What do you think your military enlistment proved?

It proved to me that a 17 yr old from the wrong side of the tracks with alcoholic parents, can break the cycle. I've had a blessed and fulfilling life and career. I owe it to the military and some fantastic mentors.

I was young and still at that point in life where I knew everything and would always be on top of the world with no effort from my end. My military experience-very quickly-showed me differently about ALL of those things. I also learned that real knowledge and power come from working together with people rather than expecting things to magically fall into my lap. I grew up a lot faster within the military than I would have without it.

I was trained by combat veterans in college ROTCProgram at Eastern Washington College. I met soldiers at Forts Benning, Bragg , Lewis and Huachuca. My time in the military was the best! I feel lucky I wasn’t killed in Vietnam. I miss the adrenaline rush. Duty, Honor, Country.

It proves that you are more than capable of doing things you never thought possible. Before you thought it was difficult to take care of yourself, but it taught you to lead others. It proved you had courage, confidence, and a respect for all nationalities because you live, breath, and die as one. It gives you a greater sense of pride and a deeper love of your country. Proof is in your experiences whether you like it or not. Guaranteed you will never forget it for as long as you live.

Was more about tradition, family, and honor. The only thing to prove was to myself. Your question seems superficial and almost inflammatory. I served then and I serve my brothers and sisters now as a RN at the VA. I serve because it'swhat we do when something matters. Have a nice day :-)

I could study for a psch. test or enlist. With all the wisdom of a 18 year old, I enlisted in the Marine Corps. By the way, it was 1966 and you'll never guess what was happening in Viet Nam. Bottom line, I proved that 18 year olds are dumber than a stump.

Let's see:
Got to serve my country;
Got to continue being a kid until I was about 45 or 46;
Got to travel in strange, exotic lands, meet new people, and not kill them;
Got to deal with the Army's bureaucracy, and occasionally figure out ways to legally circumvent it to get the mission accomplished;
Got to meet, work with, and sometimes become friends (as opposed to acquaintances and/or colleagues) with people from all over, with all sorts of different backgrounds;
Got to be part of various teams, striving to accomplish a common goal, as well as how to form and lead some of those teams;
Got to test some of my limits;
Got to put some of my talents to work for a worthy cause (defending my country);
Got to learn how to teach, and hone my teaching skills, as well as improve my public speaking skills;
Got to help young soldiers and NCOs become better at their jobs, and become better soldiers and leaders;
Got to do a LOT of other things that I never would have had the opportunity to do, had I not served in the US Army.
Was it worth it? Oh, HELL YES!!!!! As I used to ask my soldiers, "Where else can you have this much fun AND get paid for it?"

Opportunity to be responsible & resourceful when needed.

The need for resourcefulness & adaptability.

I joined for many different reasons. Travel, patriotism, college funding, a sense of purpose, advancing a career I was not sure of, to learn discipline, and a bit of maturity. What it showed me was what I was capable of doing and my limitations. I wanted to be a pilot but found I was much better in my chosen field. I really loved what I did and it has been a rewarding career.