What was your defining moment when you thought that I can do this Army/Navy/Air Force/Marines?

3rd Duty Station, Just put on E-5 Everytime I turned around they were putting more on my Plate, Dept Career Counselor, Command Photographer, NWP Custodian, Security Alert Team and Asst Dept Head. Little to no oversight. I fell in love with it then probably.

My was on my first patrol as a non-rate. We went to some really neat places and the people I worked for and worked with were just awesome. That is when I knew the Coast Guard was the place for me. Since that day, I never considered getting out. I am a lifer and the Military continues to treat me right. I will continue to serve my country faithfully and happier than ever, until they show me the door. 

Oye.... Quite honestly, I spent the entire time at Parris Island, thinking that, at any moment, I was going to be yanked out and put into another 'cycle.' It wasn't because I was bad at anything, or because I totally sucked at being a Marine, but I had this absolute terror of not being GOOD ENOUGH, when every single generation of my family, since 1775, has served in the Marines. It was my personal nightmare, and I pushed myself, and never lost that fear of not being good enough, until the moment that SSGT Condon put that Eagle, Globe, and Anchor into my hand and called me Marine for the first time. A total loss of military bearing in that moment, as I stood there, with tears rolling down my cheeks, and absolutely shocked by the sense of relief that made me weak in the knees.
That was my moment. I had no doubts about doing the job, not a single one about wearing the uniform with pride and serving the country well, my single fear, was the idea of not being good enough to wear the uniform, and I felt that until that very second that my fingers curled around that emblem.

When did I think this might be a good career?? When I saw some of my peers leave the army and take a $20k pay drop. Civilian world is rough for science right now.

SFC A.M. Drake I think I am still waiting for mine.

Congrats to all military members who serve iin each branch with pride and respect. Each has an important tradition and a vital role in defending our nation. Having served along side of each service, in time of conflict, I am proud how each we worked together to accomplish the mission.

While attending the Airborne Course at Ft. Benning 30+ years ago, it was very hot and humid and we were being PT'd to death by the 'Black Hat'. I was young and getting fed up with all the BS and thought maybe I'd tell them to shove it. The one Black Hat went on about quitters and losers and right there his words motivated me to suck it up and drive on. I graduated and Earned my wings and went on to serve in an airborne unit. ( Unlike some officers you see with wings that are only '5 jump Commandos' !!--Those are parachute qualified but are NOT Paratroopers )