1LT Private RallyPoint Member 64989 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I sought a commission because I felt called to serve. On 9/11/01 I was in the seventh grade attending class in Northern Virginia. I saw how the attack on the Pentagon affected my community. My friends lost parents. I consider myself a Patriot, and as an able-bodied young man, I joined the Infantry because it is where I thought I could have the most direct impact on the mission, and on Soldiers. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Having served for a couple of years now, I&#39;ve learned that the military isn&#39;t exactly what I expected. Leading Soldiers is the greatest privilege I&#39;ve ever known and they humble me every day. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Our priorities as an institution, however, seem a little off-base, at times. The bureaucratic processes of this organization often seem to take precedence over the mission, and our Soldiers. Power-point slides, CUBs, BUBs and DUBs seem more important than executing tough, realistic training. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;All of this has left me questioning my future in the military. I want nothing more than a simple career, serving this Nation and the honorable young men and women of it&#39;s Army. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I&#39;m too new at this to be jaded. Am I just a young lieutenant who needs to shut up and get with the program? Or have others had these same concerns, and perhaps even left service as a result?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Please be professional and constructive.&lt;br&gt; 2014-02-26T09:48:09-05:00 1LT Private RallyPoint Member 64989

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I sought a commission because I felt called to serve. On 9/11/01 I was in the seventh grade attending class in Northern Virginia. I saw how the attack on the Pentagon affected my community. My friends lost parents. I consider myself a Patriot, and as an able-bodied young man, I joined the Infantry because it is where I thought I could have the most direct impact on the mission, and on Soldiers. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Having served for a couple of years now, I&#39;ve learned that the military isn&#39;t exactly what I expected. Leading Soldiers is the greatest privilege I&#39;ve ever known and they humble me every day. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Our priorities as an institution, however, seem a little off-base, at times. The bureaucratic processes of this organization often seem to take precedence over the mission, and our Soldiers. Power-point slides, CUBs, BUBs and DUBs seem more important than executing tough, realistic training. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;All of this has left me questioning my future in the military. I want nothing more than a simple career, serving this Nation and the honorable young men and women of it&#39;s Army. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I&#39;m too new at this to be jaded. Am I just a young lieutenant who needs to shut up and get with the program? Or have others had these same concerns, and perhaps even left service as a result?&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Please be professional and constructive.&lt;br&gt;

2014-02-26T09:48:09-05:00 2014-02-26T09:48:09-05:00 SFC William Swartz Jr 64999

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>From the time I was 5 years old I wanted to be a Soldier, when I was in high school I wanted to attend West Point and received a nomination but was ultimately not accepted due to a high volume of candidates at the time. So after attending college for a couple of years and treading water I decided to enlist after talking to a recruiter that called the house looking to talk to my brother who had graduated the year before. Had the opportunity to apply for OCS after arriving at my 1st duty station and even took the OSB but ultimately decided to remain as an enlisted Soldier. I retired after 26 years because I hit my RCP, I guess I became too "old" with too much time in to get selected for MSG, so I did my 26 years and reluctantly retired. All in all, very few regrets, many great memories and a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

2014-02-26T10:03:03-05:00 2014-02-26T10:03:03-05:00 1SG Edward Tushar 65001

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I did not have any intentions of joining the Army.&amp;nbsp; I was confident I would receive a baseball scholarship and that would be where I would go.&amp;nbsp; My Mother came home after I completed my junior year of high school with the parental consent form signed and basically told me if I went to college I would flunk out because I had pushed myself so hard in high school.&amp;nbsp; I talked to the recruiter and enlisted within a week.&amp;nbsp; I left because I had hit 23 years and to me I had done what most NCOs would love to do - be a 1SG taking a 205 man unit to a combat environment with 5 maneuver platoons and bringing them all back.&amp;nbsp; My CSM (CSM Mike Watkins - one of the best senior NCOs I had the pleasure of working for and with!) talked to me about staying in as he was confident I would make SGM or CSM.&amp;nbsp; I told him I respected him as a CSM but to me 1SG was the greatest enlisted rank to achieve because once you make CSM there is no where else to go and technically you don&#39;t really have Soldiers.&amp;nbsp; You get to move up with an officer who goes from LTC to COL to MG to General while you stay at CSM.&amp;nbsp; Please don&#39;t take offense to this if you are a CSM.&amp;nbsp; It did take a lot of soul searching for me to push forward to go with retirement and there are times now I wonder what would have happened if I had stayed in.&amp;nbsp; Sadly my branch helped with the decision because they wanted to force me into something I didn&#39;t want to do - move again - and call it&amp;nbsp;a &quot;reward&quot; for doing 3 deployments.&amp;nbsp;

2014-02-26T10:09:56-05:00 2014-02-26T10:09:56-05:00 SPC Christopher Smith 65005

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Joined because Sallie Mae was beating my door down, the economy was terrible, and I was working two dead end jobs. Enlisting was always my last chance plan, and I pulled the trigger prematurely. I figured nothing else was working out why not give it a shot.

2014-02-26T10:18:11-05:00 2014-02-26T10:18:11-05:00 MSG Gene Potocki 65021

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I knew early on that I wanted to serve my country as a soldier. (The Green Berets with John Wayne was a big motivator) I got to do what I always wanted travel, personal challenge, and serve my country.&amp;nbsp;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Just last night as I was getting ready to train in Aikido a student from another program came up to me and thanked me for my service. He was born in Panama and had to endure the Noriega regime as a child and was living in Colon when the invasion went down. &amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Never had that happen before, felt good to this old soldier.&lt;/div&gt;

2014-02-26T10:36:28-05:00 2014-02-26T10:36:28-05:00 SSG Arron Daniels 65043

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Great question.  I joined because I knew I had to do something that wasn't the normal situation that I saw everyone getting lost in and there were 5 kids in our family. In regard to your reasons for contemplating leaving, that's always up to you.  <div><br></div><div>In my experience as a SPC, I was tired of the same boring training and got bored.  My 1SG gut checked me (as they tend to do). "If you are unhappy with the way things are going, place yourself in a position to change it," so I stayed and influenced my team and leaders where I could. But the bureaucratic nonsense will always be there.  </div><div><br></div><div>I left because I accomplished what I wanted to within the military and found a great company and just life changes.  </div><div><br></div><div>Regardless if you retire at 20+ or resign your commission after your MSO, you will always miss it.  </div><div><br></div><div>Thanks for your service,</div><div><br></div><div>-Arron </div>

2014-02-26T11:05:24-05:00 2014-02-26T11:05:24-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 65190

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sir,<div><br></div><div>I joined because I wanted something greater out of life than the options laid in front me. I didn't know what to expect when I joined. I have seen a lot that I disagree with, so I continued to strive to put myself in a position to best serve my soldiers and the Army. I don't want or care to know where/what I would be without the Army, great (and bad) leadership, or my soldiers. I plan to retire and have no idea what the future holds for me, but I know what I want and I have a plan to get there. I would suggest seriously considering what u want out of life, and how you will get it. <div><br></div><br /><div>Keep your head down, and your spirit up Sir.</div><br /></div>

2014-02-26T13:20:12-05:00 2014-02-26T13:20:12-05:00 PO1 Private RallyPoint Member 65709

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A lot people will try you I joined for the education benefits, I had no job or in a dead end job, I had to, my parents did, 911 happened, or ect....  Not a lot of people will tell you I joined, because I wanted to service my country.  I know no other way noble way to service my country.<div>The reason I left active duty is, because the US Navy told me to take my blocks and go pay elsewhere.  I was not able to Re-Enlist, because of HYT.  But that is OK.  I joined the US Navy Reserve and now I am able to use my training (millions of dollars spent on me) that I received while on active duty in another role.</div>

2014-02-27T04:35:44-05:00 2014-02-27T04:35:44-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 65877

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My response is simple...to get away from my ex wife. Then, after a little while, I realized that I was pretty good at it and decided to stick around.

2014-02-27T12:16:55-05:00 2014-02-27T12:16:55-05:00 PO1 Private RallyPoint Member 66078

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm still in.  Just hit 10 year mark and will continue momentum.  I take a lot of pride in service.  I love guaranteed pay and benefits and not being affected by sequestration or shutdown BS.  While in service I continuously find more who I am, I give and expect respect not just rank-based, but also human-human.  I could not ask God for a better place both physically and spiritually to be at.

2014-02-27T16:55:58-05:00 2014-02-27T16:55:58-05:00 PO2 Bret Whitton 66098

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined at 17 out of a sense of pride and patriotism.  My 5x Great Grandfather was born in Virginia in the 1760's and someone from every generation has served the country.  I discharged at 27 due to cut backs in the Clinton administration.  I have regretted not serving a full 20 ever since. 

2014-02-27T17:32:11-05:00 2014-02-27T17:32:11-05:00 PO2 Adra Loghry II 66111

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined because I grew up around Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin Texas.  Living around that base influenced me to join the service.  So I ended up in the US Navy starting in 1995.   Did my first tour on USS Carl Vinson and that made me want to continue service.   When 2009 rolled around I got honorably discharged due to the High Year Tenure thing.   So basically it was cheaper to give me the boot after 14 years than it would of been to let me do 20 and collect retirement.

2014-02-27T17:52:16-05:00 2014-02-27T17:52:16-05:00 PO2 John Breton 66138

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined the service as a result of trouble while traveling. The sentence was jail time or Military service. I choose the Military. Why I left? After 9 and 1/2 years in, I wanted Sub school and a Command Master Chief wanted me under his command. I choose out! I wanted to see more of the world and not stay, and go back across the street from my current command. At the time NC left a bad taste in my mouth, and I wanted out of NC.

2014-02-27T18:50:35-05:00 2014-02-27T18:50:35-05:00 SSgt Phillip Broberg 66236

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined the Marine Corps because my brother who I looked up to was in.  I saw a lot of respect that was aimed towards him, so I left as soon as I could 17 yrs old.  <div>I left the military due to the draw down, seeing the companies in my unit being disbanded I knew it was only going to get worse for promotion.  If they cut a battalion that was a couple more MGSgt billets they wouldn't need.  I was at nine years and decided, that I am no where near retirement, that I would get out and use my specialties in weapon systems to get a job.  So I got out and fell flat on my face, because the defense industry isn't doing so hot either.  Still picking myself up from that fall. Haha</div>

2014-02-27T20:46:52-05:00 2014-02-27T20:46:52-05:00 PO3 Edward Shelton 66252

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In 1968 the Vietnam war was on the news everyday with body counts on both sides.  A classmate of mine was drafted into the Marines and came home from Vietnam as a casualty of war.  When I saw his body in the casket it really scared me.  I had already been in two lines for the draft but they filled their quota before getting to my last name which starts with an S ... Could not get in college and my family had a Naval tradition or so I believed.  Father, Uncle, friends ... Never saw the ocean but taking the chance of getting killed in Vietnam and the chance to get a college education after the service seemed like a good idea.  In fact, it was a great idea and I finally did the four years and got that college degree.  Took nine years but it was the only way a poor person could do that sort of thing.  Had a great time in the USN.  Just wish the American people would have appreciated the sacrafice a young person makes for the leaders of this country with no moral feelings for life or death.

2014-02-27T21:15:08-05:00 2014-02-27T21:15:08-05:00 SSG Willis Baker 66281

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>One reason why I joined the Army was because I spent seven years in Military Schools and seen just about every war movie ever made up to 1973.  Second reason is I was almost 21 and needed a job.  I didn't want my Military Training and Military Science training to go to waste.  So in Oct '73 I enlisted Delayed entry.  After Basic at Ft Jackson &amp; AIT at Ft Gordon I became an 05C10 A4, RadioTeletype Operator(Morse).  20 years later I was forced to retire because of my rank.  I ended up with four MOSs and a lot of friends and a Wife I met in Italy(American).  We've been married for 35 years.

2014-02-27T21:48:49-05:00 2014-02-27T21:48:49-05:00 SGT Randy Kuhlman 66322

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I felt a call to serve. I also had a family. I left because the strain on the family became to great. I love the Army and would still be in if it were not for family, but a relationship with my girls was far too important. <br><br>I also left because I became more political involved. I was always politically active, well within regulations, but towards the end of my last contract, I could tell I was no longer effective, as politics were too great. As such, I made the choice, in combination with my previous reason, to leave the Army. I would have done more harm remaining than good.

2014-02-27T22:24:40-05:00 2014-02-27T22:24:40-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 66376

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined at the height of Desert Shield/Desert Storm, so there was a sense of duty there. Also during this time I really wanted to be a police officer and applied and tested for several agencies. I did well on the interviews but the recurring theme was I needed more life experience. So I went to see a recruiter, asked if there were any military police slots open and the next thing I was I at Ft McClellan, Al at OSUT.<div> I had a 5x3 contract and after my 5 yrs I was getting out and to start applying for the police depts. It didnt turn out that way, left active duty, joined the National Guard, fortunate to get a Tile32 AGR job, re-classed twice and never looked back. In 56 days I start my transitional leave for a new chapter in my life. Leaving is bittersweet but I am sure I will want to stay connected to the military in some way and if not that's ok too. </div>

2014-02-28T00:28:44-05:00 2014-02-28T00:28:44-05:00 SFC Chad Ambrose 66476

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Adventure, and I know how this could sound strange as the Military does its best to make us dress right dress, but to be my own person.

2014-02-28T08:01:51-05:00 2014-02-28T08:01:51-05:00 CMSgt Charles Elliott 66486

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined the Air Force on a whim, me and two friends heard there was a recruiter in town and decided to stop by, it just happened to be an Air Force recruiter. We all signed up and for me the rest is history. I enjoyed a great 26 year career and firmly believe its made me what I am today. I retired because it was the best for my family. I had to PCS alone because my kids are in school and my wife (now my ex) didn't want to lose her job and it finally reached the point that she asked me to retire.

2014-02-28T08:33:18-05:00 2014-02-28T08:33:18-05:00 SFC William Hutchinson 66772

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined the military in 1982 after my father (a doctor) joined the military.  I figured that if he could join at age fifty I could join at age 20.  I was a God send because shortly after my father joined he was confronted by his supervisor and self admitted himself to be treated for alcoholism.  He proudly served until 1994 when he died of cancer.  I retired in 2003. 

2014-02-28T15:35:25-05:00 2014-02-28T15:35:25-05:00 1SG Steven Stankovich 66785

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined the Army after about a half of semester of community college.  I actually dropped out of college right before my first mid-terms and went to the recruiting office.  I left for Ft Knox and OSUT to be a 19D a short two weeks later.  I wanted a change in the way my life was going.  I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself.  I wanted to become something bigger than just a kid from the Northside of Pittsburgh.  I really wasn't sure what that meant, but I knew I couldn't get there by staying home.  So I enlisted in the Army and I never looked back.  The Army has given me everything that I could have ever hoped for in a profession, in a way of life, and in a way to serve and defend my country and in our way of life.   

2014-02-28T15:42:51-05:00 2014-02-28T15:42:51-05:00 MSG Jose Colon 94921

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>A long time ago, I went to college under the old Pell Grant. I felt that I owed something back, so I joined the Army. Soon, it became a way of life.</p><p> </p><p>27 years later of proudly serving My Nation, and it was that time to leave the fight to those a bit younger. I still serve our Nation as a civilian, but my service is targeted to help those who protect our freedoms.</p>

2014-04-06T12:37:13-04:00 2014-04-06T12:37:13-04:00 SrA Victor Michael Garcia 110167

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm a Vietnam era Vet. Soooo, I had a choice, wait to be drafted, be a draft dodger, or enlist! I chose to enlist at the tender age of 18! My oldest brother was already in the Army, 101st Airborne Div. Green Beret. He was proud that I enlisted and so was I. Unfortunately, we did not have the chance to share war stories, he died in a head on vehicle accident state side a few months before I shipped out to Vietnam. I was fortunate enough to attend his funeral with full Military honors. He had 22 years of service, Korea and Vietnam Vet. I miss him.

2014-04-24T15:53:25-04:00 2014-04-24T15:53:25-04:00 CPT Dave Shephard 156621

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I did it for the money.

2014-06-17T14:50:22-04:00 2014-06-17T14:50:22-04:00 LCpl Jessica Chaney 156718

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>when I was in sixth grade Desert Storm started we had pen pals that were soldiers and Marines over there. I found out about the sea cadet program and joined it for the next four years. I decided that I wanted to become a pilot but I didn't do very well at math and instead of going through the Academy I would move up from the ranks I turned down my endorsement and signed up for the Marine Corps when I was in 11th grade. I was in the delayed entry program for a year before I went to bootcamp, I had the time of my life. I left boot camp as a lance-corporal because of my time in the sea cadets when I was in combat training I twisted my ankle but I made it through. I had some troubles while I was in pensacola resulting in a rank reduction to private, I was able to get meritorious PFC from A school then meritorious lance from my next school and if i hadn't gotten into trouble I would have been assigned to the president's plane but instead I went to cherry point, NC and spent another year walking around with bone chips in my ankles. They had me on a med board and gave me several different jobs basically doing nothing then they decided to just admin separate me. Now I am still quite lost, even after fifteen years, I had planned on being a lifer. Now I am falling apart literally. I think of the trade centers and the war on a daily basis and all my companions that have been over there, and wish I was still in. I feel like I let my friends down by not being there ! As for the political crap I think it sucks that this have gotten so off base with everything they need to be doing but as members of the armed forces we do what we are told. I envy you being able to do what you do on a daily basis teach your charges well and respect for what they do. Thank you for your service to this great country.

2014-06-17T16:04:40-04:00 2014-06-17T16:04:40-04:00 LTJG Private RallyPoint Member 156898

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I first joined the military and an enlisted nuclear electronics tech.   As i sat in the schooling, i saw officers that led in a way as to detract from good order and discipline.  However, i did see a lot of officers that i looked up to and wanted to emulate.  After the first part of my schooling, i decided to take the officer commissioning route.  Now i want to be able to lead those who are in my charge the way that the officers at nuke school led me. 

2014-06-17T18:46:52-04:00 2014-06-17T18:46:52-04:00 SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA 214358

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Joined becasue I always wanted to serve, got posted on the border in Germany first thing, what a thrill and a mission, had all the best opportunities, got the best slots and the most awesome duties along the way, winning an Army competition and much more, Forest Gump story comes to mind, everything went my way for over 7 years...until ODS, after the Gulf and the transition form the Cold War to the "new Army" with cutbacks, spending cuts and no real mission, I saw no reason to stay in as the "busy duty" we were doing everyday had ZERO meaning. I needed a mission and I still do t this day. I got out at 8, in 1993 I stepped off base in my dress greens in Schweinfurt, Germany and drove to Berlin where I started a civilian life and still have a residence there to this day.<br />Steady on!

2014-08-23T13:29:15-04:00 2014-08-23T13:29:15-04:00 SFC Mark Merino 214497

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think I watched too much "Combat" on tv. I wanted to be in the service since I was a little SFC. I never had any intention of getting out before 30 years and even then that would be kicking and screaming. I only made it to 18.5 before the "peace loving peoples" in Iraq sent some stuff my way that send me into medical retirement. I did NOT want to be retired. During the surge, they were so overwhelmed with wounded that they became pretty heartless. It was a great run. Everything happens for a reason. I wouldn't trade one day of my career for anything else. Now, if only I could move away from the Phoenix VA system, I would get the care that I need.

2014-08-23T16:12:31-04:00 2014-08-23T16:12:31-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 214524

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It was 2AM, Dec 20, 1973 and I was having a discussion with our Town Police Chief (1 person force) sitting in the gas station parking lot in our little country town of Cerro Gordo, NC. I called him Mr. Sonny and he called me "boy" (with a little b). He was explaining to me that though I was not a bad kid, that trouble had a tendancy to follow me and it usually because my big mouth always left a trail. He was explaining that the very best thing I could do would be to get away from this enviornment, join the military, grow up, and make something of myself .....and he finished it off with, before I either have to throw your ass in jail or wind up shooting you in the ass one night. <br />I do not know what made me listen to him as it was not the first time we had that conversation, but I did. The next morning at 10AM I was in the Army Recruiters Office, at 2PM I was on the bus to the MEPS (Raleigh, NC); at about 3AM the next morning I stepped off the train in Columbia, SC, put on a bus and before I knew it, I was in Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC. <br /><br />Other than my smart mouth and a tendancy to smile/laugh when the Drill Sergeants were raising hell. I knew (if they didn't kill me) I would stay in the Army. Which I did, for almost 23 yrs, got selected for E9, however chose to retire for personal/family reasons...but thats another story...<br />Am just about done here...Anyway, I had been in the Army for almost 12 years and was a Platoon Sergeant stationed at Ft. Bragg. I was visiting family in that little Red-Neck town of mine when I walked into that same gas station I was thoroughly counseled at by Mr. Sonny. I went to the back, got my Pepsi and as I came to the counter, someone said, "Boy, I see you did good by listening to me and joining the Army, now didn't you!" Mr. Sonny was sitting there with about 4 other of the local "OLD MEN". I walked over to him and said, "Mr. Sonny, I"m now 39 yrs old and a Sergenat First Class in the Army, will I ever be a man to you?" He laughed as he took my hand and said, "As much hell as you used to raise, son, you will always be a boy to me! I never expect you to live this long, but I'm damn glad you made it...Boy!" I haven't seen him in years now, but I know next time I do, the BOY will be glad to shake his hand, knowing he had something to do with me making it to age 59, which I am now. I've tried to do what he did for me, when talking to young soldiers and teenagers ever since. Some listened and unfortunately .....some didn't!

2014-08-23T16:34:21-04:00 2014-08-23T16:34:21-04:00 CPL Paul Strong 269465

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A sense of duty and responsibility toward my country.

2014-10-08T14:10:07-04:00 2014-10-08T14:10:07-04:00 Cpl Keith Gideon 270031

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I went to the recruiters office for a Buddy of mine that had just Graduated Marine Corps Boot Camp, in order for him to extend his Boot Leave, well when i got in there the Recruiter started Showing me Videos of Marines Blowing Shit up, and Spreading all kinds of hate and discontent, Then i got all excited and said "Sign me UP!!" Sorry, its not all Patriotic Like some people, but that is the Damn Truth. I had no Intention of Serving until SGT. Sherwood Got me all Stoked About being a Marine, and from that Day On, nothing was going to stop me from becoming a Marine!, Semper Fi

2014-10-08T19:35:11-04:00 2014-10-08T19:35:11-04:00 CW5 Private RallyPoint Member 270051

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Honestly, I joined up because I thought I had two options: (1) local work, probably in a mill/factory or (2) the military. College seemed too far out of reach because of my family's financial situation. I am SO glad I chose the military! The rest is history, as it were.

2014-10-08T19:42:40-04:00 2014-10-08T19:42:40-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 270176

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My grandfather was one of the &quot;old guys&quot; when he was already in his 20s when the draft hit for WW2.<br /><br />You grow up seeing a silent, first-generation American (my great-grandparents where Irish immigrants) hobble around on 1.5 legs, and you learn at a young age that the only thing that keeps the scary world at bay is loyalty amongst family and citizens.

2014-10-08T21:12:49-04:00 2014-10-08T21:12:49-04:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 270355

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>1. Had something to prove to myself (hence USMC Infantry); 2. Money. It's been the smartest thing I've done; put me on a glide path to success.

2014-10-08T23:15:16-04:00 2014-10-08T23:15:16-04:00 SPC David S. 270423

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Part of it was for country but to be frankly honest I just wanted to jump out of whirlybirds and blow shit up.

2014-10-09T00:06:29-04:00 2014-10-09T00:06:29-04:00 COL Randall C. 270427

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I initially didn't have any inclination of joining while I was in high school even though my father had retired from the Army after putting in his 20. When I attended college, I decided to check out that cool "Ranger Challenge Club" because they rappelled off cliffs, went white-water rafting, and did lots of other fun stuff.<br /><br />One thing lead to another with each thing adding to my desire to serve. Next thing I know, it's 26 years later :)

2014-10-09T00:13:46-04:00 2014-10-09T00:13:46-04:00 Sgt Matthew O'Donnell 270586

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>At my high school we had a seniors only study hall, (senior commons). It was more relaxed and we had a 40 inch TV that was always on. Late arrival seniors went to senior commons for attendance for the start of their day. I remember signing in and going to go sit with my friends when I saw the pictures of the first tower, then I'm pretty sure you all know the rest. Staff tried to turn off the TV but a student turned it back on. Classes stopped for the rest of the day. Went to the Marine recruiting office after school that day and left a month after I graduated.

2014-10-09T07:11:26-04:00 2014-10-09T07:11:26-04:00 SSgt Tim Meuret 271071

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined for the following reasons in the order listed:<br /><br />1) Patriotism and the desire to serve (At 13 years old I committed myself to a lifetime of cheerful service in selfless devotion to others..WIMACHTENDIENK WINGOLAUCHSIK, WITAHEMUI; the Order of the Arrow - National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America)<br />2) See the world<br />3) Figure out what I wanted from life<br /><br />As for getting out it was the following reasons:<br /><br />1) Force reduction 48 hours to make up my mind<br />2) Too many junior officers that were there for themselves not to serve their country

2014-10-09T13:56:03-04:00 2014-10-09T13:56:03-04:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 271669

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Welcome to life in the Army LT. It's rarely perfect, and every once in a while you will probably think about doing something else. If you continue to feel that calling to serve the Nation and love the Soldiers you have the opportunity to lead, then you'll hang around. If you stop loving what you do and who you work with, then you should move along. It's silly to think we can change everything, but we can strive to progress through the ranks and change the things that are in our purview to change. At the very least, we can make an impact on individual Soldiers. <br /><br />If you love being a PL, I would strongly encourage you to think about staying through Company Command time. <br /><br />I'm pretty new to RP but not the Army...I would suggest in this forum it is probably unnecessary and condescending to suggest that responders be professional...

2014-10-09T22:48:21-04:00 2014-10-09T22:48:21-04:00 CPO Michael Callegri 278036

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined the Navy because I didn't know what I wanted to do with myself out of high school, so I decided I go in the Navy and it would give me a couple years to decide. 24 years later I guess I had decided from the beginning, being I was always a fan of war movies. I retired because of High Year Tenure. So basically I was forced to retire due to time limits. I was the best 24 years of my life.

2014-10-14T20:08:22-04:00 2014-10-14T20:08:22-04:00 SGT Mark Sullivan 532246

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined for the college benefits after two years in college, and stayed because I enjoyed it, was medically chaptered after 11 years, was heading to do twenty if not more.

2015-03-15T20:41:25-04:00 2015-03-15T20:41:25-04:00 CW4 Private RallyPoint Member 1167548

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Hated college. Hated Best Buy. Needed to get away. Joined the Air Force.

2015-12-11T07:51:28-05:00 2015-12-11T07:51:28-05:00 SPC Margaret Higgins 1167555

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Many years ago-around 1975-I talked to a (former?) Staff Sergeant, who told me about the positives of being in the military.

2015-12-11T07:54:20-05:00 2015-12-11T07:54:20-05:00 SGT David T. 1167558

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I needed a job.

2015-12-11T07:55:16-05:00 2015-12-11T07:55:16-05:00 PO3 Private RallyPoint Member 1167576

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>... because I can ...

2015-12-11T08:05:04-05:00 2015-12-11T08:05:04-05:00 CDR Terry Boles 1167724

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SPC Margaret Higgins<br />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. The day I was sold on the Navy was the very day I drove to a nearby theater to see what movies were playing to take my date to later that evening. I saw the Navy recruiting office and walked toward the door when the Marine recruiter popped outside and shook my hand. This Marine recruiter had visited my home many times trying to convince me to join; I think he got his hands on the high school football team roster and was calling upon these graduating student athletes. I was polite but affirmed I wanted to hear what the Navy had to offer and proceeded inside the Navy recruiting office. Let’s just say, that day I was sold and I joined the Navy at age 17 wanting 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. Oh, that Marine recruiter…my father and he stayed friends and fished a lot together…as to the date, I had the date that evening but there were no movies of interest to see that night….and I married my date.

2015-12-11T09:44:19-05:00 2015-12-11T09:44:19-05:00 SP5 Mark Kuzinski 1167771

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I need to prove to myself that I could do something with my life. I enlisted in the army in February 1966 after a dismal first year of college. That was the best move of my life. I owe the army for helping me grow up and taking command of my life. After my three years of service I was able to return to college and get the degree that I never thought was possible.

2015-12-11T10:04:19-05:00 2015-12-11T10:04:19-05:00 Capt Private RallyPoint Member 1167879

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I set a goal for myself. I'd always wanted to serve, and I didn't want to age out of the opportunity. I set a deadline - "If I don't have kids by 30, I'll join the military." I followed through. :)

2015-12-11T10:50:42-05:00 2015-12-11T10:50:42-05:00 SGT Joseph W. 1167995

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Following my grandfather's and father's steps. My father was against me joining after high school. so I went to college for a year (hated it).

2015-12-11T11:40:55-05:00 2015-12-11T11:40:55-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 1168134

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Hi, SPC Higgins.<br /><br />I had wanted to join the military since I was a kid, for a lot of reasons. The kicker, though, was a friend joined and talked me into it. He had already joined the Air National Guard, and was waiting on dates for Basic and Crew Chief tech school. We tried to go to Basic together, but he left before I did.<br /><br />Here’s the punchline. That knucklehead was in Basic for a week before he decided he couldn’t take the pressure, and threatened to kill himself if the AF didn’t let him go. They put him on the first thing smoking back home, and separated him. He got back right before I left, and spent the rest of the time trying to convince me of the horrors that awaited.

2015-12-11T12:41:12-05:00 2015-12-11T12:41:12-05:00 SPC Miguel Rosario Cruz 1169193

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>cuold not find a decent job and decide o joint no regrets

2015-12-11T20:05:53-05:00 2015-12-11T20:05:53-05:00 SGT Chris Hill 1197662

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined because I lacked responsibility and discipline, I served 10 years and got out this week because I felt more than ready to get back out in the civilian world and apply my "improved" self and more importantly, focus on my family.

2015-12-26T11:26:32-05:00 2015-12-26T11:26:32-05:00 SFC Pete Kain 1198044

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I couldn't master the phrase "would you like fries with that" Made me gag. The Army was good to me, and do not regret a second of it.

2015-12-26T16:33:40-05:00 2015-12-26T16:33:40-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 1352738

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The hard truth is, I joined because I goofed off in high school and had no money for college. I joined because I woke up one day and hated who I was. I wanted to be respected, feared, and admired. I wanted to experience the world and have stories that would make people shake my hand and smile.<br />I left the Marines because I wanted to become a Medic or Corpsman. I spent 2 years unsuccessfully trying to go Active before I joined the Army Guard and every day I hope that AD spots will open so I can live the life I so desperately desire and miss again.

2016-03-03T21:44:09-05:00 2016-03-03T21:44:09-05:00 Timothy Snyder 1507184

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>War movies on sat after cartoons

2016-05-06T18:26:55-04:00 2016-05-06T18:26:55-04:00 CPT Mark Gonzalez 1507196

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Family tradition and after college I felt like a loser being at home underemployed. Had to get out of my small town and the military allowed me to serve my country and myself.

2016-05-06T18:31:06-04:00 2016-05-06T18:31:06-04:00 PO3 David Fries 1507228

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There were two primary reasons. The first was that I didn't believe that I could get into college ( it turns out I was very wrong). The second is that I always knew I wanted to join. My family has a history in the military. Granted, most of my family was Army and I went Navy, but still...

2016-05-06T18:52:26-04:00 2016-05-06T18:52:26-04:00 PO1 William "Chip" Nagel 1507239

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My father gave me 3 options Go to College, make As and Bs and I'll pay for it, Make C's and D's and you'll pay for it or Join the Military, I'll said I'll join the Military, He said he was kidding, he wanted me to go to college but that wasn't my thing and I was plenty tired of school and I sucked at it. I joined the Navy and went back to school except it was in something I was good at and something I enjoyed. They took an Electronic Mischief Maker and made me a Telecommunications and Communications Security Technician. I got to go to school for my chosen field also went to school on the PDP-11/70 System, Minor Repair of Xerox Equipment, OJTd on the LDMX Computer System and associated Equipment, Went to Telecommunications Managers School and Tactical Intelligence School. I got to be the Forest Gump of Military Intelligence just like Forest Gump appearing in those pictures at significant parts in history. When things went Weird and History was made I was somehow involved. I will recommend the Life as long as I suck air. Best Job in the World is a Navy Spook. Diverse Experience, Want to see the World! Join My Navy!

2016-05-06T19:02:46-04:00 2016-05-06T19:02:46-04:00 CPL Joseph Thompson 1507240

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My Older Brother joined and then I followed

2016-05-06T19:02:48-04:00 2016-05-06T19:02:48-04:00 Sgt Joe LaBranche 1507264

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I always had a desire to be a Marine. I also wanted to do something patriotic because we were fighting in Vietnam.

2016-05-06T19:10:38-04:00 2016-05-06T19:10:38-04:00 CPT Jack Durish 1507296

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The war in Vietnam was ramping up when I graduated from law school in 1965. I was offered employment by a man who claimed he could get me out of the draft. Maybe he could, but I enlisted because I wanted to fight the godless communists, for truth, justice, and the American way. I tried to enlist in the Navy because I had skills that I thought they could use in the Brown Water Navy. I was skilled in navigation and small boat handling in confused inland waterways. The Navy agreed but couldn&#39;t get their administrative processes straight so I enlisted in the Army. I never regretted my decision because I knew the right of the war regardless of what the leaders of the &quot;peace&quot; movement espoused. I still believe in it.

2016-05-06T19:28:43-04:00 2016-05-06T19:28:43-04:00 SPC Rory J. Mattheisen 1507300

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined because I wanted to do something that mattered.

2016-05-06T19:31:11-04:00 2016-05-06T19:31:11-04:00 Sgt Private RallyPoint Member 1507349

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="564660" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/564660-92a-enlisted-automated-logistical-specialist-340th-psyop-15th-psyop">SPC Private RallyPoint Member</a> I joined because I wanted to help South Vietnam in a just cause. I have no regrets over my decision.

2016-05-06T20:09:55-04:00 2016-05-06T20:09:55-04:00 CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols 1507374

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>20 straight and out the gate plus 2 degrees.

2016-05-06T20:25:47-04:00 2016-05-06T20:25:47-04:00 TSgt Anthony White 1507440

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I grew up in the military and always knew I was going to join. Signed up when I was 17 and retired when I was 39. Best thing I ever did.

2016-05-06T21:14:31-04:00 2016-05-06T21:14:31-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 1507457

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Earlier in life I was strictly chasing dollars. As I got older and began to understand and appreciate the more intangible values in life, I wanted to make a difference and serve. Joining an MP unit satisfied so many itches: Patriotism, military, law enforcement, brotherhood &amp; esprit de corps, and relevance in an area of greater national need. It was more than I was hoping for in many ways and am so glad I enlisted.

2016-05-06T21:31:14-04:00 2016-05-06T21:31:14-04:00 SPC Rory J. Mattheisen 1507464

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined because I wanted to do something that mattered, I left because it became clear that the Army I joined was on its way out.<br /><br />I watched the loyalty change from soldiers to code, and the focus shift from being the best to being good enough. When the ACU came in the Army changed and I couldn't get out fast enough.

2016-05-06T21:34:48-04:00 2016-05-06T21:34:48-04:00 SN Greg Wright 1507528

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My father and grandfather served in the Navy, so I had that added benefit. But the real reason was to get away from my brother and father, who were trying to get me involved in their bullshit.

2016-05-06T22:01:22-04:00 2016-05-06T22:01:22-04:00 SGT Dave Matteson 1507557

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I joined because it was a tradition since the beginning of time for my family. My cousin Edward was a cavalry and artilleryman during King Phillips War. He was delivering the Peace Treaty when he was killed. Relatives fought in the Revolution. My Grandfather and uncles served in the Marines and Army (respectively) in WWI. My uncle and my aunt served in the Navy in WWII while my grandfather (Marine) went to England to build the D-Day barracks in 1943. My Uncle served in the USAF during the Korean Conflict. My dad served in Turkey in the early 60's during the Cold War and then volunteered for Vietnam but was turned down. My uncle was in the National Guard and was called up to go to VN but his unit was recalled at the last minute. My cousin Chris served in the USAF. My cousin John served in the Marines. I served in the Army and the USAF and then returned to the Army and retired.

2016-05-06T22:12:22-04:00 2016-05-06T22:12:22-04:00 SSgt Trevor Smith 1507561

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Every man as far back as my family can be traced served in the military in nearly every war this country has fought, as well as a couple prior to us ever becoming a country. I always knew I would follow when it was my time. Unfortunately the tradition may die with me, as my brother and I are the last of our family.

2016-05-06T22:14:25-04:00 2016-05-06T22:14:25-04:00 SFC Pete Kain 1507633

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Never got the hang of asking....Would you like fries with that.

2016-05-06T22:41:06-04:00 2016-05-06T22:41:06-04:00 Cpl Justin Goolsby 1507655

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I needed fulfillment in my life. I needed to do something that mattered. I did the college route. I did the employment route. I wasn&#39;t happy with the direction my life was going. The military gave me a deeper appreciation for the little things in life.

2016-05-06T22:47:17-04:00 2016-05-06T22:47:17-04:00 Capt Daniel Goodman 1507754

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was army ROTC though went USAF instead I was noncombat. My brother was usmma Kings point I commissioned him. Our maternal grandfather had been USMC very briefly during ww2 around the time of iwo Jima though he wasn't used in it. My wife's dad got a bronze leading a minefield charge on the Moselle river in France during the battle of Nancy during ww2 in 9th army and was right behind the guys who took the remage bridge over the Rhine. My wife's stepdad was interior comm tech on destroyer escorts inpacific during ww2 and Korea in combat. My dad was noncombat Navy during Korea an aircraft maintenance tech on Grumman TBM avengers with a reserve unit in TN deploying to sevl ships especially the USS block island near Gitmo in caerribean during Korea though not used there. Mhdads sisters husband, one of my uncles, knew Eisenhower slightly at southwick house shaef HQ befr normandy and d day. He also saw Churchill de Gaulle Marshall flt ADM King all of the combined chiefs and was handed his diploma by eisenhower onntje steps of Columbia Univ on the GI Bill after ww2 when Eisenhower was it president before getting elected where Eisenhower though surprised did in fact recal him.My uncle was in the 3118th signal svc battln or GRP and helped run the Telex network for Eisenhower, he was at the little red schoolhouse at Rheims Germany when the Germans surrendered, saw it helped send the Telex of the surrender, and lol swiped one of the flimsy copies of the Telex whic both of his sons my cousins still have in a safe deposit box for both of the sons of one of them, it was displayed for many yrs every 4th July meml day and vets day at their local library on long island. And one of moms 1st cousins was army armor in Germany noncombat during the cold war in the 50s as well. Many thanks hope was of interest.

2016-05-06T23:32:51-04:00 2016-05-06T23:32:51-04:00 Capt Michael Greene 1507775

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It was in the stars that I would follow in my father's footsteps. I grew up on Army bases in the '60s. My parents even insisted that I could not leave their home unless I enlisted or went to college. I was 17. It was 1973. I wanted Vietnam to start back up, just so I could get some.<br />My first week in college, I knew I was too immature to fit in. Then I read a novel about a hero's swashbuckling life aboard a British man-o-war. That night I heard the news about a brave FBI agent stopping a bank robbery. Next morning, I woke up inspired, raring to go immediately. <br />The Marines didn't answer the phone. The AF wanted to make me a journalist, which wasn't exciting enough for me. When I saw the long line for the Army, I started to leave, but the sergeant stood up, pointed at me and screamed "You! Come here!" And he made me skip the line of about 20 Black guys, made a guy get out of the chair, sat me down in it and said excitedly: "You're going to be a spy. Not really a spy. I want you to meet a guy from the Army Security Agency on Tuesday." The whole thing kind of freaked me out, so I never went back. Finally, a fat old Navy chief from drove me home. We sat in my kitchen, drank beers, forged my dad's signature, and I was signed up to be a gunner's mate. There's more, but that's enough for now.

2016-05-06T23:44:25-04:00 2016-05-06T23:44:25-04:00 SPC James Harsh 1507794

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Same reason as most others. Family that served. Work. No plans for school. My younger brother joined too and actually outranks me now. Two things that stand out would be the small amount of other people in the community were going and I felt like I should go to. I also thought about what I would tell my grandkids, if I have them what I did during these years when they ask about it. Who knows and it took some time I eventually got through MEPS. Our battalion had orders and I could of easily did something stupid to get out but went anyway. Whole life's been a washing machine I guess you could say surrounding this.

2016-05-06T23:59:20-04:00 2016-05-06T23:59:20-04:00 CPL Ricky Vasquez 1507818

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>9/11...

2016-05-07T00:13:58-04:00 2016-05-07T00:13:58-04:00 Sgt Davis Le 1507917

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was actually hesitant about joining at first. I was assistant manager for Domino's at 19. Going to College. Repeat. Marine Corps broke that cycle and made me see the world for what it is. It was worth it. Didn't learned about benefits till days near SEP/TAPS.

2016-05-07T02:11:42-04:00 2016-05-07T02:11:42-04:00 SFC David Pratt 1507946

<div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-88370"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fwhy-did-you-join-the-military-why-did-you-leave%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_campaign%3DShare%20to%20facebook' target="_blank" class='social-share-button facebook-share-button'><i class="fa fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Why+did+you+join+the+military%3F+Why+did+you+leave%3F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fwhy-did-you-join-the-military-why-did-you-leave&amp;via=RallyPoint" target="_blank" class="social-share-button twitter-custom-share-button"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AWhy did you join the military? Why did you leave?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/why-did-you-join-the-military-why-did-you-leave" target="_blank" class="social-share-button email-share-button"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></a> </div> <a class="fancybox" rel="69e3d74b4cd61a02e8edae50c43e6bb7" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/088/370/for_gallery_v2/1565afc.jpeg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/088/370/large_v3/1565afc.jpeg" alt="1565afc" /></a></div></div>Family Tradition

2016-05-07T02:40:07-04:00 2016-05-07T02:40:07-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 1508382

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>To send freedom and justice down range. While I'm here leading the troops into battle training the shit out of them. Train hard fight hard. Shoot the enemies in the face, go to ranger school, and further my career positively influencing as many people as I can along the ride.<br /><br />Play the Game<br />Rangers Lead The Way

2016-05-07T10:51:26-04:00 2016-05-07T10:51:26-04:00 SrA Matthew Knight 1508451

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>When the idea first popped into my head it was because I started to grow a huge interest in aviation and figured why not do something cool like fly planes in the Air Force. Multiple family members of mine had either joined or attempted to join (mainly the AF) so it felt like a good idea. Overtime my reasoning evolved from that to just doing something rewarding that got me out into the world and gave me solid experience. I gave up on the idea of being a pilot when I figured out that you had to be an officer which involved high academic scores of which I didn't really have. Then I looked into the idea of working in the missile fields because it was what I did as a tour guide and seemed cool. Eventually I just settled on the military because I had been saying I was going to do it for so long that I felt I couldn't back down from it and hey, the college and benefits were pretty nice so I signed up and here I am.

2016-05-07T11:26:28-04:00 2016-05-07T11:26:28-04:00 Capt Private RallyPoint Member 1509013

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Needed a job

2016-05-07T15:43:50-04:00 2016-05-07T15:43:50-04:00 MAJ Raúl Rovira 1510179

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I wanted a non traditional job and to serve overseas. I got everything I wanted. I managed to serve for 177 months OCONUS completing 9 overseas tours. No complaints.

2016-05-08T01:53:34-04:00 2016-05-08T01:53:34-04:00 Capt Private RallyPoint Member 2515956

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was working in a job with no future for 75 cents per hour. I didn&#39;t want to burden my family any longer.

2017-04-23T15:53:27-04:00 2017-04-23T15:53:27-04:00 Sgt Private RallyPoint Member 2515961

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="786189" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/786189-15r-ah-64-attack-helicopter-repairer-1-25-av-atk-25th-cab">SGT Private RallyPoint Member</a> My father served in WWII and Korea and died serving our country. I also felt that serving our country was the right thing to do. In addition, I wanted to help aid South Vietnam, which was a just cause. <br /><br />My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy

2017-04-23T15:55:50-04:00 2017-04-23T15:55:50-04:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 2515984

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I&#39;ve had family serving on and off since the Revolution, there has been at least one member of my family serving during every war we have been involved in. It doesn&#39;t exactly skip generations, for example while my father expressed interest in joining the Air Force (his father had been in the Army Reserves as an Air Corps Pilot in WWII) he never did. His brother was in the National Guard. Then today both of his sons are in the National Guard. This goes on throughout all the family branches, an Uncle joins but the Cousin does not but the Cousin&#39;s Brother and Son does.<br /><br />So that&#39;s part of it, continue the weird tradition but also so I could experience something different. I enjoy a lot of things about military structure (not the power points). I also did it as a way to improve myself.

2017-04-23T16:07:53-04:00 2017-04-23T16:07:53-04:00 PO1 William "Chip" Nagel 2516017

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Good Damn, Query! I was tired of School, Tired of the Benchmarks, I graduated High School Barely, What did the Navy do? Put Me back in school, taught me how to &quot;Study&quot; Taught Me how to be a Navy Spook. I am Grateful. 21 Years a Navy Spook.

2017-04-23T16:25:48-04:00 2017-04-23T16:25:48-04:00 Maj Private RallyPoint Member 4101593

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Retirement. Though in my corps in the Air Force, I might not even be able to reach high year tenure (20 yrs for Maj). They can force separate us if we don&#39;t make LTC. I entered with a doctorate degree and because I&#39;m not in the &quot;Medical Corps&quot; I won&#39;t automatically promote to LTC. My uncertain future (54% promotion rate) confuses every decision I make. I just want to stay.

2018-11-05T07:12:15-05:00 2018-11-05T07:12:15-05:00 PO1 Reginald Allen 6866744

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I join because I saw my best friend died in front of me, that why I join to protect people

2021-03-30T20:29:19-04:00 2021-03-30T20:29:19-04:00 2014-02-26T09:48:09-05:00