Why did you join the military?

2024-03-02T16:07:33-05:00

This is for an article. If you don't want your name mentioned, please let me know!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2024 5:19 PM

2024-03-02T17:19:40-05:00

The reason(s) I joined the military:

1) A family tradition, as it were. There has been at least 1 person every generation on all sides of my family that have served. There has been at least 1 person on all sides that had served in each war since 1914 (US and Canadian military).
2) Growing up, listening to the stories of those in my family that had served....they just inspired me to join.
3) GI Joe and John Wayne. No, seriously. They, too, were motivators.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2024 5:25 PM

2024-03-02T17:25:00-05:00

SSG Elizabeth Koss My father was an Air Force Captain who died serving our country, so I had a strong desire to also serve our country. I also believed that aiding South Vietnam was a just cause.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 2 at 2024 8:38 PM

2024-03-02T20:38:12-05:00

I wanted a varied career. I was in Aviation, Armor, Logistics, Budget, and National Disaster Planning. I am here if you need more information.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Mar 2 at 2024 8:43 PM

2024-03-02T20:43:41-05:00

Dad was a WWII vet who was in the Army Air Corps as a combat photographer stationed at Lowry Army Air Base near Denver, CO. In February 1945 he was assigned to the Infantry and handed a machine gun. I grew up watching war movies with him. I had wanted to join the Army for as long as I can remember. My parents jokingly swore that the first sentence I learned to say was 'I want to join the Army'. I was sworn into the Army Reserves two weeks after my 17th birthday. Dad didn't live long enough to see me fulfill my dreams.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 2 at 2024 9:49 PM

2024-03-02T21:49:04-05:00

My Dad was a WWII Navy Veteran in the Pacific and during the Korean War My Mom and I were with Dad at pearl Harbor Hawaii. A lot of the members of My family had served, during WWII and Korea. Our family had two members that served during the French and Indian War while We were a British colony. Three family members marched with the Minutemen from Sudbury, MA to Concord, MA to battle the British at Old North Bridge on April 19th 1775. With the exception of the Civil War fought in every war up through Korea. Once I was in the service I spent most of 1968 into early 1969 in Vietnam. I also had been a Cadet at Bordentown Military Institute, Army ROTC Bordentown, NJ before entering the USAF as also had been a Cadet in Civil Air Patrol, the Auxiliary of the US Air Force. There is a lot more detail of My families Military History also which I'm very proud of. While I served My Dad told Me over and over again how proud He was of Me for My service which He had encouraged. The draft was going on 1n full force during 1966 when i left for basic but I enlisted in the Air Force which proved to be a good choice for Me.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 3 at 2024 12:17 AM

2024-03-03T00:17:30-05:00

I was privileged to be born in the best country in the world. For this, I felt I owed a debt to my country, thus I joined. You can learn more about me at: https://beslagsmed.wixsite.com/mikelwdawson
Feel free to use my name

Mikel W. Dawson's Books

Fantastic books from a fresh new author. Written is a form which allows you to read, relax and enjoy. Follow Mikel as a guide in Idaho to a farrier in Denmark

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 3 at 2024 12:26 AM

2024-03-03T00:26:35-05:00

I was a nineteen year old street corner punk,barely graduated High school,had a succession of low paying,dead end jobs,blossoming alcoholic,no discipline,no future,I joined to have change in my life,I was definitely changed! Those short three years have affected the remaining decades decidedly for the better, Welcome Home Brothers.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Mar 3 at 2024 12:37 AM

2024-03-03T00:37:39-05:00

SSG Elizabeth Koss, fine to mention my name.

My decision to join the Army was influenced by a combination of factors, not the least of which was a response to the events and sentiments of the time. One of these factors was the Army's recruiting campaign in the 1980s with its slogan "Be All That You Can Be." While this slogan served as a catchy jingle, it was the subsequent phrase, "Get an edge on life, in the Army," that struck a chord with me. The notion of gaining an advantage in life through military service made sense. Moreover, the Soldiers in those commercials felt genuine, not mere actors trying to appeal to me. Consequently, I sensed that the Army was a tangible pathway from high school to adulthood.

In the fall of 1983, a respected upperclassman who had joined the Marines was killed in the bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. The experience at my school's memorial service stirred me and the respect I had for this Marine made me feel closely connected to military service, as if it were more likely than not that I would serve. President Reagan's rationale for maintaining and fortifying America's presence and protection in the world made sense to me. Rather than withdrawing, his arguments underscored the importance of commitment and duty. To his credit, he heightened my sense of duty.

At the age of 17 in November 1983, shortly after my friend's passing, I made what could be considered my inaugural adult decision. I enlisted in the Army Reserve, opting for a delayed entry into active duty. I attended basic training between my junior and senior years and AIT and active duty after HS graduation. This decision proved to be one of my best, providing me with the edge I sought in life and marking the beginning of a 32-year career in the Army.

Response by SrA John Monette made Mar 3 at 2024 7:54 AM

2024-03-03T07:54:16-05:00

I wasn’t able to afford college after high school. I was in AFJROTC all 4 years of high school and loved it. Figured it was a natural progression so I enlisted right after graduation

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2024 12:27 PM

2024-03-04T12:27:54-05:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn37QfXw1-E

APOCALYPSE NOW Clip - Ride of the Valkyries (1979) Francis Ford Coppola

APOCALYPSE NOW Clip - Ride of the Valkyries (1979) Francis Ford Coppola In Vietnam in 1970, Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) takes a perilous and increasingly ...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2024 9:21 PM

2024-03-04T21:21:38-05:00

I joined because I wanted to be all I could be. It may sound cheesy but at the time I really didn't see much going on after high school and I wanted to serve my nation. I am at 22 years of service with 17 active. I wouldn't change a thing.

Response by 1SG Dean Mcbride (MPER) (CPHR) made Mar 4 at 2024 10:31 PM

2024-03-04T22:31:05-05:00

In 1960, I was a 17 year old high school dropout and every single mother's nightmare. I came home one day and told my mother that I had talked with an Army Recruiter and he said if she would sign the papers, I could enlist in the Army. Her response: Where's the Pen! I joined the Army to get out of the rut I was in that was leading me to a wasted life and probably repetitive times in jail. Living with a single mother trying to support four kids, I needed guidance and discipline that I was not getting from home. Early on, there were times I regreted the decision. However, looking back, it was the best decision I made in my entire life.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Mar 6 at 2024 2:15 AM

2024-03-06T02:15:10-05:00

My Father Was Active Army From 1945-1965 , So I Was Born Army. What Did I Do I Joined The Marines At 17 , Just To P Off My Father, But He Was Still Proud Of Me And He Did Live Long Enough To See Me Switch To The Army And Was Even More Proud Of Me Than.
Having My Father And All Of My Uncle’s On Both Sides That Served From WW2 Through Vietnam,
I Guess You Could Say That The Military Is In My Blood, I Wish I Could Have Stayed In Till Retirement But I Was Injured And Got A Medical Discharge, That Is Rated 100% P&T.

Response by SPC Gary Watson made Mar 6 at 2024 8:31 AM

2024-03-06T08:31:23-05:00

My four older brothers all served in the military and my family couldn't afford sending me to college. So after working in a glass factory for a year after graduation I decided to join the U.S. Army and become an MP. This would further my ambition to become a police officer after ETS. I couldn't have been more wrong. Living where I did you had to have political connections for local police. State police was pretty much the same and Sheriff duties were not what I wanted to do. So I became a Treasury Analyst after my tour.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Mar 8 at 2024 1:27 PM

2024-03-08T13:27:27-05:00

Had to do it because I felt I had an obligation to everyone who came before me. I always tell people I didn't want to be 75 and regretting not giving it my best shot.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Mar 9 at 2024 5:23 PM

2024-03-09T17:23:21-05:00

I graduated from High School in February of 1961, two months before turning 18. I have been a Printer since I was 5 years old when I learned how to set type by hand. I was working with my father at a Print Shop in Santa Monica after school for years and went to work full time. My school Fraternity Brothers did not graduate until June and had a school visit by a Naval Recruiter. They were gung ho to join and asked me if I was interested. When they explained that the Navy trained nearly every job there was and it included Printing, I said YES! I wanted to pay my country back for all the rights, freedoms and privileges that I had and did not have to earn.
We all went down to the Naval Reserve Center at Stadium Way just down the street from where they were finishing Dodger Stadium. At that time we were told that we would go to Boot Camp for three months and back to the Reserve Center for either weekly or monthly drills. The weekly drills were from 8 p.m. until 11 and the monthly drills were for the weekend. We chose the monthly drills because they would be on board a ship.
After 3 years of drills I was ordered to active duty. As a Printer they needed to give me a large ship with a Print Shop. It was the U.S.S. Kearsarge, an Anti Submarine Aircraft Carrier and it was currently in Japan. I received an airline ticket and packed my seabag and left Los Angeles. With several other Navy personnel, we were flown to San Francisco to wait for another Plane to take us, via the Polar Route, to Japan.
We took off about 1 a.m. and landed in Alaska to refuel. We made it to Japan at 8 a.m. The three Officers got immediate transportation to the base and the rest of us had to wait. Since the 1964 Olympics were in Japan, getting transportation was not easy. When we finally reached the Base it was nearly 1 o'clock. A week later we were put on a Bus to take us to Yokosuka, Japan to meet the ship. It took us two days to get there and we arrived on a Friday night. I was checked in and an escort took me to the Print Shop so I could find it on Monday morning; then to get my linens and finally take me to the sleeping quarters. I found a locker and bunk and went to sleep. I really needed it and did not need to report to the Print Shop until Monday so after I woke up I decided to take a tour of the ship.
When I went to the Print Shop on Monday morning I found a guy sleeping in the Darkroom. Since it was past morning quarters, I woke him up. It turned out that he was the First Class Petty Officer in charge of the Print Shop. I introduced myself and explained my background in Printing. It turned out to be 10 years more experience than he had. He said that he would introduce me to the other 8 members and let them know that I would be in charge.
I completed my 2 years of Active Duty and went back to my Reserve center to complete my 8 year Enlistment. I had been proimoted to E-5 and was due for the E-6 exam. I passed it with ease and as a First Class Petty Officer I had many different jobs. When my enlistment was about to expire they asked me if I wanted to re-enlist. I knew that I would be eligible for Chief Petty Officer in two years so I did.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Mar 10 at 2024 9:30 AM

2024-03-10T09:30:35-04:00

My Grandfathers both served one in Korea and the other in WW1 My father served as a Medic/ambulance driver WWII. I always wanted to Join the Army. I had already been in the civil Air Patrol. Vietnam started i was to young so when i turned 17 i enlisted delayed entry. To add to my desire to Join dependable jobs were scarce, My desire to serve and the need for a dependable pay check + education and serve my country all in the same nut shell just seamed the right thing to do so made a career of it.

Response by SPC Frank Montalbano made Mar 10 at 2024 11:21 PM

2024-03-10T23:21:06-04:00

I joined the army because My Dad served in the Marines and 3 of my uncles 1 in the Marines - Korea and 2 in the Navy & 1 cousin served in the Army - Viet Nam

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Mar 12 at 2024 12:53 PM

2024-03-12T12:53:46-04:00

I have no idea why I joined. My Grandpa never spoke of WWII, Dad never spoke of Vietnam, and at some point in grade school I started becoming very patriotic. Probably sometime around the second grade I started learning about Pearl Harbor and WWII and that just seemed to be the direction for me. Retired from Army Nurse Corps 2.5 years ago.

Response by LTC Thomas Jones made Mar 12 at 2024 3:33 PM

2024-03-12T15:33:37-04:00

Received my draft notice on my 21st (Happy) birthday. Felt I had no choice in the matter at the time. Did choose to stay around for 22+ years.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Mar 12 at 2024 3:54 PM

2024-03-12T15:54:37-04:00

I joined at 17 to mature, while seeing some of the world and saving money for college. My initial 3-year stint led to my coming back after college for another 20 years.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Mar 13 at 2024 11:32 PM

2024-03-13T23:32:07-04:00

Okay I Won't Mention My Name ...
So Don't Look Above Or To Your Left Either, Or It'll Screw-Up Your Report,
~~ I Enlisted In The USAF On My 17th Birthday, Quite Frankly; Because I Felt It My Responsibility To Serve This Country, As Did 2 Of My Brothers Before Me; And Not Have To Worry About Being Drafted Into The ARMY. .....The USAF Goes 1st Class...While The ARMY Works For A Living.
And At 17, Employment Sucked & I Had Only A Little Education To Get A Decent Job.
I'm A Mid 9th Grade Drop Out, Just Returning From Central America.. That Being Said; I Had To LIE Like All "L" To Be Allowed To Enlist.. 10th Grade Was The Minimum Requirement... Then, Upon Hitting My 1st Duty Station, I Immediately Completed My GED... Then I Took Every Business Program I Could Complete During My 4 Year Enlistment....THERE... ~And My Name Is NOT "Sally" ~

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 14 at 2024 9:17 AM

2024-03-14T09:17:58-04:00

I joined for two reasons. First was almost every male member of the family had served. Second was that I had gotten laid off, it was a recession, and I was running out of money. Found out that I liked it.

Response by SGT Robert Urbaniak made Mar 14 at 2024 8:21 PM

2024-03-14T20:21:52-04:00

I did not join, I was drafted during the Vietnam war. You were either US or RA which meant nothing once you got to Vietnam.

Response by Cpl Craig Howard made May 1 at 2024 9:54 PM

2024-05-01T21:54:08-04:00

One of my Grandfather's wanted to serve in WWII, but he was needed here stateside as he was working in the Copper Cable industry. The other did serve in WWII. My Dad was Navy during the defense of Tiawan. My Uncle was career Air Force from Viet Nam up to the early 80's. My brother joined the Delayed Entry program for the Marines but was seriously injured prior to Boot Camp and was ruled ineligible to serve. (He is good now.) I wanted to follow in that proud tradition so I enlisted in the Marines. I have cousins that were Air Force and Army. All we need now is a Coastie to have the entire set.

Response by SP5 Skip Saurman made May 13 at 2024 11:28 PM

2024-05-13T23:28:33-04:00

According to whatever history I could easily recover, I apparently had relatives that fought in the Revolutionary War. More directly, I know that my Grandfather served in WWI as an ambulance and supply truck driver. My Dad served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as an airplane mechanic. My Uncle (also my idol) served in the Army Combat Engineers all though the entire Korean Conflict. It felt pretty natural to me to also join "Uncle Sam's Home for Lost Boys" U.S. Army! Besides, I turned 18 in 1969. Where else do you think I might end up? Although I can't say that I enjoyed every minute of it - including an event-filled vacation in beautiful South Vietnam - I truly have NO regrets.

Response by SPC Robert Nasiff made Jun 9 at 2024 11:54 PM

2024-06-09T23:54:01-04:00

In 1962, I was 19 years of age. I decided to volunteer for the draft for several reasons. I decided I rather volunteer than wait until my 20s because I didn't want to be in a position in my mid 20s where I might have a job and start a family, then be torn away to be drafted. Also I did not want to enlist where I'd have to serve 3 years instead of 2. I wanted to serve my country as early as possible and then be able to carry on with my life uninterrupted.

When I entered the Army, my first pay as an e2, was only $59 per month. Had I been married with a child and bought a house, my family would have never survived financially. Thus my decision to volunteer for the draft. It was not necessarily out of patriotism and such, but feeling I would get drafted regardless, and just wanted my service to be over ASAP. And of course I still had to serve 2 years active and 2 years of inactive reserve once my active 2 years finished.

In retrospect, one of my best decisions because it allows me to use full VAMC services for the rest of my life. The VAMC is a life saver for me. And of course to go to college using the GI Bill.

And of course my appreciation to all here who have served.

Response by Sgt Brett Holdeman made Jun 12 at 2024 9:23 PM

2024-06-12T21:23:24-04:00

To avoid crashing-and-burning after my dad committed suicde, which led me to start committing stupid peer-pressured criminal offenses and two stints in jail. It was the best thing I could've ever done, and I thank the Lord for putting me on the right track!

Response by SGT Krisandra Daniels made Jun 13 at 2024 6:42 PM

2024-06-13T18:42:49-04:00

I turned 18 in "72 while in high school. I talked about joining the Army but my parents (my father) said I would spend half my enlistment in the brig. So, I ended up going to college where my parents had no say and joined the ROTC Program. When the military downsize both the enlisted and the officer corps, I was honorably discharged just short of bening commisioned. In 1980 I enlisted in the Army Reserves because I did not feel that i had colpleted my original Oath I swore to my country.

Response by AA Loreen Silvarahawk made Jul 8 at 2024 7:07 AM

2024-07-08T07:07:38-04:00

There are two reasons I joined the military: 1. My Father was a highly decorated WWII Veteran of 20+ years. 2. "Ask not what your country can do for you but rather what can you do for your country." President John F. Kennedy

Response by PVT Nathaniel Hodgson made Jul 10 at 2024 5:33 PM

2024-07-10T17:33:52-04:00

I joined the Air Force right out of high school. I didn't know what I wanted to do and college was not an option. I tested high on all four work areas but Engineering and Mechanical was full (or so I was told) Admin and General were what was left. The options for Military Police, Medic and RIA was what was left for me. I wasn't interested in MP or Medic for personal reasons. I ask what RIA stood for and one seemed to know. So I picked that. It wasn't until I arrived at Goodfellow AFB and the first day of class that I found out I would be a Radio Intercept Analyst. I feel as thought I lucked out. That job lasted for my remaining three years and fifteen years with NSA and 22 years with TRW.

Response by SGT Doug Blanchard made Jul 20 at 2024 4:14 PM

2024-07-20T16:14:42-04:00

My paternal grandfather was a WW I Coast Guard Veteran, my dad was a WW II and Korean conflict Veteran, with credit for Vietnam. I had a great uncle who was a code talker with the Marines in WW II, who went on to serve in the Korean conflict, he also did 3 tours of duty in the Vietnam War.
I was a transplant to the United States and was naturalized at a young age. I decided in my mid teens when I was old enough to join the military I would do so. This country gave a lot to me, and going into the military was my way of giving it something back.
That and a number of family that had served in the military.
I enlisted at a time when it was not "cool" to be in the military, did not matter what branch. Post Vietnam Era when this country was still in turmoil from it.

Response by CPO Bernie Penkin made Jul 25 at 2024 1:38 PM

2024-07-25T13:38:50-04:00

I have written about this elsewhere on Rallypoint. My dad was born to a life of wealth and privilege in the Ukraine. The Russians invaded and starved out the people. Rich, educated folks like him were killed. He got out and eventually wound up in Germany. He was drafted into the Vermarcht and fought in WW2. After his release from a French prisoner of war camp he settled in Germany and met my mom. Dad always wanted to be an American in his heart. In 1953, he, my mom, sister and brother immigrated to the USA. My other brother was born shortly after they arrived and I was born several years later. Dad spoke about how proud he was to be an American. The local American Legion post made him an honorary member even though he fought for the wrong side.

As I kid I made up my mind that I would serve a hitch in the military. The reason was so that I could pay back my country for giving my family a home and way of life. I enlisted in the Navy at 17 and served for four years. I got out and moved back home. Took me a while, but I realized I wasn’t done and went back to active duty in the Coast Guard, because I missed military life.

Response by SSgt James Carter made Sep 2 at 2024 11:35 AM

2024-09-02T11:35:47-04:00

I had a draft lottery number of 270 based on my birthday. When Nixon announced they weren't going to draft any numbers above 100 that year, my mom was super relieved. After I joined, my mom was mad enough to kill me; she got over it eventually (30 years later). I'd been working in the family business during junior high, high school, and 2 years of college, but wanted something different and exciting.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 2 at 2024 11:09 PM

2024-09-02T23:09:25-04:00

I wanted a varied career and got it. This is what I did:
- Rode in helicopters.
- Rode in tanks.
- Finance.
- Budget.
- Logistics to a minor degree.
- National Disaster Planning.
- Attended the Command and General Staff College where we focused on the big picture and strategic aspects of warfare.

However, my most important task was taking care of the soldiers and their families.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Sep 3 at 2024 11:12 AM

2024-09-03T11:12:06-04:00

I joined the military to run away from a very dangerous childhood the military was my only way out, if anything I’m glad I did join the military I’m a better person for it, it thought me a lot about god,country,and life.

Response by SPC Timothy Smith made Sep 10 at 2024 7:19 PM

2024-09-10T19:19:11-04:00

To start with it was my dream to join the Army. I just had to go in a lot sooner than planned. I was behind in school, my father was very abusive, and I couldn't do anything right. So, at 17 years old I talked with an Army Recruiter and a buddy oof mine wanted to join on the buddy system. I father had to sign for to join

Response by CPO Christian Simonsen made Nov 10 at 2024 7:30 AM

2024-11-10T07:30:48-05:00

It was during the Viet Nam war. To put it bluntly, I wanted to send as many of the communists to hell as possible.

Response by SGT Craig Johnston made Nov 12 at 2024 3:46 PM

2024-11-12T15:46:51-05:00

I joined the military. Because I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school. My folks didn’t have the money to pay for college. Most of my money as a teen went to help my folks pay bills. I was good at and enjoyed electronics, My mom recommended I join the military, something in electronics, to learn a trade I could use when I got out. I enlisted in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. I enlisted as a 26Q in 1982. After 15 years, caught up in the drawdown after the multiple Gulf Wars, I ETS’d as an E5, SGT. Promotions weren’t happening, cut off scores at 998, I was happy to get out. ACAP helped me get my first civilian job in Dallas, TX. After a year as an installer, AT&T picked me up. 26 years later, I’m still working for AT&T. My second best Career, next to the Army. At 61 years old, I retire in 4 years with 30 years with AT&T. Not too shabby for not knowing what I wanted to do out of high school. I count my lucky stars every day. I love what I do for AT&T. Everything I learned in the United States Army, I used day 1 with AT&T. Talk about “Army Training”. Life is good, I am blessed and very fortunate.