What kind of service member are you?

2015-05-26T22:11:10-04:00

This is a satirical survey in some ways but only just a little.

SGT Keith Bodine, CPT Lakeshia Logan, SGT Veronica Fulgham - Blais, SFC William Farrell, SFC Maury Gonzalez, SFC Mark Merino, Sgt Richard Buckner, SSG Tyrone Hall, Sgt Jay Jones,

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made May 26 at 2015 10:12 PM

2015-05-26T22:12:34-04:00

A retired one

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 26 at 2015 10:18 PM

2015-05-26T22:18:43-04:00

The kind that came from a military family and didn't know anything else.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 10:22 PM

2015-05-26T22:22:46-04:00

Dammit, I can't find the door! Lol

Joined the Army first, now I am at 24 years, making Chief in 6 days... Never saw it as a career, never regret it. :)

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made May 26 at 2015 10:26 PM

2015-05-26T22:26:27-04:00

Well, I did have that outstanding warrant for my arrest when i enlisted. Turned out I need ed the AF and after 20 years seemed they needed me a little too. Actually, the warrant is long gone but they could still use a guy like me... I hope the recruiters find a few...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 10:25 PM

2015-05-26T22:25:44-04:00

I joined to get life experience. Figured out later I wasn't a people person and stayed
on to finish it out. I wanted to be able to claim it was the longest career I've ever had,
next to the only suit ever owned was my Class A's/Dress Blues.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made May 26 at 2015 10:27 PM

2015-05-26T22:27:22-04:00

I always wanted to serve, but the Army obviously saw me as fitting the last category when they pointed me in the direction of the pasture.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 26 at 2015 10:45 PM

2015-05-26T22:45:34-04:00

My father raised me to believe that real men serve their country, they do not make excuses for why they did not.

He did not care if I made it a career, making it a career was entirely my choice, and I do not regret it at all. I encourage every young man and young woman for that matter, to serve at least two years. Do Your Part to ensure that we remain free.

Response by SPC Christian Ziegler made May 26 at 2015 10:50 PM

2015-05-26T22:50:26-04:00

Grew up Army, wanted to be a soldier wanted to retire, body and mind got broken at year 5 1/2 got MEB at year 6 3/4 a month later I was out 6 month after that VA had me at 100%. Scouts Out

Response by SGT Tyrone Adams made May 26 at 2015 10:53 PM

2015-05-26T22:53:34-04:00

I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 26 at 2015 11:05 PM

2015-05-26T23:05:15-04:00

I did not come from money nor was I born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I have been given nothing for free in life, not even government assistance. The military was my way, a chance to create success in my life. I only found out that I enjoyed and appreciated serving my country later in my career. It does not matter why someone joins, just as long as they do the job they were hired to do and they salute the colors.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 11:05 PM

2015-05-26T23:05:10-04:00

I always wanted to serve in the Marine Corps since I was 10 years old. My dad and all of his brothers were Army and they all retired except one. But, if I had to do it all over again I would have gone through either the PLC, ECP, or ROTC. But I'm not complaining because at least I got to go through the ranks up to CWO3. Then retired Honorably in 1994.

James

Response by GySgt Joe Strong made May 26 at 2015 11:18 PM

2015-05-26T23:18:22-04:00

Look, when I was walking the halls of my elementary school I was making military marching style turns. Destiny.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made May 26 at 2015 11:26 PM

2015-05-26T23:26:39-04:00

I did legitimately want to serve long before I joined. My motivations have changed over time but there will always be aspects of it that I enjoy whether I separate at the end of this enlistment or re-enlist.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 26 at 2015 11:32 PM

2015-05-26T23:32:37-04:00

When I joined, I KNEW (as only a 17 year old can know) that I would not stay, I would not reenlist, and I was going to get the money for school and make something of my life. I realized somewhere along the way, I was making something of my life by serving in the greatest Army the World has known.

Response by SSG James Doherty made May 26 at 2015 11:39 PM

2015-05-26T23:39:08-04:00

Funny story...tried to join one service got denied. Went to my buddy that drove to the station his Army recruiter took my packet and said we can work with this. Never heard from him again. His replacement got me back in the station. My appointment with her saved me from an arrest that day.

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made May 26 at 2015 11:41 PM

2015-05-26T23:41:53-04:00

While in i lived the role and i loved every second.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 26 at 2015 11:55 PM

2015-05-26T23:55:07-04:00

I always wanted to serve, but Does not play well with others is fitting too.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 11:58 PM

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I always wanted to fly, and almost exclusively as a naval aviator. I had to enlist to get to college and a commission, but it eventually worked out. I'll stay as long as they let me.

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made May 27 at 2015 12:10 AM

2015-05-27T00:10:00-04:00

That one.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 12:59 AM

2015-05-27T00:59:15-04:00

I grew up in a military family. Surrounded by lots of male figures that I looked up to and I thought they were super Heros. I became a Mom at a young age, got married... Shortly got divorced. Graduated from college and solely provided for my son without the help of his donor. ( insert sarcasm) Asked myself what's next? What can I do to provide for my son and make him proud? Went the next Tuesday enlisted and haven't looked back, not only do I get to serve my country like I always intended, but I got to show my son it's never to late to fullfill what you set out to do. Also, I'm the first female to serve in my family. Now thanks to my military I'm receiving further schooling and providing for my family. I have so much honor and pride doing so! Everyone doesn't get to wake up and wear this uniform everyday.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made May 27 at 2015 2:15 AM

2015-05-27T02:15:14-04:00

There was no GI bill when I joined. The education program at that time was called VEAP (Veterans Education Assistance Program) and basically for every $1 you contributed, the government would contribute $2, up to a max of $2,700. I maxed it out and basically had $8,100 to spend on college. Am glad that they brought back the GI bill for today's SM.

For me, the primary reason wasn't the education benefits, it was the technical training in electronics that I was after, plus the experience of working in that field. And joining was also a way of fulfilling my patriotic duty and serving my country as my father and grandfathers had done. Killed two birds with one stone.

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 27 at 2015 5:20 AM

2015-05-27T05:20:32-04:00

Tried College until Desert Storm quit Senior year. Family tradition, 22 years and counting service to country is very important to me.

Response by LT Charles Baird made May 27 at 2015 8:25 AM

2015-05-27T08:25:37-04:00

I actually joined to have a job as in upstate New York where I was born and raised at the time all companies (Carrier, Generous Motors, Chrysler, etc...) were closing down and there was no where to work. Would have stayed 20 on active duty if Clinton didn't force me out with his downsizing. GI Bill was just a perk.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 9:37 AM

2015-05-27T09:37:50-04:00

I always wanted to be a Soldier and serve my country. The perks of medical insurance, GI bill, etc.... just comes with it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-05-27T10:00:06-04:00

Hmmm, there's not a selection that states:

I had my associates, but I wanted to serve because I was also going down a path that was absolutely horrible for me and I needed to leave my little town before it sucked me in and dry, so I joined the military for my country, for myself and to lose weight. I joined the Army because I wanted to follow my fathers path. WAR and the deployment was just a bonus as well as the GI Bill, etc.

Yeah, something to that effect. Where's that answer? SSG John Erny

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made May 27 at 2015 10:33 AM

2015-05-27T10:33:20-04:00

Planned on being a Soldier from the time I was 5, after my grandfather passed when I was 8, it was really the only thing I ever wanted to do, mostly to honor him but to also serve my country. First had intended to be an officer, applied for and received a nomination to West Point but was not accepted due to a high number of candidates that year. Received a 3-yr ROTC Scholarship to UF after my freshman year of college in '85, but got burned out on school after my sophomore year and gave my scholarship up. Enlisted in '87 and served until retirement on 30 Sept 2013.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 10:39 AM

2015-05-27T10:39:46-04:00

I always wanted to serve and now after 10 years and this downsizing bullsh@^ I dont know if i will be able to finish my career....

Response by SrA Johnathan Kropke made May 27 at 2015 10:55 AM

2015-05-27T10:55:48-04:00

I am a 7th generation military. It is something I have always wanted to do.

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 27 at 2015 11:28 AM

2015-05-27T11:28:50-04:00

Since I've been out so long, my only viable choice in the poll is "Break glass in case of war". If you guys need me, I'd come back in a heartbeat.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made May 27 at 2015 11:31 AM

2015-05-27T11:31:56-04:00

I initially came in to take advantage of the GI Bill. I already had college credit hours, and needed to finish my degree. I ended up enjoying my job, the people I served with and the lifestyle. It gave me a sense of belonging, and I knew I couldn't beat the camaraderie, and the service itself. If I had it to do all over again, I would in a heartbeat.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 12:14 PM

2015-05-27T12:14:10-04:00

Ever since I could talk, I've always wanted to join the Army. I've never even thought of doing anything else. I feel fortunate to be a person who always knew what I wanted to do with my life. Once I completed my goal, I had to set other goals while in the Army. Some I've made others I have haven't, but ultimately I'm living my dream. And I wouldn't trade a single day of it for anything else.

Response by PO3 Daryl Olthaus made May 27 at 2015 12:59 PM

2015-05-27T12:59:51-04:00

Didn't think college was for me and always thought it would be cool to be in the Navy. Spent four years in. Many times I wish I had stayed in. Miss those days!

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made May 27 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-05-27T13:39:00-04:00

I really wanted to serve, I believed in the whole idea of serving. In 2000 a 25.00 hr job was pretty good especially the overtime, but I felt like I was not contributing to anything that really mattered. I originally didn't think about joining the Marines. I had heard all the OMFG stories about Parris Island but the Marines were the only ones that would help me get to a weight good enough for a waver, the other branches said come back when you get there. I also figured if I was going to do it, might as well try the hardest or my impression of the hardest. I somewhat regret going in as a computer tech but I was playing to what I was strong at. I should of done something to make myself more diverse instead of insular. Though at the time I was one of like three people who clept through the computer school.

I also regret my injury issues and the botched surgery, I think I could of made a career, though admittedly I probably would of changed branches. I admittedly had to work harder then a lot of people to keep up with the physical fitness standards, I didn't fail PT, I just had to work harder then most. I also worked for a civilian who left the service at a high rank so everything she said was believed without investigation, so I got blamed for things that had nothing to do with me so she could keep herself looking good.

With though, all that said, if I could rethink my decision, I wouldn't of. I'm very proud of being able to say that I'm a US Marine, no matter in life what I do, that will never change.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made May 27 at 2015 2:48 PM

2015-05-27T14:48:19-04:00

I didn't come for the GI Bill, because when I joined in 1983 there was NO GI Bill. I did however end up qualifying for the "New GI Bill" after deploying to Iraq, but have not, and likely won't end up using it before it expires in 4-5 years. I answered. "I always wanted to serve." Because it's true.

Response by PV2 David Minnicks made May 27 at 2015 2:56 PM

2015-05-27T14:56:48-04:00

I came from a family where the vast majority of my elders had or were serving my toughest choice was trying to decide Air Force or Army with Army winning out.

Response by PO1 Richard Schneider made May 27 at 2015 3:13 PM

2015-05-27T15:13:54-04:00

It is in our blood. My father, grandfathers, uncles, sister in-law, brothers, great grandfathers, their fathers, grandfathers, and in-laws have all served. I have nephews, nieces, and cousins serving today.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 6:05 PM

2015-05-27T18:05:15-04:00

I always wanted to join. Debated between the Navy and the Marines...but the Army won.
After the first four years and two deployments, I was reaching for the door, but hesitated because I lacked prior planning.
Now 10 years (next month), I enjoy what I do (most days), take pride in those I mentor, and enjoy the opportunities the Army has bestowed on me.

The Army has helped me in more ways than one.
No it's not easy, and most days I wish I could sleep in and make breakfast for my sons...but I take the good with the bad.

Let's see what the next 10 years have in store.

Response by PO2 Johnathan Kerns made May 27 at 2015 6:29 PM

2015-05-27T18:29:52-04:00

Didn't have shit going for me in life and no focus. No doubt in my mind that if I hadn't joined that I would have been dead or in prison. My younger sister is an unfortunate example of probably what would have happened with my life. I only did 4 years but it was exactly what I needed in life.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 27 at 2015 7:34 PM

2015-05-27T19:34:05-04:00

Joined, wanted to make career as an officer, realized my skill set is better served outside.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 27 at 2015 11:30 PM

2015-05-27T23:30:27-04:00

Didn't have anything better to do SSG John Erny .... College Hockey and my future in the NHL (circa 79-80) and I missed the cut for the olympic team... So, the Army seemed like a good choice...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 11:40 PM

2015-05-27T23:40:29-04:00

Got my uniforms and popped smoke

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 12:40 AM

2015-05-28T00:40:29-04:00

I need votes so I can ask a question and gets answers I need before I leave. Please help

Response by SSG John Jensen made May 28 at 2015 2:14 AM

2015-05-28T02:14:20-04:00

recently going thru the family's slides (anyone remember those) turned into a print 6 month old me standing in dad's army boots,dad got out in '62 with 3 1/2 years, ASK ME about the xtra 6 mos., somehow always wanted gov't service (both parents are retired teachers living in the home of the Oregon Shakespeare Fest. (they are in heaven while they are alive). was looking at different MOS, there were no slots, but there were slots for Abn Medic, leaped on it like it was the only thing I ever wanted. Mid '80s watching the pirate corporate takeovers where the 1st thing raided was the employee retirement fund - thought "I think a career in the Nat'l Guard seems like a good idea" - and Nat'l Guard Civil Service Technician retirement somehow happened a long time later

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 10:11 AM

2015-05-28T10:11:03-04:00

Came for the GI Bill. Tried to stay, but got booted out with the first draw-down.

*sigh

Response by PO1 Sean Reynolds made May 28 at 2015 11:05 AM

2015-05-28T11:05:46-04:00

Son of son of a Sailor

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 12:23 PM

2015-05-28T12:23:21-04:00

Been Calling cadence since I was in elementary. It was meant to be!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 12:27 PM

2015-05-28T12:27:16-04:00

Took the ASVAB just to get out of Calculus class.....ended up doing so well I couldn't dodge the recruiters. Chose the military over college (much to my mother's horror). Found out I am damn good at what I do and I am the type that never looks back just forward. Some how made a career out of it. If you told me then where I would be now, I would have laughed you out of the room. Everything happens for a reason.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made May 28 at 2015 12:34 PM

2015-05-28T12:34:04-04:00

Very proud of my time in the Navy. All sailors love the ships they serve on but what ship is better than The USS Enterprise CVN-65. The Legend Lives On.

Response by MSG D. Layne-Sheffield made May 28 at 2015 2:00 PM

2015-05-28T14:00:37-04:00

Army Retired!

Response by SFC Jesus Garcia made May 28 at 2015 2:11 PM

2015-05-28T14:11:25-04:00

Up Right and Proud!!!

Response by SFC(P) Aaron Fore made May 28 at 2015 3:09 PM

2015-05-28T15:09:12-04:00

I, as well as many others here, grew up military. My father served for 25 years and I have so far accumulated 31 years, 17 Active and the rest National Guard. I absolutely love what I do and am very grateful to be a part of something bigger than myself.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 3:54 PM

2015-05-28T15:54:42-04:00

I enlisted out of high school because I couldn't see myself doing anything else. The GI Bill was a plus. After four years of griping and groaning I found the door and am putting the GI Bill to good use.

I started to miss it, and came back to Uncle Sam as a part-timer. Now I spend one weekend a month griping and groaning and will in all likelihood gripe and groan my way to 20.

The military and I don't seem to get along, but every time that window opens I find myself signing the dotted line. It's the d**ndest thing.

Response by SCPO Edward Westerdahl made May 28 at 2015 4:52 PM

2015-05-28T16:52:44-04:00

I came in as a 'kiddy cruiser' and stayed for 20.

Response by SSgt William Parker made May 28 at 2015 5:06 PM

2015-05-28T17:06:53-04:00

I tried out for NROTC Marine Option and looked at attending Platoon Leaders Class, but my eyesight was too poor to be an officer. I also proceeded to have too much fun at the University of Texas at Austin until the University said don't call us we'll call you. As I moped about my father said, "... you've been talking about the Marine Corps, put your money where your mouth is." So it was off to the recruiter. I enlisted on June 28, 1972 and shipped for MCRD San Diego on July 5th.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 28 at 2015 5:09 PM

2015-05-28T17:09:08-04:00

Caution: Dysfunctional Veteran - Does Not Play Well With Others

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 28 at 2015 5:18 PM

2015-05-28T17:18:14-04:00

I enlisted in 1987 under the army college fund, came off AD straight to the USAR. As I was finishing up checking in for my GI Bill, I got whisked away by an ROTC captain who doubled my stipend with "kickers" went back on AD - hate it, back to USAR - into the IMA program for 9yrs and retired from a FINAL 2yr deployment in EUCOM. 2 Balkan Trips - a year at NTC and an OEF deployment for playing well with others LOL.

Response by PO2 Christopher Taggart made May 28 at 2015 5:45 PM

2015-05-28T17:45:37-04:00

Guy would never thought I would be where I am today that is for sure in 1984?

Response by SGT Kevin McCourt made May 28 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-05-28T18:09:51-04:00

Started out NG, liked it, went active. You can't do that now days. I would have stayed, but injured in my 10th year of active duty. Getting out of my hometown was an added bonus. Back when, I had station of choice. I chose Ft Rucker. Closest to Panama City Beach.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made May 28 at 2015 6:17 PM

2015-05-28T18:17:41-04:00

My Father was a Korean War Veteran who received the Purple Heart - he was my hero and my reason for joining. I wanted to serve and it was one of many good decisions that I made in my life age 17. I won't mention the dumb decisions I made before that age and after! I can say that after 37 years I feel good about that decision and would do it the same again!

Response by SGT James Hastings made May 28 at 2015 6:29 PM

2015-05-28T18:29:07-04:00

I probably should have said "doesn't play well with others" since I might have rubbed some people the wrong way by expressing an opinion when it wasn't a wise idea to do so to them. I've grown up or at least I believe I have since I haven't been fired in a very long time! lol

Response by LCpl Justin Cuevas made May 28 at 2015 7:12 PM

2015-05-28T19:12:21-04:00

I also had no future in my small town working odd jobs, seeing that we were still at war I saw an opportunity to better my life. Much of this realization came after talks with my grandfather who served during the Korean War.

Response by SGT(P) Kenneth Jones made May 28 at 2015 9:54 PM

2015-05-28T21:54:24-04:00

I joined the marines in 89 was in for 2 hrs and was medically discharged due to some stupid issue of my mother having heart disease on her side of the family I spent the next 20 trying to get back in only after going thru deps to be shot down for one excuse after another so went army never regretted a moment. Now 5.5 years in wish I would have just came in maybe less of a fight and wouldn't have to prove myself over and over just because of my age but I will dam if I give up the fight to serve

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 11:59 PM

2015-05-28T23:59:53-04:00

I just didn't know it until I was a little older.

Response by PO1 Gary Kahler made May 29 at 2015 7:32 AM

2015-05-29T07:32:28-04:00

My dad and I were talking... he was a 22 year Air Force enlisted retiree... My parents has said that they would pay for my college, but I know that it would have been a hardship on them... so, I talked with my dad about the service. I joined the Navy at the time I did due to the Navy advancing the ranks faster than the Air Force... And I did advance... E6 in less than six years... stayed in for 22... as an E6 because I didn't play the games the chiefs wanted me to play. Still the best thing I ever did in my younger years.... Submarine Sonar Technician!! Ahoogah!!

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 29 at 2015 9:41 AM

2015-05-29T09:41:14-04:00

I always DID want to serve, but I found I'm much better deployed. Maybe I get bored when nobody's shooting back?

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made May 29 at 2015 12:05 PM

2015-05-29T12:05:37-04:00

I had an active duty Air Force uncle, a stepfather that was a former officer in the Army, a couple other uncles that were prior service Army, and a grandfather that served in the Navy in the Pacific theater during WWII. They all recommended military service and they all recommended the Air Force. At around the 8 year mark I contemplated separation but due to not properly planning, I stayed and I'm glad I did. I met and married my wife and finally got stationed in Europe. The friends I made, the mission, and travel all shaped the rest of my career and made that period of my life the best so far. Retired life cannot hold a candle to putting on my ABUs every morning and getting the opportunity to influence/mentor those that were in the same spot I was in at one point and hope that they get something out of my experiences.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 1:17 PM

2015-05-29T13:17:08-04:00

I always wanted to. I wished I felt more manly and purposeful doing it though; moving crap from connexes on random weekends doesn't make me feel like much of a hero...would always make me feel like crap when people would say thanks for your service...I felt like I didn't do enough to warrant it personally. My uncle served 32 years, and I looked up to him as I would a father. I just felt like I fell short.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made May 29 at 2015 1:46 PM

2015-05-29T13:46:24-04:00

Wanted to serve in a non-traditional way and to travel. Certainly got both and happy with the decision to join.

Response by SSG Linda Holt made May 29 at 2015 1:51 PM

2015-05-29T13:51:50-04:00

I came in at the end of the Vietnam War and did so to travel, get training, experience and the education benefits of the G.I. Bill, with the idea of putting in 3 years and then going back home to go to college. I refused to sign-up for 4 years, even though it came with a $1,500 bonus. That extra year just seemed like way too much for my 18-year-old brain. Then, I ended-up extending for 6 months and then, I ended-up marrying a career soldier who talked me into making it a career, too. So, that's my story.

By the way, I ended-up getting far more from my Army enlistment that I had ever imagined possible. I loved every minute of i.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 4:43 PM

2015-05-29T16:43:31-04:00

To me, the GI Bill was an afterthought. My family has a proud tradition of service dating back to at least WWI. I'm still searching for Civil War and Revolutionary War records for my ancestors, if they exist.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 5:05 PM

2015-05-29T17:05:30-04:00

After 12 years of school, I was free! Then my parents told me I had to serve another 4-year sentence at minimum. Or become a Whopper-Flopper. No way!

Army offered me a free ticket out of town, and employment with guns and pizza/beer money. How could I say no?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 5:12 PM

2015-05-29T17:12:51-04:00

Since junior high I always wanted to serve. Just took a bit to find out ROTC instead of enlisting.

Response by SGT Timothy Rocheleau made May 29 at 2015 5:53 PM

2015-05-29T17:53:55-04:00

I selected always wanted to serve because it's the truth. By as evidenced by some of the back and forth a I've had in the comments "doesn't play well with others" would also fit.

Military was and remains a tradition in my family. My mom was the youngest of thirteen children and every one of my uncles served, at least 2 people from every part of the family served except my brother. He liked trouble too much.

Signed up in July of 87 and left that December, completed my first enlistment and went NG, got bored with that after only 3 nuts and went to reenlist and they said "we're only accepting prior service for the PS18 program". I signed anyway, must have really wanted to get back in. Served another 3.5 hrs until they broke me. Got out in 955, went to college and went to work, went back to college, stayed at work, went to Law School, went to work, went back to college, went to work again. Went out on disability for 5 years and now own several businesses. None of this would have been possible had it not been for those near 8 years I spent in the Army. It's been 27.5 years and I still miss the hell out of it. Never have found that "brother/sisterhood" of those days.

I have two adult daughters and both asked my permission to go in the military. The first asked me in 2005 when she graduated high school with an associate defree(dual enrollment), I told her "I absolutely support that decision if you choose the Air Force or Navy" she declined and went back to college and works in finance. My youngest daughter came to me three years later after graduating high school and asked me the same thing. Naturally I replied with the same "Air Force/Navy" statement and she said "Air Force it is then pops". She is still in and will celebrate her 7 year anniversary in December.

Oddly enough, her date of departure for basic was the same exact Month and Day as mine only 21 yrs later.

I think a stint in the military should be required of all citizens, even those who have been in trouble, hey, don't judge me, an enlistment and having commitment and discipline pounded into them may be all they need! That is all, carry on and thanks for reading if you have!

Response by SFC Siva Williams made May 29 at 2015 6:18 PM

2015-05-29T18:18:32-04:00

I was a prime candidate for service. I was a C student that didn't have any plans for life after high school. So when the Army recruiter (the Navy recruiter failed the initial impression test) spoke to me I figured why not. Some where along the line I figured out that being a combat medic was a blast so I stayed. I tapped out at 26 years. My body was just a little battered at this point and let's face it. 40 year old bodies aren't as agile, mobile, and hostile as 20 and 30 year old bodies. I had a great time though. My only regret is that I can't download my wealth of knowledge and stick it into a 23 year old "Buck" Sergeant's head.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made May 29 at 2015 6:26 PM

2015-05-29T18:26:06-04:00

And number 5 also I think fits LMAO.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 29 at 2015 8:35 PM

2015-05-29T20:35:55-04:00

What is that famous video of the little boy "I like turtles", Well I like Radio's and someone gave me the biggest, best and the antennas to go with them for 21 years. Yes I'm a Geek, A technie, I don't play well with others and Uncle Sam had a good use for me.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Jul 6 at 2015 10:41 PM

2015-07-06T22:41:37-04:00

Wasn't doing well in college. Really didn't see me in a rice paddy so visited the Navy recruiter as NAS Alameda. It certainly was not for he G.I. Bill because I was too immature for college. Did my four and exited. Griped everyday I was in but, all things being equal would do it again.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jul 7 at 2015 2:16 AM

2015-07-07T02:16:56-04:00

I always knew I would go to war, but didn't know where or when. All the men in my family served in WWII, Korea, and I served with an uncle in Viet Nam. My nephews are serving today. I thought it was a privilege to serve.

Response by SGT Sarah Hoyt made Jul 7 at 2015 8:47 AM

2015-07-07T08:47:41-04:00

There wasn't an option for "too sassy to stay in".

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 7 at 2015 11:44 AM

2015-07-07T11:44:25-04:00

SSG John Erny I joined for the college benefits and ended up staying for 20 years.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Sep 8 at 2015 12:58 AM

2015-09-08T00:58:44-04:00

I was a gung ho MOFO right till the end once I got the S**t out between my ears, I hated to hear anyone say anything derogatory about the Army and most important... about my unit (man did I love my unit in Korea!!!) . I will say this changed after I got to my last unit and saw a complete cluster F**K and was treated like crap while on Med chapter status but for the most part I loved what I did. When you guys break the glass....be sure to clean it up please!!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2016 7:27 PM

2016-02-12T19:27:23-05:00

Enlisted active duty Army the first time I was in because I was married with one child, had no money to continue college. Ended up liking the Army, reenlisted a couple times and got out at 9 years because I didn't want to be a recruiter. Came back in the reserves a few years later to make extra money to send my wife through nursing school, liked it, stayed in, and used the educational benefits to get my own nursing degree. After about a 13 year break in active service came active again for LTHET (anesthesia school) and decided to stay in after my pay back was completed. So I guess I fit within the GI Bill and stay crowd.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 19 at 2016 2:53 AM

2016-02-19T02:53:11-05:00

I had two options and no it wasn't war or jail lol. But the military was the lesser of the two evils.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 8 at 2016 6:43 PM

2016-03-08T18:43:01-05:00

Wanted to be a pilot since I was a kid. Went to college so I could take AFROTC. Then went to pilot training. Lived my dream.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2016 6:56 PM

2016-03-08T18:56:18-05:00

I joined for school and because my parents were in the Marines and made it clear you should serve at least 4 years. I ended up loving it and just reenlisted. Guess we will see where the next 4 years take me!

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 8 at 2016 7:20 PM

2016-03-08T19:20:15-05:00

I enlisted in 1965 a 130 lb eye glass wearing weakling with no self confidence a high school education a lot of dead end jobs and the start of a bad drinking problem,after three years in the Infantry with a tour in good old Vietnam I feel I came out a better person.this experience changed my life in many ways and I am proud I served with some of the best people on the planet.

Response by MAJ Joseph Smail made Mar 8 at 2016 8:34 PM

2016-03-08T20:34:53-05:00

I grew up reading war stories in books. That and the fact that I hated school and thought the Army could be a good career that I could complete with just high school. Now retired and with a degree, somewhere along the way I changed course but not before I had all the fun I wanted. Would do it all over again too.

Response by Sgt Christopher Delagarza made Mar 8 at 2016 10:00 PM

2016-03-08T22:00:45-05:00

Joined straight out of high school because I was not sure what I wanted to do. I knew I didn't want to stay in my home town, knock someone up and become a pot head like everyone else I knew. I wanted to set my self up for a good future and go other places.

Response by SFC Timothy Rose made Mar 8 at 2016 11:46 PM

2016-03-08T23:46:03-05:00

I also knew I was going no where fast being from a small town. At 17 I looked around, I had an older brother in the Air force, another in the Marines and an older brother in the Navy. Made the Army a no brainier since my father retired from the Army a few years prior. I don’t know of anyone who joins to do 20 years and can’t remember at what point I made that decision. After 20 years in and another 15 working with the Army I have no regrets. Well maybe one, had a 1st Sgt that severed with my father and he would call my Dad when I screwed up as a private.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2016 7:23 PM

2016-03-09T19:23:24-05:00

grew up a military brat. too lazy to even bother with taking SAT's and did not want to do 4 more years of school with college. I always wanted to move out of my parents house at 18 and the military was the quickest route: glad I did it!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-10-18T12:54:26-04:00

My reason doesn't apply according to the survey. I joined because it was something different, get out of a crappy job and lose the weight that I gained.

Response by SPC Paul C. made Feb 19 at 2017 12:14 AM

2017-02-19T00:14:45-05:00

I joined the Army after high school because I didn't want to go to college. I served in the Army active duty for 3 years, got out, then joined the National guard. While I was in the National Guard, I started college anyways. Three degrees later I am wondering how that happened. I now have a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. I am very proud of my service in the Army and I realize this would not be possible had I not joined.

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Jun 25 at 2020 4:37 PM

2020-06-25T16:37:44-04:00

Since I was a little kid...

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 25 at 2020 5:32 PM

2020-06-25T17:32:57-04:00

It's part of my family heritage.