Was Phil Robertson in the Military?
Early Life and Background
Philip "Phil" Robertson was born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana. He is best known as the patriarch of the Robertson family, the stars of the reality TV show "Duck Dynasty," which aired on A&E from 2012 to 2017.
Before his rise to fame, Robertson had a rather unconventional background, which includes a brief stint in the military.
Military Service
Yes, Phil Robertson did serve in the military. After completing high school, he enrolled in the United States Coast Guard in 1967. He served for approximately two years as a boatswain’s mate, which is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of ships.
Robertson’s military service took place during the Vietnam War era, but he never saw combat. According to his own accounts, he was stationed on the coast of Louisiana and Texas, where he worked as a mechanic and was in charge of maintaining boats.
Honorable Discharge
Robertson’s Coast Guard service ended with an honorable discharge, which is a significant fact considering his later accomplishments in the business world and the success of "Duck Dynasty."
Impact of Military Service
It is worth noting that Phil Robertson’s military service has likely had a lasting impact on his life and personality. His time in the military instilled in him the values of discipline, hard work, and resourcefulness, which have become core aspects of his entrepreneurial success.
Table: Key Facts about Phil Robertson’s Military Service
Year | Military Branch | Role | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
1967 | United States Coast Guard | Boatswain’s Mate | Approximately 2 years |
1969 | United States Coast Guard | Discharged with Honorable Service |
Civilian Life and "Duck Dynasty" Success
After his military service, Robertson returned to Louisiana, where he began a successful career in the oil and gas industry. He eventually founded his own company, Duck Commander, which specializes in producing customized duck hunting gear and calls.
The company’s popularity led to the creation of "Duck Dynasty," a reality TV show that aired on A&E for 11 seasons and made the Robertson family one of the most recognizable households in America.
Controversies and Later Life
Phil Robertson’s later life has been marked by controversy, particularly when he made controversial comments about African-Americans and the LGBTQ+ community in a 2013 interview with GQ magazine. The ensuing backlash led to a public backlash and a temporary suspension of his and his family from the show.
Robertson has since spoken about his regret over the incident, and the family has largely maintained a low public profile since then.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, Phil Robertson was indeed in the military, serving in the United States Coast Guard for approximately two years. His military service instilled in him values such as discipline, hard work, and resourcefulness, which have contributed to his later success in business and entrepreneurship.
Significance of Military Service
The significance of Phil Robertson’s military service lies in the fact that it set him on a path to future success, both in terms of his personal life and his professional endeavors.
Robertson’s military experience helped shape his personality, which is characterized by strong family values, a work ethic, and a passion for entrepreneurship.
The Future of the Robertson Family
While the Robertson family is no longer actively involved with "Duck Dynasty," they continue to manage and operate their various businesses, including Duck Commander.
Their legacy as one of America’s most beloved TV families remains, and Phil Robertson’s military service continues to be an important aspect of his life story.