How many military bubbas here?

**Adam Pound** · 14th February 09, 07:48 AM

Couple of years in the Governor General's Foot Guards, the guys with the big bear skin hats you see on Parliament Hill.

Good times.

**Skyelander** · 14th February 09, 08:57 AM

U.S. Navy here, 16 years.

**sathor** · 14th February 09, 09:04 AM

I picked the 'never served' option. I spent my senior year of HS in NJROTC, because of my Asvab and Nuc field entry test, but I decided that I really hate Calc, and went to college instead. My dad and an Uncle both spent time in the military, (my dad was only in a very short time, my uncle career) and for at least 2 generations back on up the paternal line, the family fought in some war or another. Though, near the end of my time in college, I did consider applying for a military job working with mapping and cruise missiles. (Don't know much beyond that, it was a Boeing job posting that was up for a while.)

**Tatonka** · 14th February 09, 02:01 PM

U.S. Army here, 5 years.
Trained in Infantry and Signal Corps

**English Bloke** · 14th February 09, 08:35 PM

I voted Other Blokes...

I joined the British Army in 1984 as a last ditch attempt to make a respectable person of myself. Up to this point I'd been a keen and conscientious student at the University of life. I'd worked hard to travel alot but wasn't really going anywhere. After I joined up, I loved the Army and everything about it and realised I'd found a niche. I lived it and breathed it. Unfortunately I became a single parent in 1999 when my Sons were 11 and 7. As I was a Sergeant Major (WO2) at the time and my unit were actively employed, my Corps and Unit were not to keen to assist in my domestic crisis so I was faced with the choice of Job or Kids. I weathered the storm until 2001 but eventually 'jacked' and left by voluntary release. At the time I was GLAD to go and at first it was really hard to get by but we're now, thankfully sorted.

I think I'm mostly sorted because the Army taught me a resilience and perseverance to succeed. I did 17 years and sacrificed full pension and gratuity to go early (22 years being the norm) but faced with the same dilemma again, I would not blink an eye in making the same decision. I brought my Sons up after leaving which was a joy and I have subsequently had the good fortune to be married again to my beautiful wife.

I now have a 2 year old daughter to annoy my big boys who are now 20 and 17. I'm often asked by mates who are ex or still in if I miss it and I do, I miss the 'crack' but not the pedantry. I don't honestly think I'm the same person I was 10 years ago. I believe I was somewhat brainwashed then and that delivery of 100% commitment, to me at least, meant 100% commitment in return (if required) I don't believe I got that support and consequently, given the option, I would never go back. (Not that I could now that I'm pushing 50)

I'm in the British legion (Ex-Forces organisation) which is probably good enough. I don't think my sons will be joining either, not that I have coloured thier opinion in any way!!

**Derek Conley** · 16th February 09, 02:04 AM

Guess I missed this post initially:

U.S. Marine Corps; Field Artillery.

**Bonnie'an'Blue** · 16th February 09, 04:16 PM

Both grandfathers were airforce, and step-grandfather.
One of my paternal great-uncles served in Vietnam, but I know little about his career in the army, as he apparently doesn't like to talk about it (for obvious reasons).
I have (or had, not sure which one) a maternal great great uncle that died in WWII, British Army, European front, I know little else of him.
I also have relatives in Japan that served, but I'm sure some of you don't what to here that.

Being an FL Craicer (cracker) I'm the result of many brave men who served in the CSA.

And me, you ask?
Too young, but I intend to join the Army, and go airborne.

**shagger999uk** · 17th February 09, 10:50 AM

Territorial Army (think National Guard/Army Reserve) for the last 23 years and counting. Since joining I've enjoyed long holidays in Saudi ('91), Bosnia ('96), Iraq ('03), and Afghanistan ('06/07). Last year I visited the USA for the first time and spent two weeks at Fort Leonard Wood attached to elements of the 205th and 206th ASMC. I've also trained in Belgium, Holland, Germany and Cyprus.