[Casloy]

Drafted at 20 during the Vietnam war. Didn't want to go, but avoiding the draft in any way was not a legitimate moral choice. Was the best thing that ever happened to me. I grew up a lot, had the privilege of serving my country, and learned the true meaning sacrifice. I would strongly encourage any young person to spend a year or two doing something outside themselves either serving the country or the community in some way. It's not only good for the country but good for the individual.

[stumpy]

Enlisted on my 18th birthday (March 8,1965), the day the Marines landed in Viet Nam because my country was at war.

Swore to defend my country and its constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Came home from the Nam and turned 21. Since I could no longer shoot at my countries foreign enemies, I began fighting it's domestic enemies with the ballot. Have never voted for a democrat (communist) since I got the right to vote.

[FortWorthPatriot]

Enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1985 at the age of 22. Served seven years, seven months and enjoyed every single minute of it. Earned my Bachelor's on active duty. Left active duty in 1993 as a Sergeant.

Joined the Marine Corps reserve in 1994. Transferred to Navy reserve in 1996 as an Intelligence Specialist. Got re-married in 1998 and left the Navy reserve in 1999 at the end of my contract. Wished I had stayed in and am currently considering going back in to finish my 20 years (currently have 13 years towards retirement).

I loved every minute of being in the military. Would recommend it for any young man or woman considering it.

[Little Ray]

Joined the Army at 20 'cause I flunked out of GA. Tech. Planned to go military anyway, but as an ossifer. Also hoped to get to fight the Iranians (joined during the "hostage crisis"). Still went four years. Nobody threw a war, so I'm cold warrior.

[Revererdrv]

Had the same experience. My years in the military were probably the most meaningful years of my life! Didn't realize it at the time. Young adults who do not serve, really miss the bigger picture.

[saminfl]

I was nominated for the first class of the AF academy. During an interview with the flight surgeon doing the physicals, I told him my mother said I had fainted when I was about 6 years old. I was rejected.

Someone told me to enlist and try through the military. This someone said they didn't keep the same records. I found out they did keep the same records.

[RipSawyer]

“...avoiding the draft in any way was not a legitimate moral choice.”

Was for me, I proudly tell people I am a draft dodger! I joined the US Navy just before my eighteenth birthday to avoid being drafted into the US Army.
Boot camp at San Diego, electronics school at Treasure Island, one year at Keflavik and a Med cruise on the Saratoga. The Navy did far more for me than I ever did for the Navy.