Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

which branch do/did you serve in

what age did you enlist

what has been your favorite duty station as of now

what are the 3 things you like/liked about the military

what are the 3 things you dont like about the military

how many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving

if you was able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired

Can you stack money while in the military

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them

can a person in the military have a successful relationship

You need to go back to asking questions that don't require essays to answer.

which branch do/did you serve in: Army Engineer, then Military Police

what age did you enlist: Did not Enlist. Commissioned 2LT after college.

what has been your favorite duty station as of now: Korea, Savannah, GA.

what are the 3 things you like/liked about the military: Not having to pick an "outfit, opportunties for Education/training,

what are the 3 things you dont like about the military: Deployments, Deployments, Deployments

how many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving: 7 years, 7 Years.

if you was able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired: No.

Can you stack money while in the military: Yes.

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them: Officer = More Money = More Responsibility.

can a person in the military have a successful relationship: Yes. But you have to pick the right person who doesn't "require" you to be around all the time. Year long deployements, with year long train ups for the deployments = A Hell of a lot of time away from home.

Join the Coast Guard. Not as many deployments, but still the same benefits as the other branches. You'll just have to take the ribbing that you "aren't" in the military being a Coastie! :)

which branch do/did you serve in
Navy - attack submarines

what age did you enlist
18

what has been your favorite duty station as of now
Spent time up and down the east coast. Virginia Beach was probably my favorite "normal" duty station, but the six months I spent in upstate new york at prototype training was by far the nicest place I lived while on active duty.

what are the 3 things you like/liked about the military
1. What I did was important
2. I worked with amazing people
3. I was constantly challenged

what are the 3 things you dont like about the military
1. Individuals can have a lot of authority. Therefore a single unscrupulous individual above you in the chain of command can really mess you over if they abuse their authority.
2. You spent a lot of time away from home
3. The pay really stinks for the hours and responsibility you have (but there are a lot of lifelong benefits to being a vet)

how many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving
I served for 10 years.

if you was able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired
Nope. Officers miss seeing their kids grow up too.

Can you stack money while in the military
If you are single, live on base, and resist the urge to blow it all, you can bank a lot while you're in.

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them
Talk to some actual veterans (and not just recruiters) and make an informed decision. It is a serious commitment and you shouldn't base it on what some random people on a message board say.

can a person in the military have a successful relationship
There are unique stresses on relationships in the military aside from just time apart. You will experience things that people who have not served just simply cannot understand... and that will be a source of isolation/conflict with your significant other. It can be done, but my experience and all of the data I have seen suggests that there are many more failed relationships than successful ones among people serving on active duty.

Which branch do/did you serve in?
Navy - Naval Officer/Naval Aviator, SH-60B Seahawk helicopter pilot.

What age did you enlist?
22, commissioned after college graduation as an Ensign/O-1 through AOCS.

What has been your favorite duty station as of now?
Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, CA.

What are the 3 things you like/liked about the military?
1. Service to country.
2. Flying...way down low in the weeds...looking for Ivan...good times.
3. Seeing the world (ok, half the world).

What are the 3 things you don't like about the military?
1. Collateral duties...we didn't get to fly unless our paperwork was in order.
2. Boats...I don't like boats...boats smell funny.
3. Promotion BS.

How many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving?
I served 6 years active duty, 1 year reserves, 5 years IRR. I had initially planned to serve 8 years active duty.

If you were able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired?
N/A

Can you stack money while in the military?
Absolutely.

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them?
Go for it. If you have a specialty in mind, I would push for a written guarantee towards that specialty (if able). In the mid 1980's, the Navy provided written guarantees regarding AOCS pilot slots...and they kept their promise...provided the flight training was completed successfully.

Can a person in the military have a successful relationship?
Yes. Although I was single while in the military, many of my friends who were married had good relationships with their spouses (I think). There were support groups at the squadron level for spouses during deployments.

which branch do/did you serve in Army

what age did you enlist 18, almost 19

what has been your favorite duty station as of now Probably Ft. Lewis, WA. It got me adjusted to Pac. NW weather.

what are the 3 things you like/liked about the military
1. Diversity of people. I hung out with guys from Birmingham and from Harlem. I would have never had that exposure anywhere else.
2. The consistency. The rules and regs were usually clear and more or less fairly enforced.
3. As a young person, I was given a hell of a lot of responsibility.

what are the 3 things you dont like about the military
1. I felt like I was U.S. Government property sometimes. Lack of freedom.
2. Little people with big egos that have rank.
3. I was constantly in trouble because I couldn't keep my mouth shut.

how many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving

I enlisted for three, ended up serving 6

if you was able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired

I was both. I probably would have stayed in if I could have had equal opportunity for promotion, etc. But I didn't have a degree at the time and that was necessary, at minimum.

Can you stack money while in the military

I could as an officer. I was enlisted prior to the end of the draft and enlisted people were paid ****. Just about everyone lived from payday to payday if you were below NCO.

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them

Do it.

can a person in the military have a successful relationship

Lots of people do.

1. which branch do/did you serve in: US Navy

what age did you enlist: 20

what has been your favorite duty station as of now: Naval Station San Diego/North Island

what are the 3 things you like/liked about the military: Stability, Pay, Benifits

what are the 3 things you dont like about the military: GONE ALL THE TIME

how many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving: 5

if you was able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired: Do you have something against Enlisted? I personally if I had the option would rather serve under an Officer who has served as an Enlisted than Academy, or ROTC graduates. Remember you have to learn to follow before you can lead.

Can you stack money while in the military: Of course you can save money. Just don’t buy a car at of the lots outside of base....good way to get taken.

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them: Consider your options and what you want to do. If you want to be hands on with the equipment like maintenance, and the technical side of things go enlisted. If you want to do paper and be in charge go Officer.

can a person in the military have a successful relationship: Yes

...if I had the option would rather serve under an Officer who has served as an Enlisted than Academy, or ROTC graduates. Remember you have to learn to follow before you can lead.



I agree 100%.

There were several Officers/pilots in my last squadron that were prior enlisted and from my observations they were some of the best (if not the best) leaders in my peer group. The enlisted personnel that served under them were quite vocal (in a positive way) regarding their leadership abilities.

:smile5:

I agree 100%.

There were several Officers/pilots in my last squadron that were prior enlisted and from my observations they were some of the best (if not the best) leaders in my peer group. The enlisted personnel that served under them were quite vocal (in a positive way) regarding their leadership abilities.

:smile5:

One thing I noticed as an enlisted man and did my best to avoid after I was commissioned was that officers tend to "talk at" enlisted people rather than "talk to" them. There are times you have to give orders and there is no time nor place for discussion, but not all the time. I also knew from the get-go to solicit and listen to advice from NCO's. I did my level best to always make sure the NCO's in my platoon knew that at the end of the day, I was in charge and with that, I would take responsibility for whatever went wrong. But I valued their experience and judgment and they got credit where it was due. It was my job to get them back alive, but it was also their job to get ME back alive too!

One of the problems I had when I was enlisted was that my brother was an Army captain. I knew him and his shortcomings. Therefore it was hard for me to swallow the idea they tried to instill in me in basic of how I should hold officers in awe. My brother was as much of a goof as I was.

In reality, money not withstanding, if I had the choice between being Command Sgt. Major and a full colonel, it would be a tough decision. CSM's make the Army go 'round. And at the end of the day, I wonder which one really has the power.

Leadership is a dependent on the person, not whether or not if they were an Enlisted. I've served under several officers who were prior Enlisted and couldn't lead their way out of a paperbag. I've also served under several leaders who were Academy grads and were great leaders.

CSM = $71K/year
COL= $104K/year

Pretty easy decision for me. Besides, just b/c you're a CSM or a COL, doesn't mean you know how to be a leader. I've worked with several CSM's who were ROAD (Retired On Active Duty) and COL's who were ROAD. I've known COL's who ran the Brigade and I've know CSM's who ran the Brigade. It all depends on the person and leader.

I was told by a great leader once; "When in charge, be in charge."

Leadership is a dependent on the person, not whether or not if they were an Enlisted. I've served under several officers who were prior Enlisted and couldn't lead their way out of a paperbag. I've also served under several leaders who were Academy grads and were great leaders.

CSM = $71K/year
COL= $104K/year

Pretty easy decision for me. Besides, just b/c you're a CSM or a COL, doesn't mean you know how to be a leader. I've worked with several CSM's who were ROAD (Retired On Active Duty) and COL's who were ROAD. I've known COL's who ran the Brigade and I've know CSM's who ran the Brigade. It all depends on the person and leader.



If you read my post, I said, money not withstanding. Of course a a colonel makes more money....

There are exceptions to everything, but all in all I do believe former enlisted have a jump on new college grads, at least in the junior officer ranks. I've seen some kids come right out of college and make great street cops and former military be lousy at it too, but that's not the general rule.

I dunno, maybe the Army has changed a lot since I got out, but my experience was a lot different from yours. I've met a lot of marginal E-7's, even a few E-8's that didn't impress me much. I've met some CSM's I didn't necessarily like, but I knew immediately why they were E-9's. More than a few times, I've seen a CSM get on the phone, call another CSM and things started happening while the officers were running around with their thumbs up their asses. Some may have been in a little too long and burned out, but I never saw one who didn't know his job and have leadership skills.

It used to be fairly easy to make E-6, mostly you had to stay alive, breathing and be an average soldier who didn't get into trouble. E-7 usually were above average and put in extra time and work. To make E-9, you had to be outstanding in just about every aspect of the Army. These were the guys who were there when the CO came to work and still there when he left. But I can't argue with your experience, perhaps that's not the way it is anymore.

When I was in, the colonel made the strategic decision and the CSM made sure it was implemented, two totally different responsibilities. Maybe the Army's run different now, but back then neither could do the other's job and run the brigade without the other. The colonel may delegate some responsibility to his XO, but that's it. But as I said, I've been out for a long time and I was just an infantry grunt.

More money, yes more respibsubility No Way! If anything they walk around with a blind eye so they can deny all.

More money, yes more respibsubility No Way! If anything they walk around with a blind eye so they can deny all.
:rolleyes5:

Your spelling says it all.

Which branch do/did you serve in?
Navy - Naval Officer/Naval Aviator, SH-60B Seahawk helicopter pilot.

What age did you enlist?
22, commissioned after college graduation as an Ensign/O-1 through AOCS.

What has been your favorite duty station as of now?
Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, CA.

What are the 3 things you like/liked about the military?
1. Service to country.
2. Flying...way down low in the weeds...looking for Ivan...good times.
3. Seeing the world (ok, half the world).

What are the 3 things you don't like about the military?
1. Collateral duties...we didn't get to fly unless our paperwork was in order.
2. Boats...I don't like boats...boats smell funny.
3. Promotion BS.

How many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving?
I served 6 years active duty, 1 year reserves, 5 years IRR. I had initially planned to serve 8 years active duty.

If you were able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired?
N/A

Can you stack money while in the military?
Absolutely.

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them?
Go for it. If you have a specialty in mind, I would push for a written guarantee towards that specialty (if able). In the mid 1980's, the Navy provided written guarantees regarding AOCS pilot slots...and they kept their promise...provided the flight training was completed successfully.

Can a person in the military have a successful relationship?
Yes. Although I was single while in the military, many of my friends who were married had good relationships with their spouses (I think). There were support groups at the squadron level for spouses during deployments.

Hey Cincy,

Am only just now really discovering this thread. You weren't on the USS Enterprise by any chance were you?

which branch do/did you serve in

The Space Marines

what age did you enlist

I was conscripted at age 19.

what has been your favorite duty station as of now

When I was stationed on the Rodger Young Spacecraft.

what are the 3 things you like/liked about the military

Co-ed showers, citizenship, and killing bugs.

what are the 3 things you dont like about the military

Having my right foot bitten off by a bug, very fast battlefield promotions (I hate responsibility), and when my "laser" gun jams.

how many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving

I did my 2 years mandatory time.

if you was able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired

No. I wanted to go Military Intelligence but was too dumb, and had to serve in the space infantry.

Can you stack money while in the military

Of course.

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them

No way! Occifers are the first ones the bugs kill. Then the radio guy.

can a person in the military have a successful relationship

Only if they do not serve in the same space infantry unit.

One thing I noticed as an enlisted man and did my best to avoid after I was commissioned was that officers tend to "talk at" enlisted people rather than "talk to" them. There are times you have to give orders and there is no time nor place for discussion, but not all the time. I also knew from the get-go to solicit and listen to advice from NCO's. I did my level best to always make sure the NCO's in my platoon knew that at the end of the day, I was in charge and with that, I would take responsibility for whatever went wrong. But I valued their experience and judgment and they got credit where it was due. It was my job to get them back alive, but it was also their job to get ME back alive too!

One of the problems I had when I was enlisted was that my brother was an Army captain. I knew him and his shortcomings. Therefore it was hard for me to swallow the idea they tried to instill in me in basic of how I should hold officers in awe. My brother was as much of a goof as I was.

In reality, money not withstanding, if I had the choice between being Command Sgt. Major and a full colonel, it would be a tough decision. CSM's make the Army go 'round. And at the end of the day, I wonder which one really has the power.

A very good friend of mine from the Academy spent the first couple months while in the Academy on Terminal Leave. He was a Sgt. Major in the Army, and done some time in Iraq. His stories were amazing. Since he was still collecting his full duty pay while on Terminal Leave, plus his salary from the Sheriff's Office while in the Academy, he was banking BIG money. He told me of his salary and benefits from the Military and it was absolutely staggering, he earned every bit of it though.

I remember one day a girl in our class was a reservist with the Army, an MP. She was having some problems with personel issues within the army in regards to some matter, can't remember what it was. He over heard it, and asked her to let him see what he could do. A couple of phone calls later off in the distance he came back and said the problem had been resolved. :yesnod:

which branch do/did you serve in

The Space Marines

[/COLOR]


Could someone cut manahmanah off...he's obviously been celebrating too much in the past few weeks, lol.... :)

A little late in the thread but here goes.

Which branch do/did you serve in?
Currently serving US Army as a 31B (MP)

What age did you enlist?
17 but went in 5 months later after I graduated HS.

What has been your favorite duty station as of now?
Where I am now, Schofield Barracks, HI. Fort Hood TX sucked/sucks.

What are the 3 things you like/liked about the military?
1. Service to country.
2. Traveling cheaply flying AMC flights and being able to see the world.
3. Camaraderie with your fellow soliders and seeing some of them growing into great leaders/NCOs.

What are the 3 things you don't like about the military?
1. Deployments to the ME for the 3-4 times
2. Not the best Law Enforcement training in the world and not being able to work the Road at times.
3. Promotion BS.

How many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving?
I've been in 16 years and plan on going till I don't get promoted anymore or miss a cutoff. Thus far, I am ahead of my peers, so who knows what will happen. I am proabably going to do 25 and be done with it. I will still be young enough to find another job for a while then finally retire for good.

If you were able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired?
I like being Enlisted as I love being a NCO and have no desire to become an Officer. I like to be a worker bee and not a manager.

Can you stack money while in the military?
Yes. Just don't go spend silly when you get back from the ME and buy toys that you can't really afford.

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them?
Go for it.

Can a person in the military have a successful relationship?
Depends. I know guys/gals on 2/3/4 marriages while others are still on number one and have been so for over 20 years. It takes a special person now days to put up with all the deployments, training, and TDY's that we do.

which branch do/did you serve in USAF

what age did you enlist 17

what has been your favorite duty station as of now Malmstrom AFB Montana

what are the 3 things you like/liked about the military made me grow up , got far away from home and helped me get where I am today.

what are the 3 things you dont like about the military low pay, being an E-1 , basic training

how many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on servingactive 4 ys, N Guard 3 yrs , active duty 1978-82

if you was able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retiredprobably

Can you stack money while in the militaryif you WANT to

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell themgo for it

can a person in the military have a successful relationshipLots of military brats out there so something is working

branch of service : Air Force, currently active duty.

what age did you enlist : 19

what has been your favorite duty station as of now : Only duty station.. Dyess.

what are the 3 things you like/liked about the military : PT, TDY's.

what are the 3 things you dont like about the military : BS, BS, More BS.

how many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving : Nearly 3 AD, soon to be indefinite Reserve.

if you was able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired : Depending on the type of officer, a commission is prestigious and a good career, if you like that sort of thing.

Can you stack money while in the military : If you deploy.

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them : To do what he or she thinks best, thats in their ball park.

can a person in the military have a successful relationship : I know many married military men and women, but that lifestyle is not for me.

A little late in the thread but here goes.

Which branch do/did you serve in?
Currently serving US Army as a 31B (MP)

What age did you enlist?
17 but went in 5 months later after I graduated HS.

What has been your favorite duty station as of now?
Where I am now, Schofield Barracks, HI. Fort Hood TX sucked/sucks.

What are the 3 things you like/liked about the military?
1. Service to country.
2. Traveling cheaply flying AMC flights and being able to see the world.
3. Camaraderie with your fellow soliders and seeing some of them growing into great leaders/NCOs.

What are the 3 things you don't like about the military?
1. Deployments to the ME for the 3-4 times
2. Not the best Law Enforcement training in the world and not being able to work the Road at times.
3. Promotion BS.

How many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving?
I've been in 16 years and plan on going till I don't get promoted anymore or miss a cutoff. Thus far, I am ahead of my peers, so who knows what will happen. I am proabably going to do 25 and be done with it. I will still be young enough to find another job for a while then finally retire for good.

If you were able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired?
I like being Enlisted as I love being a NCO and have no desire to become an Officer. I like to be a worker bee and not a manager.

Can you stack money while in the military?
Yes. Just don't go spend silly when you get back from the ME and buy toys that you can't really afford.

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them?
Go for it.

Can a person in the military have a successful relationship?
Depends. I know guys/gals on 2/3/4 marriages while others are still on number one and have been so for over 20 years. It takes a special person now days to put up with all the deployments, training, and TDY's that we do.

Just noticed you were with the 25th ID at Schofield, TSOC. I was with those annoying Air Force people across the street from you at Wheeler years ago :) It was our squadron's job to make sure the Air Force didn't take out any of you Army guys on the ground when flying close air support. We always played war games with you in Korea, so think of us like cousins. We might've even dressed like you at times. :)

Which branch do/did you serve in?
Active duty Army, Military Police (31B), then CID Special Agent (31D)

What age did you enlist?
24

What has been your favorite duty station as of now?
Absolutely where I am now, Monterey, CA... I can echo the above "Fort Hood TX sucked/sucks."

What are the 3 things you like/liked about the military?
1. Camaraderie. (For the most part... There are people that are great to work with and not so much. If you've got a good group of people to work with you, there is nothing like it in civilian life)
2. Time off. We get more vacation time then anyone else out there.
3. Benefits. Don't have to pay medical, dental, anything!

What are the 3 things you don't like about the military?
1. Getting paid the same as a supply clerk who does nothing all day, and goes home at 3... while I balance multiple felony level investigations and get called in "after hours" on the regular.
2. Time off. At least in my current job, if you're not on vacation (leave), you're working or on call 24-7. Gotta burn leave to really be "off the job."
3.Deployments. Yeah, had to know it was going to happen coming in, but doesn't make it suck any less.Deployments to the ME for the 3-4 times Oh.. and benefits... Military doctors suck. That last one was extra, no charge.

How many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving?
Been on active duty for 6 years, got another 2 to go, then I'm out.

If you were able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired?
If I could do the exact job I am now at officer pay, I may consider it. Probably not, though.

Can you stack money while in the military?
Yep, just be smart. And get a job that sends you TDY often.

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them?
Don't do it just because you itch. You had better have better reasons than an "itch"

Can a person in the military have a successful relationship?
Absolutely. I echo it over again, it has to be with that special person, who can be self-sufficient and survive without being coddled... needy people need not apply.

I was with those annoying Air Force people across the street from you at Wheeler years ago :)


AF is gone from there other than a commo site or two (I think). Army took it over in the 90s and it's now Wheeler Army Air Field. MPs/DOA Police patrol it and DOA Security Guards work the gates. A few AF/Navy folks live in the housing areas. The rest of the folks are Army. Nice post but apparently not what it use to be like from what others have told me. This is my first tour here.

Yea, Hawaii has changed a lot since I lived there. I lived in Mililani back then and it was just a new little developing town then. Good luck with your tour there TSOC :)

(We did have the cobras there when it was AF, so I guess those are still there, btw...).

AF is gone Army took it over in the 90s and it's now Wheeler Army Air Field.

That's what it was when the Japanese attacked in 1941, wasn't it? Deja vu all over again....

thanks everyone very interesting stuff in here

Yea, Hawaii has changed a lot since I lived there. I lived in Mililani back then and it was just a new little developing town then. Good luck with your tour there TSOC :)

(We did have the cobras there when it was AF, so I guess those are still there, btw...).

A lot has changed from what I have been told about around here. We just moved into brand new barracks on the back side of Post and they seem to be building stuff all over post everytime you turn around.

Avn BDE is still there plus HING. Just no AF assests from what I have told and seen.

That's what it was when the Japanese attacked in 1941, wasn't it? Deja vu all over again....

Yes Sir it was. There are still bullet holes from Aircraft over there, at Hickam, and at Ford Island.

Hopefully, no one will be attacking place anytime soon.

which branch do/did you serve in
Army Reserve

what age did you enlist
20

what has been your favorite duty station as of now
Denver, CO

what are the 3 things you like/liked about the military
Meeting new people, learning new things, traveling

what are the 3 things you dont like about the military
Hurry up and wait, sexual harrassment, weight control

how many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving
Was in seven years

if you was able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired Probably not.

Can you stack money while in the military
Yes, if you are responsible

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them
That depends on the person. Being an officer is very political.

can a person in the military have a successful relationship
That also depends on the rank of the people involved.

That's what it was when the Japanese attacked in 1941, wasn't it? Deja vu all over again....

Excellent historical knowledge, RDS! Or were you actually there at the time, LMAO? j/k

Actually speaking of the attack and Wheeler - the Japanese came in from the northwest, unlike what the movies show you - and they first appeared coming between two mountain tops (ok hills to the rest of us) that were just in front of Wheeler's runway. They came to take out the P-51 Mustangs that were at Wheeler first.... so our base had been the first to get attacked on the day of Pearl Harbor. I'd forgotten all about it, but there were still big bullet holes in our Oak Club building and some of the other buildings close to the runway. Same is true down at Hickam. Anyway, anytime I was hopping a ride in the back of something out of Wheeler and we were taking off on our northern vector toward those two hills, I could just imagine the fear of seeing all these Japanese planes appearing out of nowhere as they were starting to strafe the runway. It got your blood a litle pumped, LOL. Kind of excting, lol. I know, sick, I know....

I enlisted at 17

Branch... Hmmm......






COAST GUARD!!!


Everything about the Coast Guard is great and I have nothing bad to say about it!

:D

COAST GUARD!!!

:D

Puddle Pirate :thumbsup:

http://www.top20fun.com/images/pictures/0513.jpg

I enlisted at 17

Branch... Hmmm......








COAST GUARD!!!


Everything about the Coast Guard is great and I have nothing bad to say about it!

:D


dont see too many coast guard around, thank you for your service

(Sorry to bump an old thread... But from a fellow salt)

which branch do/did you serve in
US Navy

what age did you enlist
22

what has been your favorite duty station as of now
My only ship - USS Arthur W. Radford DD-968

what are the 3 things you like/liked about the military
Job security
STRUCTURE
Lifelong Lessons (and 'grow up' time)

what are the 3 things you dont like about the military
Politics
The amount of idiots you are surrounded by (and having no choice)
Having to answer to one (or more) of these said idiots

how many years have you been in......how many years do you plan on serving
I did 8 years and 2 months

if you was able to be an officer in the military instead of enlisted, would that influence you staying in until you retired
I dont believe so.

Can you stack money while in the military
Absolutely

If someone has had the itch to join the military for many years, and the have the opportunity to go in as an officer, what would you tell them
Make sure you have your ducks in a row and the correct mentality. Eat, sleep, and breathe success and the willingness to help others achieve it alongside you.

can a person in the military have a successful relationship
Yes, I met my wife 2 years in. We just celebrated 12 years of marriage.

Honestly, (all politics aside) the military was by far one of the easiest jobs I have ever had. Yes, it did entail quite a bit of sacrifice and hard work, but easy peasy.
-Never a question in your mind as to when you had to be where.
-Never a question in your mind as to what to wear.
-3 meals a day (not guaranteed you get to enjoy them, but the opportunity is always provided)
-Full medical and dental (but some would complain about that - I say bollocks!)
-2 paychecks a month (Never once was I concerned about this)
-Shelter aka a place to live. (Even if it was within the steel hull of my ship)
I wouldnt trade that experience for anything.