Posted on 12/30/2005 8:15:40 AM PST by FlatLandBeer
What age did you join the Military and why? What motovate you? Any regrets?
What would advise a young person to do these days?
" I volunteered for air duty in Vietnam"
I volunteered for the river boats three times until the Chief finally suggested that I STFU in no uncertain terms. I think his consternation had something to do with me being an Airman.
What an interesting read this thread is.
I did it backwards. Graduated in 1985 from Washington State with a BA in Accounting. Spent a couple of months interviewing, but decided to enlist in the Coast Guard. Part of me always wanted to be a coastie, from having grown up boating on Puget Sound.
Went in with the idea of doing OCS, but ended up liking my job as a QM too much. Served on two ships, Polar Sea and Resolute. Did many boardings, covered most of the North Pacific from Panama to the arctic circle, and San Deigo to Adak Island. Loved it.
Should have reenlisted. Had I done that I'd probably have been a lifer. Was making zero money but I loved my job. Now I'm in the IT bidness making obscene money and hating my job. I don't always think it was a good trade. I miss the CG pretty much every day.
Would I recommend it to kids today? Absolutely without reservation.
bump for later read
The draft ended b/4 my 18th b/day.
I wanted to finish College, but I simply could not afford it. The Army offered a job with an income, an adventure, and an education bonus plan for when I got out. I enlisted while of sound mind, but I knew exactly what I was signing up for, and I meant every bit of my oath.
After having watched "Twelve O'Clock High" on TV for a week, I asked my dad to sign for me to go in the Air Force. He did, and I did. In Apr 1960, I got to Air Force basic at Lackland. Ended up in the USAF Security Service, and pulled overseas duty in the Philippines and Italy. Several months after release from active duty, I got a letter from Fort Meade, was accepted as a civilian employee, and served there for 33 years. I spent a lot of time "in uniform, armed." I also spent more time on USAF aircraft as a civlian than I did on active duty. I got to Vietnam, flying around in C-130s and UH1Bs. Served a lot of time in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and lastly, ten years in Latin America. I wouldn't change one minute of it, except, maybe, for that night in Frankfurt..... Concur with NRA1995: stay single for your first couple of hitches.
"USMC 1966-1969
VietNam 68-69 Alpha 1/26 Marines"
US Navy 1966-1969
Viet Nam 68-69 GMG3 USS Corry DD 817
US Coast Guard Auxiliary Oct 3 2001-
I was drafted in 1967 at age 22. I can't say I was eager to go, but I knew it was my duty, and was determined to do the best I could.
It turned out to be THE great adventure of my life...Even today I fondly recall the people I knew and events I was a part of.
When I was in, there were a few whining slackers (draftees mostly) who were determined to cause problems, but in today's military, it would be especially fulfilling, being an all-volunteer force of like-minded people.
I would strongly encourage anyone who has the inclination to join the military to do so. My heroes are Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.
One of the proudest moment of my life with my dad was when he enlisted me in the Air Force. He was a retired LtC, and after the Oath, he shook my hand, grabbed me in a big hug and said "Welcome aboard, son."
Jammers! A couple months ago, my daughter and I were driving home from church. Here in my town, there's a fellow who collects all sorts of "unusual" equipment. He's got a hook and ladder from the Chattanooga FD in his side yard, as an example. We went past his house, and I about locked up the brakes at what I saw. Turned around and parked right in front of his house so I could show my daughter the two jammers he had out there. I had been cross-trained on how to use them, and I was walking around it, pointing out all the controls and telling her what they did. He came outside and told me how many guys had stopped by and just had to stop and look at them - talk about bringing back memories.
Best thing I liked about the 6 year programs was the time-in-rate waiver for advancing....I got out as Petty Officer 1st Class, most of my friends only made it to Petty Officer 2nd class in their 4 years....
Joined the Marines at 18,
Why? because I always knew I would be in the military
and always knew I'd never join the Marines,
they were last on my list after the Coast Guard, I got turned down by every other service and someone (The Navy recruiter) tossed my name to The Marine recruiter, he went into the boondocks (literally) to get me, (I was stuck in a swollen creek with the family truck frame deep in mud, and he showed up in WHITE jeans, a RED USMC t-shirt, and spit-shined combat boots and pushed out the truck,)
after that I could not say no.
My biggest regret, not re-enlisting for longer when I had the chance, it might have prevented me from being cut via a budget cut that eliminated 6000 Marines.
regrets:Yes. I turned the Air Force down for the usmc infantry, the USAF wanted to guarantee me electronics training.
The things you realize after the bus pulled into Parris Island.
How did you serve in both the USMC and Navy during 1966 - 1969, and pull tours in VN during 68 - 69 in both services?
D'oh! Read who the guy is replying to fully before jumping stoopid!
I joined the USCG the day I turned 19. Spent 4 years working my a$$ off in Guam and Florida. I made friends for life. It taught me serious teamwork and showed me that at times my life was in someone else's hands. That is trust you have a hard time finding in civilian life.
It showed me that I am blessed to live in such a wonderful country where everyday someone is willing to sacrafice their life for my freedom.
God Bless every single military man and women out there.
These were the plain old OD jammers - I'll swing by with my camera in a minute to see if they're still there. If so, I'll see about a couple pictures. :)
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