What made you join the specific branch of the military you joined?

2015-06-29T20:33:33-04:00

I've been asked many times why I joined the military, but rarely why I joined the Navy in particular. I joined the Navy mainly because they seemed to be tough enough for me to improve myself, and I always enjoyed being around water. Also, my step brother is currently a Lieutenant, having commissioned as a Mustang and I suppose I feel somewhat compelled to follow in his footsteps. So I ask you, what made you join your branch?

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 29 at 2015 8:37 PM

2015-06-29T20:37:23-04:00

My parents were Navy and Marines. I grew up on their bases. All it took was a visit to an AF base at my parents insistence.

Response by SSgt Scott Schwerman made Jun 29 at 2015 8:55 PM

2015-06-29T20:55:42-04:00

The prestigious level Marines hold themselves, the life long title, and the "no Marine left behind" mentality. That brotherhood.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Jun 29 at 2015 9:02 PM

2015-06-29T21:02:44-04:00

This answer is a bit dated, but since you asked...
The reason I went with the Army was due to a low draft number and...the Coast Guard had all the folks they could handle at the time. The recruiter(Army) got me the AIT I wanted but said if I failed the school, who knows what might happen. (I passed, BTW) That my dad was Army in WWII had no influence on my decision nor that my mom was a WAVE during the same time period.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 29 at 2015 9:04 PM

2015-06-29T21:04:06-04:00

Because the Navy was the first branch to contact me!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 29 at 2015 9:19 PM

2015-06-29T21:19:27-04:00

Airborne Combat Medic?
It was obviously the gratuitous sex, free alcohol and the road to fame and fortune.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 10:03 PM

2015-06-29T22:03:04-04:00

It wasn't a choice of which branch to serve as much as it was a calling. I was born to be a Marine.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 10:13 PM

2015-06-29T22:13:32-04:00

I joined the Navy.....Because the army recruiters didn't like my cuts.....and now i regret signing my 3rd contract with the navy. .......

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 29 at 2015 10:19 PM

2015-06-29T22:19:36-04:00

The Army said I was too skinny. The Navy gave me a Waiver.

Response by PO3 Anthony Lay made Jun 29 at 2015 10:19 PM

2015-06-29T22:19:53-04:00

I had a uncle who served on uss Missouri and thought it was so cool as a kid. I got older and closer to graduate high school and honestly I mean no disrespect to any other services but the navy structure was more like a trade and I would get to travel. I felt my job skills would be better than what I may have been offered in other branches of service.

Response by SMSgt James Williams made Jun 29 at 2015 10:20 PM

2015-06-29T22:20:53-04:00

I had an appointment to see a marine recruiter. I was a little early and then he was a little late. I got impatient and the Air Force recruiter was in his office...and 20 Air Force years later here I am.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Jun 29 at 2015 10:24 PM

2015-06-29T22:24:26-04:00

Wasn't doing well in college and NAS Alameda was close. I thought it was safer than the other branches. Vietnam wasn't very enticing. So where did I wind up?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 10:29 PM

2015-06-29T22:29:29-04:00

I always wanted to join the military since I was in the 3rd grade and when I saw my sister graduate Marine Corps boot camp in 2012 I promised myself before leaving that parade deck that I'd be back but I would be the one graduating and I did in 2014 and couldn't be prouder to say I am an United States Marine

Response by PFC Andrew Coon made Jun 29 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-06-29T22:39:01-04:00

Mine is complicated. I wanted to join the Air Force they wouldn't take me due to the fact they met their GED threshold. My father was army during Vietnam. He was drafted though. He didn't want to go. Both of my grandfathers were Army during WW2. So, I joined the army due to family history and they were the only branch that would take me. Downside is I scored a 90 on the ASVAB and they still only offered me three jobs: 92G, 11B and I think laundry specialist if I remember correctly. Signed a two year enlistment option. I planned to try and reenlist in the Air Force after completing my army obligation. I was medically separated. Now I collect too much VA disability (40 percent). Air Guard recruiters on here: I can still cook plus in the army I qualified with an M4. I can shoot a Ma Duece& MK19. Overseas I didn't do too much cooking but.. I'll do a try one and most likely I'll sign a full 6x3.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jun 29 at 2015 10:47 PM

2015-06-29T22:47:56-04:00

I followed my dad who was a CW4 I'm a 4 th generation cavalryman 3 of them U.S. lol

Response by SN Earl Robinson made Jun 29 at 2015 10:59 PM

2015-06-29T22:59:02-04:00

Coming from a family that believed in service to country it was a hard decision. Two of my mothers three brothers served in the Air Force in Vietnam and my father and two of his three brothers all served in the Army. I had many other cousins in all breaches aside from the Marines and a great uncle that was a senior chief in the Navy. I guessed I wanted to see the world so I joined the Navy. But service to country is a family tradition. I have three first cousins (brothers) all lifers in the Army today.

Response by Sgt Stephen Zukowski made Jun 29 at 2015 11:38 PM

2015-06-29T23:38:36-04:00

My father, uncle, and cousin were all Marines, and proud of it. I wanted to prove to myself and my friends that I had what it takes to be the best, and I did. I loved every minute of it.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 30 at 2015 12:32 AM

2015-06-30T00:32:34-04:00

The Army had he job I wanted. PO2 Private RallyPoint Member. I actually tested with the Navy... But, I was looking SEALS (that looked cool), and aviation fields.... My eyes disqualified me from aviation jobs. They were working me hard of the Nuke Program because of my ASVAB score, but I was in college on a hockey scholarship... and that was not working out... So, another two years in college seemed like not a good solution. I was probably not ready to commit to BUDS and SEAL... either... The Marines just plain turned me off... from the get go. Then I thought I would like to be a State Trooper... Navy did not do MA for new recruits (then), so it was the USAF or the Army... USAF I was not feeling, and my eyes (again) would not allow me to be a SP... (lucky for me), so it was Army and Military Police... The rest is history as we say. So, I guess I settled on the Army because he would take me in the job I wanted...

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 30 at 2015 1:00 AM

2015-06-30T01:00:29-04:00

BTW - The two troopies I respect the most are the 11Bs slogging and the 76s' humping the goods.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 30 at 2015 1:11 AM

2015-06-30T01:11:48-04:00

All of my uncles and my father served in WWII; mostly Army with one Navy and my father served in the AAF. I grew up knowing I would go to war, but didn't know where. In ROTC I was impressed with the officers at all levels, so I signed up with the AF during my senior year and reported to OTS after graduation.

Best experience of my life until they called the war off and we were facing a significant RIF. 1744As were not high on the retention list, so I got out to take a job in the civilian sector.

Response by SFC Bryan Clark made Jun 30 at 2015 1:22 AM

2015-06-30T01:22:44-04:00

I joined the marine corps because the marine recruiter was the only one that didn't bash the other services....spoke only about the marine corps and what I was to expect in boot camp. The Army recruiter did the most bashing, instead of selling me about the army...he just bashed my decision to join the marine corps and the recruiter.............

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 1:34 AM

2015-06-30T01:34:31-04:00

for me at the time the Air Force seemed the better option out I couldn't be navy because well I hate the water, Marines: my oldest brother was a marine and I really wanted to be a marine but I know my body couldn't handle the boot camp. Army didn't have any jobs that I cared for. Air Force had a lot more to offer me

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jun 30 at 2015 6:38 AM

2015-06-30T06:38:29-04:00

When I made the decision to join the military, it came down to a choice between the Navy and the Marines. The Navy got to me first, but in the end, as a Corpsman I got the best of both worlds.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 6:50 AM

2015-06-30T06:50:38-04:00

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member,

This reminds me of a little story.

I enlisted shortly after 9/11, and attended basic training in 2002.

Near the beginning of basic training, our drill instructors made a point that, with 9/11, the whole world essentially changed over night....and, that 99% of us WOULD be deployed somewhere, and some, quite possibly, may not come home. (9/11 had happened so recently, so I think most were aware of the brevity of the situation, but they did take what opportunity to reinforce the importance of taking our training seriously, because of that.)

....After, my DS sat everyone down and asked us all why we had joined the service.

As expected, answers ranged from 'patriotism' to 'money for college'.

I don't remember many of the people I went through BCT with, but I remember one kid....

When asked, he responded with "because 'chicks' dig a man in uniform'.

It was one of those responses that, well, was simultaneously funny at the moment--at least to young recruits--but, seriously :facepalm: worthy when you think about it.

Needless to say, my drill sergeant didn't find it funny.

Most people will say that rule #1 to surviving basic training is to not 'make yourself stand out'.

That Soldier definitely made himself stand out....lol....I definitely didn't envy him one bit during BCT.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jun 30 at 2015 8:07 AM

2015-06-30T08:07:59-04:00

These were my goals when I first enlisted... I just wanted to do four years, get some college paid for, do my patriotic service, learn a trade that was applicable in the public sector, and get out.

When I went to the recruiters, the first branch of service that I talked to was the Marines. Their door was before the Navy (where I initially was headed) but they jumped out and grabbed me as I walked past their door LOL. The Marines were sharp and squared away. They worked hardest to get me in. They tested me, told me what address to write to to get a copy of my birth certificate, and took me to the SSA to get an SSN. When I told the Marines I wanted to check out ALL the branches they didn't seem in the least intimidated. They simply said, go ahead, check them all out, and we'll see you right back here when you're done.

The Navy recruiter kept bad-mouthing the Marines and telling me that I could join the Navy and not have to go on a ship. ??? Is that a bad thing? (He was air crew on P-3's) But then again, he wanted to make me a nuke, and that means you go on ship.

The Army recruiter had a big gut and was sloppy in appearance. All he wanted to do was sell me on a 2 year enlistment and make me a tank driver in Germany. Back in '79, at near the height of the Cold War, Germany was a speed bump for the Russians rolling into Europe. Even at 18 years old , I knew that much... What also didn't appeal was the lack of transferability of job skill from tank driver to something in the public sector when I was due to get out.

The Air Force Recruiter was never around. Ran into him once as he was running out the door to go play golf. He acted if I was lucky to meet him.

As an aside, the other branches were content to let the Marines do all the work testing and getting information from me, which they would then get from the Marine recruiters. I felt that was pretty lame.

For me, it was a decision between going in the Marines or going in the Navy. The thought of being a Navy Nuke was certainly tempting, but I didn't want the 6 year commitment. And my options would not be real good if for some reason I was not able to get through Nuke School. I didn't want to be scraping paint for 6 years. The Marines offered a $1,500 enlistment bonus and the same Avionics school the Navy had... I read all the fine print in the contract and memorized the number guaranteeing me a slot in Avionics school. Still remember it to this day: 902GF059.

Response by MSgt Roger Younce made Jun 30 at 2015 8:08 AM

2015-06-30T08:08:49-04:00

I really had no desire to go in the military but many people said I should and I would do well in the military. When I did decide to look at going in to the military at the age of 24 I decided to find as many former and current military members as possible from any branch of the service and ask them what they would recommend. Everyone I spoke with gave me two pieces of great advice; go in the USAF and don't get out. It was the best thing I ever did.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jun 30 at 2015 8:38 AM

2015-06-30T08:38:30-04:00

I had scholarships with every one of the other services, but couldn't fly back in the day, because of my eyesight. I could, however, be a Naval Flight Officer, so I went Navy. Ironically, my flying career lasted only about 10 months.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Jun 30 at 2015 9:05 AM

2015-06-30T09:05:39-04:00

Great grandfather (ships Carpenter before Damage Controlmen) and grandfather(Capt USCGC Manning) both served in USCG, dad was a Army Lt in WW2. Had a choice and went seaside!

Response by Sgt Eric Moorman made Jun 30 at 2015 9:30 AM

2015-06-30T09:30:07-04:00

I joined USMC because it's the toughest and biggest personal challenge. After I served 6 years as MP and tested with police dept out of 1,200 applicants I was number 1 and the only Marine veteran. I was told that's what pushed me to the top of the list.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 9:32 AM

2015-06-30T09:32:06-04:00

My step-brother and I competed in a lot of different activities. When he went into the Marine Corps, there was no way I was going to be outdone. Outside of that, I believed that if I made it through boot camp, I could accomplish anything. Lastly, my older brother's air force uniform didn't appeal to me.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Jun 30 at 2015 9:47 AM

2015-06-30T09:47:04-04:00

It's kinda a long story. I was ready to dep with the Army. Talked to the Marines and quickly changed my mind. I was going to join the Army because my dad served in the Army. When I told him I had enlisted in the Marines, his expression was priceless. Found out years later, he wanted to join the Marines but never had the guts. He was thrilled to see me become a Marine. I have been retired 3 years now and he still introduces me to friends as his Marine son.

Response by PO3 David Miller made Jun 30 at 2015 10:34 AM

2015-06-30T10:34:36-04:00

I joined the Navy because we have a little bit of everything, we have the sea, air, and ground all covered. We can go anywhere and do almost any other services job. Also I grew up with a Navy bias because of the USNA.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 30 at 2015 10:35 AM

2015-06-30T10:35:13-04:00

Most of those who served in my family were Army - my dad and 3 uncles (1 Korea and 2 WWII). My grandfather was in the Navy during WWII and one uncle was a Marine. The whole boat thing didn't do anything for me and I never thought I could live up to the stricter discipline of the USMC. My initial thought was to be a Missile Officer in the Air Force (right after seeing "War Games") but there weren't any AF ROTC programs in my area and my parents wanted me to have my head examined for wanting to sit at the bottom of a cement bunker waiting for the "Turn your key" order. So Army it was.

In a twist of irony, I ended up doing a stint at GTMO (OEF) which is where my grandfather was stationed during WWII.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 30 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-06-30T10:40:33-04:00

My grandfather, mom's dad, was a WWII and Korean War Army veteran, and from the age of 5 I knew that I would be a Soldier. I had aspirations of being an officer, even applied for and received a nomination from the Honorable Tom Lewis, congressman for my district in FL, but was not selected by the USMA due to the number of applicants that year. So I went to college, applied for and received a 3-year ROTC scholarship to UF, but after my sophomore year gave the scholarship up because I was burned out on school. Went home and was chilling when a recruiter called looking for my younger brother, a recent HS grad, we talked, I went in to investigate, and 26 years & 8 days after I retired. Honestly never even considered another branch at the time, sometimes I will do the "what if game", but in all honesty I do not think I would have made a different choice.
"TREAT 'EM ROUGH!!"

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 11:38 AM

2015-06-30T11:38:12-04:00

Well, when I learned that I was seriously failing my first semester of college, I thought losing my 2-S deferment would automatically mean Army, which equaled 11A infantry. Not wanting to be drafted, and because I couldn't swim, I joined the Navy!!! After active duty and a few years in the IRR, I got bored and joined the Army Reserves because 90% of the local Reserve MP battalion members were cops that I worked with on a daily basis. Even the CO and XO were police buddies. So, in I went. When I grew tired of those guys calling a deck a floor, and a bulkhead a wall, I jumped at the chance to get into the Coast Guard Reserves where I soon became a credentialed federal agent in the Coast Guard Investigative Service. There I stayed for twenty years, and retired as a Senior Chief with over thirty years of service in three branches of the Armed Forces.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jun 30 at 2015 12:12 PM

2015-06-30T12:12:46-04:00

My grandfather was sunk twice in WWII, and my father was in the navy during Vietnam. Just seemed like the thing to do.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jun 30 at 2015 12:45 PM

2015-06-30T12:45:37-04:00

The Navy Nuclear Power program. I was already working in nuclear power before I joined the Navy...

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 30 at 2015 12:58 PM

2015-06-30T12:58:44-04:00

I was searching and peer pressure. All my friends joined the military. Then I was hanging around some bad apples. I had the approval of my parents. The excitement and self worth was worth it 25 years and 3 days later.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-06-30T13:04:54-04:00

For me, Air Force was the only choice.

I wasn't "hardcore" enough to join the Marines or the Army
I didn't want to spend time out on a ship for months on end so I didn't entertain the idea of joining the Navy.
Never considered the Coast Guard...

I was, however, within a few months of high school graduation, contacted by a Marine recruiter. He was way too pushy with his attempts to get me to enlist in the Corp. I said no and he seemed a little wounded by my dismissal.

I was never contacted by an Army recruiter (probably saw my ASVAB score and realized I was too smart, I'm kidding Army my brothers and sisters).

In the end, I have never regretted my choice of joining the worlds greatest Air Force. The Air Force gave me much and I am grateful for all I received from it.

Response by SPC Chris Early made Jun 30 at 2015 1:07 PM

2015-06-30T13:07:45-04:00

the recruiter came to me me, and he was a great salesman and convice me the army was the place to be. Plus i just knew i was going to serve just not which branch

Response by SSgt Tim Ricci made Jun 30 at 2015 1:22 PM

2015-06-30T13:22:11-04:00

Except for a bit of trouble forcing me to join at the ripe age of 17, my choice was easy going Army Airborne. My Great Uncle Mo was part of the original 1st Special Service Forces in Helena Montana. After active Duty I went in the Montana National Guard for a short time, tried to get back into the Army but due to drawdown couldn't get in. USMC, came to play, a loss of E-5 to E-2 and a 17 year career to retirement!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 1:30 PM

2015-06-30T13:30:11-04:00

My uncle served 26 years in the Army, the last 9 of which as a recruiter. When he found out I was planning to join the military, he told me that Air Force and Navy were my only options, anything else he was going to kick my arse. I took him at his word on it. I looked at the Navy, but when the recruiter mentioned sea duty and being on a ship for a year+ with 95% males, I ruled it out really quick. I am happy with the choice I made, and given the opportunity again I would still make the same choice.

Response by PO2 Pete Donahue made Jun 30 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-06-30T14:07:30-04:00

I joined pre-911 and it didn't seem like there was much going on in the world. I had wanted to join the Coast Guard since I saw a commercial for the branch when I was 8 years old. They promised me action chasing drug boats throughout the Caribbean and even gave me a $3000 bonus to enlist in 1999. I would have paid them to join! The time I served in certainly didn't disappoint and the friends I made then I still talk to now. The training and experience I received during the time I served landed me the job and career I have now. Best decision an 18 year old could have ever made!

Response by PFC Kenneth Singleton made Jun 30 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-06-30T15:05:58-04:00

My Father . and Grandfather

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made Jun 30 at 2015 3:32 PM

2015-06-30T15:32:11-04:00

My parents are English and I wanted to join the Royal Marines, but in doing so I'd have lost my American nationality. Joining the USMC allowed me to keep my UK rights and still be a Marine.

Response by LCpl Waliq Knolle made Jun 30 at 2015 3:59 PM

2015-06-30T15:59:54-04:00

At the time of my enlistment I have my self the option of Marine Corps or Air Force and at the time the Air Force recruiter was taking forever to get back to me so I went with Marine Corps and literally the day I got back from boot camp the Air Force recruiter called me back. I zeroed out Navy because my dad was a chief at the time and I was tired of seeing blue and zeroed out army because my last name was already building a negative reputation due to a few of my cousins.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Jun 30 at 2015 4:35 PM

2015-06-30T16:35:16-04:00

Foregone conclusion, WWII navy vet, veteran army officer dad, and active E-8 uncle pretty much made my decision for me LOL, AF or college.

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Jun 30 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-06-30T16:46:30-04:00

I was drafted into the Army. Didn't have a choice; but everything worked out great.

Response by TSgt Rafael Lebron made Jun 30 at 2015 5:24 PM

2015-06-30T17:24:17-04:00

I joined the Air Force because I always loved airplanes and have made my career working on them.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-06-30T18:19:08-04:00

I never really thought about joining the military, any branch, until I left college after 3 semesters and having about 9 dead end jobs. I was lost, looking for something that meant something when I started talking to recruiters. I talked to Marine, Navy, and Air Force (in that order). The marine seemed like someone I didn't want to associate myself with in any way (he later was arrested for sexual assault and a DUI), so it was between the Navy and Air Force. I decided AF when I was given a list of job options with the asvab score of 89, and I liked the AF options more.

Response by CPO David Sullivan made Jun 30 at 2015 7:01 PM

2015-06-30T19:01:01-04:00

I joined the Navy in 1964 I wanted to get out on my own. I was 17

Response by PO1 Don Mac Intyre made Jun 30 at 2015 7:07 PM

2015-06-30T19:07:54-04:00

Having had family members in the other branches, hearing how they didn't enjoy it, living in Michigan and hearing about the USCG every week, I joined to fly in helicopters.
Served as a CG Flight Mechanic and then as a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer. Enjoyed it.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jun 30 at 2015 8:12 PM

2015-06-30T20:12:03-04:00

Honestly? I lost a bet.

Response by MSG Bobbie Martin made Jun 30 at 2015 8:26 PM

2015-06-30T20:26:30-04:00

Aloha All, It was my High School ROTC Instructor, he was a Retired, Army Special Forces, SFC. He looked at me and two other class mates and stated I know your not going to collage after graduation so the best thing for all of you is to join the military followed by you are all going in to the 82nd Airborne Div. The best advice anyone has ever given me, I retired as a MSG after 20 years and 10 months in 1997. and I still miss it going on 18 years out.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jun 30 at 2015 8:31 PM

2015-06-30T20:31:07-04:00

From the time we were young boys, my twin brother, cousin and i wanted to join the military. We had settled on the Army. Our plan was to quit high school on our 17th birthday, have Dad sign the papers and go Gung Ho all the way! Well shortly beforehand I decided I wanted to finish high school and join the Navy, and see the world as the recruiting posters trumpeted! I then went to live with my Mom as I wanted to finish high school. My brother and cousins went ahead with their plan and joined on our 17th birthday.

A week goes by and Mom gets a collect phone call from my brother from Fort Gordon, Georgia. We were and and still are very close so I got upset, told my Mom i was going to see my Dad for the weekend. She knew what I was planning on doing. Moms always know! She didnt tell me till years later.

A week or two goes by and I am at Fort Gordon doing KP duty when some Sgt comes screaming at me, Farrell, WTF are you doing on KP, you should be back in the barracks! I gave some excuse about KP but knew that he must have had my brother in his unit. Another trainee comes by al little later with pretty much the same comment so I knew he knew my brother and explained to him about being twins. We are fraternal but look alike. We were able to spend some time together and came home on Christmas leave, 1969 together and graduated Basic Training two weeks apart.

While I never regretted joining the Army, my only regret was quitting high school to do it. We were young, just days past our 17th birthdays and didn't really know anything. Military career choices were affected as our scores were so low at that time; the two years living with my Dad we hardly went to school! Now having a Masters level education and having taught school for years, i realized a lot of what gets you through life, you learned in high school.

I did later in life have the honor of working for the Navy and the Air Force as a civilian employee for seven years, having retired from the Air Force this past October. I'd do it all over again but when I was teaching, I always emphasized finishing school.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 8:33 PM

2015-06-30T20:33:11-04:00

Army ROTC gave me the biggest scholarship!

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Jun 30 at 2015 8:59 PM

2015-06-30T20:59:57-04:00

USAF: Hot coffee, clean sheets and air conditioning and you had to have a college degree to be eligible to die in combat. I came in during Vietnam, so that was a sell.

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Jun 30 at 2015 9:48 PM

2015-06-30T21:48:37-04:00

The selfless act of desire to answer the call to serve, with some notion of consideration for the bolster/support/defense of American and Freedom, and ALL of that taking priority over all of the "whats in it for ME" (college funding, healthcare, etc).

Grunt Life.

Semper Fi

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 10:05 PM

2015-06-30T22:05:38-04:00

My Father was in the Air Force, and my Uncles were all in the Army. In high school, my friends told me I was crazy, but I wanted to go to South Vietnam. I felt strongly that providing aid to South Vietnam was the right thing to do. I joined the Marine Corps because I knew that this would provide me with the best training to survive.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 10:13 PM

2015-06-30T22:13:41-04:00

I joined the Army because of family tradition. My family can trace a member every generation back to the Civil War. It was my turn for service.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 10:43 PM

2015-06-30T22:43:20-04:00

I had A Marine recruiter and Navy recruiter visit the same day, my father was Navy , I Went Marine.... And now I am Navy...in a Marine Corps Way...

Response by SSG Robert Blair made Jun 30 at 2015 11:07 PM

2015-06-30T23:07:07-04:00

My father was Navy during Vietnam, but both my grandfathers were Army Airbourne soldiers in WWII. I was inspired to do the same.

Response by SSG Steve Van Erden made Jun 30 at 2015 11:14 PM

2015-06-30T23:14:18-04:00

Since I was in grade school I wanted the military. Looked at all branches. Dad wanted the Navy. Nah, never liked the love boat. Mom wanted the Air Force. Couldn't do it, too boring for me. Army offered more career fields I was interested in and to tell the truth had to be the rebel. Army here I come. Did 7 years on active, best years of my life, but decided to leave to make $$$$ as a cop. Did that but wanted to go back to active. Ignored my true calling and stayed a cop. Active in reserves. Did National Guard but it was too 'good ole boy' for me. Then USAR, great but same damn mission each year. Left for USNR, but wanted to go to A School (intel) to fit my civilian career schedule, but was denied. Then came USAFR, learned what Forest Gump said bout Air Force was correct, 'if you don't fly planes, you aren't nothing in the Air Force'. Proudly went to Army Recruiter in my USAR recruiter in my USAFR uniform crying 'Bring me back PLEASE!!' To which they were more then happy to oblige. Quickly volunteered for Iraq and was sent for 17 months. Did my tour as an IMA, but when I tried to re-up, DENIED b/c of TBI I suffered as a cop. Broke my heart. Mande me regret my decision to leave active more of a regret. I now guide young people to the military. I sell all branches: Army, Marines, Squids, Zoomies and Puddle Pirates, but push Army then Marines.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Jul 1 at 2015 3:23 AM

2015-07-01T03:23:44-04:00

The Navy is a family tradition.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 9:15 AM

2015-07-01T09:15:01-04:00

My dad, a green beret, said I could be just another smart guy in the Navy, Air Force or Marines or a genius in the Army.....

Response by SPC Candace Leach made Jul 1 at 2015 9:21 AM

2015-07-01T09:21:59-04:00

I've always wanted to be a Marine since I was 7 years old and went on a field trip to the Marine Barracks 8th and I. I always want a challenge and the Marine Corps was the best decision for me. I saw it as a calling for me and seeing the discipline that they had plus I'm the first in my family to go in the military. I didn't do it for the money, I did it to join the best and also learn how to handle situations which is never taught in the civilian sector.

Response by SSG Brian Kresge made Jul 1 at 2015 11:15 AM

2015-07-01T11:15:15-04:00

I joined the Army with an airborne contract because I knew the maroon beret was a bonafide chick magnet.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-07-01T12:40:08-04:00

I wanted to follow in my dads footsteps and join the navy but my recruiter was a slacker and kept losing my paperwork and just had that idgaf attitude so I walked next door to the airforce recruiter to see what I could get out of him.

Response by SP6 Ron W. made Jul 1 at 2015 2:53 PM

2015-07-01T14:53:05-04:00

I joined the Army Security Agency because some guy in civilian clothes took me to a back room at the Los Angeles induction center after I took all those tests. He asked if would I like to go to language school and enlist for 4 years and have all kinds of great experiences? I agreed and ended going to DLI-WC, then spent 6 years in, went to different places, ended up at ASA Pac HQ in Hawaii for my last year. Then was discharged there and went to UH Manoa. Somewhat better fascinating experiences occurred. I was happy with my choice. I loved the work I did in ASA. Then loved my career as a community mental health clinician. I realized I really liked creating order out of chaos which is the way I approached crises in both careers. Thank God for the BSing times afterwards.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 1 at 2015 6:25 PM

2015-07-01T18:25:19-04:00

My childhood dream was to become a Soldier. I was interested in military history since I was about 10 years old. One of the first military history books I read was Brave Men by Ernie Pyle. In high school I was interested to apply to one of the Military Service Academies. My heart was set on USMA< West Point. I had an opportunity to apply to USNA, Annapolis; but, I had no desire to serve in the Navy - did not like deep water. I enlisted as a combat engineer in November 1974. My entrance level exams scores were high enough that I was given the opportunity to miss a road march in the winter at Fort Leonard Wood, MO to take an indoor test without having to make it up. After I graduated Combat Engineer AIT and was serving in a Combat Engineer unit at Fort Campbell, KY. There I received orders to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) at Fort Monmouth, NJ. During the USMAPS 10 month long course I received a appointment to be a cadet at USMA from my local congressman. It took a few years and a round-about path; but, I was able to fulfill my childhood dream and become an Infantry Officer in the US Army. SPC Private RallyPoint Member, LTC Stephen C., SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, MSgt Allan Folsom, MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca, CH (MAJ) William Beaver, COL Charles Williams, GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jul 1 at 2015 6:52 PM

2015-07-01T18:52:12-04:00

Ever since I was a child I was mesmerized about the Navy. All those great movies and on screen characters larger than life portraying experiences unimaginable for a child. I joined the Navy at age 17 and really wanted to be an air controller but I was too young for that rating, so I opted for Operations Specialist with a goal of certifying as either an ASAC or AIC Controller. I was able to meet my goal but along the way my best friend changed rates to the Seabees and encouraged me to do the same. I thought what new adventures awaited me and jumped ship for the ground pounding Seabees as an Equipment Operator. During a stint as a Navy Recruiter I was introduced to the Airedale Navy, brown shoes, and decided the AW rating was for me and flying in S-3s as air crew doing similar work from the get go as an Operations Specialist aboard ship. Needless to say, my dreams of being a brown shoe fell apart when I met my wife who had other plans, the US Air Force.

My new girlfriend yet to be wife was also Navy but had sights on a commission in the Air Force and my life changed forever. After the Gulf War I sought an early discharge, joined the Reserves, and started college. A few years later with a new sheepskin in one hand and my other hand raised I swore into the Air Force as a brand new butter bar, 2nd LT. What a wakeup call the Air Force was to me. After spending nearly 17-years enlisted Navy it was strange to say the least to be an officer but the AIR FORCE. My first duty assignment in the Air Force was at Keesler Medical Center and what a strange land, uniforms, and customs met me head on. Thankfully shortly after my reporting for duty several other brand new butter bars reported in, all mustang officers like me and some from the Navy. It was here that I really learned and lived Air Force, all thanks to my new found mustang officer buddies. I have to be honest though, it did take me nearly 4-years to feel like I truly belonged to the Air Force, but I always had a fondness for the Navy. After several more assignments I knew I had found a new home until I met another former Navy enlisted, now mustang Air Force officer at Yokota AB, Japan. He was in the process of completing an inter-service transfer into the little known US Public Health Service (PHS) and talked up this uniformed service. You guessed it, another adventure was staring me in the face.

Let’s just say, I too did an inter-service transfer into the PHS and what a world it was. I found I could serve anywhere in the world, work in or out of my career field, and pursue any one two three career choices at my discretion. Simply amazing!

Do I regret any of my career choices, no! I miss my buddies but we all know they will always remain buddies and who knows your paths may cross again. I live my Navy days daily by communicating with my Navy buddies via emails, phone calls, and we have our 3rd reunion this year. As to my Air Force buddies some have retired, some are still serving and we talk all the time about our careers and bouncing ideas off of each other. As to the PHS, there are a large number of former military members serving and I have actually served with two of my Air Force buddies at the same command after they had switched to the PHS. I find those former military officers keep a close circle of friends; I suppose it’s from shared similar military experiences. Regrets, a few; but what fun I have had exploring a full career in several different jobs along the way and wearing three different uniforms. The ending of my story yet remains, another 3 years before we plan to call it a career. I wonder what adventures lay ahead!

Response by PO2 Kayla Modschiedler made Jul 1 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-07-01T19:11:47-04:00

The Navy's recruiter was open when I walked in. No joke, they were the first office open and I needed a freaking job. I'm from Ohio and it was around the time that all the factories were shutting down and there were seriously no job prospects. That was before 9/11 and not very long after the original WTC bombing so after that it got more serious. They say Never Again Volunteer Yourself but I did, over, and over again. They gave me a good job and good training, plus even though I was injured on the ship I still would do it over again. Maybe the next time around I would do it as an officer though! I may be crazy but I"m not stupid! lol

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jul 1 at 2015 7:15 PM

2015-07-01T19:15:42-04:00

My father & Great Grandfather were both in the Army. I got a call from a great uncle who had been on tin cans in the Navy during WWII. His boat had been torpedoed, he survived, but it was a rough ordeal. He said this "Kevin, boats can sink, planes can fall out the sky, but the odds of the ground opening up and sucking you in are pretty slim." This kind of cemented the Army for me. In 1987 or 88 while stationed in Northern Italy we got a small rumbler that woke me up, and my uncle's words came back to haunt me.

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 1 at 2015 7:44 PM

2015-07-01T19:44:02-04:00

Family tradition of going either Air Force or Army - tried Air Force then went Army as it was a better fit.

Response by Cpl Shawn Hueter made Jul 1 at 2015 8:00 PM

2015-07-01T20:00:34-04:00

I always wanted to serve in the military. My family served in the Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard. I wanted to change things up, and the Corps was my calling. I loved every minute of it, and I do miss the Corps.

Response by SSG Paul Setterholm made Jul 1 at 2015 8:19 PM

2015-07-01T20:19:23-04:00

Maternal grandfather died in ww2 great uncle was combat wounded in Korea uncle served in Vietnam all in the army. It was all I wanted to be as a child. Dad served in Air Force during Vietnam fyi

Response by PO3 Sonny Simms made Jul 1 at 2015 9:37 PM

2015-07-01T21:37:02-04:00

My dad was a Marine and I was torn between that and the Navy. A friend who was in the Navy said, "go in the Coast Guard." So three of us did. They loved it both went all over the world well I was in the Ninth Naval District. My choice and I hated it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 11:03 PM

2015-07-01T23:03:42-04:00

Drove an hour and a half to the nearest air force recruiting station just to find out it was permanently closed. Army recruiter next door was open and offering a bonus.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Jul 1 at 2015 11:40 PM

2015-07-01T23:40:03-04:00

Military was always an option. I've got family in the services all the way back to the revolution. I chose navy because my dad was navy, but I also had two uncles in the navy, one retired from the army and one past marine. Just on my dad's recommendation I did check with the AF recruiter too. She was a starched mousy thing that didn't impress me at all. Couldn't get past that first impression thinking if that was what the AF did to women, I didn't want to be there. There was a female navy recruiter in the office at the time. Her personality and attitude was much more my style.

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Jul 1 at 2015 11:44 PM

2015-07-01T23:44:37-04:00

I grew up in the inner city in Kansas City. I was blessed enough to attend Parochial school all my life. Needless to say in High School we were targets for the public school boys. I was that skilled in defending myself.

So when it came time to join the military. I wanted to prove to myself that I was tough enough to handle the Marines. I wrote a letter to my father telling him I had qualified with the M-14 as a Marine Rifle Expert. He was so proud of me, since he was a policeman and had been in the Army during WWII. He read that letter I had written, to my grandfather who was so proud of me. My grandfather passed away that night.

After I returned home from boot camp, none of the guys that use to bully me every touched me again. I ended up staying for five years including a tour in Vietnam.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 12:57 AM

2015-07-02T00:57:26-04:00

I joined the Army because it was what I knew. I was an Army Brat for several of my first years of life. My Dad did three tours in Vietnam and it was all I really knew. I didn't consider the other branches because I didn't want to disapoint my father. He had us police calling cigarette butts and beer cans soon after we learned to walk!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 1:31 AM

2015-07-02T01:31:40-04:00

The Army was my first choice because my grandfather served in the army (WWII). Army recruiter spoke with me for months but didn't speak to me June or July of 96 and the Marine Recruiter came to my house in August and by the end of the month I was in the DEP. Did my initial contract and got out. Several years down the road I was working at my local sheriffs office when an Army Recruiter came by for a criminal history check. He saw my USMC Tattoo and ask if I had ever considered joining the Army. I told him I had been by but the Army had a tattoo policy and the Corps wasn't taking PS Marines. Well He told me that policy had changed and 1 month later I was in the Army. Best decision I've ever made.

Response by MSG Donald R. Lee, M.B.A. made Jul 2 at 2015 2:55 AM

2015-07-02T02:55:25-04:00

I was a senior in high school way back when and a friend of mine had already joined the local National Guard. It was an armor unit and I figured running over trees and blowing stuff up in a tank one weekend a month beat the crap out of flipping burgers three days a week, so I signed up. Plus the fact that my dad was a Navy man, as was his dad. And my sis (at the time) was married to a Marine. And my older brother would later go on to be a Cobra pilot in the Army. The military was never a question for me really. It was always just a matter of what service, what job, and when. The Nat'l Guard just gave me an opportunity to enjoy it earlier. Two years later I was enlisting in the Marines and found myself headed back to boot camp - this time for the Corps. Probably out of all of the services, the Corps was the last place I thought I would find myself. Looking back now, I wouldn't be who I am today without those 5 years in the Corps. Semper Fi!

Response by LTC Nancy Bodyk (Retired) made Jul 2 at 2015 7:46 AM

2015-07-02T07:46:58-04:00

The Army Recruiter was the first one to call and I wanted out of the little town I grew up in. Plus my dad always talked to my brothers about joining the Army. Three of them joined the Navy just to make him mad. He wasn't, he was just glad they had joined the Service. Now I got the lecture about the talk about joining the Army was for my brothers and not us girls, but he resigned himself to the fact that I was just going to sign up when I turned 18 anyway.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 8:56 AM

2015-07-02T08:56:53-04:00

I always thought I would end up in the Air Force, but I couldn't figure out a job that I wanted. I grew up as a competitive swimmer and wanted away from the water for a while, so no Navy. My brother is a lot younger than me and was looking into going to West Point. We are total opposites and I thought it would be nice to have something in common with him. I talked to his ROTC instructor (an amazing Marine MSG) about it and he hooked me up with the Army recruiter. They treated me the best, pushed me towards OCS, got me a slot in a local unit, and here I am now. The Army has been great to me so far and I absolutely love it.

Response by SA Tim Peter made Jul 2 at 2015 8:58 AM

2015-07-02T08:58:47-04:00

Partly because my dad & uncles served in the Navy during WWII. But the main reason was that it just seemed better than the Army which I was literally hours from taking the oath. After signing on the dotted line (but not yet taking the oath), I went home with many doubts. That night I called recruiters for Navy & Air Force. Navy returned my call within 30 min, USAF never did. After going through all the recruitment stuff, I signed the papers AND took the oath! (Needless to say, my Army recruiter was pissed! Haha)

Response by MCPO Dennis Didier made Jul 2 at 2015 9:00 AM

2015-07-02T09:00:55-04:00

In the movies, the sailors always got the pretty girl, so that was good enough for me. And it worked: I've been married to her for almost 40 years and served 31 years in the Navy. I'm a man of lofty goals, eh?

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made Jul 2 at 2015 11:06 AM

2015-07-02T11:06:35-04:00

I decided that I wanted to go in the military and spoke to my father a 26 year MGySgt in the Marines and he told me that he did not care as long as it was not the Marines because they were turning into a bunch of p#$$ies (his words, not mine). I scored VERY well on the ASVAB and took/passed the Nuclear test for the navy. After passing I was speaking to the recruiter and told him that I had failed Algebra my freshman year (called the instructor an a$$hole and got a 0 for the semester), but had gotten an "A" when I retook it in summer school. The recruiter gave me some B$ about being disqualified for the Nuclear service because I had failed a math class. So I stood up, told him how I felt, and introduced myself to the Air Force recruiter at the other side of the office.

Response by MCPO Jim Weatherford made Jul 2 at 2015 1:10 PM

2015-07-02T13:10:24-04:00

The Navy was not my first choice, but they had the shortest wait time when i came in. I wanted Marines but did not want to wait around. They say everything happens for a reason and the Navy ended up being a very good place for me.

Response by SGT Clark Staten made Jul 2 at 2015 4:03 PM

2015-07-02T16:03:45-04:00

family ties...both my father and grandfather had served in the USA. It was almost mandatory that I do the same.

Response by PV2 Edward Elkins made Jul 2 at 2015 7:20 PM

2015-07-02T19:20:32-04:00

I didn't want to be stuck in a ship on the sea , and I had veteran family members who were in the navy , one shot himself after being in vietnam, the other was an alcoholic disabled from a world war II wound to his leg while on an aircraft carrier, also he was exposed to agent orange. I also had an uncle who was an army comms guy attached to a green beret unit in Vietnam , he did two tours, his unit commander was leader of a drug dealing ring and he got scapegoated because he was attached, he got a dishonorable discharge. I lived near an airforce base when I was a teen, and on another for 2 years in my late 20's, I knew that pilots use LSD, and drink a lot and met enough airforce people to know they didn't live all to well. So I had to make my decision I decided to go Army so I wouldn't be stuck in a plane or out at sea , being on a ship with only men didn't sound to appealing, I was a physically active young man and liked the thought of the Ground War, I went in at age 31 , I was told to go guard first and didn't listen, The recruiter told me I would be working an easy 9 to 5 job at the hospital as a health care specialist, they sent me to Fort Benning,Ga for basic , first war they ever trained medics at benning for basic I was told, I didn't know I was a medic until I got there, the recruiter just had health care specialist on my paperwork, they changed it they said because of the needs of the army. So I enjoyed the AIT of Fort Sam Houston for awhile, good food, lots of AWOL time, and watching blood and gore movies all day , working with mechanical soldiers that squirt water instead of blood, and being poked in the arm by my battle buddy during training excersizes to learn to give IV's and shots. jogging by the graveyards each morning; Had I not joined the Army I could have been like the airforce guy who was in a college class I was in recently , wearing high heel shoes for women and drawing pictures of Tinker Bell in an art class, Thank God I went Army, not that tinker bell doesn't lie in wait for you in the army , but who's to complain right. I got my Basic Infantry skills , some medic skills I will never use again or may save someones life someday now that I am out, an honorable discharge , and get to think about shooting m-16's and throwing grenades for the rest of my life even though I have been out for 11 years, but with all the civilians wanting to know how to shoot their weapons , I feel it must of been good training.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 9:03 PM

2015-07-02T21:03:55-04:00

Because I didn't want to be Air Force. Nothing against them, but my Dad, his Dad, his Brothers and my Mothers Father were all in the Army Air Corp or Air Force. I just had to be different.

Response by PO2 Robert Cuminale made Jul 2 at 2015 9:41 PM

2015-07-02T21:41:24-04:00

Tradition. My Mother's family serves in the Navy.
I have a cruise book from the 1914-1918 Far East cruise of the USS Huron, a coal loader. Both of my Mother's Uncles served at the same time on her. One a Lieutenat the other a CPO. A heck of a trip. My Brother moaned about a 7 month Med cruise on the Forrestal. These guys were gone for four years. They were in China which closed until Nixon's trip. They were in Russia watching White and Red Russians ships shooting at each other. I also have a wool flat cap with US NAVY printed on it.
Where else can you see stuff like that except the Navy?

Response by PO3 Jody Wangen made Jul 2 at 2015 11:16 PM

2015-07-02T23:16:45-04:00

was 21 and had been supporting myself for a year. having a good time and working full time. problem was, every morning at 630 my mother stopped by my apartment on her way to work and bitched at me and demanding to know what I was doing here and there the night before. got sick of it. went across the street to the library and had a talk with the navy recruiter. only one we in our small town. signed up and got paid to leave home. mother was pissed. she had to brag about me for joining up and doing something with my life. third generation American, 2nd generation navy as my uncle was in korea. my son wanted more challenge. he joined the marines.

Response by SPC(P) Abdul Halim made Jul 3 at 2015 1:10 PM

2015-07-03T13:10:01-04:00

I wanted to serve as a Soldier...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2015 12:04 AM

2015-07-04T00:04:17-04:00

Because I scored high enough to have the choice! But seriously, I wanted to travel the world and was told that the Air Force was the way to go. They didn't lie!

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Jul 4 at 2015 4:35 AM

2015-07-04T04:35:21-04:00

The Army recruiting station was the closest one to my house.

Response by SSgt Tom Hughes made Jul 4 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-07-04T15:11:41-04:00

I felt obliged to serve, in 1962 and went to enlist in the Navy. I then went next door to the USAF and found that it appealed to me more, and enlisted. I went for physical and failed for a ridiculous reason and was rejected by the USAF and the Draft. I wanted to go, so I had the problem remedied and went back to the USAF and was accepted and spent 4 years.....a great 4 years.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-07-04T20:58:50-04:00

I come from a huge family of military members, most of them aviators, all of whom served in combat. I joined the USCG at 18 as I grew up on the water and hoped to follow their footsteps, but I grew up running boats, and ended up as a Surfman, the highest level of small boat operating in our service. Next year is my 20th, and I am retiring at the ripe old age of 38. It is sad to think that this was probably the most exciting time of my life lol....Semper P!!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 4 at 2015 9:02 PM

2015-07-04T21:02:20-04:00

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member, besides what I said earlier about the Navy being the first one to call me, my Dad was in the Navy so it was pretty much a no-brainer. However, Dad was an Engineman and wanted me to follow in his footsteps despite the fact that I have no mechanical aptitude (or interest) whatsoever. So I joined as a non-designated Seaman! To that Dad said "I didn't raise my son to be a fucking Deck Ape!" to my recruiter.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2015 8:50 AM

2015-07-05T08:50:33-04:00

Marines dont have a Nuke program.

Response by SSgt Marshall Franklin made Jul 5 at 2015 5:27 PM

2015-07-05T17:27:52-04:00

I joined the army now still in high school my sophomore year of school. I did so because I wanted to impress the ladies and wear uniform school. When I graduated from high school I switched over to the Air Force. Main reason being I look better in blue and then green. Plus I loved my job. I've had full bird colonel put in his place, in a respectful manner. got a high five from my first sergeant for that. and put a fresh lieutenant fresh out of ROTC an Airborne Ranger dropped. For disrespecting me. I miss my job.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2015 4:31 PM

2015-07-06T16:31:16-04:00

I reckoned myself to be a Marine as a young 17 year old high school student. I liked the uniform the most. First you have to put yourself in the mindset of a back country 17 year old who knew nothing about life at all. I was hotheaded and never had any intention of listening to anyone. When I was signing paperwork with the Marine recruiter I could not get over how angry he seemed. This guy was pissed off about everything, a major dickhead! I engaged him in a spirited debate over why he was so angry and it devolved into me leaving that office. No way was I doing any business with that fellow! So, there I stood outside the recruitment center, plan deflated, going through the mental options at hand. I had no job prospects, no education, and an ugly girl pregnant at home already. My old man, who loved the Army, more than anything I would wager, had told me that he didn't want me to join the Army (definitely not the Marines!) so that wasn't an option. I couldn't swim, so in a kids mind that rules out the Navy and boats right away. I walked down to the Air Force section and inside that office sat a gorgeous young blonde SSgt who looked right at me and smiled. Life happens that way some times :p

Response by PO2 Artemas Walker made Jul 7 at 2015 6:22 AM

2015-07-07T06:22:47-04:00

I had family in all the other branches.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 10:49 AM

2015-07-07T10:49:46-04:00

Da parents...my dad was AF. Also, I get terribly sea sick so Navy and CG were out. The Army spent too much time in the mud. (I actally went through Army basic at Fort Knox cause I was going to attend NMMI). Wasn't tough enough to be a Marine. Golly I love Marines...you guys are awesome. So, AF is where I ended up. Rwas different (better!!) in those Cold War SAC days. Now it's akin to Comcast and Burger King.

Response by PO1 Charles Foley made Jul 7 at 2015 11:40 PM

2015-07-07T23:40:47-04:00

Well my story is I had a appointment with the Air force recruiter, got lost getting there and talked to the Army, good info back then but i had to get to the appointment, went down the road still no luck finding the Air Force, found the Navy and Marines, walked in the back door or i probably would of been a marine, liked what the navy had to offer and believe it or not my recruiter was honest thru the whole process, even told me "what the hell did you do that for" when i came back from meps with a seaman apprentice ship school, glad i did though 20 years later no regrets, US Navy gave me a family and skills to better my life. oh and all the port of calls i made in 20 years.

Response by SSgt Kristian Fugrad made Jul 7 at 2015 11:53 PM

2015-07-07T23:53:20-04:00

I joined the Air Force, because of experience of my other family members serving in all the different branches of the military. I say the good and bad. I lived in Navy bases, and Marine Camps growing up. My father is retired Navy. He told me not to join the Navy but join the AF. My experience in the Air Force is that we are treated better and treated like human beings regardless of rank, you might agree with me or not. I respected my Supervisors even though I did not like them sometimes, but they never treated me like crap. I have worked for the Marine Logistics Command (MARLOGCOM) as a civilian, and I watch these LCPL (E-3) treat the lower ranks like crap, and the CPL (E-4) treat the E-3 and below worst. I don't hate on any branch of the service. We all joined and served our country, or is still serving.

Response by CPO Robert Wilkins made Jul 11 at 2015 9:44 PM

2015-07-11T21:44:31-04:00

The fact that they were a lifesaving service

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Jul 14 at 2015 1:33 PM

2015-07-14T13:33:21-04:00

I was a board-certified and licensed Paramedic where I lived, but couldn't join the local FD because I was too young (insurance reasons). I joined the Navy because I wanted to be a Corpsman and go green. The Navy had other plans, however. I have a slight hand tremor and the Navy said that it disqualified me from being a Corpsman. Since I was already in Boot when the decision was made, I was slated to go to the fleet as a non-rate. I graduated #3 in my boot class and was able to pick a school...the rest is history.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 2:20 PM

2015-07-16T14:20:48-04:00

My father was a Marine. That had a lot to do with it but was not the real reason...

The Marine Recruiters came by my high school just before my junior year let out for the summer. I grabbed a couple stickers and slapped one in my locker. I was sharing my locker with a buddy of mine and he decided he would write "You will never be one" across the bright Yellow MARINES sticker.

We were a competitive bunch and never turned away from a bet or a dare. A $20 bet later and I was standing in the recruiter's office. I enlisted in the DEP that weekend. I graduated the following year on June 10th 1993 and on June 13th 1993 I was standing on the foot prints at PI.

22 years later I am still enjoying the greatest $20 bet I ever won!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 4:07 PM

2015-07-18T16:07:31-04:00

To be honest I worked with a retired senior chief who said he liked it and blue is my favorite color

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Jul 23 at 2015 1:07 PM

2015-07-23T13:07:22-04:00

My dad was a bomber pilot in the USAAF in WWII. I grew up loving all things military. My friends and I even played "realistic" Army in our neighborhood. Come graduation from HS, I never considered joining the Armed Forces. When I was 20, someone asked me when I was going to get a real job. I had recently completed EMT training and was bummed that I couldn't get hired due to my age (had to be 23). A kid I knew told me that he just joined the Navy that day. I got off work and went down to the Navy recruiters office that same day and signed up. Since I was a swimmer, it never really occurred to me to join another branch. Just never thought about it. Kinda weird when I think about it today.

Response by PO3 Brendan O'Gara made Aug 18 at 2015 11:35 AM

2015-08-18T11:35:06-04:00

the ability to serve

Response by MAJ Judd Clemens made Nov 19 at 2015 2:50 PM

2015-11-19T14:50:34-05:00

I joined the PA National Guard when I was 16 so it just seemed to make sense to join the Army later. I retired when I was 42.

Response by SGT Jesse Velasquez made Nov 26 at 2015 8:44 PM

2015-11-26T20:44:35-05:00

I never had any plans to join the military. When I heard that the ground war in the Gulf had begun, I raced home as soon as I got off work, just so that I could watch it on TV. After I got home, I had turned on the news, my parents were at work at the time. I watch as the news gave updates as they came in, and then I saw something that defined what would the biggest decision of my life. I watch Ameticans burning the American flag in protest of the war. I was outraged, I got so angry, I began yelling at the TV, "Why in FK are you idiots burning the flag?!!" Right then and there I picked up the phone and called an Army recruiter. Not Marines, not Air Force, not Navy. For some reason I figured Army would be the quickest, I lived in Valley Springs, CA. at the time, the recruiter was coming from Lodi, CA. it takes 45 min. to get to my house, he got there in 30. After he got there, I gave him very little opportunity to go into detail about what I was getting into. He asked me what I wanted to do in the Army, I said anything that's going to get me to the war faster, and I signed everything that needed my signature. I was 20 yrs. old at the time so it went pretty quick, after everything was signed, he shook my hand and thanked me for being a patriot. He left, 4 hours later, my mom got home and broke the news to her. She was floored, I knew very little about the military, so much, that I didn't even know you got paid to be in the military. It was the best decision I ever made! I spent 9 years before a fall down a 30 ft. cliff at Ft. Erwin ended my career, one year before 9/11.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 27 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-11-27T13:28:59-05:00

I joined the Army because I was intrigued with tanks.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Dec 1 at 2015 2:33 PM

2015-12-01T14:33:42-05:00

I was a diver and went in to be UDT> That changed when UDT became part of the SEALs

Response by SP6 Ron W. made Dec 3 at 2015 1:44 PM

2015-12-03T13:44:48-05:00

I was 21 in 1965 and was about to get drafted. I had screwed around after high school surfing up and down the coast of California. Then reality hit. Went to main recruiting station, took a bunch of tests, was called into a back room (dramatic, huh?) by an Army Security Agency representative, promised language school if signed up for 4 years, and so I did. I served for 6 years. Wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2016 11:26 AM

2016-03-19T11:26:11-04:00

Real simple for me. I saw the Navy as the beginning of a career. When I thought of the Army and Marine Corps, all I pictured was being on the front lines of battle. I stayed away from the Air Force because I didn't want anything to do with aviation. The saw the Navy as an opportunity to learn a trade that I could continue in the civilian world after my career in the Navy ended.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Mar 24 at 2016 3:32 PM

2016-03-24T15:32:10-04:00

As a kid, I saw how much fun my Dad had serving in the Air Force. Also, how many friends he kept for many years after. I couldn't pass up an opportunity like that.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2016 3:46 PM

2016-03-24T15:46:39-04:00

Because the Army was the best way to guarantee myself a job as a combat medic, and that's the only job I wanted.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Mar 24 at 2016 4:01 PM

2016-03-24T16:01:51-04:00

AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Mar 31 at 2016 12:04 PM

2016-03-31T12:04:58-04:00

About damned time!

Response by PO1 Don Mac Intyre made Mar 31 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-03-31T12:54:12-04:00

I had family members in "the big four"
They were not over all happy, when I was 10, a neighbor was resued by the USCG. His continously glowing praise was enough to make me look into it.
And I joined up at 17.
It was an absolute blast.

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Mar 31 at 2016 1:41 PM

2016-03-31T13:41:43-04:00

I had considered it upon graduation from HS, but wasn't serious about it. It wasn't until a friend of mine came to me in the summer of '87 and told me that he just joined the Navy. I started thinking, "I'm tired of these dead-end jobs and not really doing anything with my life." The next day, I visited his recruiter. Since I was already an EMT, I joined as a Corpsman; looking to go green. The Navy had other plans for me. Joining the Navy was the single best decision I've ever made. I've had a career in IT for over 25 years.

Response by SPC Rory J. Mattheisen made May 6 at 2016 9:50 PM

2016-05-06T21:50:56-04:00

101st Airborne Division, I had to be a Screaming Eagle. Then I get there and had to wear the leaning shithouse, no division Riggers. I didnt have to wait long, I got orders to meet up with the rest of the unit @ LSA Anaconda within two weeks of getting to Campbell.

Response by SGT Kyle Johnson made May 11 at 2016 8:32 PM

2016-05-11T20:32:07-04:00

Went to see the Air Force recruiter, best friends dad was a AF fighter pilot. He was awesome... Air Force recruiter was out and I will never forget the Army SSG recruiter leaning in the doorway, smoking a cigar, said " Thought about the Army?" Woke up at Ft McClellan Al. with a DI screaming at me...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2017 3:16 PM

2017-06-30T15:16:17-04:00

Career day in high school. The only recruiter who wasn't at lunch was the AF recruiter. I told him I want to work on airplanes and he said " you're in luck. We have a few airplanes".

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Jun 30 at 2017 3:52 PM

2017-06-30T15:52:20-04:00

Grandfather & father both Army, and I admired and respected them so followed.
That, and I wanted to jump out of planes.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2017 9:45 AM

2017-09-04T09:45:30-04:00

Lazy Air Force recruiters, mostly. After a year of waiting for them to do their "tier eval" on the charter school I graduated from before I could go to MEPS, and getting the runaround every time I asked for an update, I finally gave them the proverbial "F you" and went next door to talk to the Marines. They even gave me my ASVAB score because the Air Force never did after I took the test with them a year before. After getting the T-shirt and getting slayed for four months, I was finally on my way to boot camp.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2017 12:58 PM

2017-09-04T12:58:59-04:00

I served in three: USN, USA, and USCG. They were all conscious choices and/or they represented very specific MOS-related opportunities, at the time.

Response by HN Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2017 1:35 PM

2017-09-04T13:35:15-04:00

Although we all joke around with each other, we still support one another and their branch choices. While we think we are better than the others, each branch has their distinct qualities that make each one unique. Growing up an Air Force brat, I knew that they had some of the better living qualities and ways of life, but when it was time to choose what ROTC Branch i wanted I was deciding between Army and Marine Corps because I knew I wanted to be in the shit with my brothers in arms; it is where I truly felt I could make the difference. While that is able to be done in each branch I think those two offer the most job flexible if that is the lifestyle you are looking for. Every service provides great leadership, commitment, and ability to make the most out of yourself, I know that eventually it is all preference.

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Oct 5 at 2017 2:38 PM

2017-10-05T14:38:53-04:00

Dumb luck! I tried to join the Army ski troops but was directed into intelligence as a 17 year old promised intrigue - not at all what I thought. I have served as a retiree bugler with the Air Force for the past 10 years and frequently travel space-a, I am impressed with the Air Force and if I did it all over again, it would be the US Air Force

Response by SP5 Lori Pong made Nov 17 at 2017 3:51 PM

2017-11-17T15:51:31-05:00

My family was 1/2 Navy and 1/2 Army. When I looked into enlisted I talked to the Army, Navy and Air Force. (didn't consider the Marines an option for me). After long talks, I found that the Army was the best fit for me. Being the largest branch, the Army gave me more places to travel to. I could be assigned almost anywhere in the world. Since the Army doesn't have a promotion board until E5, promotions were quicker, which of course meant raises. When I saw the AF Staff Sergeant with the Army Staff, I didn't think about it until I understood rank. This was 10 years after Vietnam. Both had the same time in service but 1 was an E5 and 1 was an E6. That tells me not only more $$ but a chance for better advancement.

Response by CW3 Susan Burkholder made Nov 18 at 2017 8:57 AM

2017-11-18T08:57:06-05:00

Ah nostalgia day. Wish I had seen this sooner.
I was at a crossroads in my life, nothing was working career wise. Having two older sisters, it was natural to ask them for advice. They both responded, they wished they had gone into the service and urged me to consider it. I asked them why they didn't ultimately join. Mom had talked them out of it. I found out at my graduation from basic training how mad my Mom was at them for giving me bad advice.
But why the Army? Because the Air Force Recruiter spent the entire meeting explaining to me how frustrated he was that his ex-wife was not behaving properly despite his best efforts to control her. I could not get out of there fast enough. I lied to him. Told him I would think about the Air Force thanked him for his time and excused myself.
I drove down the street to the Army Recruiter. He was refreshingly professional. Gave me the ASVAB right away and then talked options. I signed that day.

Response by SPC Robert Coventry made Nov 18 at 2017 9:58 AM

2017-11-18T09:58:42-05:00

Wanted to be a coastee but the wait list was too long

Response by CPL Dana Stoddard made Nov 18 at 2017 11:59 AM

2017-11-18T11:59:28-05:00

I was drafted ,but was in for 6

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Nov 18 at 2017 1:30 PM

2017-11-18T13:30:35-05:00

Airborne!

Response by SGT Steven Hines made Nov 18 at 2017 1:33 PM

2017-11-18T13:33:29-05:00

The Army made me a better deal, but in the long run i probably made rank faster in the Air Force.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2018 4:13 AM

2018-08-17T04:13:37-04:00

For me, the US Army motto "Be All That You Can Be" back in the 80's got my attention. Since I cannot swim, the Navy, Coast Guard & the Marine Corps was out of the question. The Air Force? Well, I hate flying.