I'm 23 and finally committed to enlisting in the marine corps because I didn't want to live with that regret in life. I get sworn in next Monday and then ship out two weeks after that to boot camp.

Ex navy seal commander giving reserves respect. True soldier.

I'm a volunteer firefighter, can confirm the sense of purpose you get from serving your community is absolutely worthwhile.

I joined the Marine Corps at 28. Getting a late start is harder on your body, but you can bring more maturity and life experience into your service to help you out.

Jocko is so practical. No fake bravado or something... That's why I love him

I regretted not serving my entire adult life. Should have done ROTC or enlisted in college. I fixed that regret by enlisting in the Air National Guard at the age of 36. Did it with a wife and 2 kids at home. One of the best decisions I ever made. Don't make excuses. Just do it.

2:09 When Jocko was 4 years old, he regret not joining the World War 2.

Jocko podcast convinced me to join and I'm so glad I did at age 27. That was 3 years ago and it's been very rewarding.

Serving your country no matter the importance or how elite the branch is is still serving. Jocko doesn't discriminate

Joining the Army at 24 (active) was the best decision of my life. Went from slaving away in a factory to visiting Korea, Thailand, Phillipines, flying in helicopters, driving tanks, shooting 50 cals, getting free college and getting paid.

I live with the same regret everyday. Went to work underground in the coal mines for 6 years and ended up disabled at 25 and now I have no hope of ever fulfilling my dreams. It eats at me every single day. My advice would be exactly like joko said. Live your life to the fullest and regret nothing. God bless u all and thanks for your service!

I was 34 years old last year and just couldn't live with the regret of not serving. So I went to the recruiter and enlisted with 11x opt 40. I had a wife and kids and still nutted up and did it. It's been a blur since I arrived to Ft Benning on 3/26/19 but right now I am in Germany, coming home from my first combat deployment in Africa with the 101st Airborne. I have a patch on my right shoulder now and I have new brothers and friends that will last a lifetime. It hasn't been a comfortable road but I am so damn glad I did. Now a deployed infantryman with the prestigious 101st. Rakassans ftw ⛩️⛩️⛩️⛩️ rendezvous with destiny

Jocko this advice is pretty awesome. I joined when I turned 18 but when I left for Basic I had a ton of guys that were anywhere from 6-12 years older than me and honestly I had way more respect for that. I was just an 18 year old kid joining, fresh out of high school, no relationships, worked retail. These guys had family's, careers, bachelor's degrees, and they took some time off to join and I give them hella props for doing what they did.

This was a lot like me. I joined the DEP (delayed entry program) at 15, USMC. Religiously went every weekend and trained, as long as school sports weren't going on. Scored a 98 on the ASVAB, was gung-ho as hell about it. During my last year of High-school, because I was smart and worked hard, I got enough academic scholarships to go to college for 2 years "free". I grew up poor as shit, and never thought college would be an option for me. At 18, I decided I was going to college instead, and when my original recruiter got re-located down to NC, It was an easy out for me. I bailed out in the spring of 2000, a few months before I was going to boot camp. At 36, I'm too old to join, and with a wife and two kids, it's just not a realistic option for me, but there is plenty you can do here in the US to support. We need soldiers and hero's abroad, but we need patriots here at home just as badly, more now than ever. I applied to my local PD, I coach kids and try to help them grow into good men. Our soldiers can't be everywhere, they need eyes and ears here at home protecting the constitution and the rule of law. You can't live your life looking in the rear-view mirror, move forward and do what you can.

So glad that you acknowledged the role of military wives. They have to be tough as nails and I am so glad I married a strong one to be my career partner.

After hearing this 100% considering the reserves now.

i just went and became a nurse. Was never physically strong enough to join the service but i have other things to offer aside from my strength.

It doesn’t go away. I’m 60 plus and didn’t do military service. I see what a great experience my son is having and no think I missed out.

Jocko is truly the REAL DEAL. Salute! I am 33 and getting tattoos removed just to join. I know it's late in life, but I will not live to regret it everyday anymore.

I can identify with the man who submitted that question. I had a plan for after high school graduation that, if I didn't find a job by July 1st (1975), I would enlist in the Navy. I started working full-time eight days prior to my self-imposed deadline and married my high school sweet heart eight months later. I went on to become a police officer, spending 31 years in the field before retiring in 2013; through all those decades, however, that's the one regret that's nagged at me...not serving my country. I've found a way to lessen that regret, so to speak, in that I now write a weekly column for our local newspaper, profiling our veterans who served during WW II, Korea and Vietnam. God bless all our patriot heroes. -Tim

Another option would be to join a search and rescue team if there is one in your area. We do all kinds of training like land nav, rapelling, first aid, long distance hiking, overnight winter camp outs, survival training, k9 operations, radio communications, etc. It's a great way to build camaraderie and develop teamwork with people that have the same interests as yours.

For the cops, firefighters, EMTs, etc......your service is on 100% on par with military service. Military service might get a little more recognition, but the grind of being out there every day for twenty or thirty years is an awesome service to your fellow Americans. I’m a vet and my hat is off to you. Thank you for your service.

I’m 24 and will be enlisting in navy reserve next month after never considering it prior. I had a awakening and realized what I must do in order to be fulfilled with life. Serving my country will always make me proud when I look back. Can’t wait. Hooyah Navy!

My dad saved me from joining the military here in Mexico and I really have been probably dead or held hostage for decades with the guerrilla or the narco. I hated my dad but he had to do what he had to do to save his son's life and I appreciate him for doing it. You can build the discipline and power you need to get to where you want to be without the uniform and the accolades. Create your own army and you will be happy

My air national guard unit had a guy join at 39 because of this exact reason.

I’m 30 and have started feeling this regret. I’m glad I watched this. Thanks Jocko

I am in the final stages of enrolling into the Canadian Army reserves. I almost cried watching this video because it hit so close to home. The desire for joining the military, but the timing was never right. Decided it's time I made the timing right for myself as I too did not want to live with that regret in life.

I had a accident when I was 15, fell off a truck while moving. Had 86 stitches in my head after a 9 hour surgery. I also died 3 times in life flight helicopter. When I turned 18, I wanted to join the Marines because I was awarded the Semper Fi award at my school. I really wanted to join. Found out they wouldn’t take me because of the accident. So I went to the army, same outcome. Navy, same, coast guard... same outcome. So that really upset me. But, at least I tried to do what I wanted to do. It just sucked know that I wouldn’t be doing it.

It doesn't go away. After 9/11 I knew I wanted to step up, but I went to the police academy for an application instead of the recruiter's office. I'm now 37, a fifteen year cop, and every time I hear about the battles in Iraq/Afghanistan I feel like I should have been there.

This was a blessing to hear I'm 20 years old and I've been struggling with feeling like I'm not doing something more I'm a welder and dedicated alot of time to that but didn't feel fulfilled didn't feel like I was making a difference I was always drawn to the military but never took the leap maybe it's time I sign up

It will never go away. Im 45 now and to old. I think about it almost everyday and how my life might have been different.

I had this feeling so I enlisted in the US Army Infantry at 34 years old with a wife and kids. 3 years later, have served in the 101st Airborne Division and got a deployment to Africa, made friends for life and am now a few months from getting out. Been a hell of a ride. It wasn't comfortable, but it was worth it. I did my time.

I was in for a three years after high school and have always been grateful to my younger self for taking on that challenge and doing my bit. Was never a natural soldier, not a tough guy, and I was scared, but something made me do it thank god. And I sure didnt distinguish myself, but I did my part, wore the uniform and played my tiny, infinitesimal part for my country. That little bit I did gives me pride every damned day. Wish I'd stayed for 20, but thats a small regret. It would nag me every day if I'd never done it at all. Younger guys, go do it. If you're feeling like its something you must do, regret you havent done it yet, that feeling will grow and grow every year. Go do it!

I am so glad that I joined the Army Reserves. My mother were very anti-military (my Mom grew up seeing neighbors killed by the Colombian military) and my Mom threatened to disown me if I went active duty. So I compromised and went into the Reserves. I absolutely loved it. In many ways the training I got in the Army saved my life by re-instilling my sense of self-esteem and giving me a tremendous number of life skills. While I do wish I had gone active duty sometimes, that also would have not allowed me to do many other wonderful things in life. So overall I think it's a great balance, but a serious obligation as well due to the fact that you can be be deployed and have to put your life on the line for America. Thank you Jocko for the shoutout to the Reserves (and don't forget National Guard).

I knew I would of had regrets. I always knew I wanted to serve. I'm glad I listened to myself and nobody else.

I love this, this was literally my life for the past year. I just told my fiancé who is going to be my wife in a few days that I regret not joining and that now is my chance to join the reserves. She was beyond supportive, even despite the fact that she is pregnant, she encourages me to do what makes me happy and what is good for the family. Just started my application to Officer candidate school yesterday

I really thought I was the only one that lives with that regret. I went into to law enforcement to try to fill that void and it has similarities but I still hold anyone who has severed in the military way above me. It is a regret that I think about every day.

I know this feeling. Ended up enlisting at 32. It will eat away at you and you will become a broken record to your friends and family unless you address it. No amount of financial stability will "completely" erase the feeling that you did not do what you believed you should have done.

Thank you vets! Thanks for serving and protecting us!

I’m 27 and just talked to a recruiter today, going in for ASVAB tomorrow then off to MEPS, if you wanna do it, you can make it happen!

Just saw this today. Totally agree with this, I joined the reserve years back at 35 for the same reason. I've since done multiple exercises in different parts of the world and have deployed once for 9 months. Jocko hit it on point with your wife/ girlfriend having it harder. Im definitely glad with joining but it has not been easy in the homefront

I joined the Air Force at 18 thinking I was going to be a lifer. About 4 weeks into boot camp I got really sick and was medically discharged. At the time it broke my heart but looking back I'm glad I tried. I'm 35 now. I have a good life and no regrets.

Hey, Jocko thanks so much for the encouragement I've been out of a Job for around 8 months now have applied to multiple jobs for months and haven't been fortunate enough to get one:/ I've been sober and working on self discipline throughout most my time.. Always trying to stay productive I've been considering the Army for about 5 months now with a sober mind and actually finally want to join to see what I'm made of.. I know this journey can provide financial security and memories that can last a life time also moving from my past in a way I think would make some of my old friends happy.. to see I've taken a risk to better myself.. Some may not approve but I think it's best to see what I am able to do.. Always have faith and I appreciate the motivation coming from a combat Vet yourself because now I'm taking the steps to see if a Miracle or dream is possible for me.. I'm such a mediocre person who doesn't deserve the best and going for the best is a bit selfish of me but what I've known in this life is such blessings I've always been given the best out of life as well I think i'd settle down a bit but I want to see what else is out there for better or for worse.. I know the good out there would support or may not but in any endeavor I know I will be responsible for the decision I make whether it may be a mistake or not I am and will be determined to make things right with God before my time.. Whatever that path entails.. May you wish me luck and safety be on my shoulders while I pursue this stressful yet hopefully rewarding journey..

Awesome. Love the presentation of alternatives. Respected even more the presentation of 'family' being our homefront warriors!

Joined the Marines at 18 and don't regret one bit both good and bad the lesson learned have served me well through out my life Once A Marine Always A Marine Semper Fi

Growing up as a son of a man who lived his entire life with this regret of not taking the plunge and doing what he loved, all I knew was a man who was bitter and angry at the world. I vowed not to live my life like that. Facing the same regret that the question here poses at age 36 I went ahead and signed up for a full-time position in the military. I finished basic training a few months ago and can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions i’ve made in my entire life and I wouldn’t take it back for even a second. It’s never to late to defy expectations and wholeheartedly pursue your calling.

Great advice Jocko. Couldn't agree more...get it done as you say.

Wow never knew so many people shared that feeling

I feel anyone who watches this. I always wanted to join ever since I was a kid. Me and my older brother was always playing as being a solider when we were younger. He went into the Marines, I went to do the Air Force, but I didn't enlist. I do every step until PT. I was held back because my parents didn't want me to go full-time and other different excuses. Now, I am 43 and definitely regret. It looks more beneficial than anything. My nephew just came back from boot camp and looks as he gets more respected by everyone. For anyone else, I would have joined and things would be a lot different than what it is now. My advice is to do it right out from High School and learn valuable surviving skills.

I’m 20 and I’ve wanted to join my whole life but I’m fighting the feelings that it would load on my mom. I already feel a great load of guilt from not having joined already. I think it’s in my near future though. I have to live for myself at some point.

Jocko, I wanted to say thank you for the positive spin on the Reserves (National Gaurd) and also for your work personally to fight and win in Iraq. I was Army National Gaurd, deployed to Al Anbar in 2007-2008. I were there in a time of relative peace. I never had to fight because you and yours, my brothers and sisters in uniform, already had. Respect. 💖🔥🌹

Jocko giving love to reserves thanks a bunch bro.

Hi, Jocko, I am Jefferson from Kenya and I am a great admirer of all things military. I am a lawyer by training although am currently going through serious mental health issues. Deep down i feel like i can be the best but i find myself lacking the courage and will to pursue my goals. By listening to your podcasts i have discovered the secret is to move forward despite how slow the progress is. Keepup the good work my man. I cant join the army now coz am 32 years but i intend to adopt the navy seal mentality to be the best lawyer this country has ever seen.

I joined the Army 11B and I was kicked out halfway through basic training due to a medical issue. It’s been a hole in my life.

Thank you guys, this is what I've been thinking, definetly helped me alot

This was very good advice. Thank you, Jocko. Definitely something to consider.

The great Dr. Samuel Johnson said "Every man thinks meanly of himself for not having been a soldier..." I feel this on a regular basis. Good podcast

This is what I'm struggling with. I'm 32 now and feel that I haven't done anything I wanted out of the need to protect my mom. She's got crippling anxiety and depression and sometimes bipolar symptoms. And I actually think we're not closer BECAUSE she discouraged me from anything slightly dangerous. But I can't tell her this. It's horrible.

He is soo right. I had the same feeling. It ate at me. So I joined the reserves at 34. It was great. I ended up being a full time reservist for 7 out of the 10 years I was in. Being a reservist was my everyday job!! The benefit of being older to is that you understand what you want to do with your service.

Yes a grinding feeling.

The feeling never goes away. I am 39 years old and if I could change 1 thing in past, it would be jot joining.

7 years ago when I was 18/19, I was in the process of talking to recruiters, showing up to PT, but wouldn’t be guaranteed to get in since I had a record as a minor. After speaking with the different branches, I think it was either the national guard or the coast guard that would be most lenient but I didn’t go talk to them cause I was trying to see if I could do the army. At the same time, I was hanging out with shady characters and I got pinched, ended up doing 1.5 years in state time and forever sealing my fate as a convict. I regret not pushing the issue harder, but at the end of the day, I’m a professional in a specific trade and I’m doing well for myself. I guess the man upstairs has different plans for me. I’ve given back to the community but I’ll admit that I havnt done as much as I can, I’ll need to step that up. Don’t ever give up on yourself.

Jocko, Very good advice ! I was Active Army, Army Reserves and Army National Guard. Proud to have served in all !

Thank You for your service!

I was a naval reserve officer in the 70, never felt I gave enough.

I'm a reserve deputy in Michigan. It's awesome.

Thinking about this for a while. THANK YOU for a proper answer.

I went the way, that Jocko says about. Started in boot camp, then I joined the reserve and now we have copy/paste program of the U.S. National Guard. Training one weekend a month, sometimes more. Participating in field training, joint field trainings, carrying sandbags during a flood, taking care of people in hospitals during covid, etc. A lot of fun, lot of great friends, extra income and a pride of being an infantryman. My MOSes are rifleman and RPG gunner.

Damn... Now I want to know if that dude joined the military after this advice.

I joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary at age 48. I am considering being a volunteer firefighter.

I turned my wife on to your podcast and she is hooked , started at ep1 and going strong , she turned her son “ my step “ on to you and he is on board as well . This seems to be a fourth calling for you , Sailor, Husband, Father & motivator . TY

Really appreciate these words Jocko. Needed to hear this today.

Wanted to be in the military for as long as I can remember. Joined the army right out of high school at 19. At the beginning of week 7 I woke up with the realization that I was about to graduate basic in 2 weeks time. I suddenly had second thoughts and quit. It only took a week after getting back home for the realization to hit me that I messed up bad. I felt like a complete and total failure. It has weighed heavily on my mind each and every day, and I still feel the shame of quitting every day. The only thing that has held me back from trying again is the fear of getting there and feeling like quitting again. That won't hold me back anymore. I will not live with this regret. I'm almost 23 now, and am getting back in shape as well as quitting my smoking addiction. I will be talking to a recruiter soon. My advice to anyone who goes and considers quitting is simply do not quit. Things in the civilian life will sound better than the things they have you do in basic training, but you must remember that basic training is only temporary. Remember why you joined, and stick to it.

This is a great video reflecting on the regrets of not enlisting, that we can carry with us. I graduated high school in ‘99, wanted to be an aircraft mechanic for the AF, let my family sway my decision due to Sept 11th and being the only Son. To those watching enlist if you can, live your life without regret and cherish what you have.

Thank you for the advice jocko.

The feeling never goes away.

I had an epic 4 year tour. Much better if you are single.

Think about this at least once a week. Realized it's too late and am just going to deal and move on with out joining. I'm 35 with a wife and 3 kids. I'd be selfish to join now. Family needs me more than I need to join I suppose.

Excellent video. Thanks, guys. I'm sure a lot of people wish they could join and Jocko's answer is ON POINT.

Solid advice! I was a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT from age 18-35. I definitely wouldn't be the person I am today without that experience! You will perform better at your day job if you become a Volunteer FF or Reserve Sheriff's Deputy due to the training and structure, and when the safety and well being of an entire community of thousands of people is in you and a few other person's hands, suddenly the "stress" at work seems trivial.

Wanted to join my whole life, never did, at age 35 I said:” it’s now or never.”

My uncle and I were just talking about this.Now that I’m 52 and he’s older we wish that we would have served when we were younger.But we both agree that we both had a completely different mind set when we were that the young. He was a partier and so was I.But there’s nothing I can do about it now. In some countries when you turn 18 your going into the military for 2 years weather you like it or not. You go to college afterwards.My father swears that this would be a better country if everyone had to go in for atleast 2 years when you turn 18.It would make for more responsible adults.

That's right, good advice, I still miss it

I have that same regret I’m 42, I have this regret and sort of guilt for not joining I respect the brother hood and discipline of the military and mostly the guilt. I sit here with my freedom while others are fighting and dying for it, being a part of something bigger than myself would be satisfying . So since I can’t join now I try to help others in anyway possible. I have great love and respect for those who fight for my freedom ,thank you

I quit and i regret it everyday but i had my reasons injury and just being weak. I plan on rejoining and fulfilling my duty and making up for my short comings.

Biggest regret of my life never joining the military !! Now I'm too d@mn old ! God bless all who have and are serving 🙏

This was really helpful. Thanks.

Rgr that! I'll get right on this. Made my day. Thank you:)

As a wife who barely got through a similar situation, you need to be 1000% open and honest and tell her all your feelings when they come up. When we are focused on taking care of children that also need you, it's going to feel very selfish and like a betrayal to us and we might not be mature enough to handle it the right way. Go to counseling together, church counseling, anything. You take her. It can be done, but don't let it destroy your marriage, either way.

Do it man,you won't have that regret anymore!

I'm nobody, expressing simple gratitude 😭🔥🛐🛐🥰😍❣️Thank you for allowing me the freedom to express and comment.

Was my life long dream to be a soldier. Grandfather was in the british royal navy, dad was in the army. I was all district football player, baseball and track but the army wouldn't take me nor the reserves because of frickin asthma. Broke my heart and now I'm 44 and it definitely sticks with you for life.

This man is spot on with his advice

I'm 21 and I just enlisted in the Navy about to go to basic in two weeks. The woman I was with couldn't handle that my calling in life was to go to the military and she decided to leave. I hold no resentment or anger but I am thankful that she was honest with me. My only regret is not enlisting at 17 because I feel like now I've wasted the past 4 years of my life. Nevertheless, I am leaving soon and am more than happy to get started

No need for regret. The person you were at the time just wasn't interested enough. If you are older and regret not joining, sounds like you like the IDEA of having served, but never actually wanted to do it for real. If you really wanted it, you would have done it. So accept that you just like the idea of saying you did it, but it's just not for you or other aspects of life didn't allow for it at the time. Don't waste one second thinking about it or regret. It wasn't for you. It's possible you just like the image of it, a lot of men do. That's not enough of a reason to join.

I'm in the same boat here, thanks so much

This is a catch 22 for me, never having served. Growing up, I've had a lot of friends with family members in various branches, most telling us to never enlist for various reasons. My best friend's dad was a Green Beret-turned Drill Sergeant (or was it 1st Sergeant? Can't remember) who used to kick our asses around ALL the time when we tried to spar with him. I always thought he was the coolest, what a real man was supposed to be and even he made us promise to NEVER join the military, to find something....anything else to do with our lives. Now at 43 years old, some 27 years later, I live in a military town just outside of two major bases (Army and AF). I see these guys walking around like heroes, carrying themselves in a certain way. Confident, self-assured, not giving a fuck about anything, balls of iron, etc. I've never established myself in one career, I've done damn near everything under the sun at one time or another, way too many different jobs to count. Sure, I have a lot of different experiences and skills, but hopping around from job to job all my life isn't a very stable way to be a good provider, which is what any real man strives to be. So, I live in a town with all these men strutting around, their nice homes and nice rides paid for in cash, hot wives at home, beautiful kids, all of them happy, content and secure. I know these guys have made the ultimate sacrifice and many of them are paying for it in mental anguish every day of their lives, but they did the most selfless thing possible for the benefit of their families and their country. That's something to be proud of right there, so I do feel like I wish I Would have put in my four years at the very least and done my fair share. Now I'm older, a bit broken down and of little real use to them, haha. My mom told me two years ago that when I was a teenager, she got a draft letter for me in the mail and, well, she threw it away because she didn't want me to join. I have mixed feelings about that one.

My wife spent 12 years in the navy. My Dad Vietnam, my step-dad korea. I sent two men who I considered brothers into the hands of the Marines. I regret that I didn't sign up. I was at the point of signing up with the navy when the recruiter mentioned I would go in as a non graduate due to graduating high school overseas. Now I'm 45 and unfortunately disabled. Might have caused more problems for the people I might have served with due to a genetic time bomb in my spine. Is what it is. Thank you guys for serving for me.

Great advice about the reserves.

I remember the Vietnam war in my current event’s class, at that time I wouldn’t have gone, now that I’m to old and frail to do anything I want to go. Years ago several clients have told me they needed truck drivers, my concern was good soldiers would die because I’m to slow to get out of the way.