Where would you be and what would your life be like if you had never joined the military?

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 12:48:00 -0400

How would your life be different?

Response by SGT David T. made Aug 19 at 2016 12:49 PM

SGT David T. — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 12:49:51 -0400

Most likely in a box or a cage.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 12:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 12:52:19 -0400

In a dead end job, just like everyone else I went to school with who didn't get out of a small town. I'm retired now and some of them are in the same jobs they had in high school, just in a different position.

Response by SFC Dave Mccain made Aug 19 at 2016 12:57 PM

SFC Dave Mccain — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 12:57:57 -0400

I agree with SFC Damon Mysard. I would have likely stayed in that small town paradigm and been miserable at some dead-end job. I have looked into many of my classmates and they are in fact stuck in that infinite loop. All of those who have been able to escape never go back.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Aug 19 at 2016 1:01 PM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:01:01 -0400

Thats a question I wonder about often and even as old as I am I have NO idea. After the Navy I went to work at McDonnell Douglas as a test engineer on Harpoon Missile. Skills I learned in the Navy, so without that I have no idea which direction my life would have gone. While in the Navy I also developed my ability to Scuba Dive and was a Diver on the Enterprise and have continued to Scuba Dive even now.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 1:05 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:05:44 -0400

Back in 1984 I joined the Army Reserve because they would send me to DLI (Defense Language Institute) and let me pick the language. Other branches of service coveted my high DLAB (Defense Language Aptitude Battery) score, but none except USAR would offer any language other than "Needs of the service".

In 1984 "Needs of the service" meant Russian, and when I went back in in 1990 "Needs of the service" meant Arabic. My focus was and remains East Asia and I was very excited to learn Korean. Learning Korean was also the best thing I ever did, and is how i met my wife.

Speaking Korean has opened endless doors for me and continues to be a major part of my life. Absent Korean language fluency, I'm sure my life would have been far less interesting, and far more lonely.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Aug 19 at 2016 1:08 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:08:43 -0400

Impossible question for me to answer, ENS Private RallyPoint Member.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 19 at 2016 1:09 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:09:16 -0400

Probably in jail.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 1:11 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:11:45 -0400

Probably somewhere that isn't pleasant.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 1:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:15:14 -0400

a lot different, I think I would stay in the construction/labor business and probably still be single and hating my life lol

Response by SrA Chris "Shadow" McGee made Aug 19 at 2016 1:20 PM

SrA Chris "Shadow" McGee — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:20:55 -0400

Definitely not in the position I am now. I never would have had the discipline to go to college if i hadn't been in the USAF first, and then worked a few less than ideal jobs after I got out.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Aug 19 at 2016 1:21 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:21:34 -0400

I had a lot of opportunities while growing up but decided not to take them. Had I taken them I would be in a higher position than I am now, most likely a VP or an associate close to becoming a VP. The biggest differences would be that I reached my position with the help of family instead of reaching for it myself. I would most likely have less wisdom in life, but may have more general knowledge.

Neither of this is negative as I like where I am now and am glad that I signed up. I do wonder why most veterans or AD troops think they would not be anywhere had in not been for serving.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 1:25 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:25:15 -0400

Same crappy civilian job, hating my life. I joined the National Guard and now tat I'm back I wish I had gone active because Drill and AT are the happiest days for me.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Aug 19 at 2016 1:28 PM

PO1 Brian Austin — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:28:14 -0400

Probably a lot more dull and boring, if not dead and buried.
Not to mention never meeting my wonderful wife.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 1:58 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:58:56 -0400

Every time I go home to visit I think about this. I grew up in a pretty good area and most of my friends are doing pretty well. I very well might have gone to a college nearby, got a job in the city I grew up in, and probably married a girl I went to high school or college with. I'd probably have a beige house in the suburbs with a few kids. That's pretty much been the template for a lot of my high school friends. On the other hand my family was having some internal strife around the time I left. Not long after I left for good I convinced my youngest brother to join the Army as well. He was falling in with a bad crowd so it definitely helped him on the right path. After all the kids moved out it gave my mom a chance to move to a new state where she has been much happier. My middle brother ended up following her a little later and got his life turned around as well. I definitely don't think I can take credit for their happiness, but me leaving turned out to be an inadvertent catalyst that really helped my family in the long run.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Aug 19 at 2016 2:02 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 14:02:28 -0400

The same place as SGT David Thomas but longer cause I'm older

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 2:04 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 14:04:44 -0400

That's something that's very scary to contemplate...

I was a huge jackass who never took anything seriously before I joined the military and the military helped me get my head on straight. Also, without the military, college (and then grad school) would not have been an option. I met my wife while I was in college and we have a kid.

Man, my life would look VERY different now if I hadn't taken that first step...

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 19 at 2016 2:08 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 14:08:03 -0400

Possibly dead. Joining the military got me out of a destructive home environment, got me on the right track, and enabled all the good stuff I am and have today...

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 2:09 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 14:09:47 -0400

I wanted to teach school. But, I did not have the money to attend college. If I had I would have likely stayed in or near my small hometown instead of living in 14 states.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Aug 19 at 2016 2:33 PM

SSG Keith Cashion — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 14:33:49 -0400

Unfortunately, probably doing the same nothing, in a nothing job, in the same nothing city, and getting no where.

Response by LCpl Ferdinand Hughes made Aug 19 at 2016 3:01 PM

LCpl Ferdinand Hughes — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 15:01:05 -0400

Probably at some dead end job just getting by in life.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 3:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 15:22:57 -0400

Dead or in jail

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 3:40 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 15:40:47 -0400

I've always had more time than money so I enlisted, then after degree took a direct commission, then used another GI Bill for doctoral training.
Like others, I got out of a small town and earned a life, met my wife and now I'm institutionalized. I'm cautiously optimistic about life after the military but not eager to find out. I still have a mission.

Response by CPT John Sheridan made Aug 19 at 2016 3:56 PM

CPT John Sheridan — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 15:56:41 -0400

I would be a licensed I-502 grower in Yakima Washington up at dawn every day and singing kumbayah around the campfire every evening. I would have some really cool tattoos and constantly say "dude" when I speak. I would tell stories about my younger days chasing big surf and living the Endless Summer... Or maybe I would be in Federal prison.

Actually, I think that there would be a fair chance that I would have recently retired from the Baltimore County Fire Department.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 3:59 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 15:59:38 -0400

I was working at Burger King when the recruiter called me. He asked if I had ever thought of joining the Military to which I scoffed at. Asked if he could come tomorrow to talk to me, I responded with sure, it's my day off, you can come waste my time and yours. After my first four years, I found him on AKO and wrote him the biggest thank you for talking me into this career. I first joined only to do four years so I can get my college money and get the hell out. This adventure has been entirely too much fun to pass up. If I hadn't joined, I probably would still be working at the burger joint figuring out how to afford to pay my bills and still have something left over.

Response by SGT William Howell made Aug 19 at 2016 4:08 PM

SGT William Howell — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:08:47 -0400

Pretty sure jail. If not there in a worthless manual labor job after I got out of jail.

In saying that, I knew when I was about 12 that I was going in the military. Thank God I did. I never had more fun than in my time in the military.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 4:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:20:38 -0400

I would have probably got a job as a draftsman's apprentice or something similar at Ingalls shipyard. Doubt I would have ever gone to college, I'd probably be making about half of what I earn now and living on the gulf coast.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Aug 19 at 2016 4:37 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:37:51 -0400

Still struggling I am sure. Not sure if I would have reached my potential

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 5:19 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 17:19:15 -0400

Hi, PO2 Martin.

I don't know. I could have gone to jail or won the lottery. Chances for either were about the same, I suppose.

My wife and the United States Air Force saved my life, though. I can't imagine a life without them, nor would I want to.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Aug 19 at 2016 5:33 PM

LCpl Cody Collins — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 17:33:42 -0400

I would be a musician or a Policeman

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 6:04 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 18:04:25 -0400

Who knows probably would be some kind of federal law enforcement

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 19 at 2016 7:21 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 19:21:30 -0400

ENS Private RallyPoint Member it's interesting reading through the responses; they are mostly the same...

How about you?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 19 at 2016 8:41 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 20:41:57 -0400

I must admit, that's a quite thought provoking question...I'm gonna have to give that one some really serious thought, honest....

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 19 at 2016 8:43 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 20:43:32 -0400

Don't even want to think about it. I hated school and was burnt out after Graduating High School. I chose the Best Path to Learn everything and anything about Telecommunications and Intelligence. Worked out Excellent and I made a Career out of it for 21 Years. Got to work with Ancient WWII Era Equipment to State of the Art PDP-11/70. Worked with something as small as a Radio Shack Receiver to something as Large as a 150ft Parabolic Dish "Moonbounce" Antenna.

Response by SFC Lee Tompkins made Aug 19 at 2016 8:47 PM

SFC Lee Tompkins — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 20:47:32 -0400

I never thought about not going in the military. I went to summer school to gain credits and graduate at the end of first semester my senior year. I went to the Army recruiter on my 17th birthday. Two days after HS was on my way and never looked back for 21 years. I would have liked to have served longer only got fed up with no promotion in over 8 years. The only thing I can say is that I doubt I would have settled in Oklahoma except for the Army sending me here. I'm happy with my life with the exception of my only son's death in 2011.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 10:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 22:06:22 -0400

Very different! The Army was a great experience that has stayed with me. I strongly feel I would never have achieved the success I have without that experience.

Response by LCpl Domingo Ariza made Aug 19 at 2016 11:46 PM

LCpl Domingo Ariza — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 23:46:27 -0400

I joined when I was 17 by the age of 18 I was in Germany, that opportunity would never have happened without the military and what I consider one of the best times of my life. I left a kid and returned a man - kid hell I am 53 and still a kid.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 20 at 2016 1:16 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 01:16:25 -0400

Probably a civilian track Civil Engineer and Surveyor as that's the degree I got from UCLA. However, tracking back to my ENL days, I wouldn't have met my wife because I certainly wouldn't have been going to the church where we met.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 1:37 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 01:37:30 -0400

My plan was to join the Marine Corps, and that is what I did. I plan, and then execute the plan. If my plans need adjusting, I adjust as needed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 1:38 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 01:38:50 -0400

Probably working some dead end job with no college education.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 2:07 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 02:07:45 -0400

Snowboard-junkie in Colorado (:

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 3:56 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 03:56:25 -0400

I'd probably be stuck in my parents place like my sister, with no aspirations of leaving, getting fatter, and have one of many dead end jobs like a lot my high school friends.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 5:43 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 05:43:00 -0400

Like many others have said. Its when I go home and see the same people doing the same things, forever stuck in a rut that I'm grateful I made the decision.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 20 at 2016 9:03 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 09:03:54 -0400

I would still be a registered nurse working in my hometown. Location and where my wife is from are the main things that would be different.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 20 at 2016 9:17 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 09:17:14 -0400

My life would not have been as rewarding

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 20 at 2016 10:37 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 10:37:55 -0400

I worked over 40 years in my life; 28 of them associated with the Air Force or Army. If I had never joined the military, my life would be much different. I probably would be a retired painting contractor or retired chef.

I'll have to take you on a trip back to the 1960s to understand my answer. When I graduated from high school in 1965, I was 17. I turned 18 two months later and registered for the draft. I was assigned status 1A, meaning I could be drafted as soon as the Board wanted. That fall I stared at university and was reclassified 1S, student deferment. We were married in November of 1965 and my daughter was born in August 1966; I was reclassified 4S, married with child and student. I think all of these things would have still happened, so I might have avoided military service had I wanted.

Here's where the changes start. My parent's college money ran out when I completed my Sophomore year of college. (In my actual life I earned a AFROTC scholarship for my last 2 years of college.) The student loan programs we have today were not available in the 1960s. I probably would have stopped my education there, at least for a while. There were two ways I might have gone. My wife's grandfather, whom we lived with, had a very successful painting contractor business. He would have been happy to teach me the business and possibly pass the business along to me when he retired about 10 years later (mid-1970s). I hope I could have matched his business success building on his high-end clientele. He worked for Tulsa families like the Skelly's (Skelly oil). I couldn't have matched his artistry with paint and brush. He could take a plastic light switch cover and paint it to exactly match a piece of oak paneling. On the other hand, I was working for a small restaurant chain (sort of like a Denny's mated with a Sonic) and doing well enough to be an assistant manager by the time I left to take my commission. The place lasted another 5 years in Tulsa, so I probably would have worked for them until the collapse. From there I might have gone to work for one of my friend's family who owned a Mexican restaurant. I enjoy cooking even today, so I might have advanced in that business and possibly become a chef--maybe even attending culinary school.

I believe I would have missed many great experiences and opportunities. I'm glad I made the decisions I did. My Air Force service and my later employment as an Army Civilian were the best times of my life.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Aug 20 at 2016 10:49 AM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 10:49:24 -0400

Well, to answer the question directly...I don't know, but it would be VERY different.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 11:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 11:16:17 -0400

Dead or in jail from being bored and blowing stuff up..wouldn't have my current job..

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Aug 20 at 2016 12:03 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 12:03:06 -0400

I don't know but my life sure was great when I served my country. My life was really messed up before going in the Army
It taught me a lot I wish I would been able to finish my career which I was cut short by 3.5 years and truly miss
It very much. I had every intention to do 20 years but do to other people that ended my Career. I wish I could go back in and finish what I started I go back in time by giving answers on this website it hurts me not being there to talk to someone in person one on one.

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Aug 20 at 2016 1:27 PM

PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 13:27:23 -0400

Nowhere pleasant to say the least. Not going to think about it whatsoever

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Aug 20 at 2016 2:32 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 14:32:43 -0400

I never really had this question cross my mind....I don't know where I'd be... I was living in NYC and suppose to get married and convert to be Jewish....but couldn't go through with it...Got up in the middle of the night, called the doorman for a cab and went to the airport and home to Texas...My dad gave me an ultimatum. go back to college or join the military...

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Aug 20 at 2016 3:13 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 15:13:37 -0400

I would have lived my life being a dirty nasty leg. How can you live like that?

Response by PFC Aaron Hyatt made Aug 20 at 2016 3:27 PM

PFC Aaron Hyatt — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 15:27:11 -0400

I would probably be much happier.

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Aug 20 at 2016 3:46 PM

SGT Paul Mackay — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 15:46:25 -0400

my son would be still alive. and I wouldn't have to carry the shame i have for something I never did.

Response by CSM Richard Welsch made Aug 20 at 2016 6:23 PM

CSM Richard Welsch — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 18:23:30 -0400

Great question.I was in my 2nd year of med-School and was not able to complete my last two years because of my outstanding loans.So I joined under the 18X Program.One thing I would have never learned it is Comerad or he wouldn't means to have Battle Brothet that would give their life for me like I would if it was them.

After I got out of the Army it was very hard to find a job at the time and I had a chiled to care for. One day I receive email from a company after 911 anyone looking for a special force PMC"s. The money I was getting paid for the plane for six months I was not able to turn down because of my child and I actually got caught up in the game for 15 years until I got injured a few times ended up with PTSD and TBI. TBI has been confirmed as far as PTSD and I call that reality.

What's the one thing that hurt me the most about serving our country's and I love our country but when I was injured the VA turned me away because I was a PMC and at that time They had no clue what a PMC was. I do not get any paid for my CIB when I found out I was 100% disabled I told the truth and did the honorable thing and told them I was a PMC and what happens to me had nothing to do with my time in the Army.I feel and I still feel very strongly that I did the right thing by being honest even though I don't get the benefits they tried to give me tri-care and that was a joke because I'm not active and I'm not at the age of retirement so all of that was backwards.

So now I sit back and think to myself I should have finished made to your M.D. degree and became a trams Dr. But the sandbox had a hold of me because of all of my battles the real heroes and never made it back home.

My question for all of you,If you were in my situation would you do the honorable thing like I did because we have so many other veterans that is in need of care mucous then me and Inwould not be able to live with myself.I just got another offer but I've only been home 17 months and I'm trying very hard to adjust to civilian life and it's very hard because I don't get along with Civilian nor do I care to get to know them. Is that wrong?

Thank You

Rich
My PTSD SD Battle

Response by PV2 Chris Alzner made Aug 20 at 2016 8:41 PM

PV2 Chris Alzner — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 20:41:18 -0400

There never was another option for me wanted to serve since i was 6 years old. Never had another thought but being a soldier. I come from a long long line of soldiers who served every generation has had a soldier since our family fought in the revolutionary war. If not for a medical reason I would be serving to this day.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Aug 21 at 2016 12:29 AM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 00:29:09 -0400

I would probably be voting for Hillary.

Response by Pat McCracken made Aug 21 at 2016 1:06 AM

Pat McCracken — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 01:06:45 -0400

Great Question!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2016 7:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 07:49:29 -0400

Empty!

I love this life. I have friends that I can call anytime and they would be there. My family has been well provided for and we have lived a great life. Not without its ups and downs; but the ups are more plentiful worth so much more than the downs. We have been stationed on four continents and visited over 40 countries as a family. As I lie on my deathbed I will look back and think of no greater accomplishments than 1) the time spent with my family (wife and two kids) and bringing up to great, responsible, hard working kids and 2) to have served my country (even though I wasn't born in the US, it is my country).

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Aug 21 at 2016 10:19 AM

Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 10:19:54 -0400

I'm sorry, in this timeline my time machine does not exist. Seriously, though; it is a popular belief that we can predict the future accurately enough. Who predicted Trump?

Response by CSM Michael Sweeney made Aug 21 at 2016 8:35 PM

CSM Michael Sweeney — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 20:35:29 -0400

I can't even imagine. I joined at 17 and did not plan to stay 29 years, then 11 more as a civilian. The big thing is I never would have met my wife at my first duty station. Army basic and AIT was motivating, but nothing motivated me or convinced me I could achieve anything more so than my wife. When I retired, I had been a soldier for 65 percent of my life. I was a kid when I enlisted. The Army and my wife matured me. I simply believe I would have been dead by 19 if I had stayed in my home town.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2016 11:21 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 11:21:13 -0400

If I'm being honest, probably stuck in a low-paying job (I had been working Burger King for three years at that point), getting drunk and high (that's what a lot of my old friends ended up as, so I can't think I would be any different) and living a dead-end life. Military has screwed me over a ton of times, but it has also given me so many opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. Or I might have won the lottery! Who knows?

Response by SSgt Paul Esquibel made Aug 22 at 2016 11:36 AM

SSgt Paul Esquibel — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 11:36:13 -0400

That's a complicated question with allot of variables for me, I could say that if I had never moved from the BEST STATE.....TEXAS to Lousyana I probably would have went to college on some sort of football or basket ball scholarship being that prior to moving to LA I was being prepped in middle school for High School sports. As it stands, if I had maybe a better welcoming to LA and their sports programs it could have gone the same way but unfortunately when I got to LA midway through the school year I couldn't join the basket ball team because they already had their team, so I figured I wait until High School, again I had to try out for the football team vs anyone who played football in middle school in LA was automatically on the freshmen team, this type of ethics towards sports just really turned me the wrong way so I did JROTC for the next 4 years. Now in LA their are absolutely no good colleges at least not compared to Texas and it's even harder as an out of state student to get in, so I did delayed entry my junior year and when I graduated in may I was at Lackland by June I didn't even go to my graduation I was alway in basic. So I think to some degree most people would have still done some type of civil service i.e military, fireman, police ect in their life because that's who you are within your character.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2016 11:53 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 11:53:29 -0400

Tough question. I was one of the few that ended up enlisting out of high school - let alone a combat related MOS. I can't say I was necessarily a deadbeat in high school, in fact I honestly think I'd have a good paying career while going to college. But I knew all of this going in. I still felt like it was my responsibility and my duty to enlist regardless on all the opportunities i'd be missing out on in the civilian sector.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 23 at 2016 1:51 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 13:51:55 -0400

I don't see how an honest answer can be given. We've made our choices and the only way to know for sure is if H.G. Wells could get a time machine going and we could take a do over and see. I can't imagine my life if I hadn't made the choice.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 23 at 2016 3:09 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:09:28 -0400

I'd probably still be homeless. Wouldn't have my 2 beautiful girls. Probably still be a mess. Military improved my life a big deal.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2016 10:50 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 10:50:03 -0400

not shamming

Response by PO2 Sharon Brown made Sep 13 at 2016 9:37 PM

PO2 Sharon Brown — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 21:37:21 -0400

I would still be in Chicago hopefully still alive. Probably still working at UPS. I don't think I would have gained the knowledge and skills I have now.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Oct 3 at 2016 7:11 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 07:11:14 -0400

ENS Private RallyPoint Member I probably would've gotten busted for doing something really stupid and I would have gotten into a fight with my father and LOST! If I wouldn't have joined my beautiful daughters wouldnt be in this world - that is for sure! There are so many things that I would have missed if I wouldn't have raised my right hand and taken that oath! I couldn't be here as a retired (tired) Colonel answering your question! LOL! Good Post George!

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Oct 3 at 2016 4:57 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 16:57:53 -0400

I wouldn't have my precious wife of almost 25 years or my daughter that I adore. I would probably gone to work in a dead end job just to have work and married someone that I really didn't love...but who knows. God knew me better than I knew myself and gave me opportunities so I really don't like to think about the what ifs...kinda scary for me

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 4 at 2016 4:00 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 04:00:19 -0400

If I could see 20 years down the road I'd play the stock market. I don't like the shoulda, woulda, coulda.

Response by A1C William Lane made Oct 4 at 2016 4:34 AM

A1C William Lane — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 04:34:54 -0400

In prison or dead

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2016 7:16 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 07:16:57 -0400

I think about it a lot, but I don't regret my choice. I don't know where I would be or what I would be doing, but I suspect that I wouldn't have the sense of something bigger and my place in it. my wife always asks me how I can stand the BS that we deal with and I always say there is BS everywhere at least here I am not working to enrich someone above me; I am doing something that matters. corny, I know, but its my two cents.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2016 11:28 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 11:28:37 -0400

Probably still struggling with my life, overweight and not able to bear children because of it.

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

SGT Daniel Quigley — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 20:48:24 -0400

That thought has never crossed my mind

Response by CPL Robert Deleon made Oct 11 at 2016 11:18 AM

CPL Robert Deleon — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 11:18:42 -0400

Honestly. The same thing I am doing now. Most times I wish I went active service like my brother. But chose to go reserve instead.

Response by SGT Beverly Tift made Aug 9 at 2021 6:12 PM

SGT Beverly Tift — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 18:12:48 -0400

On welfare and/or living on the streets with my children.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2021 6:44 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 18:44:52 -0400

Honestly, my life would be just fine. I already had a steady job with good benefits. I just always wanted to serve. Although, I do wish I had done so sooner. Enlisting at 31 wasn't the greatest idea.

Response by SFC Michael Moody made Aug 11 at 2021 2:16 PM

SFC Michael Moody — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 14:16:59 -0400

Like some of you I come from a small town. Most of my High School class mate's are still there and in the same dead end jobs. I spent two toured (10 years) of my 20 years in the Army in West Germany, met my wife there, we had a daughter and now I have three wonderful grand kids. I would not have gotten the training I received in the Army Medical Field to make a career out of it and that also carried over into the civilian word. I would not have traveled Europe and seen all the great sites and old cities. I believe joining the Army was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Aug 11 at 2021 6:33 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:33:15 -0400

I really can't say, but serving definately affected my life personally. I worked as a union Millwright and I could tell the difference in apprentices that had been in the military.They were more mature and were better hands

Response by SP5 Robert Kennedy made Aug 11 at 2021 8:09 PM

SP5 Robert Kennedy — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 20:09:46 -0400

I guess I'd be retired after being an automotive car stylist. Never got to follow my dream life, but did OK in what I got stuck doing. after being discharged in July 1969.

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Aug 11 at 2021 10:12 PM

SPC Matt Ovaska — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 22:12:47 -0400

I would not sufffer from agent orange and I would have normal hearing!

Response by PFC Dennis Finley Sr. made Aug 11 at 2021 10:46 PM

PFC Dennis Finley Sr. — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 22:46:29 -0400

I probably would have ended up working in one of the industries in the Buffalo area like my Father (he worked at Dunlap Tire & Rubber Co.) until I got drafted. J. F. Kennedy was President so I was teetering back and forth between the Peace Core and the Military, the U.S.Army won out. Joined at 18,1 month and 3 days old. Life changing experience.

Response by PFC Dennis Finley Sr. made Aug 11 at 2021 10:49 PM

PFC Dennis Finley Sr. — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 22:49:28 -0400

It says PFC but that ended up being changed to Lance Corporal.

Response by CPO Jeff Hay made Aug 11 at 2021 11:54 PM

CPO Jeff Hay — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 23:54:13 -0400

I came from a very poor family and joined the Navy as a source of guaranteed income. My dad insisted that I was going to college, but I knew he didn't earn enough money to pay for college because he barely earned enough to cover household expenses. I could have continued at our high school and achieved honors in my classes and graduated with no future in the horizon, but I decided in my sophomore year that I would go to go the county vocational school to learn electronics and go into the Navy after graduation. If I could go back 49 years to that point, I would not change anything.

Response by PO3 Rick Lewis made Aug 12 at 2021 9:54 AM

PO3 Rick Lewis — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 09:54:33 -0400

I probably would have been able to graduate from college, I'd most likely be living "up north", and I'd either be single or married to someone other than my current spouse.

Response by SP5 Isabel Samaniego made Aug 12 at 2021 5:43 PM

SP5 Isabel Samaniego — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 17:43:27 -0400

Wow I don’t know, still wild and an alcoholic and even drug abuser. I loved and still love the military I gave it 100% and got back so much more. When I got out I became an RN went on to get my FNP and now retired.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2021 8:28 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 08:28:57 -0400

Difficult to say, but highly doubtful I would be any where near successful as I am today

Response by MSgt Neal Schultz made Aug 13 at 2021 2:04 PM

MSgt Neal Schultz — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 14:04:18 -0400

More than likely in jail.

Response by CDR William Kempner made Aug 15 at 2021 6:16 PM

CDR William Kempner — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 18:16:06 -0400

Wealthier. I am glad to have served. It is who I am. But most of my contemporaries have been retired for 5-10:years, and are better off financially than I am.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Aug 16 at 2021 9:26 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 09:26:12 -0400

I would still be battling the discrimination I faced as a woman trying to get a supervisory position.

Response by CDR William Smith made Aug 16 at 2021 11:02 AM

CDR William Smith — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 11:02:52 -0400

Good question! I was waiting for Roadway to contact me about a Dock Supervisor position. My report date came for OCS and I departed for Newport, RI. After completing my 1st week of training, I called home and was told Roadway made me an offer for employment. While, the rest is history and who knows what my life would have been. I do know my military experience has open "career" doors and allowed me to travel the globe.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 16 at 2021 5:27 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 17:27:50 -0400

I was born to be a soldier, I was also a Police Officer and a Police Supervisor. If I had been born somewhere else I would have been in their army or a Policeman. The Government did an aptitude test on me and came up with military or law enforcement.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Aug 16 at 2021 7:34 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:34:41 -0400

ENS Private RallyPoint Member I was on the path of self destruction. I had stopped drinking when I was fifteen but not getting into trouble with the law from acting stupid. I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up in prison or even dead. I certainly would not have met my wife (my brother in law was a Marine also). How that poor woman has put up with me for forty-one years is beyond me but that's another story. Through the GI Bill I got to go to school to get my degree in electronics engineering which I probably would not have got otherwise. The Marines made a respectable man out of me and straightened my life out. Not without a major snag in boot camp where I got a field grade Article 15 and almost got thrown out on my ear. After that I flew straight!

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Aug 16 at 2021 7:42 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:42:13 -0400

Probably be retired from some job at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft.

Response by Sgt Jim Belanus made Aug 16 at 2021 8:16 PM

Sgt Jim Belanus — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:16:36 -0400

the training I got in the USAF gave me a heads up in the elect field and find a good job with a power co. Lots of hard work, lots of sleepless nites and lots of problem solving. No college or tech school to pay for. Lived a good life even with dealing with some of the worst weather in the country

Response by PO1 Jim Kerick made Aug 16 at 2021 10:00 PM

PO1 Jim Kerick — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:00:59 -0400

A hot, sad mess. I don't know if I would have had the inner fortitude to do I have done.

Response by A1C Pete Hoetjes made Aug 17 at 2021 8:50 AM

A1C Pete Hoetjes — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:50:21 -0400

I would not have met my wife. We married on a Saturday in 1960 sixty-two years ago and I had a weekend pass and had to report back to base 300 miles away on Monday morning. Later our first children were Air Force "brats" born at our base hospital. She and the military made me who I am.

Response by SPC Lance Davis made Aug 17 at 2021 9:52 AM

SPC Lance Davis — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:52:22 -0400

I was on the road to prison when I was given an opportunity to change my life for the better by joining the Army. I truly believe I would have eventually done something significant or severe enough to warrant a prison sentence. The Army showed me I can change my life and become the better person.

Response by SN Michael Smith made Aug 17 at 2021 10:38 AM

SN Michael Smith — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:38:42 -0400

I would most likely have gone to DeVry Institute of Technology and gotten a degree in the computer or electronics field as I was offered a full academic scholarship.

Response by PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln made Aug 17 at 2021 12:01 PM

PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:01:28 -0400

I would have most likely have joined a traveling carnival, like I did after my junior year. Had a blast.

Response by CPL Adam Schoenwald made Aug 17 at 2021 2:39 PM

CPL Adam Schoenwald — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:39:27 -0400

Quite Honestly, I do not know. I love the military good and bad, got hurt came home. Despite all that, if asked if I would do it all over again I would say yes.

Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Aug 17 at 2021 3:24 PM

PO1 Lyndon Thomas — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:24:59 -0400

Prior to joining I was a certified combination welder making the bed frames for 53 foot tractor trailers in Evansville Indiana. So I probably would have stuck with that for 25-30 years and retired around 55. Traveled a little bit, rode Harley cross country once a year, and just enjoyed life.

Response by SFC Paul Rhoten made Aug 17 at 2021 11:40 PM

SFC Paul Rhoten — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 23:40:11 -0400

I would be dead I would never have a wife for 55 years nor a family

Response by SPC Kenneth Bowles made Aug 17 at 2021 11:44 PM

SPC Kenneth Bowles — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 23:44:40 -0400

I think I would be a real mess.

Response by SFC Norman Graves made Aug 18 at 2021 4:29 AM

SFC Norman Graves — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 04:29:39 -0400

in dead end job or in jail

Response by Sgt Larrie Lindemann made Aug 18 at 2021 1:11 PM

Sgt Larrie Lindemann — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 13:11:27 -0400

Jail or Construction

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Oct 26 at 2021 1:28 PM

SPC Steven Depuy — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 13:28:53 -0400

Jail most likely, I was getting in a lot of trouble, trying to prove I was a tough guy to people I wanted to like me, the cops had already brought me in and told my parents things they thought I was doing. I was good to get a reset in life.

Response by MSgt Brian Williams made Oct 29 at 2021 1:15 PM

MSgt Brian Williams — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 13:15:09 -0400

I was teaching school in Philly and working part-time for Avis Rent A Car. Wasn't happy with either one and was still living at home. So there's no telling what would have happened in the public education system in Philly.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Oct 29 at 2021 4:45 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 16:45:14 -0400

Never wanted to be that guy, a townie sitting in the same bar he was in 45 years ago wearing his football jersey. A job he hates, friends are gone, nostalgia is great to a point. I have friends that on any given night I can tell you what barstool they’re sitting at. I gained my independence and know that life hasn’t broken me yet, nor will it.

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Mullett made Nov 9 at 2021 7:26 PM

1SG Jeffrey Mullett — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 19:26:21 -0500

That is a question I've considered more than once.
I probably would have ended up becoming a Police Officer, or maybe a Teacher. I'm not set up for a typical 9 to 5. I got a degree in Journalism before I joined Active Duty. I worked as a Media Manager, and a Dock Supervisor, Janitor, a Telephone installer...several different jobs. I'm an Illustrator, a Mechanic and I have played most sports.
Who knows.

Response by LTC John Wilson made Nov 11 at 2021 9:04 PM

LTC John Wilson — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 21:04:44 -0500

I cannot possibly imagine where I would be now. If I had not joined the Military, I wouldn't have circumnavigated the globe. I would never have lived on four separate continents. My children wouldn't have recieved birth certificates In foreign languages.

Response by SN Robbie Malone made Nov 12 at 2021 10:45 AM

SN Robbie Malone — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 10:45:45 -0500

Probably, be with some knucklehead that wouldn't care about me or a single parent on welfare. The military help me be an adult. It showed me a world that I would never even imagined. My Papa talked
me into going in and never regretted. It was my saving grace you could say. My Papa was in the military.

Response by CPO Clifford Henry made Nov 4 at 2022 10:12 AM

CPO Clifford Henry — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 10:12:52 -0400

With no hesitation I would say dead or in jail. The service truly saved my life and gave me an incredible career. I was crashing quickly when a recruiter approached me in the mall.