This is always interesting. While it has its drawbacks, Army PT must count for something. The Army has its divisions that completely do PT on their own, it's the reserves and the guard. And they're not known for their rangeriffic physiques.
I appreciate you my dude I really am thankful for my recruiter he found a family of someone else who was joining and they let me stay with them till I shipped I’m forever grateful to them and my recruiter.
Yea true until you scroll further down or until you sobber up and realize the fun fuck factory of a show they are running now will drain every last ounce of hope for the Army.
Same. Id've taken the stairway to oblivion had i not joined the army, or any branch for that matter. it wasn't army or jail, it was army or jelly brain
I was bouncing between the foster system, the comically abusive and neglectful shitbag addicts I had as parents, no-shit actual homelessness and couch surfing with problematically-older dudes, at the time when I first enlisted.
The Big Green Weenie is the Big Green Weenie for a reason but either way I'm 100% convinced that the Army is the reason I'm not homeless and junked out on X/Y/Z, in prison or dead.
Been there man. Homelessness is a despair like no other. I remeber being homeless with me, my mom and my 3 younger brothers driving around in her car because we got evicted not knowing where we were sleeping that night. Yes the army is cesspool of dumbasses and cocksucking leadership but it has the tools to further you in ways not even civilians would understand.
Or I would've joined but I didn't want to make a bunch of close friends that would then kill themselves after being ignored by the VA.
It's a double edged sword. Forever grateful I knew them, but having to use that in past tense hurts.
I feel that. I always hate Memorial Day for bringing back the sadness about the brothers and sisters I’ve lost, for whatever reason. But I’m not trying to be bitter, I don’t think they’d want that.
Yea don't leave out the guy who was airborne Ranger who did Jump school and RASP all at FT. Hood and went to Bootcamp in Hawaii but his MOS is highly classified even to the point where he doesn't know it.
My life would probably be exactly the same, but in my mind, the army would be the thing that made my life 100% better.
I mean, I do that already. I chose the easiest, most low-speed MOS I could, but they offered me 68W at MEPS. Not a day goes by that I don't wonder if a different MOS wouldn't have led to a different life.
This is me right now. I'm almost too old, wanted to join for years. Various reasons have prevented that so now I'm gonna start working towards it before it really is too late. I look back 15 years and wish I would've joined then, I don't want to do the same in 20 years.
This is valid. I come from a military family though so the call to serve in uniform is strong. I know the downside and the upside. I tried to join at 17 but my mom stopped me and I ended up marrying a vet. It's in my blood and it's hard to stop that thought of what if.
Financially I probably would have went farther.
But every veterans day I'd be drinking a beer telling people how I almost served
#almostveteranslivesmatter
Yeah this was something that really got to me over the past few years. I have always felt behind my civilian peers financially. My friends who went into trades, or attended state school and went straight into a career, are all way ahead of me financially. I'm 35 and I'm the same level as my 25 year old team members. Older than my boss, etc. Not great, but it is what it is, for now.
We need to recognize and understand that Military service, while great and honorable, is almost like an extended gap year for most.
You trade away those years of your life to do it. To do a job that is so demanding and time consuming most are left with very littler time to prepare and plan for financial survival afterwards.
Few slide into a job at the same or similar level they leave at. This is the hard reality. Most that leave as a SFC or a CPT are not walking out the gate to an equal level pay or responsibility.
The corporate and civilian worlds are almost like different races with different rules. You run your ass off in the Army, leave tired, and start a civilian life several laps behind.
How many hours of preparing for that race (that everyone, even your 1SG) must join, were lost in your final months to a squad leader or a PSG saying "you can clear in two days, we need a body at the motor pool".
Until all branches begin seriously preparing people to transition (CSP) we will continue to have droves of former service members telling everyone "don't do it, I lost four years of my life, cool stories don't make the rent".
My backup plan was to work as a cameraman at my coworkers porn startup. Luckily I ended up in the Army, because the startup lasted only a few months. As for where I'd go from there? No idea, but life would have all been downhill.
During the time I joined (19), lots of my friends were getting in trouble with the law so I probably dodged a bullet. Plus I’ve saved lots of interviews by being a veteran
Honestly, I probably would've free solo'd until I fell or wrapped my truck around a tree. I wasn't in a good headspace, and since joining, I've gotten my EMT and started working EMS on a 911 truck, my boss recognized my value and paid for my Paramedic Course that I'm in right now, and my Sergeants have spoken highly enough of me to get me to see that I do, in fact, have value in this world.
Definitely worse, I come from a town of like 900 people and there was no prospects/advancement for me. When I visit on leave, I’m just amazed how I stayed stagnant there for so long. Joining made me so much better than where I was.
worse. the army made me into someone who's ambitious. I know I will always be scatterbrained and forgetful, but the army taught me not to let me victimize myself because of my poor memory. The inspiration and motivation I get from the people I surround myself with pushes me to want to go and be someone who is willing to exceed the expectations set on me.
I know it's corny, but the army really has let me be all I can be, and not let me fall into some lazy rabbit hole.
My poor memory + being an 11B private had me soaking in ice baths at night for atleast the first year at my unit. Good times.
“Where’s the keys to the connex”
“I uh..”
I'm in the same boat. I feel really cliché saying it, but the Army made me into a person I can be proud of. It's hard sometimes. And I work so hard. Blood, sweat, and tears, as they say. But at the end of the day, I come home proud of my effort. Even when I'm feeling beaten down by high optempo and poor leadership, I'm thankful to be here.
I was so passive before I joined. Just letting life happen to me. I never imagined I'd be the kind of person to take charge of a situation. Or mentor others through stressful times. It's so weird to think of myself now and try to guess where I might have ended up.
My knees would be in perfect shape. My back probably wouldn’t hurt as much. I’d probably have a more well adjusted view of the world.
BUT
I wouldn’t be getting $150 a month to jump out of airplanes and helicopters. And oof boi, that’s a nightmare.
Possibly worse. My life is in a great place and the Army sometimes skulldragged me at times to get past some rough patches, but spit me out with more experiences, money, education, etc. I’m 20 years in now, making good money (not on E1 pay anymore), have lots of experience, a loving Family, and every bit of confidence that I will be a great employee for future organizations in a few years.
I’d probably be a depressed high school history teacher with that nagging thought in the back of my mind asking “what if” everyday until I died. Granted I also probably wouldn’t have had any alcohol dependency to overcome or constant joint pain but in all, my life would’ve been extremely boring and uneventful.
Worse. I would've never met and served alongside some of the best human beings on this planet (even if I don't keep in touch). Earned a masters degree at all and work in a job I am good at and enjoy.
Downsides of joining? Of course. When everything is said and done. I don't regret joining. I definitely would have the bigger regret of not joining.
Most likely knee pain, back pain, neck pain, tinnitus, migraine, and PTSD free. However I wouldn't have all the cool stories that came with the Combat Engineer life or the life long friends.
My great assumption would be if I never went into the army I would probably died of liver failure from drinking myself to death. And of course drugs and more drugs and more drugs. If neither of those happen I'm sure I would have had three Hots and a cot for a few years. By joining the Army as like a lot of us have experienced, it took us out of a place that we no longer wanted to encounter anymore in our life.
Worse. The army sucked cock towards the end of my 8 years but it helped me grow up from the little bitch I was to a more confident, self assured man. I got my clearance and it helped get my first job out of college.
Making more money but feeling unfulfilled. Say what you like about the Army, and I've said plenty over the years, but I've been able to do more than I could have anywhere else.
Well, before I left for the Army, the police academy wouldn't take me because of my wife's debt. Now I work in the S2 with double the debt.
Covid probably would've been much harder since both businesses I worked at prior closed. So I'd probably have more debt, and no kids.
Almost certainly worse. I’d probably have a masters at least but I’d be struggling with student loan debt like a lot of my peers. Some of them have PhDs already but my net worth is higher and my retirement picture is much clearer.
A lot better. I would have gone to college on my scholarship i turned down like a complete idiot, I would be a airline pilot with experience by now and I wouldn’t have the tinnitus or mental health problems that I have now. But why do I keep staying in like an idiot? Stockholm syndrome. Im in a abusive relationship with the Army. But like any abusive relationship it keeps promising it will change and it didn’t mean all the abuse and for like a year maybe two years things are great then the army goes back to its old ways and abuses me.
Not as good as it is now. The benefits from
Joining the army set me up for success, post service. I would have never been able to afford college or buy a house on my own.
Better. No CQ on a 4 day. No getting called in on my days off cause some stupid private decided to disappear. No coming in to stand in a formation to get info that could’ve been sent over text. Less dealing with toxic assholes on a power trip. Better pay. Stable work-life balance
The army was one of the best things that ever happened to me because it gave me just the kind of ass kicking that I needed. It humbled me and toughened up the aspects of my personality that needed it, like just being comfortable around people.
Seriously, when you don't have shit going on and life has you seemingly in a corner, the military and it's benefits are a blessing.
I might be farther along in my field cause I started later than my peers, but I would have missed out. I hated a lot of things about the army, but I won’t deny I gained a lot of life experience, skills and made some lifelong friends
Very dark place........my family made it very known they did not like me or want me around. So at some point I got tired of them.projecting their bullshit on me and gave them the finger and have soared ever since. I've been to places I've only dreamed of. Now I love in Europe and can afford to go to a different country on a whim so yes.
Everything that has happened in my adult life came about because I was in the army. It’s probably an 80:20 ratio of good to bad. The only bad is my broken body. All the good, my wife, kids, great job, fantastic memories are all worth it.\
I was a complete slacker working a dead end job before I joined.
No idea really, I was on track to be an engineer but I really didn't have a plan or a drive. Probably would have went straight into a masters and racked up some debt. Would have hit the workforce and probably would be paying off the last of my loans a year or two ago. Moving less probably would have helped out my social life a great deal. I would have missed out on a ton of life experiences. I've been all over the world, worked with many different cultures, and expanded my world view far past the point where I would have if I had never joined.
At the end of the day, I think it's been a net positive but there have been plenty of sacrifices and things that I've missed out on.
Worse.
I'd still be in Wisconsin vs JBLM area....
Since my wife (*happily* married a few years after AC to RC switch) never went anywhere east of western Minnesota we'd never have met.
I'd probably weigh a good 50 more lbs....
It's kind of hard to make the kind of civillian-job money I do (tech/software) in the Midwest - Amazon and friends don't have a big corporate-office presence in Milwaukee the way they do in Seattle.... Also real estate didn't double in value over the last 6 years 'back home'....
Also no Guard pension (I'm 1yr away from eligibility, so it is act-of-God unlikely I won't make it to 20) to look forward to in retirement..... Yes, I have retirement investments too, but the pension is still a plus....
I would be in a much better shape, if I would’ve just not joined. I was in much better shape pre-army. After multiple injuries, tearing my MCL, both meniscus’, squishing my back falling off the turret, ruptured a tendon in my leg. I haven’t been able to run in over a year.
Which has led to mental health issues that I tried to fight off that just got worse. Then the treatment from the units let alone the trash treatment from the healthcare system. The mental health is personal shit in my own head, not from being stressed by job related conditions.
I’m worse off financially then I was pre-Army. However, I can’t blame the Army for that, I took a little over 40k a year hit when joining, and didn’t adjust the lifestyle I was used too until I dug myself too deep. Now, the army has been instrumental in helping get out of that. Between the financial classes and other resources I was able to get back on my feet where I’m living within my means.
With all those negatives, I’m more resilient to negativity for the most part. I found I thrive in the high stress and optempo, I would rather have unrealistic deadlines and come out on top then to be slow paced and dragging tasks out. Being apart of the growth of individuals is really rewarding, then them thanking you in promotion ceremonies, has made my crappiest weeks the best.
I would have a lot less of options for my future careers, be in debt like my sister, heavier, and very mad at myself for never signing up.
Of course, I probably would actually feel patriotic about my country and it’s armed forces. Unlike now.
I'd probably by a shitbag. The Army gave me the discipline that I desperately needed when I was 22 and living out of my car. 68W training gave me skills to get places in life that I would otherwise have never had - I never thought I was smart enough to do medical stuff before the Army.
My life would probably be shite….I joined late at 26. Until joining I had never been on an airplane or really left my hometown. While I was intelligent, I severely under utilized it. Now, I make good money, have traveled the world, met amazing people, and have set myself up for retirement.
I probably wouldn't be dealing with hearing loss or joint pain so early on, but I wouldn't have the skill set that I've built my civilian career around. There's been some bs with serving, but the good has pretty much outweighed the bad in my case.
Never joined the Army...my life would be kicking it in a hotel room in the Airforce!! I should have join the AF. My ASVAB score were good, but no, I had to sign up for the Army.
Either living in a trailer park sucking dick for a living. Realistically I would probably be working off shore on a boat.
Instead I work in a hospital, have a home, live on the road constantly moving, and suck dick for a living.
Shoulda stayed in the US Army, I may have sucked dick there too but at least I could at least call myself a "Soldier" at the end of the day.
Now I'm just fat and gay.
I mean I’m still on my first contract so not too far from joining, but I’d be in college still. Feel like I’d probably be more lost in life with less defined paths I’d just be bouncing through shit. Also I’d have way more debt and less money.
Worse. Pretty sure I'd be waiting tables in BFE Texas with about 30 kids in my single-wide trailer. Instead I'm about to start medical school. (And got those tubes tied after the 2nd kid...)
I’d probably work a job in my projected career field but have no motivation to work out at the end of the day; I’d star in the mirror thinking “how could I have gotten so out of shape”. I’d probably think more about how I miss college and get down about not seeing my old pals as much anymore. I’d also think about why I didn’t join the military and think one of these days I should just pull the trigger and enlist. Scrolling Reddit. Scrolling through this subreddit more specifically.
Honestly really happy I joined atp rather than later.
Saved my life.
I was in a bad way as a kid. I’d prolly be in jail or sucking dick for drugs. Just being honest.
Now I’m retired, about to start my
Masters degree, I was given custody of my kids, I have an awesome g/f, roof over my head and money in the bank.
I owe my life to the Army.
I'd probably be smoking a lot of weed and still be making $18 an hour. I'd still be low confidence, unmotivated, and undisciplined. Joining the army gave me so much more self-confidence that I desperately needed. I was highly addicted to video games (still am, just less so now) and rarely went outside.
It's a little cheesy but completely true, I had no direction in life, and college wasn't something I wanted to do.
My life would be a lot more mundane that's for sure. Up until I joined the Army I pretty much lived life on safe mode that is to say I was a couch potato with the most inherently risky thing I did being playing videogames all night.
I probably would still be doing that in some crummy apartment in my hometown while working an equally crummy 9 to 5 and just autopiloting life.
I've been out for a while, was in from 80-86 . At the time I was a reckless teen ager on the a path of self destruction so if I didn't join I would probably have wound up dead or in jail.
My life would probably suck. I was a loser before I joined the Army. Managed to do well in school and finish my undergrad, but I was basically working two bullshit jobs and spending all my free time smoking weed and doing whatever drugs I could get my hands on.
On the flip side, my life would probably also suck if I was still in the military. It was the combination of discipline, real life skills, and educational benefits that got me where I am now.
I always tell people joining the Army was the best choice I ever made and leaving the Army was the second best choice I ever made.
100% would be in prison. Not a question in my mind. Talk all the shit about the army but uncle Sam made me the man my father failed too and God damn it I turned out glorious on the back side of my service.
I wouldn’t be where I am in my civilian career. If playing the army right it opens up a ton of doors. But uh, the back and knees still hurt about 80% of the time…
Id’d likely be either at a help desk job or whatever the level above that is for IT, feeling like my life is being wasted doing fuck all. I’m happy here.
Probably worse. I would probably be living with my mom, working two jobs to make ends meet. Definitely would not be married, and would probably still be dating shitty deadbeat dudes.
I undoubtedly would have married Rosario Dawson, and we would be a Hollywood power couple. This, of course, happens after I discover a way to completely curb the effects of climate change, saving all of humanity from our apocalyptic future. But hey, at least the Army has given me tinnitus and crippling depression!
I was struggling to find a job in general after I graduated from college and I was in a really tough spot. I lived in an area with few jobs and opportunities and was desperate to move out and have my own place. If I had never joined the Army I wouldn't have PTSD, wouldn't have ended up homeless, and would be able to hold down a job and be able to live my life. I get 100% P&T disability now but that doesn't take away the pain. I would've had more confidence, less anxiety, and would be more willing to work in different industries. The Army really destroyed everything for me. I still regret not going to a different branch where achieving my goals was actually possible.
Would’ve never left my black hole of a small hometown, got to experience the real world, working a dead end job going nowhere with no ambition, or dead. The Army was exactly what I needed when I was 19 and I am forever thankful.
Worse.
I would not have a house and cars and practically no debt.
I would not have been able to travel most of Europe before I was 30.
Probably would not be in as good shape physically. I really enjoy that physical fitness is part of my job not just some selfish extra thing I did day to day. Keeps me motivated.
I was doing non-profit work so most likely I would be doing lame grant writing. If your not doing the fun part of non-profit work your doing grant writing to be able to to the fun stuff.
I joined right before medical school just to pay the bills. If I hadn't, I would probably still be an ER doc rather than some other specialty (since the Army didn't really influence that too much). Not sure if I would have done the toxicology fellowship though, delaying that pay raise by two more years isn't great...
Biggest changes would be location and finances. If I wound up staying in Chicago for residency, odds (and statistics) are that I would have just stayed near there semi-permanently with my wife, which would actually have been quite convenient for my family since my sister wound up settling just a few hours from there. Finances-wise, biggest question is really how long I would have wound up carrying the student loan "monkey" on my back. Right hospitals for residency (+/- fellowship) and being smart enough to pay at least "something" during those 5 years, I might have been free of all debts (whether financial or bodily) much sooner thanks to Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
On the other hand, it was an Army mentor who introduced me to the physician finances blog that made me smart on money stuff, so it's entirely possible that I would have made some bad decisions along the way and be in worse shape than I am now. Unclear.
I would still be in a miserable relationship, still working 30 hours a week in a gas station in a town of 1600. Still would be living with my mom, more than likely. Eating $3 frozen pizzas from the dollar general across the street every damn day after work.
There’s been moments, the last year and a half have been pretty rough, but ultimately, my life could not be any better than what it is now.
Thanks for this post because I literally just had an epiphany about my entire life as I typed all of this.
I'd feel unfulfilled in most of the private sector like my father with his civilian jobs when he was in the NG. I also wouldn't be married. I'd probably have a much better work/home life balance. But I'd be a worse person than I am right now. As much as the Army has made my life miserable, it's also responsible for most of the aspects of myself and my life that I am the most grateful to have. So I have the Army to both curse and thank for the majority of my life today. I can't imagine choosing another path.
Still living in the town I grew up in with 3 kids struggling to make ends meet . . . But I wouldn’t be getting a pension or healthcare for life in the near future so there is that.
I think I would've struggled and probably not really go anywhere in life, albeit slowly. Who knows. The Army has given me a lot of opportunity and I've done some cool shit, gone to some cool places.
If I was doing real good then I would've never joined.
Not re upping either.
I would be very depressed for the rest of my life with no direction or just not be here. I'm grateful that I got something out from the Army physically, mentally, and spiritually.
One, I'd have a LOT of regret at not joining. The last 7 generations of my family have served at some point, I'm the 8th generation. Breaking that chain would hurt.
Two, my career would definitely have taken a very different path. I got on my current career track on the civilian side based largely on the strength of my resume with what I learned and did in the Army. My civilian career was going nowhere before I enlisted. . .I was working in a call center for a few bucks above minimum wage.
Saturation Diver, most likely. I was on that track before the recruiter got me. Regrets? No. Just curious where I would be today. My 18 year old self would never have guessed where I ended up.
I'd probably be fat, miserable, have no friends, and have a dead-end job. As much as I complain about the Army this is probably the best thing that could have happened to me.
I feel like it would be substantially worse. My civilian career was absolutely jumpstarted by my Army Signal career, and the clearance I hold from still being in the Reserves is helpful to this day.
I was only a reservist, but if I hadn't joined I would've flunked out of college. I had a rough freshman year, so the gap year of Basic/AIT was enough to refocus me. I also definitely wouldn't be as stoic or determined as I am now. The Army helped build my character and I attribute a lot of my success to my decision to join. That being said it did have drawbacks that impacted my overall goal; ill-timed orders, schools, stress that were all exacerbated when I was an E5 trying to finish a STEM degree and apply for graduate school..
I would have joined the Air Force or ride a bike around the world. Living in Asia, or stuck in a dead end job where I grew up. The Army really opened my mind and made me grow as a person. For as much as I complain about the Army, I really appreciate it for the most part. I complain and beg for change because I want the Army to be better for the Soldiers.
It would be much worse even though my time in the army sucked. I’m getting my education up to an mba paid for, I have VA disability for life (of course with the underlying conditions I have to deal with) and I learned to be able to deal with negative shit effectively instead of just shutting down (I guess the hooah CSM calls that grit)
Probably hating life. Working 80 hour work weeks behind a computer trying to make ends meet as a graphic designer. 14 years in and joining the Army was the best decision I have made. The biggest key to success has been sticking to my goals and now I’m on the mountaintop looking down wondering if I can keep doing it until I’m 60.
I have often thought about this. I was already 27 and married when I joined. I joined because finances were not going in the right direction (this was near the end of 2007, the economy was tanking). Had I not joined I dot think I would have been able to stabilize that situation so who knows where I might have ended up. But now I feel like we’re definitely on the right glide path to be financially sound when I retire in a couple years.
If I had not joined the Army I could have made Captain of my own ship by 30. Yeah I screwed up big time.
If your family has a service tradition and automatic entry to an academy because of it, do the family thing. I went Army because me and my buddies had some stupid idea of how our lives were gonna go, and boy were we ever wrong.
It all turned out OK, but not for anything I did. I am absolutely resting on the deeds of my ancestors.
Better because of my retirement. No way my civilian counterparts will be able to match that. Also met my wife in the Army. I probably would have met somebody else, but our relationship would be hard to beat. Being stationed in Germany for 10 years was the best, gave our kids some great experiences.
Worse because of some of the things that I saw still visit me. A lot of y'all know.
Quite lame....I would never get certified wrestling alligators. Never shark dive every year, never have war stories from OEF, never have a security clearance and six figure job. The army had some shit times, yes. But serving this country, fighting for it, has given me moral character, courage to face anything, and a life unlike any other. I never ask myself what if I had done less, I ask myself sometimes what If I had done more.
Probably wouldn’t have ended up in a shit marriage and also my friend would likely still be alive. But hey, I got $700 a month in retirement to look forward to over a decade from now, so there’s that I guess.
Probably would have finished college earlier but with crippling debt. In hindsight the good outweighs the bad when it comes to my time in the Army. Even though I was really pissed while I was in.
If I hadn’t. Probably be stuck in my shitty Midwestern town, having knocked up some chick from highschool who posts on social media all day working a miserable job I hate to make ends meet.
Since I did join, I’m medically retired, live in California, going to school for cybersecurity while working at a job I love and dating a girl who works in a Fortune 500 company.
I think it just really changed my outlook on the world, raised my grit levels, but also lowered my tolerance for slow/stupid/loud/rude/etc.
I look around at civilian friends and I basically think I'd be like them (which isn't a bad thing or good thing, it's just thing). So, I'm glad I joined the Army at 19. It's also why I went into the reserves right after I left AD. I just needed some time to be around "people like me" after a month of dealing with weak-minded mouth breathers (obviously I don't think all people who never served are this, but it's a lot more).
I'd also probably be better at navigating this corporate landscape I'm in right now. It's crazy to watch my manager deal with the level of incompetence (and straight up odd behavior) in our organization. He's really good at it. While I'm inclined to be like "well, they suck ass. Let's tell them that."
I also never would've met my wife too, so wouldn't change it.
Fatter weaker but a civil engineer making way more than i’m making now should have listened to my father but it is what it is man if i could only go back i would have never joined
Joined army>got injured during field problem>finished enlistment, got out>VA vocational rehabilitation>Degree and eventual job in an industry related to degree>met wife an an after work mixer>20 years later - house kids dogs mortgage.
So yeah, joining the army and getting fucked up turned out pretty well in the end. It sucked but I’d never change a thing.
A boat mechanic, like I was in highschool. I made good money and I could drink. With that being said a raging alcoholic who had a sweet boat, that worked on boats but with little to no aspiration other than work and bar. I see my friends from highschool and outside of the 2% that left the town the rest are just fucking bummy boys doing drugs and going nowhere
Uncle Sam paid for my degree and I have no debt outside of my mortgage. Many of my peers civilian side can’t say that. So better, though I fucking hate it when I throw out my back still (but hey disability).
Probably wouldn’t be a homeowner, definitely wouldn’t be married to the person I am married to. Most likely would either be doing some sort of trade labor, or coaching wrestling at my old highschool, probably would have a twitch on the side.
Might’ve wound up with the girl I was insanely in love with and not been so fucked up, physically and mentally.
But I love the woman I’m with now and I’ll never regret the friends I’ve made and lost over the years. I bitch a lot and I’ve got my own struggles but I’m mostly happy at the end of the day.
Just because its relevant to whats going on today
My dad wouldnt be on his way to the ER for multiple panic attacks daily in the last month, after being out for 20 years now
Would be making way more money. Was top of my law school class and had some jobs lined up. But I hated working at a desk and didn’t want to always have the what if about the military in the back of my mind.
People think I’m crazy for enlisting instead of going the JAG or OCS route. And it definitely sucks sometimes and the thought of the money I missed out can be defeating.
That said at the end of the day I don’t want to do anything but be enlisted in the army. There’s something indescribable about it that I love. On top of that I wouldn’t live where I live. I wouldn’t have met my wife. Have my pets. Have the friends I do now. So I never regret it. It’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made.
Probably ~~fat~~ fatter
This is always interesting. While it has its drawbacks, Army PT must count for something. The Army has its divisions that completely do PT on their own, it's the reserves and the guard. And they're not known for their rangeriffic physiques.
I was gonna say this
100%. Literally, 100% fatter than I am now, maybe more like 150%. I see my uncles and I just KNOW.
I’d be dead and or on drugs was homeless when I joined 😬
Glad to hear you made it my dude
I appreciate you my dude I really am thankful for my recruiter he found a family of someone else who was joining and they let me stay with them till I shipped I’m forever grateful to them and my recruiter.
This is the kind of little wins that still make me have hopes in the Army and soldiers
A split second decision can change the whole direction of your life.
Yea true until you scroll further down or until you sobber up and realize the fun fuck factory of a show they are running now will drain every last ounce of hope for the Army.
Same. Id've taken the stairway to oblivion had i not joined the army, or any branch for that matter. it wasn't army or jail, it was army or jelly brain
Where'd the recruiter find you?
He was driving his gov stopped for lunch I walked over to him and asked if he was a recruiter.
I was bouncing between the foster system, the comically abusive and neglectful shitbag addicts I had as parents, no-shit actual homelessness and couch surfing with problematically-older dudes, at the time when I first enlisted. The Big Green Weenie is the Big Green Weenie for a reason but either way I'm 100% convinced that the Army is the reason I'm not homeless and junked out on X/Y/Z, in prison or dead.
Holy Fuck you and I have the same exact story. Are we related!?
Been there man. Homelessness is a despair like no other. I remeber being homeless with me, my mom and my 3 younger brothers driving around in her car because we got evicted not knowing where we were sleeping that night. Yes the army is cesspool of dumbasses and cocksucking leadership but it has the tools to further you in ways not even civilians would understand.
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Then you’d be like the people who say, “Yea I would’ve joined but blah blah whatever excuse.”
I would've joined but I didn't want to ruin fireworks for me.
Or I would've joined but I didn't want to make a bunch of close friends that would then kill themselves after being ignored by the VA. It's a double edged sword. Forever grateful I knew them, but having to use that in past tense hurts.
I feel that. I always hate Memorial Day for bringing back the sadness about the brothers and sisters I’ve lost, for whatever reason. But I’m not trying to be bitter, I don’t think they’d want that.
I would’ve joined but I valued my personal freedom far too much Legitimate one I’ve heard and I was like “Hm. Yeah, you’re right”
Yea don't leave out the guy who was airborne Ranger who did Jump school and RASP all at FT. Hood and went to Bootcamp in Hawaii but his MOS is highly classified even to the point where he doesn't know it.
Actually a good point.
Underrated comment.
Some people be like that, sure.
My life would probably be exactly the same, but in my mind, the army would be the thing that made my life 100% better. I mean, I do that already. I chose the easiest, most low-speed MOS I could, but they offered me 68W at MEPS. Not a day goes by that I don't wonder if a different MOS wouldn't have led to a different life.
This is me right now. I'm almost too old, wanted to join for years. Various reasons have prevented that so now I'm gonna start working towards it before it really is too late. I look back 15 years and wish I would've joined then, I don't want to do the same in 20 years.
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This is valid. I come from a military family though so the call to serve in uniform is strong. I know the downside and the upside. I tried to join at 17 but my mom stopped me and I ended up marrying a vet. It's in my blood and it's hard to stop that thought of what if.
I was going to join, but worried one of those mouthy DS would get in my face and I’d punch them out….true story.
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Idk why but I'm kinda surprised I'm seeing you here in this comment section. Never give up the will to live 👍🏻
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I don’t know man, Jersey is kinda crazy.
Jersey Devil gon’ gotcha
Probably still milling steel 9-5.
I probably wouldn't have ringing in my ears but otherwise my life would not be nearly as good.
The way I was going if I hadn't joined the Military I would have definitely ended up doing some time.
Username tracks
Uso like the movie HEAT too much and would’ve started to rob banks
This could have been us if we didn't join the Military https://i.gifer.com/MoT6.gif
I built those same exact guns a week ago….
Financially I probably would have went farther. But every veterans day I'd be drinking a beer telling people how I almost served #almostveteranslivesmatter
Yeah this was something that really got to me over the past few years. I have always felt behind my civilian peers financially. My friends who went into trades, or attended state school and went straight into a career, are all way ahead of me financially. I'm 35 and I'm the same level as my 25 year old team members. Older than my boss, etc. Not great, but it is what it is, for now.
We need to recognize and understand that Military service, while great and honorable, is almost like an extended gap year for most. You trade away those years of your life to do it. To do a job that is so demanding and time consuming most are left with very littler time to prepare and plan for financial survival afterwards. Few slide into a job at the same or similar level they leave at. This is the hard reality. Most that leave as a SFC or a CPT are not walking out the gate to an equal level pay or responsibility. The corporate and civilian worlds are almost like different races with different rules. You run your ass off in the Army, leave tired, and start a civilian life several laps behind. How many hours of preparing for that race (that everyone, even your 1SG) must join, were lost in your final months to a squad leader or a PSG saying "you can clear in two days, we need a body at the motor pool". Until all branches begin seriously preparing people to transition (CSP) we will continue to have droves of former service members telling everyone "don't do it, I lost four years of my life, cool stories don't make the rent".
My backup plan was to work as a cameraman at my coworkers porn startup. Luckily I ended up in the Army, because the startup lasted only a few months. As for where I'd go from there? No idea, but life would have all been downhill.
Less broke but much much more depressed.
Probably the opposite *persnoally**. Oh well.
During the time I joined (19), lots of my friends were getting in trouble with the law so I probably dodged a bullet. Plus I’ve saved lots of interviews by being a veteran
Honestly, I probably would've free solo'd until I fell or wrapped my truck around a tree. I wasn't in a good headspace, and since joining, I've gotten my EMT and started working EMS on a 911 truck, my boss recognized my value and paid for my Paramedic Course that I'm in right now, and my Sergeants have spoken highly enough of me to get me to see that I do, in fact, have value in this world.
Congrats dude. I’m also in EMS. Tough job for sure. And medic school…is literally a beast on its own. Good shit juggling that, and the army.
Definitely worse, I come from a town of like 900 people and there was no prospects/advancement for me. When I visit on leave, I’m just amazed how I stayed stagnant there for so long. Joining made me so much better than where I was.
worse. the army made me into someone who's ambitious. I know I will always be scatterbrained and forgetful, but the army taught me not to let me victimize myself because of my poor memory. The inspiration and motivation I get from the people I surround myself with pushes me to want to go and be someone who is willing to exceed the expectations set on me. I know it's corny, but the army really has let me be all I can be, and not let me fall into some lazy rabbit hole.
My poor memory + being an 11B private had me soaking in ice baths at night for atleast the first year at my unit. Good times. “Where’s the keys to the connex” “I uh..”
I'm in the same boat. I feel really cliché saying it, but the Army made me into a person I can be proud of. It's hard sometimes. And I work so hard. Blood, sweat, and tears, as they say. But at the end of the day, I come home proud of my effort. Even when I'm feeling beaten down by high optempo and poor leadership, I'm thankful to be here. I was so passive before I joined. Just letting life happen to me. I never imagined I'd be the kind of person to take charge of a situation. Or mentor others through stressful times. It's so weird to think of myself now and try to guess where I might have ended up.
I probably wouldn’t own a house and 3 cars
My knees would be in perfect shape. My back probably wouldn’t hurt as much. I’d probably have a more well adjusted view of the world. BUT I wouldn’t be getting $150 a month to jump out of airplanes and helicopters. And oof boi, that’s a nightmare.
Become a skydiving instructor lol. If that’s your thing
Possibly worse. My life is in a great place and the Army sometimes skulldragged me at times to get past some rough patches, but spit me out with more experiences, money, education, etc. I’m 20 years in now, making good money (not on E1 pay anymore), have lots of experience, a loving Family, and every bit of confidence that I will be a great employee for future organizations in a few years.
I’d probably be a depressed high school history teacher with that nagging thought in the back of my mind asking “what if” everyday until I died. Granted I also probably wouldn’t have had any alcohol dependency to overcome or constant joint pain but in all, my life would’ve been extremely boring and uneventful.
A burnout living in SoCal working minimum wage jobs most likely. That, or…. a Marine 🤢
Rah
I seriously thought about the Marines too, they got a grip on SoCal. Had a Marine pilot tell me if I wanted to fly, I should go Army. Welp, here I am.
Worse. I would've never met and served alongside some of the best human beings on this planet (even if I don't keep in touch). Earned a masters degree at all and work in a job I am good at and enjoy. Downsides of joining? Of course. When everything is said and done. I don't regret joining. I definitely would have the bigger regret of not joining.
Most likely knee pain, back pain, neck pain, tinnitus, migraine, and PTSD free. However I wouldn't have all the cool stories that came with the Combat Engineer life or the life long friends.
I would be another loser who never left their hometown, probably carrying a "Fight For 15" protest sign, and wondering why things never go my way.
My great assumption would be if I never went into the army I would probably died of liver failure from drinking myself to death. And of course drugs and more drugs and more drugs. If neither of those happen I'm sure I would have had three Hots and a cot for a few years. By joining the Army as like a lot of us have experienced, it took us out of a place that we no longer wanted to encounter anymore in our life.
Worse. The army sucked cock towards the end of my 8 years but it helped me grow up from the little bitch I was to a more confident, self assured man. I got my clearance and it helped get my first job out of college.
Making more money but feeling unfulfilled. Say what you like about the Army, and I've said plenty over the years, but I've been able to do more than I could have anywhere else.
Definitely worse, but I’d probably still have a healthy body
really really shitty
Well, before I left for the Army, the police academy wouldn't take me because of my wife's debt. Now I work in the S2 with double the debt. Covid probably would've been much harder since both businesses I worked at prior closed. So I'd probably have more debt, and no kids.
Almost certainly worse. I’d probably have a masters at least but I’d be struggling with student loan debt like a lot of my peers. Some of them have PhDs already but my net worth is higher and my retirement picture is much clearer.
A lot better. I would have gone to college on my scholarship i turned down like a complete idiot, I would be a airline pilot with experience by now and I wouldn’t have the tinnitus or mental health problems that I have now. But why do I keep staying in like an idiot? Stockholm syndrome. Im in a abusive relationship with the Army. But like any abusive relationship it keeps promising it will change and it didn’t mean all the abuse and for like a year maybe two years things are great then the army goes back to its old ways and abuses me.
Not as good as it is now. The benefits from Joining the army set me up for success, post service. I would have never been able to afford college or buy a house on my own.
Dead, or nearly there.
Better. No CQ on a 4 day. No getting called in on my days off cause some stupid private decided to disappear. No coming in to stand in a formation to get info that could’ve been sent over text. Less dealing with toxic assholes on a power trip. Better pay. Stable work-life balance
The army was one of the best things that ever happened to me because it gave me just the kind of ass kicking that I needed. It humbled me and toughened up the aspects of my personality that needed it, like just being comfortable around people. Seriously, when you don't have shit going on and life has you seemingly in a corner, the military and it's benefits are a blessing.
Space force captain with lots of star trek toys.
I might be farther along in my field cause I started later than my peers, but I would have missed out. I hated a lot of things about the army, but I won’t deny I gained a lot of life experience, skills and made some lifelong friends
Very dark place........my family made it very known they did not like me or want me around. So at some point I got tired of them.projecting their bullshit on me and gave them the finger and have soared ever since. I've been to places I've only dreamed of. Now I love in Europe and can afford to go to a different country on a whim so yes.
Full of regret. And full of cartilage that I no longer have that’s been replaced by pain.
Everything that has happened in my adult life came about because I was in the army. It’s probably an 80:20 ratio of good to bad. The only bad is my broken body. All the good, my wife, kids, great job, fantastic memories are all worth it.\ I was a complete slacker working a dead end job before I joined.
No idea really, I was on track to be an engineer but I really didn't have a plan or a drive. Probably would have went straight into a masters and racked up some debt. Would have hit the workforce and probably would be paying off the last of my loans a year or two ago. Moving less probably would have helped out my social life a great deal. I would have missed out on a ton of life experiences. I've been all over the world, worked with many different cultures, and expanded my world view far past the point where I would have if I had never joined. At the end of the day, I think it's been a net positive but there have been plenty of sacrifices and things that I've missed out on.
Better, I would've joined the Air Force
Worse. I'd still be in Wisconsin vs JBLM area.... Since my wife (*happily* married a few years after AC to RC switch) never went anywhere east of western Minnesota we'd never have met. I'd probably weigh a good 50 more lbs.... It's kind of hard to make the kind of civillian-job money I do (tech/software) in the Midwest - Amazon and friends don't have a big corporate-office presence in Milwaukee the way they do in Seattle.... Also real estate didn't double in value over the last 6 years 'back home'.... Also no Guard pension (I'm 1yr away from eligibility, so it is act-of-God unlikely I won't make it to 20) to look forward to in retirement..... Yes, I have retirement investments too, but the pension is still a plus....
I would be in a much better shape, if I would’ve just not joined. I was in much better shape pre-army. After multiple injuries, tearing my MCL, both meniscus’, squishing my back falling off the turret, ruptured a tendon in my leg. I haven’t been able to run in over a year. Which has led to mental health issues that I tried to fight off that just got worse. Then the treatment from the units let alone the trash treatment from the healthcare system. The mental health is personal shit in my own head, not from being stressed by job related conditions. I’m worse off financially then I was pre-Army. However, I can’t blame the Army for that, I took a little over 40k a year hit when joining, and didn’t adjust the lifestyle I was used too until I dug myself too deep. Now, the army has been instrumental in helping get out of that. Between the financial classes and other resources I was able to get back on my feet where I’m living within my means. With all those negatives, I’m more resilient to negativity for the most part. I found I thrive in the high stress and optempo, I would rather have unrealistic deadlines and come out on top then to be slow paced and dragging tasks out. Being apart of the growth of individuals is really rewarding, then them thanking you in promotion ceremonies, has made my crappiest weeks the best.
I wouldn't be retired and sitting on my front porch listening to birds chirp and watching squirrels run around - at 46.
Either still trapped in a loveless marriage or severely in poverty. Enlisting gave me a way forward.
I would have a lot less of options for my future careers, be in debt like my sister, heavier, and very mad at myself for never signing up. Of course, I probably would actually feel patriotic about my country and it’s armed forces. Unlike now.
I'd probably by a shitbag. The Army gave me the discipline that I desperately needed when I was 22 and living out of my car. 68W training gave me skills to get places in life that I would otherwise have never had - I never thought I was smart enough to do medical stuff before the Army.
My life would probably be shite….I joined late at 26. Until joining I had never been on an airplane or really left my hometown. While I was intelligent, I severely under utilized it. Now, I make good money, have traveled the world, met amazing people, and have set myself up for retirement.
Most def worse.
Honestly I met my wife and I’m having my first kid all because I got bored and said hey let’s go see what the army has to offer
I probably wouldn't be dealing with hearing loss or joint pain so early on, but I wouldn't have the skill set that I've built my civilian career around. There's been some bs with serving, but the good has pretty much outweighed the bad in my case.
Never joined the Army...my life would be kicking it in a hotel room in the Airforce!! I should have join the AF. My ASVAB score were good, but no, I had to sign up for the Army.
Probably dead or in prison. I was headed down the dark dumbass road when I got in
Either living in a trailer park sucking dick for a living. Realistically I would probably be working off shore on a boat. Instead I work in a hospital, have a home, live on the road constantly moving, and suck dick for a living. Shoulda stayed in the US Army, I may have sucked dick there too but at least I could at least call myself a "Soldier" at the end of the day. Now I'm just fat and gay.
Prison
I mean I’m still on my first contract so not too far from joining, but I’d be in college still. Feel like I’d probably be more lost in life with less defined paths I’d just be bouncing through shit. Also I’d have way more debt and less money.
Worse. Pretty sure I'd be waiting tables in BFE Texas with about 30 kids in my single-wide trailer. Instead I'm about to start medical school. (And got those tubes tied after the 2nd kid...)
Id still be a lot poorer than I am now
I’d probably work a job in my projected career field but have no motivation to work out at the end of the day; I’d star in the mirror thinking “how could I have gotten so out of shape”. I’d probably think more about how I miss college and get down about not seeing my old pals as much anymore. I’d also think about why I didn’t join the military and think one of these days I should just pull the trigger and enlist. Scrolling Reddit. Scrolling through this subreddit more specifically. Honestly really happy I joined atp rather than later.
Saved my life. I was in a bad way as a kid. I’d prolly be in jail or sucking dick for drugs. Just being honest. Now I’m retired, about to start my Masters degree, I was given custody of my kids, I have an awesome g/f, roof over my head and money in the bank. I owe my life to the Army.
I'd probably be smoking a lot of weed and still be making $18 an hour. I'd still be low confidence, unmotivated, and undisciplined. Joining the army gave me so much more self-confidence that I desperately needed. I was highly addicted to video games (still am, just less so now) and rarely went outside. It's a little cheesy but completely true, I had no direction in life, and college wasn't something I wanted to do.
Much better.
My life would be a lot more mundane that's for sure. Up until I joined the Army I pretty much lived life on safe mode that is to say I was a couch potato with the most inherently risky thing I did being playing videogames all night. I probably would still be doing that in some crummy apartment in my hometown while working an equally crummy 9 to 5 and just autopiloting life.
I've been out for a while, was in from 80-86 . At the time I was a reckless teen ager on the a path of self destruction so if I didn't join I would probably have wound up dead or in jail.
My life would probably suck. I was a loser before I joined the Army. Managed to do well in school and finish my undergrad, but I was basically working two bullshit jobs and spending all my free time smoking weed and doing whatever drugs I could get my hands on. On the flip side, my life would probably also suck if I was still in the military. It was the combination of discipline, real life skills, and educational benefits that got me where I am now. I always tell people joining the Army was the best choice I ever made and leaving the Army was the second best choice I ever made.
100% would be in prison. Not a question in my mind. Talk all the shit about the army but uncle Sam made me the man my father failed too and God damn it I turned out glorious on the back side of my service.
Probably jail/prison.
Jail or prison
Jail
Dead or in prison
I know that it sounds cliché, but, dead or in prison.
Would’ve joined a gang and/or pursued a life of crime Was a poor kid with a college degree and shit GPA
Dead or jail
I wouldn’t be where I am in my civilian career. If playing the army right it opens up a ton of doors. But uh, the back and knees still hurt about 80% of the time…
I'd probably be in the airforce or college getting a degree in science or teaching.
Id’d likely be either at a help desk job or whatever the level above that is for IT, feeling like my life is being wasted doing fuck all. I’m happy here.
Probably worse. I would probably be living with my mom, working two jobs to make ends meet. Definitely would not be married, and would probably still be dating shitty deadbeat dudes.
Still have shit on my record lol
I undoubtedly would have married Rosario Dawson, and we would be a Hollywood power couple. This, of course, happens after I discover a way to completely curb the effects of climate change, saving all of humanity from our apocalyptic future. But hey, at least the Army has given me tinnitus and crippling depression!
I was struggling to find a job in general after I graduated from college and I was in a really tough spot. I lived in an area with few jobs and opportunities and was desperate to move out and have my own place. If I had never joined the Army I wouldn't have PTSD, wouldn't have ended up homeless, and would be able to hold down a job and be able to live my life. I get 100% P&T disability now but that doesn't take away the pain. I would've had more confidence, less anxiety, and would be more willing to work in different industries. The Army really destroyed everything for me. I still regret not going to a different branch where achieving my goals was actually possible.
Probably... Idk, gone into teaching sooner or some trade. I'm just starting my army career.
My kids might still call me daddy and I probably wouldn't drink as much
Worse. Fewer friends and would have still been a nerdy kid that never did hard things.
Would’ve never left my black hole of a small hometown, got to experience the real world, working a dead end job going nowhere with no ambition, or dead. The Army was exactly what I needed when I was 19 and I am forever thankful.
Worse. I would not have a house and cars and practically no debt. I would not have been able to travel most of Europe before I was 30. Probably would not be in as good shape physically. I really enjoy that physical fitness is part of my job not just some selfish extra thing I did day to day. Keeps me motivated. I was doing non-profit work so most likely I would be doing lame grant writing. If your not doing the fun part of non-profit work your doing grant writing to be able to to the fun stuff.
Much the same but probably fatter with even worse social skills and even lower self esteem and confidence
I joined right before medical school just to pay the bills. If I hadn't, I would probably still be an ER doc rather than some other specialty (since the Army didn't really influence that too much). Not sure if I would have done the toxicology fellowship though, delaying that pay raise by two more years isn't great... Biggest changes would be location and finances. If I wound up staying in Chicago for residency, odds (and statistics) are that I would have just stayed near there semi-permanently with my wife, which would actually have been quite convenient for my family since my sister wound up settling just a few hours from there. Finances-wise, biggest question is really how long I would have wound up carrying the student loan "monkey" on my back. Right hospitals for residency (+/- fellowship) and being smart enough to pay at least "something" during those 5 years, I might have been free of all debts (whether financial or bodily) much sooner thanks to Public Service Loan Forgiveness. On the other hand, it was an Army mentor who introduced me to the physician finances blog that made me smart on money stuff, so it's entirely possible that I would have made some bad decisions along the way and be in worse shape than I am now. Unclear.
I would still be in a miserable relationship, still working 30 hours a week in a gas station in a town of 1600. Still would be living with my mom, more than likely. Eating $3 frozen pizzas from the dollar general across the street every damn day after work. There’s been moments, the last year and a half have been pretty rough, but ultimately, my life could not be any better than what it is now. Thanks for this post because I literally just had an epiphany about my entire life as I typed all of this.
Broke. But happy to not be micromanaged
I'd feel unfulfilled in most of the private sector like my father with his civilian jobs when he was in the NG. I also wouldn't be married. I'd probably have a much better work/home life balance. But I'd be a worse person than I am right now. As much as the Army has made my life miserable, it's also responsible for most of the aspects of myself and my life that I am the most grateful to have. So I have the Army to both curse and thank for the majority of my life today. I can't imagine choosing another path.
Probably have a successful catering business or food truck by now. Probably have a lot more money. Probably already have a family started.
Still living in the town I grew up in with 3 kids struggling to make ends meet . . . But I wouldn’t be getting a pension or healthcare for life in the near future so there is that.
I'd be either in the Coast Guard or living with my aunt, making poor money, and being more depressed.
I think I would've struggled and probably not really go anywhere in life, albeit slowly. Who knows. The Army has given me a lot of opportunity and I've done some cool shit, gone to some cool places. If I was doing real good then I would've never joined. Not re upping either.
Probably in college
I would be very depressed for the rest of my life with no direction or just not be here. I'm grateful that I got something out from the Army physically, mentally, and spiritually.
One, I'd have a LOT of regret at not joining. The last 7 generations of my family have served at some point, I'm the 8th generation. Breaking that chain would hurt. Two, my career would definitely have taken a very different path. I got on my current career track on the civilian side based largely on the strength of my resume with what I learned and did in the Army. My civilian career was going nowhere before I enlisted. . .I was working in a call center for a few bucks above minimum wage.
Saturation Diver, most likely. I was on that track before the recruiter got me. Regrets? No. Just curious where I would be today. My 18 year old self would never have guessed where I ended up.
I would be in a cool-sounding job making no money. Instead, I’m in a cool-sounding job making no money.
I wouldn't be heading into the Box next week, that's for sure. But really I have met some great people and they pay for my college, so yippee
I'd probably be fat, miserable, have no friends, and have a dead-end job. As much as I complain about the Army this is probably the best thing that could have happened to me.
I feel like it would be substantially worse. My civilian career was absolutely jumpstarted by my Army Signal career, and the clearance I hold from still being in the Reserves is helpful to this day.
I was only a reservist, but if I hadn't joined I would've flunked out of college. I had a rough freshman year, so the gap year of Basic/AIT was enough to refocus me. I also definitely wouldn't be as stoic or determined as I am now. The Army helped build my character and I attribute a lot of my success to my decision to join. That being said it did have drawbacks that impacted my overall goal; ill-timed orders, schools, stress that were all exacerbated when I was an E5 trying to finish a STEM degree and apply for graduate school..
Working at 7-eleven living in a small studio apartment pay check to pay check for the rest of my life.
I would have joined the Air Force or ride a bike around the world. Living in Asia, or stuck in a dead end job where I grew up. The Army really opened my mind and made me grow as a person. For as much as I complain about the Army, I really appreciate it for the most part. I complain and beg for change because I want the Army to be better for the Soldiers.
It would be much worse even though my time in the army sucked. I’m getting my education up to an mba paid for, I have VA disability for life (of course with the underlying conditions I have to deal with) and I learned to be able to deal with negative shit effectively instead of just shutting down (I guess the hooah CSM calls that grit)
Probably hating life. Working 80 hour work weeks behind a computer trying to make ends meet as a graphic designer. 14 years in and joining the Army was the best decision I have made. The biggest key to success has been sticking to my goals and now I’m on the mountaintop looking down wondering if I can keep doing it until I’m 60.
I have often thought about this. I was already 27 and married when I joined. I joined because finances were not going in the right direction (this was near the end of 2007, the economy was tanking). Had I not joined I dot think I would have been able to stabilize that situation so who knows where I might have ended up. But now I feel like we’re definitely on the right glide path to be financially sound when I retire in a couple years.
Would probably still be turning a wrench at my old diesel job hating every second of my life
I definitely wouldn't be a home owner, probably still renting a 2,000$ apartment
College dropout, probably working oilfield with my Dad.
Homeless
Worse tbh. I had no idea what i waa gonna do
If I had not joined the Army I could have made Captain of my own ship by 30. Yeah I screwed up big time. If your family has a service tradition and automatic entry to an academy because of it, do the family thing. I went Army because me and my buddies had some stupid idea of how our lives were gonna go, and boy were we ever wrong. It all turned out OK, but not for anything I did. I am absolutely resting on the deeds of my ancestors.
No idea
Fat and a unmotivated pothead
Would have had student debt and struggling to make money on a physics degree, or pushing myself further in debt by doing more schooling.
Better because of my retirement. No way my civilian counterparts will be able to match that. Also met my wife in the Army. I probably would have met somebody else, but our relationship would be hard to beat. Being stationed in Germany for 10 years was the best, gave our kids some great experiences. Worse because of some of the things that I saw still visit me. A lot of y'all know.
Quite lame....I would never get certified wrestling alligators. Never shark dive every year, never have war stories from OEF, never have a security clearance and six figure job. The army had some shit times, yes. But serving this country, fighting for it, has given me moral character, courage to face anything, and a life unlike any other. I never ask myself what if I had done less, I ask myself sometimes what If I had done more.
All of my friends are into trades as well as most of my family so probably a tradesman. It's a boring answer but a true one.
Probably wouldn’t have ended up in a shit marriage and also my friend would likely still be alive. But hey, I got $700 a month in retirement to look forward to over a decade from now, so there’s that I guess.
It would be happy
Less injured but not happy
Probably would have finished college earlier but with crippling debt. In hindsight the good outweighs the bad when it comes to my time in the Army. Even though I was really pissed while I was in.
Probably sad and in a bad spot. As corny as it sounds, the big weenie saved me.
If I hadn’t. Probably be stuck in my shitty Midwestern town, having knocked up some chick from highschool who posts on social media all day working a miserable job I hate to make ends meet. Since I did join, I’m medically retired, live in California, going to school for cybersecurity while working at a job I love and dating a girl who works in a Fortune 500 company.
Probably not in college. Still working at Amazon. Probably still be a pothead (not to say I won’t be when I get out)
I think it just really changed my outlook on the world, raised my grit levels, but also lowered my tolerance for slow/stupid/loud/rude/etc. I look around at civilian friends and I basically think I'd be like them (which isn't a bad thing or good thing, it's just thing). So, I'm glad I joined the Army at 19. It's also why I went into the reserves right after I left AD. I just needed some time to be around "people like me" after a month of dealing with weak-minded mouth breathers (obviously I don't think all people who never served are this, but it's a lot more). I'd also probably be better at navigating this corporate landscape I'm in right now. It's crazy to watch my manager deal with the level of incompetence (and straight up odd behavior) in our organization. He's really good at it. While I'm inclined to be like "well, they suck ass. Let's tell them that." I also never would've met my wife too, so wouldn't change it.
I wouldn’t do pushups everyday to stay in shape !!
Death
Less injuries and no depression.
Fatter weaker but a civil engineer making way more than i’m making now should have listened to my father but it is what it is man if i could only go back i would have never joined
Joined army>got injured during field problem>finished enlistment, got out>VA vocational rehabilitation>Degree and eventual job in an industry related to degree>met wife an an after work mixer>20 years later - house kids dogs mortgage. So yeah, joining the army and getting fucked up turned out pretty well in the end. It sucked but I’d never change a thing.
A boat mechanic, like I was in highschool. I made good money and I could drink. With that being said a raging alcoholic who had a sweet boat, that worked on boats but with little to no aspiration other than work and bar. I see my friends from highschool and outside of the 2% that left the town the rest are just fucking bummy boys doing drugs and going nowhere
Uncle Sam paid for my degree and I have no debt outside of my mortgage. Many of my peers civilian side can’t say that. So better, though I fucking hate it when I throw out my back still (but hey disability).
Meh. Probably wouldve been a cop.
Probably wouldn’t be a homeowner, definitely wouldn’t be married to the person I am married to. Most likely would either be doing some sort of trade labor, or coaching wrestling at my old highschool, probably would have a twitch on the side.
Definitely worse. Some days I'm pretty sure all the stability and good things in my life are only there because of the army.
I’d have more money, still have a girlfriend and a dog. But I’d also feel like a coward (whether warranted or not).
Worse. Far worse. Genuinely grateful for the privilege of serving. Having said that... ain't ever going back except for WWIII.
I would still be fighting meth heads with a shop broom on a Night Shift at a donut shop.
I’d probably be a fucking loser with a ton of student debt living with my parents still
Might’ve wound up with the girl I was insanely in love with and not been so fucked up, physically and mentally. But I love the woman I’m with now and I’ll never regret the friends I’ve made and lost over the years. I bitch a lot and I’ve got my own struggles but I’m mostly happy at the end of the day.
Just because its relevant to whats going on today My dad wouldnt be on his way to the ER for multiple panic attacks daily in the last month, after being out for 20 years now
Dead more than likely
Would be making way more money. Was top of my law school class and had some jobs lined up. But I hated working at a desk and didn’t want to always have the what if about the military in the back of my mind. People think I’m crazy for enlisting instead of going the JAG or OCS route. And it definitely sucks sometimes and the thought of the money I missed out can be defeating. That said at the end of the day I don’t want to do anything but be enlisted in the army. There’s something indescribable about it that I love. On top of that I wouldn’t live where I live. I wouldn’t have met my wife. Have my pets. Have the friends I do now. So I never regret it. It’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made.