Given the chance.............

[Hipshot]

Did 8 years Air Force. Tried to do more, they wouldn't let me. Few years later tried to do it again and they still wouldn't let me. Now I'm to old to serve, but I'll hoist a home brew to all that served and to all that suported us.

Would not change a thing.

Thanks

[Tsunami1]

Would absolutely do it again.

[Iggy]

aintgotnun

I started out enlisting for 4 years USAF and next thing I had 21 years.
When I enter any base I regain a sense of security and know everyone has the same mission.
HELL YES, I'D DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN!
I salute ALL Service members when I see them.

[marsh]

I definitely would do it again!

[rockfordroo]

I did 4 years (70-74) in the Navy as an Aviation Electrician.

I have mixed emotions on your question. I'm sure you've all heard the saying, "a million dollar experience that I wouldn't give you a nickel to do again."

When I go on Bing maps, using the birdseye view, and look at all the old Navy Air Stations I knew back in the 70's, they're all closed down or scaled way back.

I don't think it would be quite the same experience anymore. And as with most things (even the job I have now), it's not really the job so much as the people you've worked with that you really miss.

[KennyGolub]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

I don't think it would be quite the same experience anymore. And as with most things (even the job I have now), it's not really the job so much as the people you've worked with that you really miss.

X2 ... I was in from 1968 - 1972 and always think about those I served with. It could have been any branch, because I don't think about the branch, but those I was with in it.

Ken

[B47]

I graduated from high school in 1960. Having the draft hanging over my head,I decided to join up and get it over with.

I am scared of water,so the Navy was out and being a lover and not a fighter,the Army and Marines were also out. The left the Air Force

Did the basic training at Lackland and was then sent to Amarillo AFB for technical training in aircraft maintenance.

I was then sent to Dyess AFB in January,1960,which is a Strategic Air Command (SAC) base. Remember this was during the Cold War which was heating up.

Dyess at that time had 2 wings of B47 bombers and 2 wings of KC97 tankers - lot of airplanes.

I guess the time when I saw the armament people uploading an silver atomic bomb into a B47 that was going on Alert status is the time when I realized what I was doing for our country. This Bomber and Bomb were being prepped to take off and bomb a pre selected target in a foreign country if and when so ordered. Prettry sobering thing for a 19 year old kid to see.

I also wouldn't trade those 4 years for anything. I still maintain contact with some guys who I served with.

[rockfordroo]

B47 - If you haven't seen Strategic Air Command (1955) with Jimmy Stewart, you need to. B-29's, B-36's and B-47's!

My love is H-3 Sea Kings, like you see the president landing in on the White House lawn.

[B47]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

B47 - If you haven't seen Strategic Air Command (1955) with Jimmy Stewart, you need to. B-29's, B-36's and B-47's!

My love is H-3 Sea Kings, like you see the president landing in on the White House lawn.

Yeah - seen it more than once. Those were earlier model B47's,but still good shots and background scenery.

Not a rotor head - but Marine One is a beautiful helicopter.

[rockfordroo]

This guy earned his pay today.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/bC2XIGMI2kM

[bigben]

Born and raised in a very rural area. In 1970 joined as a young enlisted soldier. Found my family and home. Learned how deep my own water was, what it meant to give my word and what it meant to keep it. Stood me in good stead for the rest of my life to date. Lots of years away from my immediate family and yet after 22 years of serving - no regrets. Still get a tear in my eye when the National Anthem is played and (after a change in policy) I render a salute. Got to a retire as a LTC and feel blessed every day.

PS: I've always said I felt like Andy Griffith in "No Times For Sergeants" - just a big old country boy.

[tetsurvivor]

You betcha, in a heartbeat. The Army was my life, doubt if they would take me now, 90% disabled, but i would go right now.

[bigben]

tetsurvivor - bet 1 of those years of service included 1968? Just a guess. PS: Thanks for your service.

[tetsurvivor]

68, 70-71, then off to the middle east before it was no,1 on the hit parade, but nevertheless very interesting.

[bigben]

Thought maybe. Got a number of friends that celebrate like they borrowed the time after a 1968 New years. Spent my OCONUS time in the wonderful land of the morning calm. A bit interesting for the early time - nothing like 1968 for you though. Peace

[whitmw]

I was in 20 and I would do it all over again, but not in today's military.

[dcheatwood]

I still regret not serving. Graduated on 1975. Peace time. No registration. No selective service. So I went to college. Even after 33 years in law enforcement an a year in Baghdad as a dod police contractor, I still feel like I've missed something by not serving in the armed forces. Thanks to all who did including my Dad (seabees) and brother (Vietnam), and many other relatives who did also.

[donanddona]

Wish I had done it earlier and stayed longer!!! Maybe LDO!

[B47]

Originally Posted by dcheatwood

I still regret not serving. Graduated on 1975. Peace time. No registration. No selective service. So I went to college. Even after 33 years in law enforcement an a year in Baghdad as a dod police contractor, I still feel like I've missed something by not serving in the armed forces. Thanks to all who did including my Dad (seabees) and brother (Vietnam), and many other relatives who did also.

I don't think you need to be regrettable - you still served your country in a noble and honorable profession.

[Richard6959]

Best decision I ever made. Served 20 years. But it was no longer enjoyable when I left, I wouldn't go back. But I support all that continue to serve today and will serve tomorrow.

Richard