Why I Joined the U.S. Army 

Yes. Please do part 2!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

i am 27, and have done everything i should have done growing up, but i have gotten to this point in my life where i haven't really done anything extreme, i want to achieve something beyond what anyone would expect me to do. Every time i watch army related videos it makes me super excited to see what my full potential could be. So I've spoken to a recruiter this past week and working towards heading in very soon. cheers

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 🇺🇸

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!

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.

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 💪

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!!

Did my four years in the AF after college and it really jump started my life. It wasn't always fun but it was worth it.

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 :) ).

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.

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!

Much the same story. Graduate HS in 1972. Always wanted to be a soldier, talked to dad about joining Army. Viet Nam was winding down. Dad told me that I didn't want to be the last man killed in VN. Wise man dad was. Took year and next summer was discussing military with dad and as a Navy vet, he convinced me to join Navy. Three slops and a flop was better than living in the mud. Joind Navy and did first enlistment as an electrician and reenlisted for a shot at BUDS. Went to Underwater Team 22. Later became a Naval Aviator. Since retirement went to law school. The Navy gave me opportunty and I was a piece of no ambition crap before.

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

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

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

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. 🙏

Hey Gritty! I was wondering if you could do a video about having a strong partner that supports you in the military? Mainly how to get your families support.

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.

Your story resonates with many soldiers I've met that have gone on to become great.

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

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

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!

Basic was more than just intense, it was a complete paradigm shift!

I just re-enlisted, I'm already at 7 yrs, but I just feel like the mission isn't there anymore, there's no meaning for me. Sometimes I feel like it's the inertia that keeps me in the military, I would hate life not being in the military but nowadays, the military doesn't treat people like they used to feels like there's been a culture shift. I think I'm going to repress these feelings, embrace my patriotism and try my luck with schools for the next three years.

Powerful vidéo Thank you

Gotta say you definitely helped contribute to me joining, and helped prep me a lot. Currently at pre rasp… class up in a few weeks. Ready for the suck

Hey Gritty Soldier, I am finishing the final preparations to start my basic training next week. Coincidentally I came across your channel to fully prepare myself for what is coming my way. Then I saw this video on your channel and your whole story matches my life story about 80-85%. And coincidentally I am starting with exactly the same function as you. I got goosebumps the moment I heard that you had the same start in the army as what I am going to do now. I'm very happy that i've stumbled accros your channel!

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!

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

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.

Absolutely want to see a part 2!

I always wondered why! Thank you for sharing! I was a Roady for a few bands and wanted to do something for my State (Texas) when the hurricane hit Houston. Tried to volunteer and was told only authorities and national guard were allowed at the time and thought, hell! Why not join!

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

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!

Thanks for sharing. I joined the Army in 1996, right after high school. I did 10 years of Active Duty and made the decision to get out. After 15 years in another career, I missed the Army and the military in general & made the decision to try and get back in (Not an easy task for a 40 year old guy). But in April 2021, I had the privilege of taking the Oath of Enlistment & swearing in to the National Guard. I am thankful for your videos and the inspiration. Your channel & videos have motivated me to not only get in shape, but to exceed the standard. Thank you Sir!

Originally, I found your channel during my search for Crossfire Pack/Ruck reviews. I guess because they are an Australian design, there aren’t many reviews on YT. However you reviewed both the Mark VII and the DG 3 models which I have watched a couple of times now. Thank you so much for such thorough reviews! Anyway, now your videos come up in my feed more often, so when this one appeared, it sounded very interesting - and it was! So, let me extend my thanks to you for sharing this part of your story. Count me in as interested in viewing part 2.

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

Thanks for sharing your path to that point, hope you’ll do a part 2! I went to the Marine recruiter first, he had me doing pull-ups, pushups, sit-ups, etc, lol. Unfortunately didn’t qualify due to medical. Went to Army next and navy, though they didn’t have me do physical tests like the marine recruiter. Air Force was last branch I talked to and the only one to push me through to MEPS. Did great on the ASVAB, then went delayed enlistment to I graduated high school in 95. Halfway through basic training I got pulled to medical board and discharged for medical, same reason the other branches said I wasn’t qualified. Oh well, I ended up going home and going through truck driving school and drove long haul for 18 years, then on to being a mechanic, still am. Working on getting personal training cert again and switching direction. Thanks for all you do and all your motivating videos!

Great talk, thanks! I came here after watching your Follow Me stretching videos, which I'm now starting to implement at age 64. I was enlisted in USMC Reserves from '78 to '82, and in better shape then than now (duh!). A long career as a software engineer sitting for 12 hrs a day is not good for flexibility. I just helped convince a neighbor kid that a military enlistment is a good thing, might be a career, or one and done, but a great experience. He's done with Navy boot camp and starting A school for computer tech. It's good for him, and good for the country.

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

thanks grit - super inspirational

Yes more info! I’ve been personally waiting for you to talk more about your wow experiences like this! Thanks!

More power to you....soon as my chance to ets came up i got out. But it's not for everyone.

Outstanding story. So many parallels to my own. I have subbed and look forward to part two. BTW, Sir, CSM recommends a haircut as soon as you are able. :)

dude. love the story. please, break each story down into compartments (episodes) because the Army experience is so unusual...that it need to be heard... I've been a WildLand firefighter and then Army infantryman .. so the experience is not lost on me... I actually want o re-up as an old old grunt... IDK - pip dreams?

I can honestly say that joining the Army was the best decision I ever made. Initially never thought I would retire as most do just thought I do my 4 years get my college paid for and move on. But during my initial enlistment as an infantryman(11B) I luckily had good experiences and more importantly very good leaders. Looking back those caring leaders who took the time to explain how the World and the Army works and the opportunities available versus civilian life changed the course of my life for the better. The initial 4 years commitment turned into almost 21 years. Retired in 2007 as a CW3. I never dreamed that the 18 year old kid that walked into the Recruiting Station in February 1987 before graduating High School that May would have some great worldly experiences and make some awesome lifelong friends Definitely not for everyone but was definitely best decision of my life. Go Army! AATW!

Thanks for sharing sir, part 2,3,4...are all welcome. Maybe even a video about some of your funniest moments in ranger school. We all have some funny ones.

Hey love your channel. You’re the reason I’ve started taking rucking seriously and are my main motivation for working out in general. Thank you for your videos.

Huge fan man, would love to hear about that “click” moment for you when you decided to go beyond average. Awesome story, need more content like this!!!

I’m happy it worked out for you! My dad had similar reasons for joining the Navy. He partied and didn’t focus on much. It wasn’t until he crashed his corvette that he decided to punish himself by joining the navy 😂! It all worked out and he is definitely a better person for it.

Yes- love to hear more!

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

DUDE. You are such an inspiration. I wanna join the Rangers. That looks like a delta badge to me...

I’ve been in for a little over 9 purely as a reservist, but I’m about to take my first duty station as an AGR. I can honestly say I don’t know where I’d be without the army either and I wouldn’t trade any of the experiences I’ve had, for better or worse, because I would t be who I am. I’m always fascinated by peoples why especially for staying in for so long because it can be a hard life to endure, especially on our loved ones. It’s also inspiring that you and your wife have made it work for so long, it gives me comfort moving forward into my first duty station with my wife of a little over 2 years. Thank you…

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

Jenco jeans and a ball bearing necklace! Oh, yeah. I remember that style! Early 2000s grunge/punk was wild.😄

Definitely do part 2 PLEASE!!

Im leaving for army basic training on the 21st of march to fort sill Oklahoma and im super excited ive been watching your vids for awhile and they always help m maintain the mentality of doing my best no matter what. thank you for sharing your story

Definitely want to hear how your mindset shifted. Please talk about all your pics and awards on the wall. That will give us a clear picture of your career path. Thanks for the positive videos. I’m a retired Fire Captain and your videos motivate me to stay in shape and stay positive and helpful.

I am 24 and strongly considering joining the Chaplin candidate program. I appreciate your service and the videos!!!

Love your honesty. I'm an Army retiree.

I thought you already got out! A new soldier here. Been watching you even before I joined!

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

Absolutely wicked video. I personally follow your stuff for the fitness part but that upload was really interesting and thank you for sharing. I would really like to know about (part 2), the where you decided to progress further part. I can really relate to your early years. Wish I’d made a choice like yours to join the military. Excellent stuff. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

I went in at the age of 39. I was the oldest in my platoon with the 3-60th River Raider BTL. I graduated went on to AIT at Fort Lee VA and I enjoyed every moment, wheather it was cleaning the Barracks, getting smoked, sleeping, training out in the field, and Marksmenship. I suck at Marksmenship but I tried my best I walked out as a Sharpshooter thanks to the mentorship my DS gave, regardless if they were younger than me. All I had to do is Shutup listen and learn. You only make it hard when your not paying attention to detail. The Army made me feel alot better about myself even though most people dont care. I got to live my life and I own my house. My wife was supportive considering she is a Air Force Vet. So all I am saying is that if I could do it at my age I encourage you to challenge yourself whether its any other branch of service. But by far the Army was for me even when I was in JROTC Army back high school. I graduated in 2000 and alot of my battles were old enough to be my kid. But regardless the Army teaches you to lead and take charge in any situation. Currently I am a E4 attached to S3 of a Combat Sustainment Support Unit and I still look back on what I learned at BCT and apply it. To stay high speed is to just go with the flow of things. US Army is for me HOOOAH!!

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).

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.

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.

This definitely resonated with me, i just joined took my vows about a month and a half ago and i ship to OSUT in august and i have to say i think the Army was the best choice ive made in life, I definitely had nothing going on with my life or future i worked plenty of jobs that just didnt fulfill me the way i wanted and since i took my vows I honestly have been happier and happier the closer i get to my ship date because ik im gonna be doing something i love and something that’s bigger than me and most importantly something that will help me in life all together🙏🏼wish me luck guys

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.

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

Similar experience, I went into the marine corps recruiter and wanted to go into Recon , at that time (1963) there wasn't force recon battalions just one platoon per battalion, a big gunny sergeant looked at all 150lbs of me and proceeded to tell me all I would have to do and how hard it was, not really a good sell job, next door was the Army recruiter , so I told them I wanted to go into airborne, first words were,no problem, you'll be in jump school in 5 months.Made it through as an 11b and went to a recon plt. and went to Vietnam in the spring of 1965.I thought about re-enlisting but I was tired both mentally and physically, and I knew I'd have to do at least another tour , already been hit , so basically decided to take what i had learned and see how I would do with a new start

Am an Israeli Armoured Corps veteran, wounded in '82 in the 1st Lebanon war. Found your talk very interesting and informative. Thank you, and it is clear what a good person you have become from your experiences. God bless.

Headed to selection soon your videos have helped me more than anyone else on RU-vid thank you!

Going to my last examination process (3 day course, pass/fail) for starting training as a British Army Officer! Very scared. To be honest i'm terrified about the whole thing, but thats the exact reason i'm doing it!

Appears that the Corp missed out on a quality individual. You would have made an excellent Devil Dog!

I enjoyed the story! I'd like to hear some stories of your deployments even if you didnt see any action.

Yeah, i can especially relate to the airforce thing. I walk into the af office and the airforce recruiter quite literally walked me to the navy office. Now Im gonna enlist into the army national guard

My dad joined when I was like 2, provided for us and sent me to college on the hazel-wood, now I’m going through the recruitment process myself

It's really relieving to hear a similar upcoming from punk rock kinda background with bad grades and no direction in school. I sailed the same ship and got a late start on my degree and graduated with a 4.0 GPA and honors at 30 yrs old and was going to go into research studies after doing independent research in college studying MDMA therapy for veterans with PTSD, it inspired me, I was like "no I need more" so I enlisted at 30 :) I've been a certified mechanic, structural aircraft mechanic, bodybuilder, personal trainer, ice skate coach, and many other things and none of it filled that void for an extreme lifestyle.

I can honestly say that sand hill for basic and ait was the easy part. Guys we're focused on graduating and there wasn't any drama. My unit in NY was always in the spotlight. DUIs and guys getting in trouble off base all the time. And if you weren't part of a click you we're treated like an outsider. Was pretty disappointing at times. I feel guys in prisons get better treatment. But it all comes down to leadership. Guys that are the best for the position. Without that its a show. Days of our lives like the core calls it. You sound like a great leader. That's awesome. Army needs more guys like you man. Hooah!

Thanks for sharing! Love it! The USAF has changed my life. Haven’t made it as far career wise but everything happens for a reason. One day I’ll make the transition to the army though 😂

It's crazy how much I can relate to your story, and I'm in my 30s, and hopefully if everything goes good I should be going to boot camp next month 💪

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

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

Good story. Glad you found what you wanted in life. Some never do. I would have guessed you were officer rank.

I loved your story. I am going to MEPS next month to swear in after I was disqualified for having a 20/50 vision. I wanted to hear of the story of how my favorite military RU-vidr joined the army, and it was intriguing. I liked to hear more about how you got your challenge coins (if you haven't already made the video).

I want to hear a part 2 please!!

I love these types of videos; I would definitely watch a part two. I also never thought I'd join, but I'm very happy that I did.

I love hearing life stories. Please continue.

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 !

As someone who was "talked out of" joining by family in 1982 Post Vietnam; I am glimpsing a "path not taken" via these vids... TY 4 ur Svc...!

This video is pure inspiration.