At what age did you realize that you wanted to become a United States Army Soldier, Marine, Airman, Sailor?

My Great Grandfather, Grandfather, Father and Uncle all served in the USAF. It was an easy choice for me to make at 17 years old. I was in BMT 2 days after I turned 18 and haven't looked back since. No one in my family has retired so that was my goal. Only 10 years left!

Honestly, when I was a kid, probably around the age of 9. I grew up watching old John Wayne movies, GI Joe cartoons, and the like. On top the fact that I had several family members who served. My grandfather served in the Navy during WW2, after his brother was killed on the USS Arizona. A great uncle was a side gunner during WW2 in the ETO. A cousin was a Marine during Vietnam. My father was a Marine during Korea. These on top of many other factors, made me want to serve. The stories they told had me in awe. I saw them as something bigger than Superman, honestly.

I wanted to join the Air Force from my Freshman year until my Senior year. Then in my last Semester as a Senior. I changed to the Marine Corps. I don't regret that decision.