Posted on 12/30/2005 8:15:40 AM PST by FlatLandBeer
I joined the marines at 18 to get out of my hometown and because I didn't have money for college. I gotout in 87 and joined the army in 94. Been in ever since. It's a great job even with deployments and such. I retire in 2009 and can start my second career teaching high school. I love being able to serve my country. The only low point was serving under Clinton.
My Dad joined in 51 and stayed until 71. Three of my brothers and one sister also joined. Between the six of us we covered all four branches. To my knowledge not one of us regrets it. My Dad says he wishes he would've stayed for another 10.
Semper Fi!
Thank you to each of you, and your families, from the bottom of my heart.
Each of you is an inspiration, a great American and a hero.
I am overwhelmed. There are just no words that adequately express my gratitude.
Technically, I joined in 1964 when I enrolled in NROTC. I recieved my commission in USMCR in 1968 when I graduated. I was on active duty through 1971. Served in RVN 5/69-7/70. It was the best thing I've ever done. My service in the Marine Corps has influenced my life more than anything except my Christianity and my family. I joined partially for patriotic reasons, partly for family reasons (many combat vets in my family) and partly because I had a desire to be part of an elite organization, to be the best at something meaningful.
I had a very low draft lottery number and my local board had fumbled the ball on my student deferment - sooooooo I had to make a move.
I completed OCS during my college summers and received my commission after graduation.
The Basic School then off to Pensacola for Flight School; I graduated the week of the Saigon Evac.... talk about good timing.
I had a couple of unique assignmements -- sooo even in Carter's "peacetime" got to play in a couple of real world places.
I had a great tour of duty which paved the way for my commercial career.
Semper Fi...
ROTC Commission 1954, Air Force pilot training then pilot Strategic Air Command. No regrets and feel I would have missed it all had I not served.
Wonderful background. Extremely good travel opportunity and life experience.
My career in civilian life was greatly enhanced by by time in Air Force.
Would definitwely do it again.
5 years in Military Intelligence in Clinton's Army made me wonder why the hell I ever did it.
Watched the Trade Centers bombed in 1993. Watched the Embassies in Africa blow up. Watched American bodies desecrated in Somalia. Watched the Khobar Towers explode. Watched us aid the terrorists in Kosovo. Watched the USS Cole blow up. Watched us blow up an aspirin factory in Sudan while bin Laden escaped to Afghanistan.
Finally, 9/11 made me feel ashamed of my service in Army MI.
I helplessly watched the ball get dropped that led to it--thanks State Department!
In 1995, I swore I would never wear a uniform again.
Joined the National Guard in 1999. Go figger....
LiteKeeper
Chaplain, US Army, retired
I joined a year after HS. I have enjoyed everyday since 18 Jun 1981. This is and has been a great way of life. I am proud to bear the title United States Marine!
Unlike most others here, I do NOT remember my two years very fondly - (I also got screwed...there was a Leap Year in the mix which screwed up my short timers calendar).......but I'd do it all over again, with emphasis on those two years, if I had my life to live over again.
(Only a Marine can understand that sentiment, I suppose)
Chose the Air Force, thinking they had good training schools, and travel opportunities galore, and it would be an easier life than other branches. I was right on all counts, and ended my first enlistment in Spain, working commo/crypto, Top Secret clearance, all the responsibility I could handle, and feeling pretty damn good about my decision to join the Air Force.
Re-enlisted and stayed for 22 years, and using training received in the AF, started a career in data processing where I worked until retirement.
Best decision I ever made was visiting my "friendly" (lyin SOB) recruiter!
21 and I needed the money.
Good for you. My nephew (17) has just signed up with the Navy; he's got a nine-month wait before he begins training as an underwater welder. I don't know what led him to this decision; I'm just proud and grateful that he made it. GO NAVY!
My dad got me to join the Naval Reserve at age 17 in High School, to avoid being drafted into the Viet-Nam conflict. I vividly remember the two weeks of Naval Boot Camp at Great Lakes and the 2 weeks afloat on a ship on Lake Michigan....boy, did I ever get seasick. I then had a choice....to go to a Military Academy or go in the Navy as a Seaman.
I was accepted to The United States Merchant Marine Academy and upon graduation, also became a Naval Reserve Officer. I aided in the Viet-Nam Seal Lift effort.
No regrets, and I really wish they would have mandatory two year military duty for all US citizens. It would be good for all concerned....more especially, our Country!
Your story brought tears to my eyes. A big THANK YOU to you and to all the military guys and ladies on FR. What a great thread!!
Your's was a great post. I was so moved, I missed the Munich part. ha. Hell, if they can't take a joke.
I was a hippie during the Vietnam Era and was never in the military. But I am very proud that even in those crazy days of demonstrating I NEVER demonstrated against the war.
When everyone went on their marches against the war...I went home and listened to the Beatles. Even back then I was anti Commie and pro military.
Guess that was due thankfully to my parents influence.
Joined the Navy at 18 in 1968. Reason? It's a family tradition and the cops were after me.
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