Why do you serve?

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 16:46:12 -0500

This is spurred by another post on this board where an individual is pushing for additional pay because of the "pay gap" between Officers and Enlisted.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 23 at 2014 4:52 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 16:52:46 -0500

For me, it is "the family business", The pay is good, it has stability (well, us too!) but nothing beats the knowing that you are serving your country and are part of a long unbroken line of patriots who took the oath to defend this country knowing that the collective freedoms all Americans enjoy might cost one's own life.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 4:53 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 16:53:30 -0500

Because I consider myself a soldier. It even bothers me to be thanked for my "service," or "sacrifice." I don't do it out of a sense of patriotism, though I AM proud to be an American. I serve because I enjoy it, because being a soldier is who I am.

Though I could see myself making a career out of it simply because I can't afford healthcare otherwise.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 23 at 2014 5:38 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 17:38:14 -0500

Because if I did it for the money, somebody owes me a Sh#tpot. If I measured the # of hours/days etc worked and put it to the wages earned, it would come out to about .17/hour over the career!

College money is a nice benny to go along with service for the troops, but if you joined solely to pay for college, you are missing the point.

Every day that I get the privilege to wear our Nation's uniform, and perform my duties, is an honor.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 23 at 2014 5:37 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 17:37:49 -0500

The fame, the glory, the commercial endorsements, the movie rights, the money, the list is endless......lol! (extreme sarcasm implied)

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Dec 23 at 2014 5:39 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 17:39:27 -0500

Sure isn't the money, would need another job to do that

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 5:51 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 17:51:46 -0500

I joined because I knew it had to be done. I have watched weak people cower behind their families businesses and live off their families trust funds. I wanted to establish my own life and fight for a better place to live. I joined to someday look at my children and be respected for the sacrifices that I have made for our country and great nation. I joined so the weak didn't have to! The Military has afforded me so many great opportunities and for that I am thankful.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 6:13 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 18:13:59 -0500

Joined to help pay for college. Never realized what an education I'd be getting. To learn about concepts like duty, honor, integrity... Do it all over again if I could.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 6:37 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 18:37:03 -0500

When I first joined the Army in 1993, it was partially family tradition (all of my grandparents and their siblings served) and partially out of a sense of of duty/honor. However, the MAIN reason was that it was the only way a poor kid from the trailer park was going to go anywhere. Then I went to AIT in my hometown (which is the worst thing that can happen to an IET soldier) and blew my opportunity (getting injured and separated in the process).

When I joined the Navy in 1996, it was to serve and also to travel (be careful what you ask for, lol).

When I attempt to return to service (Reserves) in 2015 (after being out for 13 years) it will be to serve and to set a positive example for my newborn son.

I want him to grow up understanding the sacrifices that provide for the freedoms he will enjoy like I did.

Response by Capt Dennis Tresca made Dec 23 at 2014 6:47 PM

Capt Dennis Tresca — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 18:47:21 -0500

There is no one reason. I did it for a little of each of those.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 6:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 18:50:00 -0500

I went with "Other since there is a limit" because there's not just one reason.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Dec 23 at 2014 7:10 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 19:10:54 -0500

The money is fine, but of secondary importance. I serve because this country is worth it

Response by CMC Robert Young made Dec 23 at 2014 7:14 PM

CMC Robert Young — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 19:14:54 -0500

It is the family business. My father and all of my uncles served; some for one tour, others for 20 plus. I have fuzzy memories of great uncles who served in WWI & WWII telling stories of their service. Even today, I have cousins scattered all over the world in all four other branches. My step son just competed four years in the Marine Corps including a year in Afghanistan. It's what we do.

The feeling has always been that we are privileged to live in the greatest country the world has ever known, and it is incumbent upon us all whether for for a single enlistment or a full 30 year career that we owed something in return.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 8:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 20:06:09 -0500

on my first term was the pay. on the second and on cuz it makes me a better man knowing that only a very small fraction of the population in the US can do what I do

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Dec 23 at 2014 8:23 PM

SFC A.M. Drake — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 20:23:54 -0500

My III-Gen Grandfather served as a Buffalo Soldier 1862-64 in the Civil War, then continuing in WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm until Present with myself and other family members. My aunt retired as a 0-6 in the Naval Reserve Nurse Corp, My uncle served in the Navy and honorably discharged as a LCDR. I have family members that served in all branches except the Coast Guard (Now if they would have came to my high school, I would have joined them)

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Dec 23 at 2014 8:28 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 20:28:33 -0500

Well, I certainly didn't do it for the money. Besides my Grandfather, no one else in my family has served. College money is a nice perk, but I gave my Post 9/11 GI Bill to my wife. Ultimately, I served to be a part of something bigger than me. Originally, I joined (out of high school), because I needed to grow the hell up. A part of my choice to come back in was for some family security, but mostly, I LOVE my country and I think it is important to serve her!

Response by SPC Daniel Edwards made Dec 23 at 2014 9:47 PM

SPC Daniel Edwards — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 21:47:07 -0500

My reason started out because I had very few choices in life left. It was pretty much join the military and straighten my life up or live on the streets with a huge debt that will not go away. I was racking up some serious debt because I was young, careless and stupid with my money. I was evicted and I was about to get my car repossessed (it eventually happened). I knew I was at the end of my current career as a car dealership parts counter salesman, so I knew I needed to decide on what to do about my future. I picked up an Employment Today newspaper and saw an ad for joining the military and getting the sign on bonus. I didn't qualify for the bonus (some score wasn't high enough), but decided it was either this or be homeless so I decided to sign up anyways. I eventually deployed, reenlisted, got a bonus, and used that bonus to help me get rid of some of my debt. I worked the rest of it off. Now my reason for continuing to serve is to provide for my family because I cannot see myself doing anything in the civilian world that can provide as good as the military has.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 9:50 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 21:50:57 -0500

Not really sure why I serve, it just kinda happened. When I was in high school the local Guard recruiter tried every way in the world to get me to join. The summer after I graduated high school, I was working the band camp at my high school. We bumped into each other at the school and he asked me again to join. I told him the only way I would join would be in the band. The next day he called and said he had an audition for me. Heck, I didn't even know there was such thing as a National Guard band. I auditioned and the rest is history. I serve now because I enjoy it and am proud of what I do.

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Dec 24 at 2014 1:44 AM

Cpl Christopher Bishop — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 01:44:23 -0500

I can barely believe that "Belief in value of the Nation and Freedom" isn't even an option. It shouldn't have to fall under "Other".

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2014 1:52 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 01:52:49 -0500

To be part of something that is greater than myself! none of us joined the service to become rich.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2014 6:48 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 06:48:55 -0500

If we served for the pay then the vast majority are getting short changed. For college, then why continued service? Family, sure my father served 28 years in the Army but I didn't join because of tradition.

Service to the men and women next to me is the only reason to continue a military career in my opinion. Taking the charge to make those that come behind up better than we are and leave our nation in better hands. I don't believe that I would get the same sense of fulfillment from any civilian occupation. I am thankful everyday to put on this uniform and stand next to the best Airmen in the world.

Thanks to all that have served no matter how briefly and those that continue to serve.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 24 at 2014 9:27 AM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 09:27:11 -0500

I joined because i barley passed high school and i was going now where fast. I saw that there is a reason they get payed more.

Response by Lt Col Skip Fleshman made Dec 24 at 2014 9:53 AM

Lt Col Skip Fleshman — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 09:53:27 -0500

Wanted to fly

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2014 10:07 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 10:07:27 -0500

I had just started grade school in 2001. My family is from New York, lots of firefighters and police officers in my family, so naturally 9/11 was not a great time for us. Even being 7 years old at the time, it affected me in a big way. Since then I've always wanted to do my duty and serve my country. Almost 2 years in and still loving it!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2014 7:44 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 19:44:22 -0500

I could make the same as a civilian as I do in the Army. But I love what I do. We're saving lives. That makes waking up at 4AM meaningful. Here's a tech developed by us - and by us I mean Army. Think about how this changes lives:

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Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 27 at 2014 7:23 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 19:23:15 -0500

Many teachers who teach say they teach because they enjoy teaching and its for money as most of us know that teaching does not pay much especially for entry level teachers. So with this said, I serve because I enjoy serving. I enjoy serving with others who also enjoy serving and a pay check is nice. I try to make a difference in a Soldier's career and maybe even their life.

Response by MSG Sommer Brown made Dec 27 at 2014 7:31 PM

MSG Sommer Brown — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 19:31:37 -0500

Because that is what my heart calls me to do. Give back and protect those I love and what we stand for.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2014 7:31 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 19:31:59 -0500

A little of all of the above when I started.

Now because of service to my country. I can't imagine it not being apart of my life. I get a little worked up when people complain about the military without trying to fix the situation they are in.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2014 7:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 19:49:35 -0500

I initially joined in 98 to get out of my house (rebel 18 year old).
Re-enlisted to deploy with my buds 3 times.
Went indef cause I somehow love what I do now.

Response by SGT Daniel Quigley made Oct 6 at 2016 8:48 PM

SGT Daniel Quigley — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 20:48:54 -0400

I felt it was the right thing to do