Texas Soldier Q&A

We sat down with three Texas National Guard Soldiers and asked them about life in the military.

How did you decide to join the National Guard?

I knew I was going to enlist into the military since I was 14. I did okay in school, I just knew I didn't enjoy it enough to continue it. Instead of walking the stage to receive my diploma, I had my high school mail it to me. My friends bought cap and gowns, I bought the Ranger Handbook and patches for my uniforms.

The day of my graduation, I was on the bus heading to Fort Benning Georgia for 3 months of basic training and 3 weeks of airborne school. The way I looked at it, I didn't have to worry about finding a place to live, a job, or a way to pay for college - I solved all those issues by joining the Guard.

-Specialist A.

military terms: Airborne, Ranger

What do you remember about taking the ASVAB? (1)

The ASVAB was mentioned to me by my recruiter, but he didn't really emphasize it. So, I went into it thinking "no big deal". I took it on the computer, but that was a mistake. The computer did not allow you to go back to any questions that you had previously answered. I felt very pressured for time. I scored well enough to join, but I was really disappointed with my score.

After being in for three years, I decided I wanted to raise my ASVAB score. Of all the books that I worked out of, ASVAB For Dummies was the book that helped most to break down every aspect of the ASVAB. I think I studied day and night for 6 straight months. I am a serious procrastinator too, so my commander gave me a push and called the Education Services Office and scheduled a time for me to go down there.

Retaking the test, I was so nervous, I thought for sure I was going to bomb this one just as I did the first time. So after taking the test the second time (and waiting the longest 3 weeks ever to get the results) I raised my score by 24 points!

You have to remember when taking the ASVAB to not freak out and calm down, that it is a test. The first time, I rushed through it so fast. I remember the liaison for the National Guard said to me, "It's only been 45 minutes on a 3 hour allotted test, you are not done." The second time I took the full 3 hours, and did it on paper rather than the computer.

-Specialist T.

military terms: ASVAB

What is the biggest surprise to you about life as a Soldier? (1)

When I went to Basic Training there was so much yelling, and the early mornings were tough. I thought to myself, "What on earth did I get myself into?"

But now, I can't get enough of military life - waking up early in the morning for Physical Training, going to work everyday in uniform. I never thought that I would love it like I do. I used to be the kind of person who would sleep in until the last minute, get ready fast - I was just plain lazy. Now I love being full time National Guard - I'm up and going all the time.

-Specialist T.

military terms: Basic Training

What is the biggest surprise to you about life as a Soldier? (2)

The number of great people - I never thought that I would meet so many life long friends. For me, the journey has been one of a kind. I met my fiance and my best friend here. I know that other Soldiers would tell of other stories. But for me, I live from the people around me, like I feed off their energy. I would never take this experience back, because of them.

In the military, it's like we're a family. When a Soldier in your platoon has their car break down , you know that someone knows how to fix it. (I've never seen so many people that are so handy.) I will never forget the Soldiers that I have served with, they have become a part of my life.

-Sergeant F.

military terms: Platoon