What is the primary reason you DID join the military?

[Mike Lewis]

This is a sort of counter-poll to ChinookDriver's poll. While we are looking there at reasons why people choose to not join the military, I thought it would be equally beneficial to see the primary reasons people chose to join the military. While, like me, it was a complex decision to join the military, there was one reason that stood out from all others. This poll is to show that one reason above all others.

[falconvalley]

I originally joined because I had no money and my grades weren't that great. Thought it would be great to know airplanes inside and out before I learned to fly. That was why I joined back in '95. My reasons for staying in are mainly patriotic.

[Ian J]

Honestly, I needed a way be my own man. I needed to get out from under my parent's thumbs, and I felt trapped and like a chump they were paying for college. I needed to be independent, and choose my own life.

Seemed to me being a grunt and jumping out of planes would be fun, so I dropped out after one semester of college and joined the Army.

[Timmypig]

Patriotism was a big motivator in joining (and recently rejoining). The other reasons were a desire to serve the nation, and the fact that shooting, blowing things up, and stroking my ego by going SF (that's important when you're 20 years old!!!!) is great fun.

A couple of decades on and most of the reasons still stand, but I have NO intention of attempting SF selection again ......

The bonding and mateship, shared hardship etc is still very fulfilling. Pushing myself to be the best (at twice the age of many of my colleagues) is very rewarding.

[Velocipede]

1. Got sick of working in the factory. Took a huge pay cut, though.
2. Free flight training.

[GatorFC]

To serve my country. Simple as that.

[Chewie von Nubbins]

So I could go to Subic Bay, Philippines for adult Disney Land!!!

[HH-60CC]

Originally Posted by falconvalley

I originally joined because I had no money and my grades weren't that great. Thought it would be great to know airplanes inside and out before I learned to fly. That was why I joined back in '95. My reasons for staying in are mainly patriotic.

That honestly sums me up perfectly. My parents couldn't afford college (they could barely afford my sis) and my grades sucked too much to get any kind of scholorship. I didn't want to put them through that again so I decided to join the AF. I learned an awesome trade (fixing helicopters) along with being a part of an awesome missions (combat search and rescue). The Air Force has given me the opportunity to attend college, learn to fly (through an aero club at my expense though), travel all over the world, and meet incredible people. I could litterally type for hours on all the benefits, but I consolidated the features near and dear to me . I love it all, I have 6 1/2 years in, as far as im concered I have 13 1/2 more to go .

[LAFF]

To improve myself, free education / job training, retirement.


-LAFF

[BCTAv8r]

Originally Posted by ChinookDriver

Honestly, I needed a way be my own man. I needed to get out from under my parent's thumbs, and I felt trapped and like a chump they were paying for college. I needed to be independent, and choose my own life.

Seemed to me being a grunt and jumping out of planes would be fun, so I dropped out after one semester of college and joined the Army.

It'd be cool if you were to make a perspective like the ones in the main page. Nobody has covered your path yet.

[BagNasty]

For as long as I can remember I've wanted to be a Marine. I just remember when I was little, seeing how Marines carried themselves and wanting to be like that. In high school I applied for but didn't get an NROTC scholarship, so I enlisted. I spent ten plus years enlisted before I got commissioned, now I am a Naval Flight Officer.

I guess you could say that I joined for the challenge and because it seemed like the right thing for me to do (in the poll I voted for patriotism). I stayed in for several reasons, mainly the people. Sure deployments can suck but good people can make a bad situation a lot less miserable.

[Ian J]

Originally Posted by BCTAv8r

It'd be cool if you were to make a perspective like the ones in the main page. Nobody has covered your path yet.

Ask and you shall receive:

http://www.jetcareers.com/content/view/99/203/

[BCTAv8r]

Originally Posted by ChinookDriver

Ask and you shall receive:

http://www.jetcareers.com/content/view/99/203/

Sweet. Haven't visited the main page in a long time so I didn't know you had it on there.

[mtsu_av8er]

I wanted to serve my country, period. I decided that if I was going to do that, then I was going to carry a rifle, and be a hard-a$$. I wanted to be able to state my branch of service without covering my face in shame. Therefore, the Men's Department of The Department of The Navy was my only choice.

(Ducks from the swings . . . )

Hey, BagNasty - Whoyawit?

[blee256]

That poll cant be too accurate. Aside from MTSU aviator, i think people have a avariety of reasons to do it. its a big decision and to do it for one reason alone, that pretty hardcore. for me, I joined for 3 reasons.

1. because I have always wanted to serve my country.

2. The enlistment incentives were very attractive

3. Its for a job that i really wanted.

If any of those 3 werent available/offered/felt I wouldnt have done it.

[mtsu_av8er]

Originally Posted by blee256

That poll cant be too accurate. Aside from MTSU aviator, i think people have a avariety of reasons to do it. its a big decision and to do it for one reason alone, that pretty hardcore. for me, I joined for 3 reasons.

1. because I have always wanted to serve my country.

2. The enlistment incentives were very attractive

3. Its for a job that i really wanted.

If any of those 3 werent available/offered/felt I wouldnt have done it.

I had an enlistment bonus - it was The Title!

[BCTAv8r]

I don't want to get into a debate over this, but it sucks that I can serve my country but not vote. Maybe they should change the rules so that people in the military can vote (permanent residents).

[mtsu_av8er]

Originally Posted by BCTAv8r

I don't want to get into a debate over this, but it sucks that I can serve my country but not vote. Maybe they should change the rules so that people in the military can vote (permanent residents).

No, they really shouldn't. If you feel strongly enough about it, then don't join. If you'd like to change the constitution, become a citizen, and then you'll have a say.

[BCTAv8r]

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

No, they really shouldn't. If you feel strongly enough about it, then don't join. If you'd like to change the constitution, become a citizen, and then you'll have a say.

If I was eligible I would become a citizen yesterday, trust me, it's not like I'm not one because I don't want to be.

What is the logic behind that though? How come one can fight for all rights and only get some rights back?

[mtsu_av8er]

Originally Posted by BCTAv8r

What is the logic behind that though? How come one can fight for all rights and only get some rights back?

It's your chance to prove your loyalty. Nobody is making you!

[falconvalley]

Once you become a citizen, you have those rights. The opportunity to serve in the US military is one path to citizenship but only part of the process. It is certainly a very important part. We certainly appreciate your service, but can't just hand out all rights until all the requirements are met.

[H46Bubba]

I was waiting to see if someone would post a "why did you join" poll.

I was born into the Navy! Both parents were in the Navy, so being a Navy brat I lived it 24/7/365. When Top Gun came out I knew immediately that I wanted to be a pilot. My wanted to be an officer, but I really didn't have the urge to go to college for four years. I got my GED in 11th grade and went to the local JC. After three semesters I decided that I was tired of school and working the on the ramp for AA. I wanted to get out of my parents house an make something of myself. I wanted to learn a skill, see the world and make some money to finish college when I was eventually ready to go back. I decided take up the offer of the Army recruiter for the WOFT program. Well they changed the prerequisits at that time to require an AA, so I was already targeted on the flying, so I asked him about being an enlisted crewmember. He said that I could be a mechanic, but there was no guarantee to fly. I immediately walked next door to the Navy recruiter who I'd talk with every day he came to my high school and asked if he could guarantee me aircrew school and he did. I went to basic and then off to Pensacola I went. In aircrew I picked aircraft structural mechanic school for my actual job. I had an awesome seven years in the Navy. Saw a lot of cool ####, cool places, as well as some not so cool places. I even unknowingly crossed paths with that guy named Lloyd who claims he woked in the Mens department, but in reality it was actually the intimate apparal department they call those guys who need rides everywhere and live in bushes! ....and ducks from the return swing!
I knew a lot of Marines while I was in. I has some guys in my aircrew school. We used to work with the FAST teams sometimes. The aviation Marines were 80 time smarter than the grunts. Great group of guys to cruise with. Heck I even dated a female Marine in Pensacola. She was going to photog school.

The miltary matured me so much. I finally decided that I indeed wanted to fly for a livign and on my last deployment with some help by Sallie Mae I was able to get my PVT cert. The GI bill has help with the rest.

Brian the military is a big stepping stone to getting your citizenship. You can't hold any possition requires a Secret or above clearance, but there are plenty of really good positions. I had two friends who got the citizenship while in the Navy. They fast track citizenship to military members! Just something to think about.

[JEP]

Originally Posted by BCTAv8r

I don't want to get into a debate over this, but it sucks that I can serve my country but not vote. Maybe they should change the rules so that people in the military can vote (permanent residents).

....and it sucks that one can die for the country (under 21) but cannot drink.....and so on, and so on.

Does it suck? That's up to you decide. You know the rules if you want to play....

[JEP]

Well....My dad was career Navy but I swore I would never join. I got out of HS and was going to be a rock star. That didn't work out and after a couple of years, my job sucked, I was going nowhere, and getting there fast.

What did I know? The Navy. Called a recruiter told him I was going to boot camp and 'A' school in San Diego and off I went.

It was the best 5 years of my life to that point. During 'A' school I was given orders to SIMA Pearl Harbor, HI. First duty station, shore duty, and in Hawaii. Shoot, you cannot beat that.

I was in Hawaii for 3 years and left there with an A.S. in Business Admin.

After HI. I went to the USS Ranger (CV-61), Top Gun of the Pacific Fleet for a little over a year. Three days after arriving I left for a West-Pac cruise. In a little over 6 months I saw more of the world than many people see in a lifetime. Yokosuka, Pusan, Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali, Dubai, Perth, Sydney, and back to Pearl Harbor.

So I actually joined for the college $$$, everything else was a by-product and a bonus. I saw so many people join the Navy, do 4 years, and get out being in the same situation as when they went in. You will get out exactly what you put into it.

[JEP]

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

I wanted to serve my country, period. I decided that if I was going to do that, then I was going to carry a rifle, and be a hard-a$$. I wanted to be able to state my branch of service without covering my face in shame. Therefore, the Men's Department of The Department of The Navy was my only choice.

(Ducks from the swings . . . )

Hey, BagNasty - Whoyawit?

Oh no you didn't..... I had to read that twice, but don't forget, without us, you guys would be standing around trying to figure out how you were going to get to your "place of business"....