How long did you serve...

[ltljohn]

I noticed lots of us have spent time in the military. I am curious how log people served.

[GSTom]

Interesting that those who served can remember "To the Day" the time served. Mine was during the Viet Nam Conflict but was served as a "Cold Warrior" at a tactical nuclear bomber base in England. In that era (1973-1976), Russian Bear Bombers were making daily sorties over England and we (the USA) were a whole lot closer to a nuclear Armeggedon than the public at large knew about. Reminds me of the "You can't handle the Truth" speech by Jack Nicholson in "A few Good Men"

[Belquar]

3 year enlistment 4/19/95 - 4/18/98. 3 years and 36k for school. That was the deal. Served me well. I loved being in the Army. I actually got out about 4 weeks early with my terminal leave.

[KBikeKev]

Twenty two years and counting. 10 years active duty as an OH-58 KIOWA(helicopter)Crew Chief, Fort Sill, Germany, Desert Storm, Fort Campbell, then about a year and half in the National Guard RAID in GA. then converted to the dark side and went into the C-23 SHERPA (Airplane, fixed wing) program in GA. then transfered up to school house for C-23 in Bridgeport, WV as instructor. The last 12 years have been all active duty guard, so all my time counts for active federal service. Can't even believe it has gone so quickly. Hope to stick it out for 30 total years.
:usa

[Fritzc]

Two Years of R.O.T.C. at Michigan Sate University. Military Police. I learned to direct traffic. Very dangerous duty. Little old lady in a model A ford whacked me with her umbrella because I wouldn't let her through. Non-related duty involved emergency evacuation during two panty raids. Almost died of alcohol poisoning encouraged by upper classman.:drink

[bmwbil]

12 Years and some change

[dancogan]

Two Years of R.O.T.C. at Michigan Sate University. Military Police. I learned to direct traffic. Very dangerous duty. Little old lady in a model A ford whacked me with her umbrella because I wouldn't let her through. Non-related duty involved emergency evacuation during two panty raids. Almost died of alcohol poisoning encouraged by upper classman.:drink
And some things never change, right Fritz? :laugh
I had four years during Viet Nam, too. I was afraid I'd get shot at, but instead spent four years in the states in an underground command post. "Relatively safe place." :p

[n1hnr941]

Four years, Air Force, in Dover, Delaware as an air cargo specialist loading and unloading C5-A's C-141's, C-130's and others. I also did a stint as a sub-motor pool tech.

[cwoflyboy]

I was in the Coast Guard. Never even thought of making it a career when I joined. I was having a great time and liked what I was doing so I kept sticking around until they got tired of me. Great bunch of people that I worked with.

Dale Moore/cwoflyboy
97 RT1100
Marianna, FL.

[r11rs94]

I noticed lots of us have spent time in the military. I am curious how log people served.

3 Years active NAVY, 24 Years NAVAL Reserve retiring in Jan. 2000, as a BMC (DV), Bos'n Mate Chief, !st class deep sea diver.

Came out of retirement after 9-11 and joined the RI ARMY National Guard. Served 2.5 years, one year in Iraq as an MP Retiring as a SFC. (Sergant First Class) :usa

[bobs98]

Four years active duty Army, 1981-1985.
Army Reserve since 1987.
Three six month "mobilization" tours, 2003, 2004, 2006-2007.

Still serving. Sixteen months to mandatory retirement.

[warredon]

U.S. Navy Sept. 65 - Jan. 70: 4 years, 3 months, 29 days, 19 hours

AME with VF-31 which had F4B's, then went to F4J's. I learned things in the military that I still use in everyday life today.

[mypzac]

6 years active duty SAC ICBM Minute Man III crew, 5.5 years Air National Guard TAC Fighter wing. Desert Storm.

[1flyer]

Four years active duty in the USAF, 26 years flying in the AF reserve. I'd do it again.

[jpdetweiler]

I served 2 weeks shy of 4 years on active duty. I went in January 4, 1968 and got out about 3 days before Christmas in 1971. Boot Camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center was awfully cold during January and February

[r11rs94]

I served 2 weeks shy of 4 years on active duty. I went in January 4, 1968 and got out about 3 days before Christmas in 1971. Boot Camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center was awfully cold during January and February

I hear that, I was there from Feb to Apr 73. Cooooooold

[OfficerImpersonator]

I've been watching the Ken Burns documentary on "The War". (Yeah for DVRs!)

Those who served in WWII really had it rough compared to today's soldiers.

Spending a year in Iraq looks like a vacation compared to spending the Winter of '44-'45 in the Arden Forest - or a couple of months on Saipan.

My how far our military has come in 60 years!

[monkeywork]

6 years AirForce, 1550th OMS as UH-1F crew chief. We retired those to Davis Monthan, flew em down and parked it. Sad day. Wish I could have kept it for myself.

Started to Cross train to outside wire antenna maintenance specialist but then took the early out under Bush the first. I still keep in touch with one of my old crew chief buddies, and promise to ride out to visit some day.

[AZ Greg]

I've been watching the Ken Burns documentary on "The War". (Yeah for DVRs!)

Those who served in WWII really had it rough compared to today's soldiers.

Spending a year in Iraq looks like a vacation compared to spending the Winter of '44-'45 in the Arden Forest - or a couple of months on Saipan.

My how far our military has come in 60 years!

I'm sure that many who have spent time in the "sand box" would not agree with you . . . you make it sound as if dealing with IEDs, an enemy without uniforms, and beheadings is a vacation????

Additionally, the results from a human being hit by a bullet or schrapnel haven't changed!

Thank you to all that have served or who are serving. We free men/women are in your debt!

[OfficerImpersonator]

I'm sure that many who have spent time in the "sand box" would not agree with you . . . you make it sound as if dealing with IEDs, an enemy without uniforms, and beheadings is a vacation????

Additionally, the results from a human being hit by a bullet or schrapnel haven't changed!

Thank you to all that have served or who are serving. We free men/women are in your debt!

At least they're not dying of frostbite or exposure in a frozen foxhole, surrounded by Germans, without air support, helicopter medivacs, satellite communications with commanders, top-shelf medical support in front line field hospitals with immediate jet transport to European hospitals.

Average life expectancy of a ground pounder in the European Theater in WWII was 240 days. I'll wager the number is slightly higher for ground forces in Iraq.

[ltljohn]

At least they're not dying of frostbite or exposure in a frozen foxhole, surrounded by Germans, without air support, helicopter medivacs, satellite communications with commanders, top-shelf medical support in front line field hospitals with immediate jet transport to European hospitals.

Average life expectancy of a ground pounder in the European Theater in WWII was 240 days. I'll wager the number is slightly higher for ground forces in Iraq.

The dangers are the mostly same but the support and technology have changed greatly. Don't forget that desert gets mighty cold in the winter time. Several SAS commandos died of exposure during the first gulf war and there were probably many cases of frostbite too. The big difference is the medical facilities and evac opportunities

[ltljohn]

Hey all you fellow veterans, try this site there are sections for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. I have found several old shipmates that I have lost track of over the years.

http://www.togetherweserved.com/

[Fritzc]

And some things never change, right Fritz? :laugh


Ouch! You'd think I'd learn wouldn't you? :dunno

[97077]

I never served but I still want to Thank ALL Vets. To me it doesn't matter if you served during war time or peace time. This country owes our Vets a lot because of them and their families sacrifices . THANK YOU ALL VETERANS!!!!!:usa

[109334]

Six years just short of four on SSN-685 the USS Glenard P.Lipscomb.

Digarand

[ltljohn]

20 years and 14 days all over the place.

[hondarider]

3 years of a 6 year active duty hitch with the Army until downsizing under Clinton allowed me to go home with my honorable discharge...peace time Army was kinda boring anyways...joining was the best thing I could have ever done after high school. Ironically, I now work for the Navy and we spend every day debating over which branch is superior. Sadly, I'm outnumbered about 25 to 1:usa

[ltljohn]

3 years of a 6 year active duty hitch with the Army until downsizing under Clinton allowed me to go home with my honorable discharge...peace time Army was kinda boring anyways...joining was the best thing I could have ever done after high school. Ironically, I now work for the Navy and we spend every day debating over which branch is superior. Sadly, I'm outnumbered about 25 to 1:usa

Make it 26:stick

[John Brase]

My friends and neighbors tried to draft me in 1967 but I fooled them. I enlisted for four years instead of submitting to the two year draft. Ha! Take that you war mongering friends and neighbors.

Basic at Ft. Leonard Wood then AIT (ASA - Teletype Intercept) at Ft. Devins Ma. Wintering over in Massechusetts was hell, I tell you. Filled in "Germany" on the assignment dream sheet much to the entertainment of my classmates. Everybody knew you were supposed to pick an "arm pit" choice (like Korea) because if you went for the gold you wouldn't get it and would get a "crotch" assignment (like Ethopia) instead.

They sent me to Germany for three years. I lived off post, bought an Alfa Romeo and a Triumph and travelled all over Europe in or on one or the other of them. Army work was like having a regular job. We worked for the NSA and when a new Viet Nam vet CO would show up with intentions of stracking up the outfit we'd experience sun spots till some NSA honcho would explain the deal to him. In the whole three years in Germany I think I went through maybe six formations and one inspection. Never did sleep in a tent. Paid the supply dude a buck a month to mark down that I had cleaned (or even seen) my weapon.

As an aside, I never experience the gas tent. In Basic I was on crutches that day. When it came time for the next annual gas tent in Germany I just bugged around to the exit, after rubbing my eyes for effect. The next year was harder and several of were forced to low crawl across a field in the middle of the night and steal the gas tent. It had become my mission to get through the enlistment without getting gassed. The "event" was cancelled when they couldn't find the tent.

Where was I? Oh, yea, I got out of the Army after my four years and went to college on the GI Bill. After that I went to work for the Federal Government and retired from there ten or so years ago. I am still collecting government checks.

I owe it all to my friends and neighbors.

John (you are welcome for my service) Brase


John

[OfficerImpersonator]

My friends and neighbors tried to draft me in 1967 but I fooled them. I enlisted for four years instead of submitting to the two year draft. Ha! Take that you war mongering friends and neighbors.

Basic at Ft. Leonard Wood then AIT (ASA - Teletype Intercept) at Ft. Devins Ma. Wintering over in Massechusetts was hell, I tell you. Filled in "Germany" on the assignment dream sheet much to the entertainment of my classmates. Everybody knew you were supposed to pick an "arm pit" choice (like Korea) because if you went for the gold you wouldn't get it and would get a "crotch" assignment (like Ethopia) instead.

They sent me to Germany for three years. I lived off post, bought an Alfa Romeo and a Triumph and travelled all over Europe in or on one or the other of them. Army work was like having a regular job. We worked for the NSA and when a new Viet Nam vet CO would show up with intentions of stracking up the outfit we'd experience sun spots till some NSA honcho would explain the deal to him. In the whole three years in Germany I think I went through maybe six formations and one inspection. Never did sleep in a tent. Paid the supply dude a buck a month to mark down that I had cleaned (or even seen) my weapon.

As an aside, I never experience the gas tent. In Basic I was on crutches that day. When it came time for the next annual gas tent in Germany I just bugged around to the exit, after rubbing my eyes for effect. The next year was harder and several of were forced to low crawl across a field in the middle of the night and steal the gas tent. It had become my mission to get through the enlistment without getting gassed. The "event" was cancelled when they couldn't find the tent.

Where was I? Oh, yea, I got out of the Army after my four years and went to college on the GI Bill. After that I went to work for the Federal Government and retired from there ten or so years ago. I am still collecting government checks.

I owe it all to my friends and neighbors.

John (you are welcome for my service) Brase


John

That's a great story - thanks for sharing!

You're welcome for all the free travel and the checks that keep on coming.

Sincerely,

An American taxpayer :usa

[JohnF]

My military career was from Jul 67 to Jun 69. Spent as an Infantry Lieutenant. First part of tour as a basic training officer at Fort Polk, La, and 2nd part of tour as an Infantry Platoon Ldr in SE Asia.

I really enjoyed the military, and thought of making it a career, but at that time it was in the States for 4 months and then back to VN...made it the first time, didn't want to press my luck.

The Army in all their compassion thought it was a good idea to send me back to Viet Nam, after 2 months in the hospital in Japan, on Christmas Eve 1968. Report to the air terminal at 2000 hours for an 0600 flight!!!! Then all Christmas Day making my way back to Bein Hoa, RVN. My Christmas meal consisted of some stale cookies served by some nice ladies at Clark AFB in the Philippines. Not one of my memorable Christmas days.

JEF
Cincinnati, OH
:usa

[mcover]

June 26, 1963 to February 29, 1988.
and i'd do it again. Loved going to sea.

[lewlei]

Well, it was broken up but totaled 25 and 1/2 active and 4 reserve. Joined the Naval Reserve while still in High School. Then went Regular Navy for 4 and got out and completed my required 8 year obligation in the Reserve again. Later rejoined and did another 20 Active Duty. Served during Korea and VN but the luck of the draw kept me out of harms way.

Retired 21 years ago and have been traveling and riding ever since. It was a good life. Proud to have served.:usa

[bennyrov]

Served 4 years in the Marine Corps from 94-98, Thinking about going back in though. Really miss it. :usa

[rkasal]

Army. Should have had the sense to join the college plan :banghead instead of paying for it myself. At that time, it was something like I put in one dollar and they match with two or something like that.

[bobh41]

Two years of electronic schools. Two years Birkenfeld, Germany. Electronic Tech Airborne RADAR systems. Originally trained to fly RADAR crew on RC-121. Held over for instructor duty. After crashing my Triumph Tiger Cub and released from hospital, transferred to Heavy Ground RADAR training, then shipped to Birkenfeld.

We supported a long range RADAR system on Erbeskopf Mountain used for flight control. Some of my German AF counterparts served as "brown-shirts" during WWII and talked about carrying ammo to shoot down US aircraft. We were warned to be careful because many of the older Germans hated US soldiers. I never met any of them - the German people I met were gracious, kind, fun-loving and hard-working. I bought my "civvies" in German clothing stores, and walking around encountered numbers of GI's mistaking me for a German and asking for directions in the most screwed up polyglot of broken Deutsch. The money exchange rate was four Marks to a Dollar - and I used up a lot of it on the best Beer on the planet. I drove a '57 VW all over Western Germany, through some incredible mountainous terrain in the southwest - Trier, etc. I often wish I had re-enlisted for another four years, but I also remember being mighty happy to touch down on American ground to muster out at McGuire AFB, New Jersey.

[From MARS]

I avoided VN by volunteering for 4 yrs in the Marines. They sent me to all kinds of avionics/ECM schools and then assigned me to a squadron of A-4 attack jets. I kept volunteering to go to VN because I was stupid and young. They kept saying that they needed me to fix the planes and that I could have the next set of orders that came in. I was in Whitbey Island, WA at the Naval Air Station fixing a plane from my squadron based in Yuma, AZ, when the VN war ended without my having participated. Since all the C-130's that I needed to fly the gear back to Yuma were in-country flying stuff and people out, I was told to "take a vacation" for a couple of weeks. Sure wish they had sent my bike, a 71 Sportster, up to me.

I had re-enlisted for six more years already. But, the peacetime military sucked. Too many generals with nothing to do but inspect the troops, so I got out. When I turned 38, I kicked myself in the butt for not staying in for 20 and retiring.

bennyrov, if you really miss it, and I know I did, get your butt back in, now.

Tom

[Sanders]

June 26, 1963 to February 29, 1988.
and i'd do it again. Loved going to sea.

Good on ya' mate!

I did the USMC from may of '74 to May of '76. I escaped a sadistic stepfather and found solace, (AND) more freedom believe it or not...
Adventure too...March and April of '75 were some eye opening times for an 18 yr old grunt from the U.P.

Sanders

[mthelmet]

I spent 1 yr active and 7 years in the reserve (peace time service).
Oct 1956 to May 1964.

I was to young for Korea and to old (and a father) for Vietnam. It also help to have been work in a Defense Plant, when Vietnam was getting hot and heavy.

I think all young men and women should serve in the Military. Best experince you can have.


Now Iam letting my old age show.

Thank to all VET for Sreving.

USMCR :usa
Semper FI: dance

[royal1]

I served 14 years 8 months in HM Royal Marines before being medically discharged into the big wide world.
One of my earliest experiences, Jan '73, was exercising with USMC at Camp Lejeune (?)NC and on the island of Roosevelt Roads in the Carribean. Oh to have those days back!!
I was also a member of the RM motorcycle display team which was disbanded in 1977. Triumph Tiger 100's. So when the collectionables were distributed I gained a shield issued to us by the US Marine Barracks, Washington DC; hangs on my wall with other plaques.
Hohum!!

[130253]

USAF, Mar 1974 -Mar 1978, Carswell AFB Fort Worth Tx

[From MARS]

I served 14 years 8 months in HM Royal Marines before being medically discharged into the big wide world.
One of my earliest experiences, Jan '73, was exercising with USMC at Camp Lejeune (?)NC and on the island of Roosevelt Roads in the Carribean. Oh to have those days back!!
I was also a member of the RM motorcycle display team which was disbanded in 1977. Triumph Tiger 100's. So when the collectionables were distributed I gained a shield issued to us by the US Marine Barracks, Washington DC; hangs on my wall with other plaques.
Hohum!!


Royal,
We might have crossed paths. The Marines let me vacation in Puerto Rico at Rosy Roads a couple of times. The last time, one of our pilots dropped, by accident(?), a practice bomb which hit the side of a Navy ship leaving a big dent. We promptly painted a ship on the side of his plane.

[Timber2wolf]

I know this is how long did you serve but I thought I would chime in because I am still serving. Enlisted in '98 into the Air Force. :usa Currently deployed to the Middle East.

[dancogan]

I know this is how long did you serve but I thought I would chime in because I am still serving. Enlisted in '98 into the Air Force. :usa Currently deployed to the Middle East.
Congrats, you're coming up on 10 years! Thanks for your service, and stay safe. :usa

[afhrnfa1]

Between my active duty Navy and National Guard I served a total of 26 years.
Navy Corpsmen 1970- 1974
Army National Guard 1975-1997 Ret Maj Army Nurse Corps :usa

[flars]

1 year, 6 months, 6 days, 3 hours, and 13 minutes...
But who was counting?
Drafted Nov. 1970.

[BeemerMike]

Thank you to all that have served or who are serving. We free men/women are in your debt!

Well said. Too bad we sometimes forget.

[sgtboring]

Everytime I get out THEY PULL ME BACK IN!

My only regret was I came of Active duty after 6 years and spent 7 years being a complete civilian. I been back as a reservist since just after 9.11.01, I could not stay out of this one! If I never got out I would be "retiring" this year!!!!!

But it has been a great time in history to serve. Look at all the places or military has been and things they have accomplished since Father Regan brought the DOD back from the brink.

[royal1]

Hi Thomasseigler,
Yes quite possible although I'm trying to forget the 'run ashore' in Puerto Rico.
Good times had by all.........;)

[slashsixer]

Great Lakes, Orlando, Ballston Spa, Charleston, Newport, Groton. Hard to believe one could fit all those duty stations in over six years (80-86). Served on the Tecumseh, Alexander Hamilton and Tinosa. All I can tell you is that I was never bored.

[warredon]

I also did a short stay of duty in Rosey Roads. Did you ever make it to the "El Riviera Club" in San Juan? That place was still there when I left in the 60's.

[jwhite518]

I "served" a total of about six weeks. Three weeks in basic traing (US Navy, San Diego) and three weeks waiting to be processed out. No I didn't wimp out and beg to leave. Due to a situation that arose I was offered the chance to exit with a general discharge under honorable conditions, or stay in with my recruitment guarantee of A School removed. I took the offer because I didn't want to scrape paint for four years.

Contrary to what the Navy lawyers told me, the discharge status did nothing at all to affect my future employability. It has never come up in 27 years. Even though it was a lousy thing to go through at the time, I don't regret the experience.

[Timber2wolf]

Congrats, you're coming up on 10 years! Thanks for your service, and stay safe. :usa

Yup, March 10 will be 10 yrs. Thanks for your support.

[royal1]

I also did a short stay of duty in Rosey Roads. Did you ever make it to the "El Riviera Club" in San Juan? That place was still there when I left in the 60's.

Yup, as was the Black Angus, hence my reason for wanting to forget; not!!:whistle

[29925]

Beginning in 1961, three years in the Navy, 3 years in the Army National Guard Special Forces, 17 years in the Army, 21 years teaching JROTC, total of 44 years in military uniform!!!!!

[GlennB]

4 years active duty Air Force from '67 to '71 listening to unfriendlies sending Morse Code, then 2 years inactive. After using all my GI Bill and getting a BS and MS, I enlisted in the Air National Guard and stayed for 24 years retiring as a Chief (E-9) in Jan '06.

[gambrinus]

Standard 4yr enlistment for me. Bored kid from a small town who wasn't going to do anything other than drink beer and chase girls if I didn't do "something". I was in NO WAY ready for college, and being a standard small town, there weren't that many jobs around.. that left going into the service. Was going to go into the Navy, but the recruiter was lazy and the ARMY guy( both offices in the same building ) was on me like white on rice. I knew I was headed for college sooner or later, so I didn't really care what I did just so long as it wasn't boring. Signed up for infantry with an airborne option... it was never boring. Aug 85 - June of 89. Saved up my leave time to get out 60days early so that I could get into the mindset of life at Pitt.

Seems like a lifetime ago...


RW

[rgvilla]

enlisted U.S. Army february 1968, trained as helicopter crew chief and flew with the 237 Medical Detachment, Helicopter Ambulance "DMZ Dustoff" November 1968 to November 1969, Camp Evans, RVN. About 600 combat hours. It wasn't a particularly enjoyable time. Early out January 1971 to go to college. Spent my last year at Ft. Hood, Texas, Robert Gray Army Airfield flying with the 55th Aviation Bn.

[Easy]

Although I never served, I have the deepest respect for those who have, and those who are. Every now and then I see a group eating in a restaurant and I think how young they are to be sacrificing so much for their country. It is hard to express in words how proud it makes me feel.

I just wish our country spend much more money on improving the VA system. They deserve the very best.

Godspeed to those who have, and are serving.

Easy :usa

"Courage is fear holding on a minute longer."
George S. Patton

[ziphyr]

I served 9 years in the US Army Reserves. My duty began at Fort Knox, Ky to Fort Sam Houston, Tx. , Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center and ended with 3297th Black Cat-Fort McPherson, Fort Gillem, Eisenhower Medical Center post in ,Ga. I love my country and love to help others. Hoorah!!!!:twirl :usa