Why do people enlist in the military? | Veterans Coming Home

PO1 (Join to see) Maam, I will serve with you and have your six any day!

Wonderful story. The military is a great institution - providing one sees the positivity of serving in the military. I was a featherweight (95LBS @17 yrs young), failed three times - that's at the age of 17 and just failed the 9th grade. Dad pulled me out of school and stood me in front of the Navy Recruiter - failed that too - but not for intelligence nor physical - - - Seems one must be able to see something in that book of dots. Asked what I saw - I said Dots - the examiner responded, no What's in the dots - I said dots and I was getting a bit IRKED! He told me I was colorblind and could not be in the Navy. So Dad took me to the Army Recruiter, Raised my hand and went to California, for a Brand new experience, to say the least. When I came home from Basic I couldn't believe the "Childish antics" My buddies wanted to do. I was a stranger in my home town. So you see I agree with PO2 Katie Wayman. I served twice in Vietnam, raised 4 boys, retired after 21 years, and remain married after 50 years.

SPC Troy Reynolds Sir, I will serve with you and have your six any day!

SFC Kenneth Hunnell - SFC Kenneth Hunnell I know you weren't referring to those with medical conditions; I just mentioned it. You are right; some avoid due to [insert reason here]. A question that may have run through your mine, as well as mine, what's so bad about the military? There are obvious reasons (boot camp, getting yelled at, etc.); but those are phases and you get over it once you start to develop responsibility and rank.

SFC Kenneth Hunnell - I have asked that question many times. I was asked before deploying to DESERT SHIELD, which of my troops I wanted as follow on support. I recommended a solid performer who was a respectful , young A1C. He didn't speak to me for weeks when he arrived in country (we were the second USAF unit deployed). I had enough and asked him to join me outside in the heat for a "talk". I asked him what the problem was. Imagine how dumbstruck I was when he said "SSgt Council, I didn't join to go to war. I joined to get an education!". I just looked at him and said: Well son, you fu#$ed up! This is the USAF. We are a profession of arms. We drop bombs, break things and kill people (preferably the enemy). Now, lose the attitude and do your damned job.

Great question!

PO1 (Join to see) great positive response! I too know people with genuine medical limits who want to serve but cannot. But it does not limit them from being involved in activities and industries that supports those that serve.