How was your experinece in the armed forces?

Please read this through: My father was a Marine. He finished boot camp in time to get deployed to Japan as part of the occupying forces there during WWII. He finished his tour, and then when the Korean War started, he was recalled. He landed at Inchon, and was with the 1st Marine Division which fought its way out of the Chosin Resivoir.

When I told him I wanted to join, he told me this: Don't join because you are bored with your small town life. Don't join because I served. Join because you feel you have something to offer your country, your fellow troop, and your own beliefs in what you are willing to sacrifice.

I didn't join the Marines. I joined the Army. My first two years in, 1972-1974 was as a Combat Engineer. I was stationed in Bamberg, Germany. I got out for a year and 7 months. I went through 6 jobs during that period. Didn't like anything I was doing, didn't like the attitudes of the people I worked with. I went back into the Army, as an Infantryman, Mechanized. I wasn't thrilled with the time spent in the motor pool, and working on broke down M-113 Armored Personel Carriers. I put in the paper work for Airborne School, went and came back to the same unit. I then applied for Ranger School. Graduated and came back to the same old thing. Mech Infantry. Put in the paperwork for the 82nd Airborne, and spent 4 years at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Went to Vicenza, Italy. Got back to Bragg and deployed (jumped) into Panama going after Noriega. (Operation Just Cause). Came back, spent some time in Alaska with the 172nd Infantry, Charlie Airborne, 5/327th Inf. Went back to Bragg, and went to the Gulf with the 82nd. From there, I went to Long Range Surviellance Course at Ft. Benning, and spent the rest of my career in LRSU.

Went to Somalia, attached to the 10th Mountain.

Every assignment after the "old Mech" units was highly rewarding. I had training opportunities that only specialized troops receive. I went places that most troops think about, but aren't willing to take the extra step to put them into the position to experience.

My military experience was great. Good times and bad, enjoyable and terrifying. The bottom line is that you get out of it what you put into it. I did what I knew I could handle. I could have tried Special Forces, and then tried out for Delta, but I knew my limitations.

My whole existance was to serve my country, my fellow soldier, and myself. I expected no fanfare because of my service. There was no marching band and cheering crowds when I joined, and I expected none when I retired, or anytime since. I joined, did my job, and that was that. My own satisfaction comes from the knowledge that I did what I had, felt, and needed to do. I have no regrets for anything I did, nor feel the need to explain my service.

The only reason I am writing this much is to tell you, and all who read this is that if you join for any other reason than to serve something bigger than yourself, then you are joining for the wrong reason.

As far as how it impacted my life: I have been selected for jobs that I would not have gotten if it were not for my military past. Most employers know that if they hire a vet, they are more than likely going to get a person that is timely, honest, loyal, and someone that will accomplish the task given. I am making 48K a year working for a company that trains soldiers on new commo, surveillance and weapons systems. I used to work for the Union Pacific Railroad where I made 65k a year, but wasn't that happy about the hours, the layoffs, and the B.S. the Federal Railroad Administration forces the Railroads to put an employee through.

I loved my time in the military, and I love training soldiers, even as a civilian. I am in my element.

Hope this wasn't to boring, to "gung-ho or Hoorah". It is the truth. This is my life, and I wouldn't trade a minute for anything.

Good question. I am in the US Air Force. I am an Electrical Systems Craftsman (highly skilled Electrician). I am classified as a Civil Engineer. I have been in the Air Force for almost 10 years and my experience has been, overall, outstanding. My family and I are taken care of medically ( I have some bones with tricare but that's for later), I get a regular paycheck, on the 1st and 15th of each month. I can retire after 20 years but I'll probably stay longer until they figure me out and kick me out! I love doing what I do. I dislike the time away from my family and friends but you get used to it. It's not easy but you grow accustomed. The military is not as bad or hard as most people think. You really need to believe in the US to serve her properly. When you join you will be serving a cause greater then your self, you will come to understand that phrase in your heart. If you are weak or a coward do not apply. It has impacted my life in every way. It has made me a better man, father and husband. I can provide for my family and serve at the same time. It is a good fit for me.

Joining the military was the best thing that ever happened to me. I spent 5 years in the Army, 2 in the infantry in Germany and 3 teaching computer maintenance in New Jersey. Got out, worked for a couple years, went to college and Navy Officer Candidate School. Served 15 years as a Navy Supply Corps Officer. The entire experience made me a better man, got me out of a small town, allowed me to serve my country, let me meet hundreds of great people (and a few not so great) and see the world.

Your decision should be based on your personal desires, just be prepared to do a good job because everyone else depends on you all the time, it can be an awesome experience. Depends on what you make of it.

I believe as your friend believes...i think everyone should do a stint in the military. It will create a confident, responsible, proud individual out of you. I am a Meteorologist in the U.S Air Force and it is an awesome job. I am part of a combat weather team which can deploy with other special operations forces to provide weather support. It's very challenging mentally and physically but that's what makes it fun. There isn't much I can complain about. The Air Force has taken care of me and treated me well. I've been places and done things most will not. The only thing that gets to me at times is the politics of being in the military. If you can get by that you should be good.

Your friend sounds like a lifer. He is absolutely right that the military is NOT for everyone. Those that do like it generally love it and have a very rewarding career.

While some people who join strictly for the college benefits become life long military and excel through the ranks most hate the military if they do it for the wrong reasons.

You are doing the first steps right by asking former military and getting an informed opinion. Best of luck no matter what you decide.

If you want to get out of where you are and help out think of some other options...

http://www.americorps.org/ (highly reccomend)

http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov/

http://www.peacecorps.gov/

I have no regrets and am thankful for all that I've experienced and learned. I joined the Air National Guard at 19 and have been in for 5 years. The military has taught me a great deal including independence, confidence and how to operate effectively under stress. I know I have it easy on the AF side, but I enjoy it. Of course there are always the downsides, but it's not the good times we learn the most from, right? The military offers fantastic experiences, educational benefits, travel, camaraderie and a chance to be part of the world's most powerful armed forces. But it demands of its members commitment, integrity and sacrifice. I've been to Colombia and Iraq. My husband (Army) is in Afghanistan. We are proud of what we do and believe in our mission. And where else can you get so close to multi-million dollar weapon systems? My hubby has had his share of helo rides, and I've been in multiple aircraft including an F-16 and C-130 gunship. Plus I had an awesome view of air-to-air refueling of Raptors from the boom of a KC-135! Getting deployed can be rough but it's well worth it. Working jointly with fellow airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines has to be one of my top experiences.

If you join, be prepared to dedicate yourself to your job and to your people. But also be ready to be a part an awesome network where everybody's on the same team (with some good rivalry, of course). It's a fascinating life, but it's also what you make of it.

I had a great time but eventually got too fat to jump out of airplanes.

I served in the Canadian military 4 years infantry, 11 years as a medic. Got to work alongside soldiers from all over the world. Have friends from every NATO country.

Got to travel and see the world.

I hated all the running though, and exercises in the winter in the Canadian Arctic, brrrrr.......

I think its good that you believe enveryone should contribute. it's not all that bad. i am in the army and have been for 5 yrs. i'm seeing the world. i am currently stationed in japan not the greatest place but there are worse places to be. i an happy and proud to say that im serving my country as a airborne soldier in the united states army.

My whole military exprience was excellent. I was in the USMC for six years and did two tours in "Nam. They turned an 18 yr. old "kid" into a man ! As to choices the situation in Iraq would make me take a LONG look at The Coast Guard. I carry on the "Semper Fi" (or will carry it) ''til they bury me !Talk to the local recruiters and see what they have to offer. DO NOT LET THEM "BS" YOU "CAUSE THEY WILL BECAUSE THEY HAVE A QUOTA TO MEET !! Best of Luck. SEMPER FI !

my years 2 of 4 were spent in vietnam back in the earlr or mid 60s i was drafted. yes i would recomend it i learned to hate myself for what i particaped in.