What the HELL were YOU thinking!!!!!!!!!?

Question

This is for those new enlistees and those on DEP. How do you answer those that ask you why on earth did you enlist at a time like this?
I was asked this same ? many years ago, I am just curious to see if there are any differences nowdays, or if the answer is the same.

I commend all of you who have enlisted for your devotion to duty and country.

Answer 1

Well, I actually go to MEPS Tommorrow, and I've had many many people ask me why I enlisted, mainly because when I was a teen I always said I would never join the army.
As for the reason why I did, it's a two part answer.

1. The person that impacted my life the most, my uncle, was SF. This is more of my driving factor, as it's not as much a reason, but what I plan on thinking about when I go through basic.

2. I got to a point in life where I looked back on what I had done in the past 20 years, and I couldn't think of one thing that I could truly say I was proud of. I, like most people in the south, support our troops 150%, so I thought about everyone I know, and how much different their lives would be if we didn't have a strong military. This is the main reason why I want to enlist and serve my country. Who knows if I would even exist if those before me weren't brave enough to serve our country. I feel proud that I now have a chance to serve for the rights of those men and women that fought for me.

But, if you can't tell, I'm one of those people that love to talk and fully explain everything heh.

Answer 2

You know I have been asked that question, and i see here that many have put down the pat answer of 'service to country or the same ilk'.

I am not saying that is not the truth, but it was only a factor in my enlistment, as i am sure that it is in many people's enlistment.

Many are looking for an opportunity, training and eduction. I did receive that and much more. but at the time that i enlisted, the average person was not keen on the military we were viewed like the mean guard dogs that you didn't want to exist, or even acknowledge that you had. Sad really but it was the truth.

Glad that things are changing, and that the sacrifices of those that serve and have served are being acknowledged. I am not saying that service to country is not important and is not a good reason, but just that it is probably one of many reasons, and all are valuable and viable.

Answer 3

I’m not DEP, I’m PLC, but the question still applies.
Answer: “Why wouldn’t I "enlist" (earn my commission) at a time like this? The military needs good men now more than ever! As an officer, I can do the most good; see that the men are well disciplined, professional, and complete the missions that are keeping us in the region.”

I don’t know why some people are so certain that if you go to war you won’t return but I’m pretty sure this type of risk benefit analysis is holding their lives back and restricting them…who the hell wants that? Ha-ha!

Answer 4

My husband joined the AF almost 4 years ago. He still gets asked this question. He didn't join until he was 27. He always wanted to join but didn't until it was almost too late. He talked about it for years. He wanted to serve his country, it was a long standing tradition in his family. Every member of his family has served in one branch or another for generations. He really did feel a call to duty. He was worried about being away from me and our son. I told him "You need to do what makes YOU happy, we will follow you anywhere." That was it. He joined, and he still loves his job and the AF. He's been deployed 7 times, had some near misses but he loves it. He didn't get a sign-on bonus--didn't even ask about it because it wasn't the reason he wanted to join.

Not everyone joins for the money or the free education. The best join to serve. Service before Self!

Answer 5

I graduated High School in 1998 and I avoided the military option at that time because I thought it would be my luck that I join and then we would get into a war. Now that I am older (and seriously considering joining) I realize that I no longer have to worry about what if a war starts. Also it is what you train to do, and during times of war it gives you an opportunity to put your training to practical use.

Answer 6

Im currently on leave from basic training, I have ALREADY been asked this question, I just respond with "You dont have to support a war, to support your country" that usually works. I myself enlisted at a time like this because, during times like these the millitary and the individual have more to gain from a contract, meaning there is a higher need for me, and they are willing to pay more for it. Plus it makes me feel good about myself knowing that I enlisted during war time, but basically, for alot of people, its just a matter of supply and demand.

Answer 7

Oh man, all of my friends said that since most were going to some college, even if it was just community college. My mom was more like, oh my god!!
I always just said I'd rather study for war than study for some test that would put me in some boring office job with a suit and tie. Then after a while I just ignored the question since everyone was asking me, it got really annoying.

Answer 8

well I'm an old timer but, I was asked this question too back 1998, my answer was basically because I wanted to , I always wanted to be a soldier, I dropped out of college for the opportunity to be part of the greatest fighting force in the world The US Army " ROCK OF THE MARNE "

Answer 9

I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1983. there was no war at that time. but i was asked that question to.I wanted to serve my country the best way i could. that's why i enlisted in Marine Corps. And now i hold great respect to those who serve this great nation

Answer 10

Grin..You bring back old memories....Senior in college, Unpopular war, facing a draft. Naval OCS sure looked Good!!!!! Made great friends... The country is different now without a draft!!!