Interesting topic about key decisions you have made that have impacted your life (for the better or worse).
Most of us can trace key decisions that, at the time, appeared to be small, but later turned out to be HUGE!
For me, the two main ones are joining the Navy and getting into the Cryptology program and starting G&R Tactical. The USN gave me a skil set that allowed me to make a lot of money as a Defense Contractor, which in turn allowed me to start a home based business.
How bout you?
C4
Joining the Marine Corps had a big impact on my life, after my contract I went to school and became an LEO. I can’t imagine my life had I not went to the Corps.
Getting married. Prior to that Id never really dated seriously, and she was my 1st long term relationship. Im still happy as can be but Im still getting used to having to answer for personal issues.
2nd would the Army. I was cut out for it since I was a little kid so it was natural for me to join so it didn’t change my life as much as marriage did but still so far a big pivot point in my life.
Don’t know where to place this, and don’t feel right “ranking” it but my mom died last year unexpectedly, and theres a huge void in my life now. Kinda like I still expect her to call or email me like she always used to do. Just simple things like going out to eat dinner with us, ect. Since my dad was gone so much growing up I had a more impactful relationship with my mom, and try to carry who she was on with me.
Taking 3 jobs while getting my engineering degree was worth it, despite the student loans I have now.
Marriage is a huge choice that can either turn out well or not. I know from first hand experience that marriage is murder on selfish people. Just ask Larry King.
C4
At the risk of sounding like a corn ball, I’d have to say the best choice I’ve ever made was in the woman I married.
Finishing school as I promised my mom I would.
The Navy was up there.
Same here.
Wish I had made some different choices, but at least I got that one right.
Navy and marriage…no question.
Also (and most importantly) would be the decision to be a Christian. I can say with 100% certainty that my life would be significantly different today if not for that decision.
For me the single best and worse thing I ever did was marry the most selfish woman I ever met. I almost didn’t survive, but I did have 3 beautiful daughters.
Another life altering decision was letting this same woman talk me out of going to WOFT in Ft. Ruckers.
There may not be a great woman behind every great man, but I am willing to bet there is a miserable woman behind every failure of a man! 
I think the recurring theme we’ll see in this thread from this crowd is that we were most changed anytime we signed on to be a part of something much larger than ourselves. Whether that’s the military, public safety, other profession.
I was most changed when I became a husband and a father. Those things then trickled down into what kind of son, brother, friend, and neighbor I was to others. From there, into the work I did…and how I did it.
The best decision was marrying my wife.
Next up would be ditching the bat shit crazy I was engaged too. After that it was enlisting in the army. Then turning down the opportunity to go to Monmouth. Had I not done that, yeah I’d probably be an O-6, but then I wouldnt have found my wife. Wash, Rinse, Repeat.
Kind of same for me. Got rid of a bad ex and then met my wife. Thank GOD for that one!
We as men need to do a better job of realizing why a woman is with us. For most of us, we need to look in the mirror and realize that we aren’t all that good looking. So our girlfriend isn’t with us because we are “hot.” Do you have a lot of money and they are poor? Are they an emotional wreck and your are the father figure they desperately desire?
Ever wonder why you constantly attract the “crazies?” Ever think it could be you?
C4
Grant,
Excellent post and I completely agree. I am 36 and have never been married. Thank God considering who I have dated in the past. Being older than most guys who are/have dated I know exactly what I want in a wife. Last year I met the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. October 27th is her birthday and on that day I will ask her if I can be her husband. Wish me luck.
She will change and has changed my life for the better. Also signing up for the Army had a huge effect on my life and how I view it.
-Jax
Congrats Jax, Guess you won’t be at the Woolmarket matches for a while… 
My most life changing decisions:
#1 - Becoming a Christian
#2 - Marrying my wife
#3 - Determining to not screw up decisions #1 & #2 - That was the hardest one.
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My biggest impact on my life has been my Wife. I’ve been through a few relationships. All of which weren’t right. Sometimes it was me, other times it was them. Even had the stereotypical “psycho ex”. My Wife was “The One” that made me a better person and look forward to life’s adventure. Second was joining the Marine Corps. This will soon become third after the birth of our child this Dec. I hope that all goes well with no complications.
Heh Im no marriage expert but my 2 criteria were:
&
If yes to both then the rest will fall in place. I specifally told my wife before we even started dating I was into guns, and if she had an issue with that we shouldnt even go on a 1st date. She responded back she took a hunters ed course, and would be interested in shooting. That goes to “does she respect who you are?” type questions.
You can work details out but not fundamental differences. I couldnt be married to a libtard hippy who hates guns, wants "world peace, ect. The things my wife and I disagree on are generally stupid shit we should even argue about to begin with.
Enlisting.
Never could I have imagined what the Military is really like. If only civilians could know the REAL military when there’s no brass motivated dog and pony show. I tell people all the time,if youd like to leach off the government, just make it thru bootcamp and “school” and then you can literally do nothing but suck coffee and surf google all day.
Agree with just about all of these. I do think that having children does have the most direct and long-term impact.
Nothing like a pack of yard-apes to change your life.
My youngest just had her 18th birthday this week. I am completely baffled as to where the time went.
UCRT,
Thanks bud! I’ll be @ the 3 gun @ woolmarket for sure. That’s another thing wonderful about her. She is a gun nut too! We have been to 2 handgun classes together as well as pistol and 3 gun matches. Now I have just got to decide on how I am going to ask her. I know the when but not the how. Its gotta be romantic. You know how girls are!
-Jax
Belmont,
Both good questions and 100% gtg on both answers. Absolutely something is off when I don’t see or talk to her for a couple of hours and she is the best woman I have ever come upon in my short 36 years. Oh and she has a glock 19 in a raven holster! Plus she has already mentioned to me her wedding present she has for me will be an M&P 9 compact. Just thought I’d mention that! 