Why did you join the military?

RallyPoint News — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 15:03:15 -0400

Pat Tillman joined the Army after the Twin Towers fell on 9/11. He put aside his career in the NFL to honor our country. What reasons did you decide to take an oath to the United States of America?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 4 at 2021 3:09 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 15:09:39 -0400

One to serve my country, and two I was the second one in my family to serve @RallyPoint.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jun 5 at 2021 7:17 AM

Cpl Vic Burk — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 07:17:29 -0400

I wanted to serve my country and protect the American way of life. My main reason I joined when I did was to get away from home at seventeen years old but I was planning to join on my eighteenth birthday anyways. I just got to enlist earlier with the signature of my mother. Best decision of my life. I still carry my values that I acquired in the military with me today.

Response by 1SG Steven Imerman made Jun 8 at 2021 2:14 PM

1SG Steven Imerman — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:14:33 -0400

Well, my reason was not too high-faluting. I lost my job as a logger during the oil shock recession after the Yom Kippur War, my recent bride came up pregnant, and workman's comp sounded a whole lot like welfare to this old country boy.

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Jun 8 at 2021 2:16 PM

Maj Robert Thornton — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:16:24 -0400

I had always wanted to serve in the armed forces since I was a kid. However, in my sophomore year of college I attempted to get into the Matine Corps Platoon Leader Program. Unfortunately my vision was an issue, but only as an officer, I passed. After getting my second degree as a BSN, I looked at the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The only recruiter that wasn't stretching the truth was the Air Force recruiter. I signed up for 3 years, ended up retiring.

Response by PO2 Harold Ashton made Jun 8 at 2021 2:19 PM

PO2 Harold Ashton — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:19:37 -0400

My inspiration was my Uncle Larry who chose the Navy and was in the Pacific for much of WWII. The main reason was the same for many in my small town in Oregon - to get out of there. Wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world other than my children.

Response by MSG Roy Cheever made Jun 8 at 2021 2:23 PM

MSG Roy Cheever — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:23:55 -0400

To teach others to fight against Communism! Have the American people been propagandized? Whom shall we hold responsible?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2021 2:32 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:32:14 -0400

My father died serving our country, so I was motivated to also serve. I also felt that aiding South Vietnam was a just cause.

Response by CPL LaForest Gray made Jun 8 at 2021 2:46 PM

CPL LaForest Gray — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:46:03 -0400

From a 12 1/2 year Honorable Discharged Army Veteran who came back into the military when I didn’t have to after serving 8 yrs. prior when 9/11 happened.... I called a Army recruiter buddy on Sept 12th, 2001” and told him to get me back in...

On September 27th, 2001” I was going through basic training for the 2nd time in my military career at Ft. Jackson at age 32. I served during the Gulf War support, deployed for OIF/OEF. My grandfathers, uncles, a few cousins, childhood friends served and my nephew just started his Air-force career 2 yrs. ago.

I joined because I believed in the idea

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2021 2:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:53:36 -0400

Fayetteville NC is My HOR. I wanted to get away from Ft Bragg, learn electronics, provide for My wife and children, and do something Honorable for My Nation. When I was told at MEPPS that Jump School was an option I could choose, I asked the SGT if He remembered Me saying "Get away from Ft. Bragg." That worked just fine.

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Jun 8 at 2021 3:21 PM

1LT Voyle Smith — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:21:32 -0400

I enlisted to dodge the draft. I had been working as a civilian employee of Air Force Intelligence since graduating from college in 1964; I really enjoyed my work and was halfway through my three year training program when President Johnson decided to expand the draft and began accessing married men. It became obvious that I would need to put on a uniform, so I shopped around for a service that would offer a commissioning program and allow me to serve less than four years on active duty (48 months was the maximum length of time that I could be absent from my civilian position if I wanted to return to that job). The Air Force demanded four years and four months active duty and the Navy four years and ten months (it would have included flight school at NAS Pensacola). The Army recruiter said I would only have to serve two years and ten months active duty and I could be guaranteed an OCS class date if I chose a combat arm: Armor, Artillery or Infantry. I’m 6’3” so I didn’t.t think I would fit in a tank, and I didn’t really want to drag cannons around a battlefield, so I told him to sign me up for the Infantry. I checked out from my office on Friday 18 Jan 1966 and raised my hand at the San Antonio Induction Station on Monday 21 January. And as promised, I only had to serve two years and ten months on active duty. When I finished my 12 months in Vietnam, I returned to the States at Ft Lewis, was released from active duty with an Honorable Discharge and flew home to San Antonio on Braniff Airways with a first class ticket (I paid to upgrade from Coach class, figuring I had lived like dog for long enough. I was the only passenger in the first class compartment, so I had my own stewardess.). When I returned, I discovered that my job hadn’t been held open for me, it had been transferred to NSA; and my wife at the time had me served with divorce papers two days after I got back. But that’s OK, I figure I came out smelling like a rose.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Jun 8 at 2021 4:18 PM

LTC John Griscom — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 16:18:09 -0400

I grew up next to an Air Force base (Warner Robins AFB, GA) and listened to the Air Force brats talk about the places they had been and got the travel bug.
Went to college and get my commission through ROTC with the idea that my travel dreams would come through.
My first duty station was Fort Benning, GA. I am 80 miles from home. so much for the dreams.
My next post was Korea followed up by Fort MacPherson, GA. Someone in personnel at the Pentagon must have thought I liked Georgia. After Fort MacPherson, I was overseas for the next eight years (except for my advanced course) trying to avoid Georgia.
With eleven years of active duty, eight were overseas.

Response by SPC Les Darbison made Jun 8 at 2021 6:28 PM

SPC Les Darbison — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 18:28:23 -0400

I wanted the experience and needed to learn a trade. It worked out for me. And I'm glad I did it! As far as I know, my son is the only one in my family with our last name, not to serve in the US Army. And I'm the only one who didn't serve in the infantry. It was a good experience for the most part.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2021 5:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 17:25:00 -0400

To serve my country and be part of something bigger than myself, the camaraderie and personal development. Money and benefits re great , but not only is it not my primary reason but also back in the time when I joined and benefits were far less especially in the reserve components where I spent most of my career

Response by LTC Gary Earls made Jun 9 at 2021 8:16 PM

LTC Gary Earls — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 20:16:30 -0400

I was drafted with a heart murmur. And I liked the Army because I could improve myself. I was able to go and get though flight school and decided to make the Army my career. I was riffed in 1973 and got into the Army Reserves. I retired with twenty eight years of duty. Met a lot of men who became my friends.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 10 at 2021 10:04 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 10:04:38 -0400

My Father: "Go to College Make A's and B's and I'll Pay for It" Make C's and D's You'll Pay for It or Join the Military". Me "Cool! I'll Join the Military!" Father: "I'm Kidding" Me: "I'm Not!" I was Tired of School and I really wanted to work on Radios. Well Surprise, Surprise, Surprise. Little Did I Know what I would be in for. 21 Years Later. I've attended more Schools than I ever would have wanted. LOL! A-School Corry Station, to be a Communicator for the Naval Security Group. Xerox to be a Key Operator for Copiers, Sun Corporation to Operate a PDP-11/70 for CINCPACFLT, Norfolk for CIAC Career Information and Counseling School, Back to Pensacola for TOPS Telecommunications Operations Specialist (Telecommunications Management), Another Trip to Pensacola for UYK-20 Tactical Intelligence, SAS (Sealed Authentication System, Nuclear Launch Codes) in Bremerton, WA. Coast Guard Base Seattle to Learn to be a Damage Control Petty Officer (Maintenance Supervisor for Firefighting Equipment). Bloody Hell!

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jun 10 at 2021 5:30 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 17:30:27 -0400

I was watching TV with my grandfather, a WWII First Sergeant when the fiasco cam into play with the botched Hostage rescue. He sat very still and then the camera went to the embassy in Tehran and he began to weep. He love his country so much that in WWII he joined up and served for three years in the European theater only to come back to a 3 and a half year old daughter that had never seen him. He witnessed bomber after bomber come back to base crippled and crashed or not come back at all. He wrote numerous letters to family members about their loved one that was killed and each one was unique.
To see him weep over his flag being burned and stomped and spit on...the same flag that he and many others served and died under literally broke his heart. I guess then and there I felt it was my duty to pick up the torch and carry it forward for him. Unfortunately he never was able to see me wear the uniform. I love my country and even for all its faults, it is still the best place on earth and I thank God every day I was born a US Citizen!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 11 at 2021 7:08 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 19:08:00 -0400

Adventure, travel, not having to worry about how to survive until next payday

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Jun 13 at 2021 4:15 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 16:15:20 -0400

A True American!

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jun 14 at 2021 12:47 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 12:47:50 -0400

We live in a great place. The military is a vital instrument to preserving that. I'm not special so why not me? I wasn't going to be 80 and sitting around wishing I'd done more.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jun 15 at 2021 4:34 PM

SFC William Farrell — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 16:34:15 -0400

My father and his brothers were WWII vets and I was brought up in that era so when my twin brother and I turned 17, we enlisted to serve our country. The Ballad of the Green Berets also steer us in that direction.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Jun 17 at 2021 7:22 AM

PVT Mark Zehner — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 07:22:18 -0400

I love this country and was happy to serve as both a soldier and a police officer!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 18 at 2021 8:41 AM

SSG Edward Tilton — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 08:41:38 -0400

If Pat Tillman died trying to teach a certified lunatic to use firearms, I would question his judgement

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Jun 18 at 2021 10:48 AM

PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 10:48:43 -0400

I was working 3 jobs, failing marriage, and then I found out that 2 friends of my brothers were killed in 9-11 when the Towers fell, so 6 years later, I met a Navy Chief at my one job, we started talking and when he found out I was too old for Navy, he contacts the Army and I enlist US Army and before leaving the service I was a PFC, injured and thanks to the VR&E I am now in college and President's list for the Paralegal Associate Degree Program. For me, education, confidence, and honoring my Uncle who served during Korea were my reasons.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 19 at 2021 8:43 AM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 08:43:38 -0400

Wasn’t Pat Tillman killed trying to kill a lunatic to shoot a pistol?

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Jun 20 at 2021 4:35 AM

PO1 Brian Austin — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 04:35:35 -0400

It was easy. No grades, no money, shit job, playing in a crappy cover band. I figured why not?
I had a blast for 22 yrs. Wouldn't change anything.

Response by Sgt Cullen Smith made Jun 24 at 2021 4:40 AM

Sgt Cullen Smith — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 04:40:55 -0400

Initially because my Dad was a CMSG in the MS Air National Guard and I highly respected him, BUT things turned sour when I was threatened by the KKK Democrats within our Civil Engineering Squadron SO I was given the fine choice of a Dishonorable Discharge from the MSANG or join the Regular AF. In the Regular AF I still had to deal with the "Good Ole Boys" club.

Response by SSG John Oliver made Jun 24 at 2021 10:19 PM

SSG John Oliver — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 22:19:30 -0400

To travel to exciting exotic places and meet interesting people, than kill them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2021 7:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 07:31:28 -0400

Duty.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 25 at 2021 12:03 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 12:03:22 -0400

I wanted to be a pilot, specifically an Air Force pilot. It was my goal since I was a kid. It directed me into getting a bachelors degree and completing 4-year AFROTC. I applied for pilot training and was accepted. Serving my country and protecting our way of life was an important, longer-term, consideration. This was all during the Viet Nam era. I was proud to step forward and volunteer to serve when many men my age (18-21) were finding ways to avoid service. I did receive my Air Force pilot rating in July 1970. I never went to Viet Nam, despite volunteering. The Air Force needed me elsewhere.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Sep 17 at 2021 7:46 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 19:46:59 -0400

RallyPoint News: I joined the Army to: travel; and, to learn how to lead. GOD bless you: Mr. Pat Tillman. Mr. Pat Tillman you are a True Hero.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2021 12:36 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 00:36:05 -0400

1. Get away from home and see the world.
2. Didn't want to be indebted to parent for college.