How the US Army screwed over my contract | Stories Behind the Photo

[@ikaikaokalanib5148]

I had a similar situation, came into the Army as a 11X with a ranger option and in basic training, I ended up being assigned as a 11H. I didn't understand the ramification of being assigned as an 11H until after airborne school when the Rangers told me there was no 11H in the Ranger battalion so I end up in the 82nd. I got off active duty after 4 years, ended up in 12th SFG when it was still a part of the Army Reserves, 2 years later I reenlisted back on active duty. I went through SFAS and the Q-Course and was assigned to 1st SFG. It was a long journey to get to group but I eventually got there so I truly understand the journey you took to get to group.

[@jrr7031]

Honestly, how did u like the food aversion part?

[@sog4646]

Similar story here, and they denied my cash bonus too. The Green Weenie strikes again.

[@gswguy4554]

It’s not what private Glover wanted or was promised but perhaps it was something of a blessing for him in the long run. 🇺🇸

[@buzz-es]

Yes, Uncle Sam's bureaucracy is very good at pissing away good motivated talent, seen it over and over again. Some folks just give up, do their time and throw in the towel after a few years. Thanks for hanging in there Mike.

[@White_Recluse]

It even happens in basic training, I met people who were way more qualified than me to be there yet they were still being sent home.

[@swordfish3720]

I felt that. The big green weenie tends to make you… rethink your strategy in the military.

[@JL_____]

@@White_Recluse why were they sent home?

[@lip124]

Yea he definitely put that work in, I would've been gone.

[@apache5612]

Yup, I can vouch for that. I regret not staying in. My downfall was my LT. I tried to get moved to anothert unit, but I got no help. So, after 3 yrs I decided to get out.

[@andrearojas7041]

"Why does it look like I'm sleeping? I'm half Asian, duh." 😆. I love these stories, and as always, thank you for sharing.

[@andrearojas7041]

@Ahhh Haaa Tu Lam is also amazing. I love his interview with Shawn Ryan.

[@theviolator1074]

@Ahhh Haaa I will say Tu Lam has that crown, just one look at the guy and you already know hahah

[@krazeekalvin]

My son is mixed, his mother is Asian and I always tease him that I could blindfold him with dental floss.

[@andrearojas7041]

@Ahhh Haaa I haven't heard about him. I'll look him up. Thank you.

[@Mickey-im3bg]

I love how he handled the Asian thing instead of being all woke and hurt lol.

[@alexkalish8288]

Being in the 3rd and continuing on is really impressive to me - better than the ranger course for your development. You sir, are an outstanding soldier.

[@LRRPFco52]

Nothing is better for an 11 series soldier than going to Ranger Regiment, and it's not even close. TOG is an interesting and relatively-unknown unit, but not comparable to Regiment.

[@allenuconn]

For a non-veteran like myself this is the kind of video that I find to be awesome! I love hearing what it took to do some of the things you have done. Your next video (PLEASE) should be about the selection as a Green Beret and what it took to become one. We hear a lot about becoming a Navy SEAL but not much about those who are in the Green Beret.

[@davewylie654]

Video all about "The Long Walk" is what you would like

[@cooperwhite2732]

Check out FNG Academy’s channel

[@HKSMan05]

@@davewylie654 is this what you guys call GB selection process?

[@nickcc2003]

Tomb Guard is no joke, Ty for your service

[@Imafed42069]

Wow I always heard “get it in your contract in writing” which you did and you still got screwed with lol needs of the army but what a hidden gem opportunity you earned! Goes to show your winning mentality in life at a young age that’s one motivated Joe! I enjoyed this story more please!

[@usarwife]

Love hearing your journeys to where you are today. Please keep them coming! Even though I was never in the military, I enjoy hearing about your background. Thanks, Mike!

[@bryanshaw4434]

I would love to hear more about your tomb guard story.

[@ioracle3243]

😍😘😘😘😘😘❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🤩

[@ordulf7193]

Right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpqkg6JjgtafbLc

[@209brandonb]

That’s one of the most honorable prestigious resumes I’ve ever seen! Good for you man and these little stories can help people in their careers not only to be all you can be and look at the glass half full but to read the fine print and ask questions!

[@anthonieseymour7911]

Thanks G Lover, Badge 444. My toughest job and greatest honor as well. Thanks for bringing back the memories. Cemeteries any cemetery has always brought me serenity after serving nearly three years with the Unknowns and some the Nation's greatest heroes. G. Anthonie Riis (AKA Seymour)

[@georgefloydsinhellwbreonna5330]

These stories are dope af Mike. Keep ‘em coming.

[@jerryneff6018]

Great story Mike. 1972 I volunteered to be a helo pilot, passed fight tests etc. The day I went in I was told you can't fly you have corrected vision. They said you need to choose something else. I said nope I'll do whatever I'm assigned. I became a 91R Food Infection Specialist, safest job in the Army. 2 Years in and out then back to college.

[@user-sx2nq3kt3xTheresaDale]

Such an honor to guard the Tomb very handsome too, thank you for your service Mike ❤

[@danroffee4904]

These are important life lessons. Events in life will not always go your way. You may lose an opportunity, you may lose a leg, you may lose your friend. You then you make the best of what you now have. This is the measure of a person's character.

[@dennisfreed9382]

Congratulation for your hard work you earned it nobody gave it to you always stay proud no one can take that away from you ever

[@National757]

Love hearing your stories. From Private to your time in SOF, an amazing career. Watching the soldiers in the honor guard, guarding our soldiers in the unknown tomb, is truly amazing! Inspiring to us all! And makes me proud to be an American! Precision. Integrity. Duty. Attention and strict adherence to detail and timing! Incredible! Those basic things soldier or civilian are very important in this life! To have that duty under your belt is a huge honor! Your time in SOF and combat also obviously an honor no less. Guarding our unknown fallen. An honor that as you have just stated, not many Americans share! Thank you for meeting the high standard that it required to serve that duty! And all of your duties in the military. Thank you for your service in everything else that you did, and continue to do. Thank you for sharing with all of us!

[@apettit7]

Cool to hear your story. TOG Delta 3rd Plt. 87-90. I go tlucky I was also 11X selected as 11C but my heart was set on being 11B so I asked to be moved out of mortar training and the ds asked if I knew of any of my platoon 11B buddies who wanted to be mortars, which I did and the swap was done without any fuss.

[@cm-pr2ys]

That's the way it should be. Give deserving kids a chance to be placed in the job they wanna be in. Everyone wins.

[@kxkxkxkx]

You finessed the hell out of some poor overburdened 11 Charles 😂

[@03redrubi]

Thanks for the complete back story Mike. Marching the Tomb, was your honored career path, to Special Forces. Thanks for your service Sir!

[@mindyglenn1779]

Love the stories behind the pics! Keep them coming

[@kendelvalle8299]

I joined the Navy at 17 because my mom wouldn't sign for the Army or Marine Corps because they fought in wars. The Air Force didn't want me because I had not finished high school. I had learned to sail and loved ships so I went in with a contract for Boatswain Mate. I wanted to serve on a Destroyer. In boot camp I put down my preferences for Boatswain Mate, Gunner Mate and Machinist Mate. I got sent to Corpsman School. I graduated in the top ten percent and was guaranteed Operating Room Technician School. Upon graduation I was sent to Underwater Demolition School because I had a PADI (diving certificate). Several years later... as I was leaving Vietnam after 25 months of total time in country and three purple hearts I got a battlefield promotion to E-5 ... I had six months left of initial enlistment at the time. accepted

[@DeuceDeuce0331]

Appreciate sharing your military experience/history. Everyone's military experience while serving is unique, it's interesting to hear their stories. I'm a prior service Marine 0331, (04-08) who is a total military history nerd. Keep up the good content. -Semper

[@crazyjoeshorts5256]

Seems to me it would be wise for someone in the know to start an advocacy group that would give advice and such to new/potential armed forces members to explain the ins and outs of the way things work, not to stop people from volunteering, but to make sure they go into jobs they love and are good at. Think like a simple military literacy class with extra levels for those who want to go a specific route.

[@petemitchell6788]

Words cannot explain how special what you did is. Thanks Mike.

[@dutton1991z]

Mike reacting to Combat footage is always a banger...of course. But man I dig these stories behind the photos..so freaking awesome!!!!

[@wolfhound45]

B Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment in 1981 right out of OSUT. Your story is spot on for so many of my counterparts from forty years ago.

[@68fmj51]

I've visited the Tomb of the Unknowns a couple times and I was just in awe of the guards. Very awesome. I've got a good buddy that served 21 years, the bulk of it in 10th SFG so you may have served with him. I know he spent a considerable amount of time in the sand when the GWOT kicked off.

[@markjackola8930]

My Cousin Van Auna served in the Old Guard after Serving in Country. He loved it

[@enthos38]

Thanks Mike! What an honor. 🇺🇸

[@Bojangles6]

EIB as an E1 says alot. I was a pog, 63B, but got stuck in an infantry battalions AT platoon and they were doing EIB, so i did it with them. I didnt get to test, but had to do all the training and qualifications. Its alot for a new soldier to learn and become proficient at.

[@robgigabyte580]

Another one who did not read the fine print in their enlistment contract. In your enlistment contract it states that you can be assigned out of your M.O.S./Rate if the military (all branches) have a need due to lack of personnel. So, if they are short on cooks, you can be carrying a spatula instead of a rifle. It happens, especially in times of military action/war. For those young men who are considering the military, this does not happen all the time. but make sure you have selected an M.O.S. or Rate (Navy) and have a guaranteed school or the military can and will put you where you are needed the most to them...

[@benyoung552]

This is awesome Mike! Definitely keep doing these

[@FV-dd5bv]

Thank you Mike for your service! Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. You have truly found your voice in this lifetime and that's rare these days. Be safe!

[@jlg0077]

You took the long, tough road on your career map. Respect and salute from a fellow half-Asian Brother in Arms.

[@billyray8062]

Congrats on being one of the very few chosen to be a tomb guard. Outstanding.

[@corywentworth5109]

Mike thank you for your service to our great Nation. You are an inspiration. Love your videos and the picture stories. Salute to you from an old Sailor. God Bless America!

[@smellyvalley]

Mad respect. Thanks from Australia

[@Codeeez]

I was 2 weeks from graduating 68W and they pulled me out of the classroom to let me know I was being reclassified and tried to ship me without orders. I fought it and received a general discharge. I never tell that story. It broke my heart

[@zachs6927]

Hey there, can you explain this to me in more detail? Looking to join the guard soon. Was thus active? Why did they rip you from classroom like that? Is this common in active?

[@Codeeez]

@@zachs6927 Its very common. This was in '09 so it was wartime.

[@warlord562]

Why they do that

[@Codeeez]

@@warlord562 fill positions

[@Valicyn]

much much respect and props to you. I think being a member of the Tomb Guard is HUGE and then to become a GB. Just big props.

[@iansmith3406]

Would love to see more of the photos great stuff!

[@antoniocruz5596]

Been there done that. I had an Airborne option on my enlistment contract. I had to get a waiver for eyesight, so 11 series was not an option. I went to basic and ait at Jackson and Lee. Rangers came to Lee looking for soft skills for regiment (I was a 92Y) and to sign up for RIP. Was the only one in my class of 60 to go airborne. So I got a RIP contract that would be available upon completion of jump school. Day of jump school graduation the RI’s picked us up, ran us down the road to regiment. Three weeks of fun later I graduated RIP, got my scroll and Black Beret. Before they were issued they were earned! Anyway I’m promptly told afterwards there was no slot available for me, then spent 6 weeks pulling CQ and falling in with the WW’s being called a shitbag and quitter. I was sent to Bragg and spent my career there. Ended it with 7th Group and had a blast in between. Literally on occasion! But yeah the big green weenie gets everyone at some point.

[@davisluong2060]

Question: always wondered this, so no matter what billet you are going into whether it be as a cook or logistics specialist in the Ranger Regiment, you would still have to go through RIP in order to serve in the Ranger Regiment or is it only for infantry guys?

[@jimknudstrup]

It's a tale as old as time. I got screwed over on my contract too, but like you, it ended up working out for me. But I'd love to hear a story about a 4187 accomplishing anything at all, ever

[@14goldmedals]

You should be forever damn proud earning your place in history as a Sentinel in The Gardens Of Stone. Like you said, 600 or less badge holders.

[@guthdia344]

Something I learned long ago in my Army career that I feel you will agree with: Not everything turned out the way I wanted or expected at the time, but looking back I'm glad it happened the way it did.

[@trikelife4960]

I love these stories, Mike. I can't help but feel like you got dealt the cards you needed to be dealt. I can't imagine a more squared away soldier than a tomb guard and to kick off your career from there must have transferred alot of that to everything you did after that point. You're truly an exceptional soldier.

[@trikelife4960]

Also, I would really love a video on your time as a tomb guard. I've heard so many stories of what it takes to earn the right to put your boots on that mat. I'd love to hear it in your words and the details that must be mastered.

[@DuncanEastwood]

You should call it "A Thousand Words" from the old adage a picture is worth a thousand words. Enjoying the stories keep 'em coming!

[@integrity262]

Capturing time and space in photos and videos.Thank you for sharing.God Bless us all!

[@soonerfan745]

Former B Co 1/3 Inf TOG guy here. My feet start hurting when I see you in the TOG uniform. Great job, Mike! Keep up the good content.

[@LRRPFco52]

What years were you in B Co?

[@soonerfan745]

@@LRRPFco52 8/2003-10/2006

[@martinmarsola6477]

Don’t feel bad about this Mike. I feel very proud of what you accomplished at such a young age.Your the best, Mike. Don’t anyone tell you any different. Cheers buddy!

[@shootermcmillan]

Call it "Image needs context" Thanks Mike, I appreciate all of your videos.

[@mark-be9mq]

Props for taking a tough situation and persevering and thank you.

[@Texassmith9095]

Love the pictures and stories, thanks. 👍

[@MyWisdomm]

Great work young man! The Army has been that way for more then 200 years. No surprise, Airborne

[@Adeptus_Stoneward]

That was great! Love listening to Mike explain things, he's got the best sense of humor. MORE!

[@Gmar69]

Way more colorful than my Vietnam tours in the Marine Corps. Good job Mike!

[@leterguyschroeder4919]

God Bless you and thank you for your service to our country. I was a very proud member of the USCG 1967-71, and was a member of the presidential security patrol for President Nixon. Thank you for the great story.

[@DurzoBlint178]

This is the kinda stuff that keeps me on the fence...I know they can't guarantee anything to anyone, but I think they would get a lot more people to enlist if it wasn't just an absolute gamble with your entire life

[@anthonymorelli67]

Thank you every damn day for your service.

[@anonymousm9113]

It's great that you stayed driven and motivated. I was in Alpha Company in the mid-2000s, and we had a few Soldiers who enlisted under Option 40 or pinpoint Airborne assignments who were talked into volunteering for TOG instead. We also had one or two former 18X. Some kept pushing and eventually moved on to 75th Ranger or SF, others held a grudge and became adequate Infantrymen at best. The Tomb is a very prestigious duty, and the first thing that people ask about if they find out you served in the 3rd US Infantry Regiment.

[@warlord562]

Why they do that needs of the army

[@timothybaik1684]

Thanks for sharing your story, as another half Korean in the armed forces it’s cool to hear other half Korean’s stories.

[@texasgirl75]

I loved hearing your story. It's one of those "If you knew what you would have to go through - would you do still do it" experiences. Glad you you did it :)

[@wes11bravo]

Keep up the pics, brother. I remember you saying you were 30th SIB/NC Army National Guard for a time and I'm convinced we've crossed paths when A-1-110th Infantry 28ID was OPFOR against you guys down at DZ Normandy at Ft Bragg waaaaaay back when.

[@lornemarmet5898]

I'm proud of my Army and Navy career, but dude, your's was awesome! Thank you.

[@Athreehourtour]

this was a fantastic story.. thanks again for ur service and sacrifice.

[@Diddley-js6lf]

Absolutely a geek on Military History

[@outdooradventureswithsarge1318]

Thanks for sharing. I was 11x also in 1983. Went to Benning and came back there for DS school and was a DS there 89-91. The cool thing is my son went there in 2013 for OSUT and Airborne school. It was great to get back there. There is a lot of history at FT. Benning GA.. SCOUTSOUT

[@Sertoric]

Glad to find another bother from The Old Guard. I was there from 89 to 95 before going overseas.

[@brianjones3245]

Love the stories and pics Brother. In the Marine Corps stuff like this we jokingly called "I love me pics" and when you had pics and awards on a wall it was called the "I love me wall"

[@Sevendeucegroup]

Amazing stuff Mike… Your drive and intestinal fortitude is second to none!

[@jebbkinney8516]

That' is awesome, what an amazing privilege to be among the ranks of so few

[@ianmshipp]

Lead the Way, Brutha. God Bless!

[@joshuabrown4492]

Love the video. MFH in Indiana here. Love hearing stories of the best of the best!

[@MK12MOD_POOR]

I was Honor Guard for 2 years until I got hazed and moved to the easiest job in the army, the regimental drafters. I woke up early, put down the marks for ceremonies, and then took long naps all day.

[@HeavyJay1421]

I'm sure they told Desmond doss "this is the army we dont make mistakes"

[@remedy-1879]

Damn dude. You fast tracked it to sgt and kicked off gwot with the snake eaters. Bad ass. This pog artillery man got to train a little with some of u guys and I was super impressed with the character you guys have. Humble but walked with and carried an aura thats hard to describe.

[@82lowe36id]

I went in under 11X in the late 90s. Thankfully I ended up being 11B and going to division and loved it. I remember Old Guard guys coming in near the end of AIT grabbing guys.

[@racer14glr91]

You have a hell of a career Mike. Your enlistment story is one of a billion similar stories. " But I got Ranger training on my contract!" 😂

[@jeffgoesrandom4217]

You won my admiration most for your self deprecating reality based humor on why you looked the way you did in your photo. I will tend to believe most of what you say from here on in...

[@vox1962]

Everything happens for a reason, that “fuck up” brought you to where you are now

[@ai-baking-f1]

Thank you for all of your service Mike

[@joshuaborne4721]

Well done....We need a Nation of more men like you!!!

[@rickwhiterock2681]

Loved your personal story and this channel, old drafted veteran.

[@lawrencepaul82nd]

Respect brother. Thank you for your service. Fought for what you wanted.

[@84brooksy]

Wow! That’s crazy you were a Tomb guard. Your drill must be next level.😳 that actually scares me more than your combat experience.

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

Awesome story! Obviously it didn't begin as you envisioned it but you were able to take control of your destiny. Alot of military folks don't get that and they get crapped out when they don't get what's promised. No matter what the adversity, as Randy Savage so famously said "The cream always rises to the top!"

[@bill-qv3er]

What a great story!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing !

[@tokyosan7906]

Stories are great. Can't get enough!

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

Salute! What an honor!

[@danstraughn295]

Thanks for sharing Mike.

[@cameronizatt3293]

God Bless you and Thank you for your dedication to duty and service to our nation.

[@dgillian183]

Thank you for your service!!

[@jeffrymilton1093]

Outstanding grit and determination. Thank you for your honorable service.

[@jeremiahbass4418]

Thanks for all you have done and continue to do

[@jmasters1519]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. AMERICA 🇺🇸

[@Drixels269]

Thank You for Your Service.

[@TheActiontkr]

That was a beast of a story… Thxxman!

[@user-sx2nq3kt3xTheresaDale]

The stories behind the pictures are great and informative keep them going. I saw the one of your that your son's name sake Ben Walker was in also, an honor to guard the tomb thank you for your service much respect ❤

[@aslysa2277]

Don’t underestimate the army’s ability to f*** things up

[@JarodARed]

Got that Infantry Cord!!!!! Love that!!! I was 11xray and went 11B

[@KrustyLS]

Mike, you are the man.