Posted on 12/30/2005 8:15:40 AM PST by FlatLandBeer
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.
I joined the USAF at age 20, in 1965. I had dropped out of college due to boredom and was working a dead-end job. After my service, I returned to college, with a new sense of the importance of an education.
I recommend a tour of duty for all young men. It's a real experience that is more important that college at that time.
husband joined right out of high school. Got his masters over the years. He has no regrets. Traveled, learned, grew, developed, was mentored, mentored others and thankful for the opportunities it affored him and then our family. NO regrets at all. Career man. Military put us where we are today. It was wonderful. More young people should join. Guides their lives, turns some of them around, helps them decide on what they want to do, gives them a focus and makes them strong to face life. It's a GOOD thing.
20 years old. A friend of the family was an instructor at the winter survival school for pararescue. So, AirForce was my choice....and a wise one at that. Airforce sends their officers out to fight. ROFL.
IMO, every American should spend 2 years in the military. It's the LEAST they can do for our country and will make true men and women out of them.
Just turned 17. Was not doing well in school. Joined the Army.
Regrets, no. When I got out, I went back to high school at night, once I got my diploma, I went on to college.
It would have been easier to remain in High School but I was not motivated to learn. When I got out of the Army and discovered the only work I could get was manual labor, I found the motivation.
joined at 17....to get out of NJ, see the world.....went to Parris Island at 18...stayed in for 11+ years and still miss it (sometimes).
Best thing I ever did. Made some friends for life.
The Few. The Proud.
I was 30 when I joined the US Navy Reserve. So far so good.
I was drafted 6 months after high school graduation but because of the advice from a close friend, a Marine, I chose to enlist in the Marine Corps.....one of the best decisions of my life. My youngest son is currently a lieutenant in the Corps.... Semper Fi to all you jarheads out there. God I love the Corps.
Enlisted in the USAF at the age of 20. Walked away from a college scholarship and mom and dad directing my life. Wanted to do something besides be an accountant, and instead became a jet engine mechanic working on the best fighters in the world. Any regrets? Not about my service, no - best job in the world.
I joined the US Navy when I was 17. I wanted to serve my country. I volunteered for air duty in Vietnam. I have no regrets and would do it again.
Enlisted in 1965, motivated by the news showing guys my age fighting in Nam. Thought it was my duty to join the fight.
No regrets would do it again in a second.
Army was good in motivating me, paid my way through College and I would recommend military service to everyone.
Joined at 29. Something I always wanted to do. Love it. Became an officer and a SF Soldier. Don't be as dumb as me and at least have the army pay for college!
I was 21 in JUly 1961. The friggin' Russians built the Berlin Wall in August. I was learning the manual of arms and close order drill in November.
Got my draft notice and subsequently enlisted (RA - MICI) after being classified AAAAA, you're next.
Joined USAF in 1960 mostly to try and find what I wanted to do. I was a HS drop out and was really going nowhere. It was the best move I ever made. I finished my HS education (GED) and went on to get a couple of years of college while in the AF and finished up college when I got out in 1964.
Even though I bitched and moaned the entire 4 years (3 in the UK)they were some of the very best times of my life. The military taught me discipline and how to focus and look past the next beer or day off. I would do it all again and in fact would gladly have gone back after 9/11.
Joined at 18.
Only regrets are not following up on all the oppotunities for which I was presented...and foolishly declined-- DLI, USMA Prep School, OCS.
And not saving more money...and for decking the jerk who punched a friend...and for NOT decking a certain LT!
Oh, yeah, and not getting representation at my disability hearing.
I left the AF as a Captain in 1973 having had to withstand, like many Viet Nam era personnel, the slings and arrows of Fonda, Kerry and their ilk.
My first class cruise was "WestPac," which I thought would be Hawaii. It turned out to be Vietnam. I was on an LPD, and we took part in an opposed landing.
I remember wondering as it was going on just exactly how it was I'd managed to get myself into exactly the spot I was trying to avoid. I consoled myself with the satisfaction of having avoided phys ed. In fact, I'd still rather fight in a war than take another phys ed class.
As for advising young people, I don't ... and if you have any doubts as to why, try re-reading the above.
It was either the AF at 18 or I might have eventually ended up in jail in my boring, dying home town. No regrets, except I wish I would have signed up sooner. I missed the old GI bill by a couple of weeks.
For me, the experience has been phenomenal. I got in to serve others, but the real beneficiary is myself, in terms of confidence, fitness and strength.
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