I've heard it said that a legacy of service is the most important reason folks join. Is this true?

Both my grandfathers served in WWII and my dad was crash rescue during Vietnam in the Marines. Many years I was told that I didn't have to do a career but I was give to the country. Both me and my two brothers are serving and glad everyday.

Although I joined after my brother did, it was largely for selfish (read: monetary and job opportunity) reasons.  It was not until AFTER I joined that I found out that both of my Grandfathers had served in the Military...

I would think that would've been true a generation or two ago, but not maybe so much in today's society. Myself it was a partial reason, my father retired from AF, he had three brothers that served various forces, both grandfathers served WWII and Korea, and great grandfather on father's side served. So it is generational for most, but it is also how you were brought up to think about service to country as well.