Bob R
Member
Fresh out of high school, bought the "see the world" slogan the Navy was using.
Did just that, 37 countries in 21 yrs. 1971-1992
bob
Did just that, 37 countries in 21 yrs. 1971-1992
bob
LEOs and Military: Why did you join?
- Thread starter Drjones
- Start date
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H Romberg
Member
I always knew I'd spend some time in the military. Everybody in our family does. At a more realistic level though, It made sense at the time. I was 19, a college drop-out, no real goals, serious need of self-discipline, etc. Turned out it was the right thing to do. It even topped the deal off by paying my way through the rest of college when I got out.
Shawn Dodson
Member
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2002
- Messages
- 3,231
Let's see...
I was a troublemaker in high school. I also cut classes because the classes I was required to take weren't challenging and bored the bejesus out of me. I was getting into so much trouble at school, plus I saw high school as a big waste of time, that I voluntarily disenrolled myself during my Junior year and enlisted in the USN. I wanted to be a missile tech aboard a ballistic missile submarine, which is what I became. I spent almost 9 years in the USN as a missile tech then got out and eventually became an engineer with the company that makes the missiles I used to work on as a sailor.
Spent a couple of years in the Maryland Army National Guard. Couldn't see wasting all that active duty time and thought I might as well make the time apply towards a military retirement.
Went to OCS.
Spent 3 years in the Washington Army National Guard in an armor company. "Four wheeling" in an M1 Abrams tank over in Yakima looked like (and was) a lot of fun. Got out because our training budget kept getting cut for "Bosnia," which was pretty frustrating.
Served for 7 years as a reserve law enforcement officer because I enjoyed serving my community and thought the experience would be great to help me develop military leadership skills.
I was a troublemaker in high school. I also cut classes because the classes I was required to take weren't challenging and bored the bejesus out of me. I was getting into so much trouble at school, plus I saw high school as a big waste of time, that I voluntarily disenrolled myself during my Junior year and enlisted in the USN. I wanted to be a missile tech aboard a ballistic missile submarine, which is what I became. I spent almost 9 years in the USN as a missile tech then got out and eventually became an engineer with the company that makes the missiles I used to work on as a sailor.
Spent a couple of years in the Maryland Army National Guard. Couldn't see wasting all that active duty time and thought I might as well make the time apply towards a military retirement.
Went to OCS.
Spent 3 years in the Washington Army National Guard in an armor company. "Four wheeling" in an M1 Abrams tank over in Yakima looked like (and was) a lot of fun. Got out because our training budget kept getting cut for "Bosnia," which was pretty frustrating.
Served for 7 years as a reserve law enforcement officer because I enjoyed serving my community and thought the experience would be great to help me develop military leadership skills.
Leatherneck
Member
1964, VietNam was heating up, and the Marine OSO promised me the chance to fight it from the air. Presto. It never seriously occurred to me not to fight my country's war. Still wouldn't. Agree or not, if there's war, I gotta help.
TC
TFL Survivor
TC
TFL Survivor
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Military & Law Enforcement Career's
Hello All,
At the time it was something that I wanted to do; on
both account's. I don't regret the decision's one bit!
Would I do it all over again? YES, in a heart beat.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
Hello All,
At the time it was something that I wanted to do; on
both account's. I don't regret the decision's one bit!
Would I do it all over again? YES, in a heart beat.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
igor
Member
Conscription. Did my year with the Finnish Defence Forces, got out as sergeant, went back a couple of times for updates, will be rotating in reserve until 60. Great experience that _everybody_ shares, good leadership training, good practical skills for everyday life. Wish my wife had gone too (the ladies still have to volunteer here... 
)
)MarineTech
Member
I joined the Marines because I felt that I wasn't ready for college. I had the intelligence to do well, but I didn't have the focus or willpower to buckle down and make use of the brains I had. I decided that I'd join the military. I checked with all the recruiters to see what they'd offer. The Army, Navy, and Air Force took 1 look at my ASVAB scores and bent over backwards telling me how great their services were and what wonderful things they could do for me. The Marine recruiter sat there and said he'd give me the toughest and worst 13 weeks of my life, followed by another 3.75 years of things that decent people wouldn't wish on a criminal. I figured at least he was honest. Since my grandfather and my father had both been Marines, I knew what I would be getting into with the Marines where as the other recruiters seemed to try and give me a song and dance.
I even ended up extending a year while I was in.
I even ended up extending a year while I was in.
I had a pretty good job working for a wireless company for 4 1/2 years when 9-11 happened. I was no longer married, was not in a serious relationship, and had no children. I waited long enough to see if Bush was going to just pull a Clinton and fire some cruise missiles, then enlisted in the Army a month before my 30th birthday. I figured it would be hypocritical to send others off to fight and die if I was not willing to go.
11C: Death and Destruction from Above!
11C: Death and Destruction from Above!
para.2
Member
I have served my entire adult life in the armed forces of this country. I would still be there if my body were up to the rigors of the airborne infantry. The doctors say it is not. I, and the young men I served with saw it as an honor, and a sacred duty, to go where others would not , to do what others were unwilling to do.
There are sheep, and there are sheepdogs. I do not resent the sheep, and would not like to see them forced to do the job of a sheepdog.
" And that's all I've got to say about that."
There are sheep, and there are sheepdogs. I do not resent the sheep, and would not like to see them forced to do the job of a sheepdog.
" And that's all I've got to say about that."
Bob A
Member
I joined the Marine Corps because I wanted to be a cop, but knew that as middle-class white-bread boy, I was in no way prepared for it. When I got out, they weren't hiring people of my color and gender, so I went back to school.
Pretty much the same, but I wasn't 21 yet, and the chief told me that an enlistment made the civil service people feel easier about hiring a white male in the current state of affairs. Of course, that chief retired, and things changed a lot, and the effort was to actively recruit women and minorities.
I also worked as an Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff for 4 years. It was an eye opening experience. I just put an application in for the PD in my city. I'm sure one of the questions will be "Why do you want a career in LE, and I could make an asnwer they will love, but the simple truth is that is just what I want to do.
USMC 1986-1992, USMCR 1992-1997
Auxiliary Deputy 1997-2001
Think about the darkest, scariest alley in your town.
You wouldn't go in there for a million bucks.
A cop does it every day for a lot less.
An auxiliary cop does it free.
Pretty much the same, but I wasn't 21 yet, and the chief told me that an enlistment made the civil service people feel easier about hiring a white male in the current state of affairs. Of course, that chief retired, and things changed a lot, and the effort was to actively recruit women and minorities.
I also worked as an Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff for 4 years. It was an eye opening experience. I just put an application in for the PD in my city. I'm sure one of the questions will be "Why do you want a career in LE, and I could make an asnwer they will love, but the simple truth is that is just what I want to do.
USMC 1986-1992, USMCR 1992-1997
Auxiliary Deputy 1997-2001
Think about the darkest, scariest alley in your town.
You wouldn't go in there for a million bucks.
A cop does it every day for a lot less.
An auxiliary cop does it free.
Robby from Long Island
Member
When I graduated high school in l960, most of my buddies either went to college or joined the service. I chose the navy and never regretted it.
A lot of it had to do with patriotism but the chance to see the world played a big part too.
First duty station was an airborn early warning squadron in Patuxent River, MD. and then spent the last 2 years on an attack carrier.
It's amazing how many times in life you have to show your discharge papers to someone for whatever reason, and being able to have that "Honorable Discharge" gives you a very good feeling.
It was one of the things the Suffolk County PD wanted when I applied for a pistol license.
Spent a total of 8 years active and active reserve and regret not doing another 12.
Safe shooting.
A lot of it had to do with patriotism but the chance to see the world played a big part too.
First duty station was an airborn early warning squadron in Patuxent River, MD. and then spent the last 2 years on an attack carrier.
It's amazing how many times in life you have to show your discharge papers to someone for whatever reason, and being able to have that "Honorable Discharge" gives you a very good feeling.
It was one of the things the Suffolk County PD wanted when I applied for a pistol license.
Spent a total of 8 years active and active reserve and regret not doing another 12.
Safe shooting.
cop because I originally got a charge with dude with authority aspect (which I theorize is the true motivation for the vast majority of cops), with a dose of seems like a noble endeavor, and a pinch of I don't know what else I would like to do at this stage in my like mentality
My immigrant Dad born in Poland to parents who were escaping the Russian communists did his time in the Army Air Corps in World War II.
My Father-in-Law, who was from Guam and was considered only fit to serve officers in the officers' mess, did his time in the Navy in WW II and had two ships shot out from under him. He never talked about his service and we did not discover that he was bonafide war hero until he died and we obtained his DD214.
My wife and I both owe a lot to this country. We both served in the Navy and are retired now.
I've been all over the world and-believe this-there is no place on earth I'd rather live than the US. With all its faults and its problems, it's the most free country in the world, with the best political system, the best Constitution and the best people from all walks of life. We love our country.
I'm now in law enforcement for the same reason I joined the service. I like the sense of serving, of giving back to the community for the freedoms I enjoy and I like to do my part to help and protect the weak and helpless.
Military and law enforcement work is not glamorous like the TV shows depict. Much of it is repetitive, dangerous, difficult and vexing. Who said life was easy?
I am a proponent of all young men and women serving their country in some fashion. It helps you appreciate what you have, learn some discipline and realize that you can do a lot more than you thought you could.
Sorry, that went on longer than I thought.
Bob
TFL# 8032
My Father-in-Law, who was from Guam and was considered only fit to serve officers in the officers' mess, did his time in the Navy in WW II and had two ships shot out from under him. He never talked about his service and we did not discover that he was bonafide war hero until he died and we obtained his DD214.
My wife and I both owe a lot to this country. We both served in the Navy and are retired now.
I've been all over the world and-believe this-there is no place on earth I'd rather live than the US. With all its faults and its problems, it's the most free country in the world, with the best political system, the best Constitution and the best people from all walks of life. We love our country.
I'm now in law enforcement for the same reason I joined the service. I like the sense of serving, of giving back to the community for the freedoms I enjoy and I like to do my part to help and protect the weak and helpless.
Military and law enforcement work is not glamorous like the TV shows depict. Much of it is repetitive, dangerous, difficult and vexing. Who said life was easy?
I am a proponent of all young men and women serving their country in some fashion. It helps you appreciate what you have, learn some discipline and realize that you can do a lot more than you thought you could.
Sorry, that went on longer than I thought.
Bob
TFL# 8032
trapshooter
Member
Military and LE...
Seemed like the thing to do at the time. Good/bad aspects to both. No regrets.
Seemed like the thing to do at the time. Good/bad aspects to both. No regrets.
Destructo6
Member
Didn't realize there were so many squids here.
I joined the Navy a couple years out of high school. I was working part time and going to school part time, sort of. Neither really held any interest.
I'd toyed with the idea of joining the military since junior high or earlier, even took some tours of ships, NSWC-BUD/s, and submarines with the Navy recuiter, who by the way, never lied to me.
One day, I realized that I'd never forgive myself if I didn't go and do, so I did. I had some of the best times of my life while in the Nav. Telling stories, about my Navy buddies and I, inspired a friend of mine to get into LE for the sense of comraderie as much as a decent living.
My reasons for getting out are less nebulous, but also less sound. That's life, though.
HM3(FMF) Thomas (1991-1995)
I joined the Navy a couple years out of high school. I was working part time and going to school part time, sort of. Neither really held any interest.
I'd toyed with the idea of joining the military since junior high or earlier, even took some tours of ships, NSWC-BUD/s, and submarines with the Navy recuiter, who by the way, never lied to me.
One day, I realized that I'd never forgive myself if I didn't go and do, so I did. I had some of the best times of my life while in the Nav. Telling stories, about my Navy buddies and I, inspired a friend of mine to get into LE for the sense of comraderie as much as a decent living.
My reasons for getting out are less nebulous, but also less sound. That's life, though.
HM3(FMF) Thomas (1991-1995)
Lennyjoe
Member
I joined the Air Force so I could do my part in keeping the country that I live in free. To ensure that my children will be able to grow up with the same freedoms that I had. Also to travel and see the world. And that I have. Been all over. From Kuwait to Korea and everywhere in between.
What will I miss most when I retire? All the people that I have served with from all over the U.S. that I wouldnt have had the opportunity to meet had I not joined. I have brothers and sisters from all over the U.S.
For example, I remember sitting around a table in Kuwait eating Christmas dinner with 12 others from my shift. These are guys and gals from all walks of life. Small town, Big city, ghetto or mountains. Didnt matter where they came from. You look at them like your family cause in essence they are. I will miss them and all the good and bad times we had together.
But the best thing about being Air Force. I get to work on these cool jets
What will I miss most when I retire? All the people that I have served with from all over the U.S. that I wouldnt have had the opportunity to meet had I not joined. I have brothers and sisters from all over the U.S.
For example, I remember sitting around a table in Kuwait eating Christmas dinner with 12 others from my shift. These are guys and gals from all walks of life. Small town, Big city, ghetto or mountains. Didnt matter where they came from. You look at them like your family cause in essence they are. I will miss them and all the good and bad times we had together.
But the best thing about being Air Force. I get to work on these cool jets
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Steve in PA
Member
Military - United States Marine Corps!!! Why?? Because of who and what they are. I had no desrire to go to college, and thought the experience would do me good. Plus I thought it would help me later in life (see second part of response). None of the other branches interested me and I am 110% glad that I joined the Corps. I got a bonus for going in Combat Infantry, primary MOS was 0351 Anti-tank Assault. I spent very little time in the US....going on 3 Med Cruises and spending several months in Beirut, Lebanon. I was there when they car bombed the US Embassy, however I was home and discharged when the blew up the Marine Barracks. I've recently joined several Marine Corps/Beirut Memorial web sites.
LEO - Because I always wanted to. Its hard to describe. Its like a dull ache.......pulling you a certain way. I didn't become a LEO until I was 37.......and again I'm glad I did. I guess some people would call it.......a calling I guess. I'm 110% glad I became a cop, I wouldn't trade this job for anything.
LEO - Because I always wanted to. Its hard to describe. Its like a dull ache.......pulling you a certain way. I didn't become a LEO until I was 37.......and again I'm glad I did. I guess some people would call it.......a calling I guess. I'm 110% glad I became a cop, I wouldn't trade this job for anything.
fix
Member
Very simple.
I wanted to be a Marine.
I wanted to be a Marine.
cdbeaver
Member
No chance . . .
If you folks responding to this thread can serve as an example for today's service men and women, Saddam and his troops don't have a prayer.
By the way, I joined the Army because there was a war on (Korean) and I must say I really got to shoot a lot of guns (and get shot at, too).
It was the infantry for me (Seventh Division).
If you folks responding to this thread can serve as an example for today's service men and women, Saddam and his troops don't have a prayer.
By the way, I joined the Army because there was a war on (Korean) and I must say I really got to shoot a lot of guns (and get shot at, too).
It was the infantry for me (Seventh Division).
Sean Smith
Member
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2002
- Messages
- 4,925
I felt like I had to, even though nobody told me any such thing. Also, the fact that if I went to West Point then mom & dad wouldn't have to triple-mortgage the house to pay for college was a factor. Finally, I had no clue what to do with myself anyway.
cdbeaver, from what I've seen of the current crop of military folks, I think we have nothing to worry about.
But Sadam and UBL do.
Our folks are highly motivated, well-trained, well-equipped and protecting the interests of our country. I am confidant that when it comes down, they will flat take care of business...
Bob
TFL# 8032
But Sadam and UBL do.
Our folks are highly motivated, well-trained, well-equipped and protecting the interests of our country. I am confidant that when it comes down, they will flat take care of business...
Bob
TFL# 8032
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