When you joined the military, was it because of a recruiter spoke to you first or because you wanted to do it on your own?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 20:51:34 -0500

Let's hear it. We're you talked to by your recruiter initiated by him/her or did you walk into the recruiting station on your own free will? Any special stories as well?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 9:06 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 21:06:33 -0500

Army recruiter said thanks for calling, and hung up on me, Navy and AF recruiter told me I didn't qualify, I knew the Marine Corp had stricter standards than anybody, so I didn't even try, though I sometimes wish I had. I called an AF reserve recruiter, even though I wasn't very interested in that route, he wanted to set up an appointment, but I couldn't see driving 4 1/2 hrs to the nearest base. Now I know that's common for reserve component service members. Anyhow there's an NG armory in my hometown, so I got the number for the recruiter and started leaving voice mails. Took nearly 3 weeks to get a call back. I told her if I was going to be in the NG I was going to be a combat engineer. She was willing to do the work to enlist a guy who needed a waiver and only had a GED. Thank you, SGT Schneider.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Mar 3 at 2015 11:35 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 23:35:46 -0500

I walked into the recruiter's office, both times.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 3 at 2015 11:53 PM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 23:53:34 -0500

It was neither... I never planned to join the military... I went to the recruiter to support one of my college hockey buddies, who was interested in the Air Force... I was there for moral support... and the Recruiter (Army) won me over. I tested for the Navy, but they did not have jobs I wanted... and the Air Force was not impressive, and the Marines were just plain arrogant. In Elizabeth NJ they were all in the same office complex. SFC Jack Webb (seriously) was my recruiter. He was an Combat Engineer and was pushing that MOS. Luckily I remained focused, and stayed focused on MP.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 4 at 2015 12:31 AM

SPC David Shaffer — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 00:31:26 -0500

I wanted to join on my own. I never talked to a recruiter until I was ready to sign.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 10:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 10:49:43 -0500

Ha! Funny story. So my brother was suppose to join the Army and my dad told me to take the test just to see how I'd do. Two weeks later I was joining the Army and my brother never did.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 11:01 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 11:01:49 -0500

When I grew up I remember watching military movies on my daddy's lap (especially the Elvis ones). I always said I was going to join the Army. Unfortunately, when I walked in, the fat BCG wearing recruiter looked at me and said "we only have a couple of jobs for lil women like you." (Then I was 5' 1.5" and 110lbs) They were cook and admin. I walked out of his office to the USAF right next door and delayed enlisted. Almost 17 years later it's still the best decision I ever made! Also, when I deployed for convoys it was like I was in the Army, so I had the best of both worlds! ☺️

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Mar 4 at 2015 11:18 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 11:18:15 -0500

I had talked to a few recruiters when they came to my school just for the sake of getting more info. The decision to sing up though was mine without influence from them, I went to the AF recruiter just to start the process.