Wondering who has served and if so, which branch of the military?

[Rams]

Just curious.,
I served as an enlisted man in the Marines, finished my degree and went back in as an officer in the Army.   Curious as to who else has served and in what branch?

Rams

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm curious why you did your second hitch with the Army instead of returning to the Marines ?

[DirtyDan]

I’ve never served

NAVY family , early Vietnam

Dan

[old2soon]

             Did my time in Uncle Sugars Canoe Club. Enlisted puke for my entire hitch. After boot and A-school and the R A G outfit once i got to the fleet it was in a way enjoyable. Other then combat I'm guessing there is Nothing to compare to the pandimonium of a flight deck during ops. Been and seen places done things I'll most likely NEVER do again in this life. Did Not realize til years later How MUCH that DD214 means to me now. RIDE SAFE.

[Rams]

I'm curious why you did your second hitch with the Army instead of returning to the Marines ?

Initially, I intended to return to the Corps.  My aspirations were to fly helicopters, the requirements to qualify for flight school were identical regardless of which service chosen.  Flight school selection was difficult to qualify for.   If you weren't perfect physically and mentally sound with the required aptitude, you had no chance of being selected.  The Army officer (recruiter) offered up the deciding factor.   He stated, the physical, intelligence, and aptitude requirements are the same, think about this, the Army has the most helicopters of any service.   Therefore the Army has greatest need for helicopter pilots so, if you want to serve with the service with the greatest need (thus increasing your chances of being selected), the Army offers the greatest opportunity.   

That statement made up my mind.  I served three years as a artillery officer and eventually was selected to go.   Three years after that I was selected to attend the Army's Test Pilot Program.   That was the most challenging and difficult training I was ever involved in.   But I made it through, graduated and was a test pilot, maintenance officer and commander the rest of my military career.   

Rams

[Oldfishguy]

United States Army 1980-83.  Helicopter Crewchief, Ft.Hood TX and mostly at Katterbach West Germany, Sergeant E-5.

Recruited under the slogan "Be All That You Can BE".  Actually, needed money for college and civilian flight lessons.  Flew with a lot of Vietnam era helicopter pilots, they showed me (a private pilot at the time) what it was like to be in total control of the machine.

It all worked out perfect, but I got lucky as peace reigned during my tenure.

[carolinarider09]

United States Navy, 1967 - 1973, severed on the USS Wasp and SSBN Parick Henry (Blue).  Electronics Tech/Reactor Operator. 

[Novavalker]

I severed in the Royal Canadian Navy for 35 years. 32 years as Clearance Diver.
1980 -2015 retired Chief Petty Officer Second Class

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=qFDEHWUl-3M

Combined Explosive Exploitation cell Afghanistan 2010-2011





Submersible pilot on Pisces V Edmond Fitzgerald expedition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=322&v=oyaEDWf_dG8

[3fan4life]

I'm curious why you did your second hitch with the Army instead of returning to the Marines ?

Initially, I intended to return to the Corps.  My aspirations were to fly helicopters, the requirements to qualify for flight school were identical regardless of which service chosen.  Flight school selection was difficult to qualify for.   If you weren't perfect physically and mentally sound with the required aptitude, you had no chance of being selected.  The Army officer (recruiter) offered up the deciding factor.   He stated, the physical, intelligence, and aptitude requirements are the same, think about this, the Army has the most helicopters of any service.   Therefore the Army has greatest need for helicopter pilots so, if you want to serve with the service with the greatest need (thus increasing your chances of being selected), the Army offers the greatest opportunity.   

That statement made up my mind.  I served three years as a artillery officer and eventually was selected to go.   Three years after that I was selected to attend the Army's Test Pilot Program.   That was the most challenging and difficult training I was ever involved in.   But I made it through, graduated and was a test pilot, maintenance officer and commander the rest of my military career.   

Rams

I was an Army medic but my first unit was 3/5 Cav at Ft Lewis, WA.

I loved being around the helicopters and getting to fly in them.

[3fan4life]

US Army 1982-85

Army Reserves 1985-1992


Staying in the reserves got me a trip to Saudi Arabia in 1990-91.





Me and an Iraqi tank in Kuwait.

[Jess from VA]

Wow, a vacation on the G.   

[..]

All I can offer is my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. 

[John Schmidt]

USAF Jan. '57-Jan. '63. Elec. Tech. first on B-52's, then B-47's in New Hampshire, then missiles in northern Maine. Was relative peace time so rank was slow coming....if at all. Like a lot of others at the time, when I left the AF I had 4 yrs. time in grade as E-4. In the 3 yrs. I was in that outfit only 3 E-5's came down and were given to guys with even more TIG, when the first shirt tried to get me to re-up I wanted a guarantee of another stripe in writing otherwise no dice. I even offered to re-up if I could be transferred out and change my field. Wasn't to be so it was bye-bye. I would have made it a career if only a couple openings came my way but it didn't happen. So, my six years fully satisfied my military obligation and I moved on.

[Rams]

I want to thank each and every one of those have served our country.
I also want to thank the families of those service members who were also sacrificing to support their loved ones and their country.  It wasn’t easy for my wife and family, they stuck it out and served right along with me.  They didn’t and don’t get nearly enough credit.

Rams

[Jess from VA]

No, but they can get half your pension (with enough service & marriage).

[Moofner]

U.S. Air Force 1998-2013. Served as a Crew Chief on F-15s, F-16s, and A-10s. The constant ringing in my years was earned through the roaring sound of afterburning freedom.

[Rams]

U.S. Air Force 1998-2013. Served as a Crew Chief on F-15s, F-16s, and A-10s. The constant ringing in my years was earned through the roaring sound of afterburning freedom.

I absolutely love the A10!!  Would have switched services had the opportunity come up for a transition into one. Unfortunately, the AF had plenty of willing pilots to fly that baby.

Rams

[Willow]

United States Marine Corps September 1968 through April 1980.  Contributed greatly to my formative years.  When people thank me for my service I generally tell them I was one who was given more than he gave.  

RJ used to call me gunny because I left active duty as a gunnery sergeant.  I've been called many things over the course of my life.  That was one of the most complimentary. 

[bassman]

U.S. Army January 1965 through July 1968.  Staff Sergeant; Crypto Communications.   Like Willow, I got more than I gave

[MarkT]

AF 71-75.  Weapons mechanic crew chief on F-111's TAC Takhli, B-52's SAC U-Tapao bomb dump preload mostly then Weapons Control at MMS Squadron HQ.  Supported Linebacker II.  Exposed to agent Orange mostly at Takhli bomb dump but also at U-Tapao.  Finally acknowledged by the VA including my medical issues from that.  But they have done nothing for me and that's my choice as they want me to give them the reins on my medical care first and I don't trust them.  Until my wife retires and I no longer get UHC care commercially.  Then likely trust Medicare before I trust the VA.  Unless there's much better reports on them at that time.  Started at weapons tech school here at Lowry in Denver, a plum tour at Nellis Las Vegas with the Wonderturds, the tours in SEA then finished at Davis-Monthan Tucson.  Shortly after I separated they put the (first I think) A-10 squadron at DM.  If I had re-upped I could have worked on it.  But like I said to my bosses - I'll sell pencils on street corners first. They gave me orders to go overseas again when I had already gone twice and they had new guys in the squadron with my skillset who had not gone.  When I was short with a young baby and pregnant wife - they wanted to separate me over there with no job lined up and the incredibly valuable education on aircraft weapons - which I took to be worthless; once again it was up to me to start over and learn something else.  (The recruiter promised I'd get one of my 3 choices for a job - figured, no doubt since I maxed all 4 aptitude tests - need a good skill for afterward - requested 1. recip engine mechanic 2. turboprop 3. jets.  So they gave me weapons mechanic.  Silly naive me for believing the recruiter - but now I'm stuck with that for my military career.  At least I had the GI Bill for schooling later.)

I told the commander, with all due respect if they try to send me again under these conditions I will desert.  They had ѕhit on me for the last time. No reupping no matter how much they offer.  I'm musterin out.   Not gonna say "Thank you Sir can I have another."  The commander said you're right, you won't go.  He could have been a jerk - glad he wasn't.

My anthem at the time - still like it today - Re-Enlistment Blues:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu_Dyr1wkdQ

[Bighead]

United States Marine Corps September 1968 through April 1980.  Contributed greatly to my formative years.  When people thank me for my service I generally tell them I was one who was given more than he gave.  

RJ used to call me gunny because I left active duty as a gunnery sergeant.  I've been called many things over the course of my life.  That was one of the most complimentary. 

Carl I have a friend that retired from the USMC as a Gunnery Sgt. and we all call him Gunny. 
I would also like to thank every single one of you that served, I didnt but wish I had.

[Rams]

I would also like to thank every single one of you that served, I didnt but wish I had.

With the right leadership, I'd do it again.  Unfortunately, they don't want or need old, broken down, over weight, bi-focal glass wearing, busted up helicopter pilots.   

Rams

[Billinva]

US Army 1963-1965, Hawk Missile Outfit.

[indybobm]

Us Navy from 1968-1972. Boot camp at Great Lakes, Aviation Electronic Technician school in Millington (Memphis). Three plus years at NAS Lemoore CA. 1971-1972 aboard the USS Enterprise with VA-97. Winter of 1971 in the Indian Ocean during the Bangalesh fiasco. One of the best experiences of my life. I was an E-5 after two years (AT2).

[vanavyman]

USN - 1977-2002
Electronics Technician
Navy Chief 1988-2002
Part of Commissioning crew USS George Washington (CVN-73)
Part of Commissioning crew USS Harry S Truman (CVN-75)

[old2soon]

I would also like to thank every single one of you that served, I didnt but wish I had.

With the right leadership, I'd do it again.  Unfortunately, they don't want or need old, broken down, over weight, bi-focal glass wearing, busted up helicopter pilots.   

Rams

          At 74 with some of my health issues I do NOT see me on the flight deck nor do I think I would enjoy a cat shot and an arrested landing near as much as I used too! But then again on the other hand-cat shot and an arrested landing just might cure me or hurt me-most likely the latter!  Good old days INDEED!  RIDE SAFE.

[old2soon]

USN - 1977-2002
Electronics Technician
Navy Chief 1988-2002
Part of Commissioning crew USS George Washington (CVN-73)
Part of Commissioning crew USS Harry S Truman (CVN-75)

               So What? A double plank owner? And B T W-Thanks Chief. One udder thing if I may.     E-7 E-8 or E-9 at retirement?  RIDE SAFE.

[vanavyman]

Made E-7 in 10.5 years and they decided to start a downsizing, which cut the E8 and E9 advancement numbers dramatically over next 10 years.  Told my wife we would take family friendly tours after that if possible to see the kids grow up.  That is where the 2 Pre-Commissioning Tours came with a couple tours at Sima in Norfolk and Little Creek.  Retired an E-7 with 24.5 years. 
Dan

[Jersey]

I only served 2 years in the Air Force Reserves in college. It's nothing compared to what my brothers and sisters served in active duty! 

[scooperhsd]

Made E-7 in 10.5 years and they decided to start a downsizing, which cut the E8 and E9 advancement numbers dramatically over next 10 years.  Told my wife we would take family friendly tours after that if possible to see the kids grow up.  That is where the 2 Pre-Commissioning Tours came with a couple tours at Sima in Norfolk and Little Creek.  Retired an E-7 with 24.5 years. 
Dan

Sorry you didn't get to advance, but otoh, Homesteading in the Norfolk / VA Beach area to be with your family was making the best of it.

[Chrisj CMA]

Just shy of 23 years AirForce. Most of that time in special ops. Combat Rescue. Not a lot of combat but my 10 days was enough. I have tons of respect for those that did long combat tours. I learned perseverance destiny. If it’s meant to be it will be just keep putting one foot ahead of the other.

[vanavyman]

No regrets on my part.  One of my best friends was one of the best Fire Controlman in the Navy.  Made E-9 in less than 20 but made over 10 deployments and did not see the kids much at all.  Life is full of choices and I've never regretted this one. 
Dan

[Ron Baker]

USAF, 68 -91. Communications technician H3's, HH53, C130's, RC135's, C135's, B52's,  last 9 years as a communications technician on E3 AWACS. Enjoyed it all

[The emperor has no clothes]

USN, 78-82, DS5

[Westernbiker]

US Navy, 1976 - 1982, stationed in Mayport Florida aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Saratoga CV60.

[semo97]

US Army 1969/1972 spent two & half years. 1970/71 1st Air Cav Vietnam. Crew chief/ gunner on OH-6A cayuse {Loach} scout teams, the sport bike of choppers. Working with a cobra gunship as high bird we could bring the pee.  Crew chief on UH-1 as well. Crashed twice, totaled both and got a new one. You act like a kid with his first new car.

[solo1]

US Army, 1952-54.  Served in a Medical Clearing Company in Korea in 1953.  Didn't see combat but saw the results.

No gung ho rifle carrying pics , no nuttin,.  Just went where the Army told me  and did what they wanted. Our out fit was not allowed weapons, Geneva Conventions,  The Chinese shot the hell out of medics . No red Crosses on helmets.

No idea why the medics. Would have preferred being a gunny. Left the service with the rank of two up and none down.

I totally agree with Willow. The Army, even with their half assed training gave me discipline.  They needed warm bodies in Korea in the worst way!

[f6john]

I don’t know if the National Guard counts or not, some say yes others not so much. Either way, I was trained on an 8” Howizter SP and later moved to a Tank company. My summer vacations back then we’re at Ft Hood Texas.

[Jess from VA]

It all counts (unless you are kicked out of basic for bed wetting).

Had you served in the Guard (or Reserves) later, you would have had from 1-3 paid vacations in the Middle East (or Afghanistan).

[Reb]

Navy 2005-2009 (USS Harry S Truman CVN75) Aviation Boatwains Mate Fuels





Decided to leave the ship life in 2008 and take a ground deployment for 8 months in Jalalabad Afghanistan