Futures Magazine: True Stories of Military Service

Futures Magazine: True Stories of Military Service

Futures magazine is an annual publication of the Department of Defense that features articles on men and women from all branches of the Military. Reading about their experiences gives you a look into military life, its rewards and its challenges. Here, on todaysmilitary.com, you can hear more from the servicemembers who shared their stories in Futures. Listen to what they have to say about their choice to serve, their careers, their experiences in the Military and more.

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"You're joining something bigger than yourself."

Servicemembers reveal how joining the Military connected them with a sense of responsibility and higher purpose.

Featuring: Capt. Ryan McHugh, Air Force; Sgt. Robert Settle, Marine Corps; Capt. Paul Cheval, Army; Sgt. Melissa Esquivel, Marine Corps; Airman 1st Class Laura Lund, Air Force; Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Glaude, Navy; Cpl. Christopher Vogt, Marine Corps; Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Washington, Coast Guard; Spc. Ashland Harnishfeger, Army; 2nd Lt. Luis Gonzalez, Army

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"It allows me to have a full-time profession on the outside."

Members of the Reserve and Guard share how military service has enriched their personal and professional lives.

Featuring: 2nd Lt. Amanda Morgan, Army National Guard; Petty Officer 3rd Class Adrien Cheval, Coast Guard Reserve; Senior Airman Jessica Eastburn, Air Force Reserve; 1st Lt. Meridith Fonseca, Army Reserve; Capt. Shawn Tulp, Army Reserve

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"I knew that I would have my schooling for free."

Find out from servicemembers how joining the Military can help individuals pay for school and obtain valuable training.

Featuring: Petty Officer 3rd Class Adrien Cheval, Coast Guard Reserve; Airman 1st Class Laura Lund, Air Force; Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Glaude, Navy; Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Sweeney, Navy; Staff Sgt. Jacob Poulliot, Air Force; 1st Lt. Meridith Fonseca, Army Reserve; Cadet Vincent Cheval, Air Force; Cadet Alex Fan, Army National Guard; Capt. Paul Cheval, Army

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"The Military still lets you enjoy your job and have fun."

Military service isn't all work and no play. Servicemembers have time for exciting activities both on- and off-base.

Featuring: Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Glaude, Navy; Spc. Ashland Harnishfeger, Army; Airman 1st Class Carlos Puga, Air National Guard; 2nd Lt. Amanda Morgan, Army National Guard; Seaman Deirdre Gray, Coast Guard; Staff Sgt. Jacob Poulliot, Air Force; Capt. Paul Cheval, Army; Airman 1st Class Laura Lund, Air Force; Senior Airman Jessica Eastburn, Air Force Reserve

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"I came back to the U.S. with a different set of lenses."

During deployment, servicemembers have the opportunity to employ the skills they have learned while connecting with other cultures.

Featuring: Capt. Paul Cheval, Army; Sgt. Robert Settle, Marine Corps; 1st Lt. Meridith Fonseca, Army Reserve; Staff Sgt. Jacob Poulliot, Air Force; 2nd Lt. Amanda Morgan, Army National Guard

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"I wanted something that I could make a career out of."

Servicemembers talk about how their military training has led them to satisfying and rewarding careers.

Featuring: Senior Airman Jessica Eastburn, Air Force Reserve; 2nd Lt. Amanda Morgan, Army National Guard; Petty Officer 3rd Class Adrien Cheval, Coast Guard Reserve; Airman 1st Class Laura Lund, Air Force; Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Crandall, Navy; 1st Lt. Meridith Fonseca, Army Reserve; Capt. Christopher Sercena, Army Reserve; Sgt. Robert Settle, Marine Corps

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"It wasn't what I was expecting, and I'm glad I did it."

Who's in charge of keeping servicemembers fed? Meet one of the Military's food service professionals.

Featuring: Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Washington, Coast Guard

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Military Service Branches

The U.S. Military consists of five active-duty Services and their respective Guard and Reserve units. Together, they offer a broad variety of ways to serve.