Career satisfaction, if you start your career over with another branch of service, would you?

Interesting question! I have served in 3 different branches of service (USN, USAF, USPHS) and although each branch is distinctive they all share a common thread of service albeit different missions.

It is difficult for me to select one branch of service that would be better than another. Each branch of service provided me different career opportunities. As an enlisted sailor in the Navy I was able to see the world and grow into a man. The Air Force provided the opportunity to become an officer and experience a totally different level of leadership and responsibility; the Navy was downsizing my career field. The Public Health Service (PHS) opened a world unknown to me with opportunities to serve all throughout the Federal government to include DoD and DHS.

I am just as close to my Navy buddies as I am with my Air Force buddies, the only difference is my Air Force buddies for the most part are still active duty like myself. I have attended 2 Navy reunions and will attend another one this Fall. Of course the majority of my PHS buddies are still active duty, however I am seeing a lot more Mustang officers retiring and I am not far behind.

I think the family more so enjoyed the quality of life improvements each time I changed a branch of service, from Navy to Air Force to PHS. Career wise, each branch of service provided me opportunities I did not think existed and made me a more well-rounded officer today where I can easily move between military and federal government duty assignments without an overwhelming feeling of being over my head. Bottom line, it has been an interesting journey; some good career moves, some not so good career moves, but that is the nature of the beast with any employer. I would not hesitate to advise someone to make a career move to another branch of service, it happens more than you might believe, if it would benefit them career wise. I’m proud to be a veteran of 3 different branches of service and serving both enlisted (nearly 17-years) and as an officer (18+ years and counting).

My Father (Donald) served in the Army and fought in the Korea, his twin brother (Ronald) served in the Air Force and was in the Vietnam War, and his oldest brother (Robert) served in the Army and fought in the Pacific during WWII. I'm proud that I served in the Army for (37 years) and wouldn't change if I had to do it all over again.

I can trace my family history all the way back to the Revolutionary War with military pride...ok we were on the wrong side (Hessains) during the Revolutionary War but still. Since then every war has had a Haupt or Bower (mom's side) serving. When it came time for me to make the decision I talk to my dad and two cousins (Navy), two uncles (USAF) and grandfathers (Army). Plus my dad told me if I joined the Marines he would of broke both my legs. Stupid Navy Corpman!! It came down to the USAF. If I had to do it again I don't know if I would have changed my mind. I served with all branches as a Military Working Dog Handler in time of war and peace. Each branch has is differences and similarities. So would I have changed my service NO! As I said I loved working with the other service but no thank you.