Why I Joined the U.S. Army

I've been serving in the Army for some time now and plan to literally do this forever. But there was absolutely a time where I had no intention to EVER become a Soldier. But, its funny how things work it. Here's my quick "joining up for service" story, most of it anyway. Let me know if you want to hear more! Obviously there are some things I won't be able to talk about for OPSEC reasons, but I'm more than happy to talk about more experiences!
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***All views and opinions on this topic are my own, and are not representative of any of the US Army’s official policies.
#usarmy #soldier #military

[@jessecollins5072]

Yes. Please do part 2!

[@GrittySoldier]

👍

[@andrewszaflarski5379]

Totally agree.

[@ManChewingGum]

Amen

[@SwissArmyDud]

Part 2 by all means brother!!

[@Jaxbidd]

My dad has probably the most drive and motivation out of anyone I've ever met. He's done literally EVERYTHING I would never even dream of. Got an 18xray and passed the q-course with flying colors. Got the highest ASVAB score in my state TO DATE lol. Served as an 18C for 10 years, went to ranger school, sapper school, halo school, soooooo many schools. I remember the day he came home and told my mom and I that he was going to try out for Delta. That was probably the most proud I've ever felt in my life, but also kind of scary. I don't see my dad a ton these days, but he's the most amazing man. I wouldn't be where I am today without him. I was honestly terrified that I would never live up to all of his achievements until I found your channel. Your videos give me the drive to be the best I can be. I'm enlisting as soon as I can, and I feel like I'll be much more prepared with everything I've learned from your channel. So thank you, and congrats on almost 20 years!

[@xAudiolith]

It's amazing to hear someone sing praise about their dad like this. Sounds like you got a badass father.

[@King_Rematch]

could u ask how he scored so high on the asvab, tips, studying material, etc... or is he just one of those people that were gifted with smarts when it comes to testing

[@drew8979]

You coudn't ask for a better mentor and father and I hope you follow in his footsteps.

[@CK-mj1ee]

Yes please do part 2 and please talk about supportive partners. So far I’ve gotten EIB and Air Assault and headed to Ranger school. I’m very lucky to have a supportive wife who is such a good mom!

[@treeinch252]

I always tell my soldiers to thank your other half at home taking care of your fort. It does wonders. I tell my wife every time thank you for letting me serve.

[@tdub1776]

Nice, I want to be a ranger once I'm old enough to join the military.

[@silentxee6046]

@@tdub1776 me to I’m currently a sophomore in highschool and am anxiously waiting for the day I graduate

[@tdub1776]

@@silentxee6046 Heck yeah - I'm a freshman

[@iancalihan9217]

I go to selection very soon and I’m having my own internal battles regarding that fact. Hearing stories like this remind me of why we do what we do.

[@GrittySoldier]

You got this, go and don’t look back!

[@SageGeo]

Good luck, brother!

[@JakobHall45]

Remember to try your hardest don’t think about “not quitting” because that’s something you DONT do so don’t worry about about it. Think about giving it your all with whatever your doing make it your goal everyday to make it back to your rack at night and don’t quit today quit tmw keep quitting tmw. Good luck brother

[@Carl_ATHF]

IAN CALIHAN DO NOT JOIN THE ZIONIST MILITARY OF THE USA. YOU WILL LIKELY DIE DEFENDING A NATION THAT HATES YOU FOR BEING WHITE AND WANTS YOU TO DIE FOR ISRAELI ZIONIST INTERESTS.

[@tomglavinehof1]

Thanks for sharing brother! I joined back in 2021 and turned 34 the day before I went to bct at fort Jackson. I joined because I always wanted to and was nearing the cutoff age and didn’t want to have any regrets in life. I got into pretty good shape before basic training but it was a real wake up call. I wasn’t really used to being nearly a middle aged man having drill sergeants yelling at me but I drank the kool aid so to speak. I love being in the army. I love the camaraderie of my unit and the feeling of having a purpose that’s bigger than yourself. I joined the reserves so I only do it part-time but I love serving my country in some form. It’s a great feeling.

[@RealBREAKtheArtist]

Mad respect!

[@Guitarfailtastic2857]

rock on brother that's awesome. thank you for sharing that

[@Retard_Ed]

I’m glad I came across this comment because I just turned 34 and I’m tired on not having a purpose and feeling like a p.o.s

[@metalmike570]

I know how you feel. Thanks for your service, from one vet to another.

[@michaelstas9811]

Similar high school story. I’m a Doctor. Took us awhile but we got the message. The military changed my life as well. Very nice, humble story that needed to be heard by many.

[@jimmiecatlin-bt1oy]

The first time I joined was for a really dumb reason, my mom told me she didn't think I'd make it through basic, so I proved her wrong lol I'm re-enlisting to support my wife and kids in the best way I know now. PART 2

[@icry9606]

Quick question… can you get called back or deployed after your 3 year contract has expired. Maybe for war or something?

[@jimmiecatlin-bt1oy]

@@icry9606 yes you can, if your contract has a mandatory reserve service obligation on the back end, weather that be inactive ready reserve where you don't report or drill unless recalled or ready reserve where you report for drill once a month, most contracts that I've seen have an 8 year total service obligation, so if you've done 3 active you probably have 5 more for reserve. I suggest going over your contract carefully to see exactly what's required of you. If it's IRR you're basically on a list of first to be recalled if shit hits the fan, otherwise you just chill.

[@icry9606]

@@jimmiecatlin-bt1oy oh wow. Thanks for the heads up. Will talk about this with my recruiter. Hopefully I can choose to not have the 8 year obligation before I sign. But I doubt they give enough of a shit about me to remove it, lol. Thanks again.

[@jimmiecatlin-bt1oy]

@@icry9606 no problem, honestly don't let that scare you I spent 6 years IRR and never got called. I encourage everyone that wants to serve to do so, it's not for everyone, but if you find out it is for you, it's a hell of a time. And if it's not, you can get out and at least know you did what most won't.

[@metalmike570]

@@icry9606 I think the first contract is for 8 years. An exampe is 4 years active duty and 4 years IRR (Inactive Ready Reserves). The IRR is just a place you are still connected to the Army. You are on a roster, and you may get called by phone once in a while just to see you're there. I re-enlisted anyway after I served 4 years active duty as a 63T ( Bradley Fighting Vehicle Mechanic).. in 2002 I reenlisted / reclassed to 25S (SATCOM Operator / Maintainer). I re-enlisted for another 6 years, all active duty time for that MOS, an rank was a SGT / E-5. When I eventually ETS'd the active Army in 2010 I went into the Reserves for a $14K bonus, a position was available in an Army Reserves Intelligence unit. I then had to transfer to another unit, I think because my security clearance was suspended. So in 2018 I retired from an Army Rail (Reserves) Unit because I completed 20 years of service. I didn't want to go to ALC for the next promotion bad enough because I would need to serve another 3 years. So I retired with 20 years of good service and then a pension comes in at age 60 - in a few months.

[@jonvro4022]

Man, you really inspired me to join the Army. Going to basic in June, and I’ve started working out, rucking etc, and your videos really helped. Thank you!

[@GrittySoldier]

Awesome brother! Keep that drive, keep giving your all, and NEVER let the fear of failure hold you back!

[@DannyDamage138]

Get his workout! I promise you it's worth it. I tried out for ranger school passed the PT and was set. Unfortunately I failed the land nav. But his PT preps are legitimate! Best of luck in basic.

[@jonvro4022]

@@DannyDamage138 for sure man!

[@Sketch_Sesh]

@@DannyDamage138you should have watched his land nav vids lol

[@DannyDamage138]

@Sketch_Sesh lmao! Dude! If it was out when i went! Cheers bud!

[@michaelditto5469]

23 year vet hear, and a Best Sapper top 10 finisher in 2011. Love your vids, and they give a perspective on my non-Ranger career. I was thinking about why I joined the Army, and did multiple deployments oversees for years upon years…and it hit me!!! The military is a self imposed minimum security federal prison, where you “get” to become a man, potentially face death, and transform yourself into the person you couldn’t visualize when you first joined. Sounds complex, but really simple…suffering makes you better. Cheers, and Hooah

[@Donner906]

Unless you go home in a bag because a stupid leader screwed up again.

[@nickduszak5004]

I’m 22 now tried joining when i was a senior in high school, left for basic in 2019 and quit half way through infantry training, I told everyone and myself i’d go back stronger and more prepared but the thought of quitting on everyone and myself kept me from joining, finally in talks with a recruiter again and this video really helped thank you for all the great content and guidance you give

[@hamie7624]

Dont go

[@FrameRot]

Sounds like you weren't meant for the military

[@r3ap3rxx77]

Go for it, try again and be stronger

[@maximusDAbiker]

I’m feeling a little lost in life. I’ve made plenty of money, been a lot of places in life but nothing has given me a sense of fulfilling purpose. I considered the rangers first off because they’re badass, do a ton of stuff outside and are overall very appealing. But I am worried I will still lack that fulfilling purpose. If I commit to the army and I’m miserable, that’s another 2 years of wasted life and energy. You helped tip me over more towards joint, but I’m still not 100%. Thank you for the testimony.

[@jamescampbell2411]

Great story! Great adventure too. C/CO 2/75 93-96. Once of the best decisions I made. Gave me discipline, focus, and mindset. Later became an Infantry Officer in the Texas ARNG ... now an Army Chaplain. Follow your calling!

[@joseitsme]

Thank you for your story. We all have different reasons why we enlisted in the military. l. For me, besides traveling, adventure, challenging myself, picking up cool skills; and all that good stuff. I wanted to give something back to the United States as a Mexican-born-American, put a stamp on my family's name. During the "shark attack," I think all in our minds go through, "What the heck did I do." LOL But after that, and begin our actual training, it was motivating. Learning to breach, shoot, grenades, confidence course, PT; ext. was motivating and I felt like a soldier.

[@alexhernandez2725]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING GRITTY

[@CKCHETSMOS]

Thank you for sharing your story. Love listening to it.

[@kaoru747]

Thank you for sharing your story! I look forward to part 2!!

[@itskaptainmikey4399]

Thank you for all the inspiring content!

[@AKAFT]

Thank you for sharing your story. It is actually very inspiring.

[@theIris51]

This is an amazing story.

[@Javi-du7lb]

Based Gritty! we need part 2!

[@krisnieto7460]

Really appreciate your content. Your content is the majority of the reason why I am almost done with my associates and have really gotten into taking advantage of the Army TA.

[@SoyLoco-kt1tk]

At 52 going on 53 I get motivated just watching your vids. Time flies.

[@kylenicholasreid]

Definitely want to see a part 2! Awesome to hear about your growth as a fellow Army Officer

[@barryrohrmeier2399]

Great video as always. Thanks for your time and effort putting these together.

[@kingfrank13]

Coffee shop is a great place to meet a wife. Congrats on that brotha 🫡

[@Iquijano1997]

thanks grit - super inspirational

[@Mr_Ghee]

This video is pure inspiration.

[@douglasgable429]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@kirkfelmar2944]

Great story!

[@entermalik6503]

Yes please part 2, This really helps as someone who is shipping out pretty soon here by May-June

[@BearDabarbarian]

Absolutely would love to hear a part 2. It would be interesting to hear how you began to pursue bigger things within the Army as I'm trying to decide those sorts of things for myself.

[@patrickmuston]

Thanks for sharing brother and for your faithful service. Continued blessings on you and your family. 🇺🇸

[@wallacemcnish7681]

Great story, waiting for part 2

[@CK-mj1ee]

In addition to my previous comment this is one of my favorite videos you’ve done. I’d love to hear some of the stories behind the coins and the other stuff in the office!

[@bcool9104]

Yes, to part 2 and 3! Thanks for sharing also! Your story is a lot like mine. Be all you can be! 😁

[@TomCastor]

Great vid, defo look forward to part 2. Cheers!

[@rachelcody3355]

I love hearing life stories. Please continue.

[@charlesh777]

Really interesting and I'm sure inspiring to many. Yes to part 2!

[@richardgatewood7497]

Love school circle stories with Gritty Soldier.

[@2seeatnite42]

Great inspiring story. Awesome Journey. Thanks for sharing.

[@Embrees]

Extremely inspiring my life is very similar to yours in the beginning, and coming across this video has boosted my confidence. Thanks man

[@calebgreene458]

Great video, very much enjoyed this.

[@valoranderson3755]

This is awesome I love hearing soldiers story's of how they join the army because I can relate so much I remember getting my ged and the marines disqualified me so I went over to the army 2 months later of being in the delayed entry program I was at fort Benning I quit my job for those 2 months as well

[@Op4tch]

I’m a soldier at Bragg, I only been in for about 2 years but definitely could relate a lot with your story. Appreciate the work you do 💪

[@ichbindarren]

Great video! I definitely relate to your path, I barely graduated high school and never thought I’d join the military. I ended up in the Air Force and can’t imagine doing anything else!

[@jameshenderson7452]

Great advice! I use to tell people to not let the fear of the unknown hold them back from being a part of something bigger than themselves.

[@davidboyd5482]

Thanks Gritty. Old soldier here with a son newly commissioned into the FA. I started get my head back into the Army world and found your videos . I love your genuineness and professionalism. I have introduced your your channel to my young troop with hopes your influence will rub off. Keep up the great work and look forward to the follow -up to “why I joined” ( the story sounded familiar :) ).

[@GrittySoldier]

That’s great. I wish I could’ve convinced one of mine to go in (it’s never too late 😉)

[@caingross]

bro youre inspiring. as simple as your story is, it also reminds us that its possible, even for the simplest of us, to go on that path and crush it. guess i can speak for us all when i say that id love to hear more about your career, what you did, why, how and when, everything, im sure it would be a great story.

[@GunSlingerGlenn]

Awesome video. After watching a couple of vids of your standard stuff it was a bonus to confirm your a cool dude after seeing how honest and humble you are about early life.

[@fourphone218]

Uh yes please do a part 2.. Really enjoy listening to people's stories. I'm older guy who also as been around and done a bunch of different stuff in life and it's always curious to me how you never end up where you plan on going.

[@ronaldmorris7908]

Thank you for sharing this great video! I served 36 years myself in my calling of being a Soldier!

[@29mcg]

You’re my inspiration, gritty! Working on getting ready to pursue an op40 and your videos help answer a lot of my questions. Keep it up!

[@jonm3518]

Loved this. Guys like you motivate guys like me to go out and crush it. Got air assault 2 months ago. Looking at EFMB this fall and dropped my airborne packet (will likely have to try to walk on for that course).

[@user-ke7kh4xm2e]

Being a 13 year Army Infantry veteran (I left my MEPS station for Ft. Benning in 1983), I wanted to lend you my appreciation for your dedication and service to this Great Country and all the information you afford individuals on the options and opportunities that exist to enable them to make educated decisions and/or prepare for their next challenge. Love Your Channel and Content! Best Wishes and Continued Success... #DutyHonorCountry 🇺🇸

[@xcSPEARS1]

Thank you for sharing your story man. I’m at a similar point in my life where I feel like nothing is working and I just need a fresh start, so I’m taking the ASVAB and heading to MEPS later this month. Your story gives me hope that I’m finally heading in the right direction.

[@adamrocks529]

Thanks Gritty! I needed to watch this today. Needed the push.

[@michaelmoschitta174]

Yes, part two please!! my recruiter convinced me my MOS was Airborne Ranger... stumped me when i had to pick one at Inception station

[@natanaelguadalupe-piquet4972]

I enlist on Wednesday and I really appreciate the insight. It’s like you put my thoughts into words! Thank you!

[@mattchapman348]

I would love a part two. I should be signing my contract in the next few weeks with a ship date in June. I’m honestly very excited for basic training and I feel like this is what I’m meant to do! I really appreciate your channel man.

[@Paul-wq5ij]

Completely relate to your story. Was totally unmotivated in life (only motivation was extrinsically put on me by my parents) until something clicked my junior year of college. Started running and rucking (had been lifting unseriously for all of college prior) and got on a serious training schedule, quit drinking and found the Lord. Applied to OCS my super senior year (failed a lot of freshman year classes), got accepted, went to basic at the end of my post grad summer and then OCS. Currently at IBOLC. The Lord saved my life with the army

[@stocktonrails9279]

I really enjoyed this video, and hearing about your personal story of where you were at in your life at the time and what drove you to join the Army. I’m glad you’ve come so far as a result of your time in the service… you’ve put a lot of effort into it, and it sounds like you got a lot out of it as well. Congratulations! (I’m ex-Army btw… served 4yrs back in the day right out of high school. The Army was good for me, and good to me… still miss it in many ways even today.)

[@markfletcher5457]

I'm a Desert Storm veteran and have been watching your videos for a few weeks. Great stuff. You bring back great memories. I'm not a Ranger but wish I had these videos when I was in. Thanks for the advice and service.

[@IKEEY_]

Man you speak very well and actually kept me engaged the whole video!

[@gvaq9396]

I'm in a similar situation right now, planing on enlisting in a year. What resonated with me was when you talked about committing to the adventure/unknown and how it became one of the best decisions of your life. Similarly I committed to a Spartan Sprint race that was on a Sunday because there was a Memorial day sale that Monday, and so with less than a week of prep time, pretty much broke, and a greyhound ticket I made the most amazing solo adventure so far. I hope I can get more experiences and moments like that in the military.

[@spacedonuts]

We need more of this story series!

[@roberthipolito1351]

I'm at the place right now, getting ready to join. And yes, more stories would awesome

[@mbell4739]

would love to get a similar story time video about your fitness journey. i think it would really inspire a lot of people who are still in their fitness infancy

[@h2o270]

I watch your videos because I miss being in and you bring back a lot of good memories. I retired in 2004

[@HARDERNOTSMARTER8985]

Outstanding!

[@GruntLife-yi6xv]

Love your content Brother!!! And H-MINUS!!!!!

[@deandre2970]

I’m 19 I have a very similar story, I drop out Junior year you inspired me to sign up to join the army. I hope you continue to inspire people like me to go on the right path, thanks you so much

[@kjtesto5382]

I’m shipping out to basic training in 5 days, this video made me a bit less nervous. Thanks.

[@tyfighter6799]

Loving the content man! We need a part 2. Shipping to basic for the AF in about a month.

[@alanbauler3977]

Great stuff! Ready for more stories! Mine is simple, 1985 went to OSUT at Benning, 11C, did my contract with a Reserve unit. Always wish I would’ve went active and at least airborne.

[@Cody-qq9vv]

Thanks for sharing. I also want a part 2 to this video, it would be great to hear when it all clicked for you. I enjoyed the story because I am finally working on enlisting with the guard at the ripe old age of 35. I have put it off long enough and relied heavily on your videos, especially the running videos. I have incorporated your active stretching and post-run stretching protocols to my routine. I am definitely grateful for the tips and information you provide. 🙏

[@Dan-qp1el]

You give me hope.

[@raybowen8433]

Would love to hear more about your career in the Army. I'm a young soldier with about 2 years TIS, in a MOS that I dislike, but I enjoy being in the military. However, I feel overwhelmed by all of the opportunities that I could potentially take advantage of, and hearing what path your career has taken could help me figure out what I want to get out of the Army and the best path to take.

[@JMIKE_JMIKE_]

Share all the stories I love listening to vets stories even if you think they’re pointless we don’t think they’re pointless we think they’re badass

[@Beeron240]

Great video! I love the story time videos

[@middleagedman4373]

what a great video thanks for sharing bro. keep the videos coming

[@adameaszy7879]

Cool day to see this video. I just got home from MEPS, swore in, shipping out in three weeks. Your videos have been a great motivator and resource for knowledge. Thanks.

[@PETIVOYAGER]

Powerful vidéo Thank you

[@johntate5284]

Thank you for your service! Love the tee so i just ordered one:)

[@hybridpov851]

Thank you for sharing your story Sir. I would love to hear a part 2 for sure!

[@GrittySoldier]

🫡

[@chrisowen7209]

Would love a part 2!

[@Cuff_Daddy]

Will be hitting 13 years in the Air Force on Apr 5th. My career was high, low, then high. First 5 years, 3 mini contingency deployments, then 6 years of working as LE, then I jump out of my comfort zone and graduated Air Assault on 3 Feb 23 then immediately after went to Combat Leaders Course on 9 Feb 23. Now I’m the guy in the unit helping others reach their goals 💪🏼 Please do a part two, your videos helped me train and prepare for Air Assault!

[@shirleywhitfield1903]

Love your honesty. I'm an Army retiree.

[@dansouth2088]

Sir. Thank you for your service! Your channel is a great inspiration to so many. I'm 57 and just did my first Ruck. 27k with 3500ft of vert. Did that in honor of my father, an Army foot soldier wounded in Korea. Keep up the great work!

[@prometheus200]

Yes please do a part 2. Personally I relate a lot with your first contract, I’m doing my first and I feel like I wanna do more but my unit isn’t availing much, I wanna do air assault, airborne and more but they aren’t handing those opportunities out and I feel so disillusioned. But thank you for this story, gives me a lot of hope in the decision I made to join

[@44rba]

Yes- love to hear more!

[@GrittySoldier]

🫡

[@OtterJohn667]

Thanks for your service and the trip down memory lane, brother. I enlisted as an 11B way back in 1996; wasn't the best I could be at the time, didn't give it my all. Separated due to injury (which still lingers) before my first deployment. While I could have been/done better, it shaped the rest of my life and made me who I am today. No regrets. I tell anyone who's considering joining that it's about serving something larger than yourself. It's also about the person next to you. You learn who you are, what you're capable of and how to be a better person. If you treat the job with the respect it deserves and do your best, you won't regret it.

[@duncanharding8836]

Absolutely want to see a part 2!

[@GrittySoldier]

🫡

[@chrisdray3407]

Love the video brother, I wasn’t really a good kid always skipping school , smoking cigarettes quit in (2015) now I’m 28 , working out and getting in shape before I talk to the marine corp recruiter to keep my dad , uncle and great uncle tradition alive and well , never realized how much time I wasted until it came back and hit me in the face like a ton of bricks again appreciate the video brother !

[@douglassisk1929]

Great video, I’m contracting through ROTC in the fall and you’re one of the major reasons why. Hopefully I’ll see you at Bataan on Saturday!

[@monroetinker9844]

Gritty soldier--I came across your KZbin because I'm a fitness enthusiast and I'm interested in rucksacking right now. But I also saw this video and I wanted to commend you because I also went through this type of decision process while I was in college, struggling because I had no direction. Needless to say, I did not end up joining and I kind of regret it. I think that serving your country is a great place to learn who you are and figure it out while you learn something. I wish I had a mentor like yourself to help guide me. Keep doing what you're doing and thank you for your service!

[@pvtsturgill911]

Awesome videos you make man. I started my enlistment process over a month ago was thinking navy before and their spec warfare they have but came across your videos about sfas and me being 30yrs old I feel it would be a way better fit. Thank you again for helping me out 💪

[@lilkam4072]

Man i'm so happy I watched this video your story of joining is so relatable in basically every way, now im leaving in April and your videos have helped me so much!

[@GrittySoldier]

Awesome! Congrats and good luck on your journey!

[@paulheydarian1281]

Great story. I suggest you add some old pictures of what you looked like back then. I look forward to watching part-2.

[@dzodontologia3173]

Awesome sir. Thank you for sharing this story. I’m a big fan from 🇧🇷 Brazil. Please part 2..3..4.. good job. God bless u and thank you for your service

[@bosh.0305]

I was randomly just scrolling and saw your video on my wall. Now I got out December of 2020. I spent three years in the army and to be honest it wasn't a great overall experience for me(besides some of the amazing people I met). I went infantry because I wanted to be cool and impress others back home and boy was I in for a rude awakening. I just wasn't up to standards and by my last year I knew I was out. The reason I watched your video is because I am a youth lead at my church and for a while I haven't been the best leader and whats holding me back is my failures in the army. But after watching your video and hearing your story it's now motivated me to do better and find that spark of when I was first eager to join the army and now apply it to my day to day life at work, college and as a youth leader! Thank you keep up the amazing work!!