What do you think your military enlistment proved?

PO3 Aaron Hassay — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 01:50:44 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2021 2:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 02:00:49 -0400

I guess that would depend on whether or not you enlisted to prove something. I did the fiat four to get away from a small town with no prospects and the other 23 because I loved it. I didn’t want/need to prove anything.

Response by PO3 Aaron Hassay made Apr 5 at 2021 2:06 AM

PO3 Aaron Hassay — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 02:06:14 -0400

I cant live anyone’s else’s story. All are valid.

But this is mine—
I would have to say is this-
Since it was a 8 year reserve obligation, benefits and compensation package from the get.

How little( below poverty limits annually) you could pay someone, how limited the benefits(no health care insurance), compared the things you could expect them to deal with assigning them after bootcamp to an active duty guided missile frigate for years, which would be 100% operational qualification deployment readiness 24/7 PQS for all watch stations, exposures to the same exact things, just not as long, so you could not actually adjust completely before you were sent home, side by side the full time guys who were undermanned on the ship...then fortitude to pull it all together and fight for even a humanitarian HUDVASH Voucher, at VA Oakland who was denying you every benefit known to man, while they were being investigated by Congress in 2015 for negligence, as referenced in all the news stories.

Response by SGT Kenneth Brockman made Apr 5 at 2021 2:43 AM

SGT Kenneth Brockman — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 02:43:21 -0400

I would imagine that to establish "proof" of something then there is a bigger question that needs asked: proof of what exactly?

Response by 1SG Michael Farrell made Apr 5 at 2021 2:45 AM

1SG Michael Farrell — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 02:45:11 -0400

So, there I was with a degree in Philosophy and no reasonable skills that I could claim. Before making the decision, I investigated joining the Circus or joining the French Foreign Legion. Since I don't read or speak French, I decided that though they didn't require it, life could become miserable, and I'd have to pay my own to Marsailles. Joining the Circus is fraught simply because I really don't trust but do dislike clowns. So, I enlisted in the Army -- in the second year of the Volunteer Army -- and I got experience pretty much everything I might have experienced in the Legion or the Circus. I also got to extend my adolescence for a reasonable amount of time -- 23 years -- and grow into a leader, an influencer, a coach and a mentor. And, given the choice between hanging around with some sort of profile that would let me dodge most things that I thought were part of being a soldier and a leader, I had developed the standards and ethical strength to retire on the 30th of June; my DOR for SGM would have been the 1st of July. But, as Michelle Shocked sang, "The secret of a long life is knowing when it's time to go.."

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 5 at 2021 5:34 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 05:34:06 -0400

Not sure I understand the question. It proved nothing, and it proved everything. It is an individual story when taken into context. No one knows what they are getting into, and from the very start (while taught teamwork) it was about the individuals ability to glean from it, and give back what you will.

The rest of the remaining years were the same, the primary difference that you now knew what you were facing and has a personal decision to make, to re-enlist or not. That form me ends the story, once we are empowered with knowledge and an understanding it is very much a personal decision of which, and for you cannot have regret not blame. I served full knowing and would do it all over again.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Apr 5 at 2021 5:55 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 05:55:47 -0400

Nothing other than I have a penchant for living on anger, alcohol, caffeine, and sarcasm.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Apr 5 at 2021 6:56 AM

SSG Samuel Kermon — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 06:56:37 -0400

Not so much to prove anything to anyone else but to serve a country that I love.

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Apr 5 at 2021 8:23 AM

Maj Robert Thornton — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 08:23:30 -0400

Proved? I think a better question would be; "did your experience in the military live up to the reasons you enlisted?" I joined the military for 2 reasons: 1. It had always been my goal, 2. Right off the bat I would earn more than I was at the time. While in I was selected for the nurse anesthesia program, which gave me a great career, for which I will always be thankful for.

Response by MSG Daniel Talley made Apr 5 at 2021 9:22 AM

MSG Daniel Talley — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 09:22:56 -0400

I did not join to prove. I joined to do my part.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2021 9:43 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 09:43:00 -0400

In my own personal experience, that I could do it I suppose. In regards to my job, rank doesn't make you a good Soldier or leader.

A lot of things really, service to country, to the citizenry, to yourself. I think this is a sit down and have a drink kind of question.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2021 9:43 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 09:43:29 -0400

Every once in a while I read a post that proves beyond any shadow of doubt that the adage "Every village has one!" is an absolute truth. I came, I saw, I served! I proved nothing.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Apr 5 at 2021 10:23 AM

CSM William Everroad — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 10:23:23 -0400

I think it proved more about myself than anything else. It proved to me I have the ability to learn, become disciplined, and find my limits and move past them.
I wouldn't say it "proved" anything about other people, other than it proved that we have a lot of misconceptions about other people and proved that anyone can work and respect just about anyone from anywhere.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Apr 5 at 2021 11:59 AM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 11:59:37 -0400

It proved I could be motivated to shave my hair and shave my face. Make myself part of the human race. I am now moving my arse at warp speed. Thank you United States Marina Corp! My Corp! Your Corp! Marine Corp!

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 5 at 2021 12:32 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 12:32:11 -0400

This is such a loaded question.
Proved to who? To me? To the world? To Mommy and Daddy? To the miserable ex-girlfriend who dumped me?

I don't really think ANYONE'S enlistment proves ANYTHING.
It proved I could sign a contract. But so did my auto loans and mortgages.
It proved I could honor a contract. But again with the loans.
It proved I could endure hardship. But so did my first wife and my child.
It proved I could fire a gun. But so did the local shooting range.
It proved I could lead others. But so did my job at McDonald's.
It proved I could take orders. But again - McDonald's.
It proved I had the will to win. But so did high school sports.
It proved I could accept defeat. But again with the sports.
It proved I could handle stress. But so did college.

I can go on. My enlistment didn't PROVE anything, it merely displayed what kind of person I am.

And anyone who enlists to prove anything to anybody - even themself - is probably enlisting for the wrong reason.

I don't know what kind of answer you are looking for. Maybe a bit of context can get you a better, or at least more relevant, answer.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 5 at 2021 5:30 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 17:30:11 -0400

Proved the Army was better than North Philly

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Apr 5 at 2021 5:59 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 17:59:10 -0400

I don't know about proving, maybe some things to myself. Most, maybe all the males in my family had served in one of the services, so the was the family tradition of service which I was raised to believe. I guess I volunteered Infantry to see if I was as tough as I thought I was at the time. I found out what tough men really were like, but came out of it with a reasonable respect for my own abilities.
The various Infantry Schools proved that you could be a lot more miserable than you thought possible and not die.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2021 7:54 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 19:54:27 -0400

I can successfully go to work everyday and do what is required of me, while maintaining required standards.

Response by SSG Dale London made Apr 6 at 2021 5:58 AM

SSG Dale London — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 05:58:26 -0400

My military enlistment proved that, given enough thrust, even a brick can fly.
Now let's see if anyone can figure out my cryptic metaphor.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2021 10:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 10:07:36 -0400

20 years proved that the Military as a whole went soft. When did catering to Soldiers needs become mandatory? The recruiters now just bring in individuals to make there quota. Basic training is laughable, AIT is subpar. The quality of Soldiers now is lacking the mental and leadership qualities which the military needs so much of. I am glad I retired when I did.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Apr 6 at 2021 5:27 PM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 17:27:12 -0400

I didn't enlist to prove anything to anybody.

Response by PO1 William Van Syckle made Apr 12 at 2021 12:05 PM

PO1 William Van Syckle — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 12:05:43 -0400

My military service did not prove a thing to me. To others, it proved my loyalty and love for my country.....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2021 3:14 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 15:14:46 -0400

It proved I love coffee.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 16 at 2021 3:34 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 15:34:16 -0400

There was life outside Philadelphia, outside Pennsylvania and outside America. I could become a skilled professional on my own terms. A SOLDIER

Response by LTC Scott Sossaman made Apr 19 at 2021 8:18 PM

LTC Scott Sossaman — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 20:18:51 -0400

It proved that I was willing to do what 93% of Americans won't do.

Response by SGT Doug Blanchard made Apr 21 at 2021 4:36 PM

SGT Doug Blanchard — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 16:36:28 -0400

My enlistment was not to prove anything to anyone. My enlistment was my way to give something back to my adopted country, namely my way of saying THANK YOU to the United States for letting me become a US citizen, and be part of the greatest country that there has ever been.

Response by Sgt Roger Wells made Jun 30 at 2021 11:35 PM

Sgt Roger Wells — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 23:35:06 -0400

One thing I believe military service helped achieve was a thorough, even instinctive, feel for chain of command. Not just recognizing to respond "yes sir" to a superior but almost automatic understanding who is, and who is not, a superior. Can you imagine someone who is a co-equal or even a subordinate suddenly giving orders? (I don't mean a simple request like "you are in the way, could you move?" but actual orders.) It happens quite often in everyday civilian life. For example, recently in a church support group one member, who was just a member like the rest of us, would stand up and take over a lecture from the facilitator (and the facilitator let him) and make "requests" which he fully expected to be obeyed as orders. And totally bewildered when I politely (at first) would say "no." (The facilitator also was quickly replaced, I might mention.) Basic "she's in charge, you are not in charge" type orientation.

Response by SPC Jesse Davis made Jul 3 at 2021 5:50 PM

SPC Jesse Davis — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 17:50:35 -0400

That a more equitable society is better, healthier for us all.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Jul 3 at 2021 10:08 PM

1SG Joseph Dartey — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 22:08:34 -0400

Took this young punk and turned him into the man that I am today! As a Retired 1SG, I am Still Serving Honorably and Proudly!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2021 11:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 23:23:28 -0400

That the German's make really fine beer.

Response by CPO Arthur Weinberger made Jul 12 at 2021 6:39 AM

CPO Arthur Weinberger — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 06:39:25 -0400

I live in America, therefore I should serve her. America also accepted my grandparents from Europe.

Response by SMSgt Robin Wright made Jul 12 at 2021 1:15 PM

SMSgt Robin Wright — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:15:02 -0400

Nothing. It wasn't meant to prove anything.

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Jul 12 at 2021 3:31 PM

SSG Byron Hewett — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:31:31 -0400

I don't have anything to prove to anyone, I served because I wanted to serve my country no matter the cost, I swore to uphold, defend, and protect, because I am a patriot nothing more nothing less.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Jul 22 at 2021 2:00 PM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 14:00:35 -0400

It proved I could sign papers in triplicate.

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Jul 24 at 2021 7:09 PM

SGT Randall Smith — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 19:09:54 -0400

1st it proved I was not going to be a Marine. 2. My dad was in the Infantry 20 years, WWII, Korea and a secret tour in Viet Nam. My Granddad was in WWI two uncles in WWII. Dad was sure that Rod and I were going to West Point. We knew he was wrong. We both hated the Army. I was 19 when dad retired and I enlisted at 21. Surprisingly it was like going to the home I never had. Made Sgt E-5 in 13 months in Germany, beat by brother by two months. Volunteered for Viet Nam 1. to see what it was like and could I handle it. 2. I wanted to make E-6 SSG. I proved to myself that I could handle the pressure of the job and the wounding. But the only way I was going to get the promotion was to re-up. I knew that meant returning to Nam during the enlistment and I was not ever going back. Yes, I did my job and was praised for it but I was scared when the rockets came in or when Charlie hit the wire. I took convoys out two and three times a week, I knew there was a mine out there with my name on it. How some of these new guys can do two or three deployments I will never know. 1968-1969 was more than enough for me. When people who never served ask if I was ever afraid I think that has to be the dumbest question ever asked.

Response by PO2 David Witt made Jul 30 at 2021 2:59 PM

PO2 David Witt — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 14:59:26 -0400

was not meant to prove anything to anyone, but maybe myself.

Response by LCpl Glenn Kellar made Aug 1 at 2021 8:03 PM

LCpl Glenn Kellar — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 20:03:12 -0400

I proved to myself I could be a man as men I respected were. I proved to myself I had ability to learn useful skills and trust others. I also learned some rather strong prejudices and biases.

Response by PO2 Brian Hoadley made Aug 20 at 2021 4:24 PM

PO2 Brian Hoadley — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 16:24:19 -0400

1. That I could learn to type, I was an idiot in HS and learned enough skills to actually be useful in life.
2. Now after service in cryptology for 12+ years, using math, being well versed in leadership and project management and task completion, I can now lead a team of engineers, manage a slew of projects simultaneously, work with and through various character flaws to make all team members an asset, while knowing their critical limitations, and manage a budget. I like to hope I'm just being a bit brighter than that stupid kid that couldn't type in HS through the experience of it all. Moving from 1970's era teletype to the computer age got me jump start on my career in IT Security for sure. ;)

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Aug 21 at 2021 8:04 PM

SGT Juan Robledo — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 20:04:04 -0400

Is there any reason to prove anything to anyone, NO, you served your country and that's all, nothing to prove

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 11:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 23:12:19 -0400

Nothing to anybody but myself.

Response by Sgt Greg Nowark made Aug 31 at 2021 12:05 AM

Sgt Greg Nowark — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 00:05:30 -0400

That i could be part of a team, even if I thought some were AHs, even if they thought I was the AH, we could work together to do a job, or we all got butts kicked (and nobody wanted that).

Response by SN Dale "CG" Veach made Sep 4 at 2021 7:19 PM

SN Dale "CG" Veach — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 19:19:56 -0400

It proverd to me that I'm better than I thought I was and still am to this day.

Response by LCpl Arthur Granville made Sep 23 at 2021 2:21 AM

LCpl Arthur Granville — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 02:21:41 -0400

I really don't understand this question. What do you possibly mean by "proved?" Are you trying to ask a veteran if he was proud of his service to the nation? I was drafted into the USMC in the middle of the Vietnam War. I made the best of a very difficult position to be in. I don't know what it "proved." Why don't you try restating the question in a more understandable way.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Oct 1 at 2021 10:52 AM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 10:52:27 -0400

It proved That I could do things that I had never envisioned. that I could be part of a group that depended on each other for survival. That I could hump several clicks a day with a full pack and an M60 with 300 rounds. To this day I think that it's odd that a 18 year old midwestern kid could do all that and engage in combat and survive

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Dec 5 at 2021 4:44 AM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 04:44:49 -0500

That I had a higher threshold for physical and mental anguish than I'd ever previously thought possible, HOOAH, nyuk nyuk!

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Dec 5 at 2021 11:50 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 11:50:47 -0500

It proved I had the ability to work as part of a team but also lead and anything I set out to do could be accomplished. It proved self confidence once built had no limits. It gave Me a direction to follow when at younger age I had no idea where I was heading in life and provided the experience I needed in a job skill to proceed in. It also sealed the value of good friendships and the bond that Military service provides.

Response by PO2 James Lusk made Dec 5 at 2021 11:52 AM

PO2 James Lusk — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 11:52:49 -0500

Actually opened my eyes to reality and how corrupt the world could be if we let it.

Response by SP5 Dennis Dorsey made Dec 5 at 2021 1:09 PM

SP5 Dennis Dorsey — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 13:09:07 -0500

Help me work out my anger issues.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Dec 5 at 2021 1:16 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 13:16:40 -0500

It proved that I'm patriotic and not a coward. I volunteered for the draft in 1969 durring the Vietnam war. I never wanted to stay in the Army or any other branch of the service,but wanted to do my share. I was a combet infantryman, a grunt. I carried an M60 in the bush wit the 5th. Mech in Quang Tri Vietnamin 1970. I'm glad that I served and have no complants about it. Some like to make a career in the military. I didn't.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Dec 5 at 2021 5:09 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 17:09:20 -0500

Proved?? Nothing. Provided--yes. Training, a job, maturity, ability to make rational decisions, and later management skills. Notice I did NOT say "leadership". I believe "leadership" is engrained in you, NOT developed.

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Dec 5 at 2021 9:17 PM

MAJ Hugh Blanchard — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 21:17:05 -0500

My uncle was a Vice Admiral in the US Navy. My father was a SFC in the US Army, and my grandfather was a COL in the US Army. Despite having offers from family and friends to arrange quick access to Officer Candidate School, I enlisted in the Army without any promises of anything. I was determined to do something on my own. I'm happy with how things worked out. My family was initially upset that I had not immediately gone to OCS, but later became proud of me. My uncle was proud that I became a Mustang, that I became an officer after first enlisting. And my Dad was thrilled to be the first to salute me and get a silver dollar from me after he helped pin on my bars at my commissioning ceremony. My enlistment taught me to work hard, not make excuses, and face things head-on. I learned a lot about myself, good and bad, and learned to deal with those realities.

Response by PO2 David Witt made Dec 6 at 2021 5:04 PM

PO2 David Witt — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 17:04:25 -0500

I'm not a total screw up.

Response by Sgt Pete Hotchkiss made Dec 11 at 2021 12:00 PM

Sgt Pete Hotchkiss — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 12:00:59 -0500

It proved to me that I wasn't a total f-up. That I could honor a commitment I made even if I didn't particularly like it. That I was smart enough to succeed in spite of others opinion of me. That I had the discipline and ability to graduate from college. And that I had the money to get through college on the GI Bill.

Response by PO3 Earl Harman made Dec 11 at 2021 2:29 PM

PO3 Earl Harman — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 14:29:47 -0500

I think it got me to think on own. I had to do things that I didn’t personally like, but it made me work through the situation and I carried that through through on my own after my military service.

Response by SSG Brian Carpeneter made Dec 12 at 2021 10:14 AM

SSG Brian Carpeneter — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 10:14:25 -0500

That even a kid from nowhereville with a checkered past and a spotty future could take the bull by the horns to serve the voluntary he loves and protect the values of same. My enlistment also ensured thst the hundreds of troops and officers I trained over the years had all the skills and knowledge to survive during wartime as well as peace.

Response by LTC Ronald Richards made Dec 12 at 2021 11:51 AM

LTC Ronald Richards — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 11:51:16 -0500

So there I was, on the skydiving team at the U of Arizona, and flunking all my courses. So off to see the recruiter(s). A slick talking ASA recruiter had me take the DLAT on which I scored high enough to get an enlistment option for Russian language training at DLI in Monterey CA. Long story short, I ended up in Munich, spent my winter weekends skiing in the alps and summer weekends skydiving with the SF in Bad Toeltz. The only folks having more fun than I was were the CI special agents. Not sure what my four year enlistment proved, but what it did do was to add some maturity and responsibility to my life which I then parlayed into a reserve commission after ROTC on my return to school. I have always felt my enlisted years made me a better officer with empathy for the troops.

Response by SFC Rick Brooks made Dec 12 at 2021 1:23 PM

SFC Rick Brooks — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 13:23:29 -0500

didn't have to prove anything too anybody it was the right thing to do and enjoyed my decision

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Dec 12 at 2021 2:27 PM

SMSgt Michael Gleason — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 14:27:48 -0500

It proved that, in 1968, I "beat the draft"! ("If you can't 'beat them', join them"!)

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Dec 12 at 2021 4:44 PM

MAJ Montgomery Granger — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 16:44:52 -0500

It proved I was willing to serve my country in order to learn a new skill, pay off my college loans and make a few extra bucks!

Response by CW4 John Wheatley made Dec 12 at 2021 6:32 PM

CW4 John Wheatley — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 18:32:33 -0500

Two time vietnam vet,26 years in the army ,US citizen since 1967 just proves what I knew all the time.. I Love the united States of America

Response by SFC Harry Jacobs made Dec 12 at 2021 10:28 PM

SFC Harry Jacobs — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 22:28:31 -0500

I graduated High School early and started collage at St Bonavenure, a local school. Just prior to Christmas break, my counselor wanted to know what I wanted to do with the rest of my life so that she could construct and educational program for me. Well Christmas break was over and I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was in the NY National Guard my last year of High School so I elected to go regular Army for three years. Well after a tour in Germany I was reassigned to St Boaventure to go to school part time and teach ROTC. I completed my first two years of school at government expense and was reassigned to Cryptology School for a year, then to the Army's Electronic Research Laboratory. I was really enjoying my schooling and military assignments so I reenlisted several times along with completing three masters degrees and a Doctoral Candidate, all at government expense. I was offered a Direct Commission but turned it down as I enjoyed the work I was doing. I was offered a position with DOD if I would retire. I retired after almost 21 years and spent another 15 years with DOD as a Program Manager. My enlistment proved that a Young man or women can make a Military Career a life long journey mostly enjoyable. No, I did not enjoy deployment to Korea or Vietnam but overall, I have no regrets, maybe one, not accepting the Direct Commission early in my military career.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Dec 13 at 2021 7:47 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 07:47:23 -0500