From 1980 to 1986, Drew Carey, the star of The Drew Carey Show and a famous comedian, served in the Marine Corps Reserves. As Carey tells it, he donned his signature crew cut and horn-rimmed glasses while serving in the Marine Corps. During his time in the Marine Corps, he began performing stand-up comedy, which eventually resulted in supporting roles on television. When asked how he got his start, Carey said, "While in the Marine Reserves, I was looking for a way to make some more money, and it was suggested that I try using my jokes." Carey was paid about $10 a joke during his first stand-up.

During World War II, Johnny Carson joined the Navy through a special program to produce effective officers. He graduated from Columbia University and was commissioned as an ensign before the war ended. He was assigned to the battleship USS Pennsylvania and decoded enemy radio transmissions encrypted by radio. According to his autobiography, Johnny Carson considered his performance of a magic trick for Navy Secretary James Forrestal to be the high point of his military career. That moment, says Carson, was when he decided to become an entertainer. Forrestal asked Carson whether he planned to remain in the Navy after the war. When Carson replied no, that he desired to be a magician instead, Forrestal asked him to perform a card trick. Forrestal loved Carson's trick, encouraging Carson to pursue his entertainment career.

Jimmy Hendrix is one of the most iconic and influential musicians of the 20th century. Though he is best known for his work as a rock guitarist, he also served in the United States military for a short time. His father, Al, was a former Navy man who had served in World War II. Hendrix's mother, Lucille, was a homemaker. Hendrix was raised in a strict religious household and was not allowed to listen to secular music. Despite this, he developed a love for music and was influenced by artists such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Howlin' Wolf. Hendrix's attitude toward the military was shaped by his father's experiences in World War II. Al Hendrix was a patriot proud of his service, but he also saw the horrors of war firsthand. This had a profound effect on Jimmy. Hendrix enlisted in the Army in 1961 and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. He was later discharged due to an injury, but his time in the military had a profound impact on his life and music. Hendrix has said that his experiences in the Army helped to shape his views on race and politics and that the music he heard while in service influenced his style of playing.

Gal Gadot is an Israeli actress and model best known for her role as Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe, but before she was famous, she served in the Israeli Defense Forces. During her two years of conscription, she served as a combat instructor. After her service, Gadot studied law and then pursued her acting career. Despite her fame, Gadot has not forgotten her military service. Gadot has said that her time in the IDF was some of the best years of her life and that she learned a lot about herself during her time in the military. Despite antisemitic criticisms of the Israeli Defense Forces, she agrees that although it's not perfect and makes mistakes, the IDF one of the most moral militaries in the history of warfare.