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To say my departure from the Army was all my idea isn't true. I had a pretty bad back issue, nerve damage, and my shoulder is a mess to the point where I cannot re-enlist unless I get a good dose of divine intervention and/or cybernetic body parts. They did surgery and now it's worse. So, out I went.
I'm three semesters from completing my Bachelors in CIS, I work weekends, and I am having a hell of a time. I don't necessarily hate school in and of itself, but after doing military service it feels like a joke. There's no real-world impact, it's all about ME and I've never been wired that way.
I think my biggest issue is that I ended up spending all of my 5.5 years in the same duty station, same unit. I was fenced and the only way the BDE would let people go is when they'd PCS after re-enlistment. My first contract was 6 years, and my shoulder did away with that idea before it even started. I feel like I missed so much... Korea, Germany, parts of the US I'd never been to. Hell, I never even got to deploy because I wasn't the right MOS they were looking for, I was needed as a team lead in garrison, or just "NO".
I'm still proud of what I accomplished, even if it was at the cost of my right arm. I just sit back and listen to other peoples stories of going here, going there, while I sat and languished in the same damn place for half a decade, getting nothing but rejections to leave the damn post or even the unit itself. And now I'm out of the Army, pursuing my education, and all of it kind of feels hollow compared to what I used to do.
I don't really know what to do at this point. Maybe things will look up if I can snag a GS spot and I can work with soldiers again out here. Even a contractor spot.
Any advice would be appreciated. Or just tell me to drink water and drive on. Either works.
I'm three semesters from completing my Bachelors in CIS, I work weekends, and I am having a hell of a time. I don't necessarily hate school in and of itself, but after doing military service it feels like a joke. There's no real-world impact, it's all about ME and I've never been wired that way.
I think my biggest issue is that I ended up spending all of my 5.5 years in the same duty station, same unit. I was fenced and the only way the BDE would let people go is when they'd PCS after re-enlistment. My first contract was 6 years, and my shoulder did away with that idea before it even started. I feel like I missed so much... Korea, Germany, parts of the US I'd never been to. Hell, I never even got to deploy because I wasn't the right MOS they were looking for, I was needed as a team lead in garrison, or just "NO".
I'm still proud of what I accomplished, even if it was at the cost of my right arm. I just sit back and listen to other peoples stories of going here, going there, while I sat and languished in the same damn place for half a decade, getting nothing but rejections to leave the damn post or even the unit itself. And now I'm out of the Army, pursuing my education, and all of it kind of feels hollow compared to what I used to do.
I don't really know what to do at this point. Maybe things will look up if I can snag a GS spot and I can work with soldiers again out here. Even a contractor spot.
Any advice would be appreciated. Or just tell me to drink water and drive on. Either works.
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 11
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You have nothing but support here, my brother. Lots of medical retirees cut down before their time, broken bodies, and failed surgeries alike. We have a choice in life. We can remember how good things used to be before x.y.z.....and embrace the misery, sorrow, and depression that we will create for ourslves OR take what is behind door #2. Life is a journey that takes us to the craziest places. We move forward as best as we can with the strength that we have left. Pain may be a limitation, but it isn't a show stopper....unless we give in. Patience. We can be stuck in the same rut for years due to circumstances beyond our control. When we give up, we are saying that we accept the way things are and we are willing to live like that. Never give up.
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Current reality sometimes sucks pond water rocks. Even with everything you've been through you are still the same person you started out, you've just encountered a few twists and turns. Be positive, be proactive, and take some time to sit down and make a plan that you can stick to. You've proven that you can do that --- served 6 years, working toward completing a BS, & you're proud of your service.
Take those positives and put them to use. You'll find you always have a connection here that helps sooth so many of us no longer on the active side. Keep that point of contact and branch out in your neck of the woods. I'm confident with a little thought and a lot of work you'll find a situation that suits you. Life has a funny way of teaching us sometimes, the crummy part is all we have to go through in order to learn something. When we turn around to look after the light bulb has lit we can see things so much more clearly. Realize you are in the learning curve at the moment so there is more to do and much to learn. Use your military mindset to your advantage. Keep your tenacity and the trust you have in yourself. When you run into a situation you can't quite figure out, ask. There is bound to be someone here who will have the answer or at minimum the foundation for one.
As you say to yourself - stay hydrated, stay focused, and drive on. You've already proved you can do that. With you doing your best it will only be a matter of time for the rest to fall into place. Hang in there.
Take those positives and put them to use. You'll find you always have a connection here that helps sooth so many of us no longer on the active side. Keep that point of contact and branch out in your neck of the woods. I'm confident with a little thought and a lot of work you'll find a situation that suits you. Life has a funny way of teaching us sometimes, the crummy part is all we have to go through in order to learn something. When we turn around to look after the light bulb has lit we can see things so much more clearly. Realize you are in the learning curve at the moment so there is more to do and much to learn. Use your military mindset to your advantage. Keep your tenacity and the trust you have in yourself. When you run into a situation you can't quite figure out, ask. There is bound to be someone here who will have the answer or at minimum the foundation for one.
As you say to yourself - stay hydrated, stay focused, and drive on. You've already proved you can do that. With you doing your best it will only be a matter of time for the rest to fall into place. Hang in there.
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SPC Anthony Rock, that is a tough position to be in. I may not be the subject matter expert on advice on this, but I would like to share some thoughts to you. I would encourage you to finish off your degree. I am sure that is already part of your plan. What about reaching out to Civilian Personnel Office on Fort Sill for employment opportunities? There is also USA Jobs that provides information on GS positions. CIS is a field and a skill-set that seems to always be in demand. There are several members on this site that may be able to assist you. I would recommend starting with utilizing the Career Corner and also the Advanced search engine on RallyPoint. You can query your location and search for those persons within your location that may be looking for hires. I wish you nothing but good luck in your search and your future.
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