What do you think your military enlistment proved?

That I had what it took to survive as a military service member at 18 years old. Reinforced my confidence in my country and it's values and the men and women that serve due to serving in organizations; as well as, services that provided care for our sick and wounded veterans. In addition, I reap the joy of using my military benefits to supplement my other health care insurances. This is a win win that I was not aware of when I entered service then served in the Ready Reserves. I did not retire from the military so all you younger troops should take this into consideration as you make choices about serving your country in all branches of the military. Retiring from the military carry with it so many more perks and you get to meet people from all walks of life which enlarge your knowledge plus you are able to use your education benefits in almost any field of study you choose.

A wakeup call to my life. A chance to grow up a little, experience hardships and new cultures as well as win a few times. In a nut shell it proved a wise decision to enlist.

I joined the Navy because the draft was imminent and I knew that enlisting gave you a much better deal. My first enlistment proved that I was comfortable with the Navy culture, I enjoyed the travel, I was learning and growing as a leader and trainer. The money was not great, but the benefits were good. In the subsequent enlistments, the adventure continued and I continued to grow. I made CPO at the 13th year and my whole life changed as far as increased responsibility and accountability. I left the Navy in 1989, after 25 years and consider it the best time of my life.

I have been asked how long I thought about joining the service before I did, and it was for a long time Various unicorns I'd bet on turning up after graduation had been detoured through rendering plants. But one thing that the philosophy brought to my mind probably subconsciously on some level was the idea of living an authentic life, taking responsibility for what I did and how I would use the freedom we're all given by our humanity. I wish I had consciously though of it more often but it happened a lot over those years and even more often over the last twenty five years that I've been retired. We surrender our freedom in return for something, and perhaps the most important is to have a task that has meaning. In the long run it worked out. But enlisting made sense; I wouldn't change a damn thing except to try and do some of it better and to not do some of it at all. But hell, the best war stories are the ones that begin, 'Well, I screwed up and..."

It proved that if you enlist for Airborne Infantry, you'll get it.

My Enlistment proved that the escape from the farm was my best option for a real future! It also proved that there was a wonderful world out there just waiting to be enjoyed. People, places, new experiences were just waiting for me to enjoy, and I did my best to take everything in and share with others as well! Traveling all over Europe was wonderful prelude to what I would do later in life! I now enjoy cruises with my Wife, Judy and sometimes with our Children. I would say that my Enlistment opened many doors that to others would have remained unknown! ;-) I SALUTE All My Fellow Veterans!!! GOD Bless America!!!

I agree with most of the other comments that it didn’t prove anything. It guaranteed something to eat, someplace to sleep, something to wear, skills and responsibility to your MOS, fellow soldiers, the mission of your unit and some money in your wallet. Maybe not when, where, what and how much you liked or wanted but it was there. In return you gave your all for a predetermined timeframe. In a world full of unknowns at a young age, it wasn’t a bad exchange.

My military enlistment proved that I appreciate the Constitution and that I understand freedom has to be paid for, it is not readily given.

I joined because of what President Kennedy said, ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country, was it worth it, not sure, I was not happy how America turned against us.

Nothing to prove - the military is a great life. I enjoyed it all.