I volunteered for the US Navy at the age of 19.
My motivations?
Three previous generations of Wombats served in the United Sates Marine Corps (My grandfather went ashore at Guadalcanal and Peleliu, my father fought at Khe Sahn, two uncles -- one by marriage-- also served), so it was sort of a tradition in our family, going back to my great-grandfather who arrived in New York City in 1904 with nothing but famring skills and the ability to speak English on his resume,
Funny story, but absolutely true; when I was considering joining the Corps, the old Jarheads in my family locked themselves in the dining room and seriously discussed the matter, leaving me to sit on the living room couch until the deliberations were complete. When they had discussed it to their satisfaction, they marched out of dining room, and stood at parade rest in front of me. My father, in a deadpan tone and with a DI's piercing eyes then told me;
"We have discussed the matter and have decided -- We cannot do YOU to our Beloved Corps. Find something else to do."
They were, of course, right. I was a stubborn, headstrong young man and would have had serious problems with the rigid chickenshit expected of you in the Corps. I know that chicken shit has a purpose, but I'm one of those wiseguys who always has to ask "Why?". I would not have made it through basic, I'm sure.
I spent three years (of the five I signed up for) on my first hitch before being granted an early hardship discarge. However, once my family issues had been resolved, I did join the Naval Reserve, spending 8 years in the Reserves.
I topped out as an AO1 in 1997, having served on three carriers (Midway, Enterprise and Eisenhower).
The best parts? Well, where else can you experience a full-force Atlantic gale? Or a Pacific typhoon? Where else can you see blue whales, humpbacks, killer whales, dolphins and sharks in huge numbers, in their natural setting? How many other jobs can you get that are nice enough to deposit you on leave in Europe, Japan, Korea, the Philipines, Singapore or Australia free of charge?
Where else can you risk your life hauling explosives around a deck constantly crowded with aircraft taking off, landing and taxiing?
Where else will you ever get the change to experience real slices of Americana represented by the most unlikeliest of crews: city boys from Brooklyn (like me), working side-by-side with farm boys from Iowa? Wranglers from Montana? Wheat farmers from Kansas? Street-wise toughs from the south side of Chicago? Coal miner's sons from West Virginia? Rich kids from Connecticut? Many of whom have never even seen an ocean, let alone sailed on one?
Where else can you join the Navy and see the desert (I spent months training at China Lake, California and went to Iraq once)? Where else can you spend night full of sheer terror in heavy weather, up to your ankles in your own (and others) vomit after they served beef stew in the mess?
Not to mention all the women you meet!
They're right: it's not just a job, it's an adventure! It was downright exciting. In many ways, it's the best thing I ever did in my life (don't let Mrs. Wombat read that, btw).
It was certainly an interesting way to spend 11 years, I can assure you. The lessons I learned about responsibility, teamwork, discipline, have served me well in my later life.
Well, you can do it as a Marine and let the squids steer the ship, and then go ashore to see the wonderful indeginous people on those islands you just circled on those carriers!
In fact, I even got to fly in the helicopters that you guys on the boat sailed us around on! :)