Charles Scanlon made Aug 18 at 2020 7:57 AM

2020-08-18T07:57:23-04:00

Bone spurs AND then you go play college baseball for three years!!!!! Oh, that’s our President

Response by SSG John Jensen made Dec 24 at 2020 8:26 PM

2020-12-24T20:26:55-05:00

It's against my religion to get up in the morning! and against my religion to cut my hair!

That cyst that kept Rush Limbaugh out of the draft? I had the same cyst - I had it cut out so that I could enlist!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2020 9:11 PM

2020-12-24T21:11:40-05:00

"My father is rich, so the family paid a doctor to say I had BONE SPURS to avoid being drafted into Vietnam!" *maniacal laughter*

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Dec 25 at 2020 1:15 AM

2020-12-25T01:15:53-05:00

They don't pay enough for me to drag my family all over God's creation.
I don't want somebody shooting at me; St. Louis is a safe place to live.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 25 at 2020 3:15 AM

2020-12-25T03:15:27-05:00

Bone Spurs

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2020 8:55 AM

2020-12-25T08:55:44-05:00

"I almost joined, but first time one of them laid hands on me I would have messed up their day". LOL, I knew a few girls that were almost pregnant too. It sounds good back on the block though.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Dec 25 at 2020 6:46 PM

2020-12-25T18:46:07-05:00

Some of the excuses with my comments ( )

1. I have a bad back. (I can see that when you are weight l lifting you back must be killing you!)
2. I don't like to listen to other people tell me what to do. I am going to own my own business fixing cars so I don't have to. (which I informed this student if he is self employed EVERY person coming into his business is his boss and tells him what to do.)
3. I don't have a high school diploma. (Get a GED)
4. I don't want to get up at 0530 every day for four years. (It isn't every day after boot camp and it won't kill you, you will adjust in short order)
5. It doesn't pay enough (when you count room and board plus medical and a paycheck it is just as good of pay as any other entry level job.

Response by SPC John Leite made Dec 26 at 2020 1:00 AM

2020-12-26T01:00:11-05:00

Most of my High School friends, myself included joined up when we turned 18. I always knew that when I turned 18 I'd go into the Army. My only regret is that I wasn't as good of a soldier as I should've, could've been. (just from being young and having my priorities out of whack), other than that, all in all I enjoyed my time in the Army. I never really heard anyone making excuses for not doing any military service and I never asked anyone. some people have what it takes, some people don't

Response by SrA Jamie Kennedy (Fox) made Dec 27 at 2020 9:28 PM

2020-12-27T21:28:21-05:00

Takes 10 showers a day. Can’t get dirty, she’s to prissy for the military. This is what dad told the recruiter about my sister. All I was told was not to join the Army or the Marines. I went Air Force.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Dec 28 at 2020 5:24 AM

2020-12-28T05:24:34-05:00

There was a scene from the movie Boyz in the Hood, when Tre(Cube Gooding), was trying to talk his friend Ricky(Morris Chestnut) out of going into the Army. He said:"You go in, you belong to THEM. The Government."

Response by PO2 Robert Cuminale made Dec 28 at 2020 9:50 AM

2020-12-28T09:50:53-05:00

The best Excuse was "My mother won't let me" from a 31 year old man.
The guy was from my church. His father and sister and he are American born Asian ethnic. His mother is foreign born. He and his sister are stereotypical Asian overachievers. He has a BSEE and JD. He seems to have little drive since graduating content to work at jobs way below his capabilities. As a contrast his sister is an MD.
During the last recession he was out of work and doing deliveries. We had a conversation about a career and the Navy came up. I told him about the benefits and he said he'd give it some thought. We met again a couple of weeks later and he said he'd like to talk to someone. I'd already done that and the recruiter told me that had a need for Civil Engineering Corps offices and JAG had openings for lawyers. He would be paid well and all his uniforms would be free. He agreed to talk to the recruiter who would arrange a meeting with officer recruitment.
The morning of his appointment he called me to cancel. I told him that I was disappointed. I made no mention of his mother but did remind him that at 31 years of age it was time to start making his own decisions. I called the recruiter and talked with him. He said the guy wouldn't be considered for an appointment again.
I consider this a sad family dynamic. In my family my 7 siblings and I all were gone by 18 years old. We didn't go to college but we got decent jobs and learned trades. My wife left at 18 for a small college hours away from home. It's normal to want to start your own life. It's become so commonplace for people to live at home until their mid 20s now that we even joke about guys living in their mother's basement. My son left for college at 18 and moved 6 hours away when he graduated. He's married with children. That to me is the way it's supposed to be.

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Dec 28 at 2020 2:03 PM

2020-12-28T14:03:59-05:00

The best one I heard attributed to our out-going Commander in Chief is people who join the military are "suckers" and those who are captured, MIA or KIA are "losers"!!!

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Dec 28 at 2020 7:22 PM

2020-12-28T19:22:47-05:00

I can't take orders from nobody. (From a former student who works at Burger King)

Response by SSgt Jeff Moore made Dec 28 at 2020 8:12 PM

2020-12-28T20:12:49-05:00

My younger brother...I was in uniform when I took him to a recruiter. "Have you smoked pot in the last year?" Little brother, "Yes." Recruiter, "If you say yes, you can't enlist. I am going to get another recruiter to ask you that question again." Second recruiter, "Have you smoked pot in the last year?" Little brother, "Yes."

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Mar 28 at 2021 8:50 PM

2021-03-28T20:50:23-04:00

I don’t wanna have someone tell me when I have to get up.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Jun 22 at 2021 10:28 PM

2021-06-22T22:28:04-04:00

Don't wont to be separated from family and friends! Also, I don't want to kill anyone. I am a lover -not a fighter! I don't want no parts of being shot at!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 6:45 PM

2021-08-18T18:45:48-04:00

Got this when calling a college list while on recruiting duty, “I’ll join the Army when I fail at life.”

Response by CW2 Kimberly Moran made Jan 2 at 2022 1:52 AM

2022-01-02T01:52:40-05:00

I have mixed feelings about this question. Do know that I am a retired 350F and I spent 23 years in the military. I realize that the military does instill discipline, provides training, GI Bill, health care, etc. My husband is also retired & virtually every male in my family service & my brother gave his life in the marines. Here is my answer to your question: I 100% believe that the military is an individual choice. I do not believe that people need an excuse as to why they didn’t join nor do I look down on those who didn’t join. Even for lazy, misguided youth, again, I believe the military is an individual choice & they do not need a reason why the military is not an option, a simple no is fine and I do not look down my nose at these young people. I don’t believe in pressing people to join and I don’t believe that the military is the only place to become a better person, it is not the only place to get an education and/or work. It does not necessarily make one a better person if you are able to tolerate intense physical training and multiple deployments to combat zones. I think we
should be proud of our service, not boastful. I am in a completely different profession now, the healthcare profession, and I sometimes wonder what took me so long to get here. I do know that the military is a necessity & it does provide training, guidance, leadership, education, discipline, and experience. I 100% believe it is an individual choice & I am not above those who chose a different path. Finally, and again, no one needs an excuse for not joining & I have never thought less of anyone for not serving.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made May 9 at 2022 12:13 PM

2022-05-09T12:13:34-04:00

Marriage, divorce, paying off the car, don't like someone telling me what to do [they must not be married], dying are just a few of the excuses. Remember, this was during Viet Nam era.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2022 6:41 PM

2022-09-22T18:41:25-04:00

It always started with, "I was going to but..."

Response by SSG Rebecca Jones made Nov 30 at 2022 10:12 PM

2022-11-30T22:12:56-05:00

They were too busy chasing chicks, lol.

Response by PO2 William Donahue made Sep 21 at 2023 10:39 PM

2023-09-21T22:39:08-04:00

Trans!