Posted on Mar 25, 2018
Did you have a long-term plan when you joined the military?
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There are those that joined the military because it was something to do, they felt the urge to serve, or it was a means to an end. When you enlisted or were commissioned, did you have a long-term plan that the military somehow fit into? If so, what was your plan and were you able to stick to it? If you didn't stick to the original plan, how did it change and did it end up working out for the better?
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Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 120
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I figured I would do it till I fell into something better. But when it came time to leave, i did turn down an offer to join the FBI, I did turn down a GS-15 to be Chief of operations at the DOD CAF. I guess I really like being in the Army. Don’t regret one bit!
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COL (Join to see)
The FBI. I liked the people I worked with, the entrance process was grueling but manageable. In the end you're a GS employee with LEO pay. That's ok but I didn't really care for the pay cut, and flying helicopters was still fun in the Army. The FBI has a lot of stupid people in in to- just like any other organization. I was having some medical issues from the first gulf war that were creeping up so I chose to stay in and finish my command. Less than a year later I ended up getting out and transferring to a Guard AGR position. At the time it was a good move but detrimental to my career progression.
I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the FBI as a career choice. I only applied because a friend of mine at work applied and talked me into applying too. Same with the CAF job. In the end I didn't like the commute.
I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the FBI as a career choice. I only applied because a friend of mine at work applied and talked me into applying too. Same with the CAF job. In the end I didn't like the commute.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) - You gotta get that Master's degree you were just bashing, to be competitive for the FBI.
I have worked for two federal agencies, one LEO and the VA. I have a feeling government agencies are stupid across the board, but that's because it's funding isn't based on performance and good decisions.
I have worked for two federal agencies, one LEO and the VA. I have a feeling government agencies are stupid across the board, but that's because it's funding isn't based on performance and good decisions.
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SGT (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) Do what you gotta man. I’m 100% in support of going after what you want but is spending $60,000 on a masters the right choice just to apply to one job at the FBI? You could say that masters can be used elsewhere; but considering how many government employees that have masters in interdisciplinary studies I would advise caution. You have all been warned....
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MSG James Douglas
SGT (Join to see) - The ARMY paid for my $60,000 masters degree, so with that I seen/saw no reason to complain.
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Sgt Wayne Wood
It’s a ‘life happens’ thing... i see/hear about something... seems like it might be fun/interesting... i go do it.
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
My naval background family, going back to Vikings, considered me a traitor for going into the Air Force.
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My plan was to do four years as an officer, get some supervisory experience an save enough to go to graduate school. I fell in love with the Air Force, married another officer and made the service my family.
SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas MSgt John McGowan SPC Margaret Higgins Sgt Kelli Mays Capt (Join to see) Maj Marty Hogan SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SP5 Mark Kuzinski LTC Stephen F. SGT (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. 1LT Sandy Annala LTC John Griscom Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt Albert Castro SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SGT (Join to see)
SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas MSgt John McGowan SPC Margaret Higgins Sgt Kelli Mays Capt (Join to see) Maj Marty Hogan SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SP5 Mark Kuzinski LTC Stephen F. SGT (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. 1LT Sandy Annala LTC John Griscom Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt Albert Castro SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SGT (Join to see)
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
I was going to do one enlistment. 24 yrs later I went inactive reserves.
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
Interesting, because I was commissioned in May but wasn't scheduled to come on Active duty until November I pretty much had to find work. Since I'd graduated the jobs I had during the summers at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft weren't available and they weren't hiring business majors. In June I finally found a position in Sears Management Training Program, which at the time was the Cadillac of retail training programs and tracked with my experience and major. I was a bit guilty of not being forthcoming about my entering the military in November, but in the days of the draft anyone could be called up at anytime so not a big deal to them and certainly not me.
When I did come on Active Duty as a Reserve Officer, I did so as a Sears employee on military leave, so continued to get my 10% employee discount and other employee perks and had every intention of getting out at end of my commitment and returning to the Sears Management Training Program. As luck would have it I discovered that I really loved flying, even with all the B-52 TDYs to SE Asia, and when I was offered a Regular Commission I took it and pretty much committed to an Air Force career. Never did tell Sears about all this and at around my 10 year point got a letter from Sears asking if I was going to return to my position. Finally had to tell them I was staying in the AF and they terminated me, but hey got 10 years of shopping at Sears and getting an employee discount! Given status of retail today, and Sears in particular, I think I made a wise decision.
When I did come on Active Duty as a Reserve Officer, I did so as a Sears employee on military leave, so continued to get my 10% employee discount and other employee perks and had every intention of getting out at end of my commitment and returning to the Sears Management Training Program. As luck would have it I discovered that I really loved flying, even with all the B-52 TDYs to SE Asia, and when I was offered a Regular Commission I took it and pretty much committed to an Air Force career. Never did tell Sears about all this and at around my 10 year point got a letter from Sears asking if I was going to return to my position. Finally had to tell them I was staying in the AF and they terminated me, but hey got 10 years of shopping at Sears and getting an employee discount! Given status of retail today, and Sears in particular, I think I made a wise decision.
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Plans change.
I wanted to be a Seabee.
During the enlistment (delayed entry) process, I was contacted by a Blue and Gold Officer and recruited for the Naval Academy. I was accepted.
Upon departure for the Naval Academy, I made sure there was no way I could be forced into the Marines. I wanted to be a Navy Attack Pilot.
After Two years, I wanted to be a Marine Cobra Pilot. (In case you forgot, I only chose the Naval Academy after I was assured I could not be forced into the Marines.)
After I got to the Basic school, aviation guarantee in hand, I fell in love with the infantry, and to the total shock of everyone who ever thought about being a pilot; I dropped my guarantee and took my chances. I got infantry.
All I wanted to do was be a Rifle Company commander, never thought past that. I had a security company for three years and that was great, But I still wanted that rifle company. Then I started serving in billets above my grade, and was told that going backward was not an option. Then All I wanted to be was with my kids before they moved out of the house, so I did.
I wanted to be a Seabee.
During the enlistment (delayed entry) process, I was contacted by a Blue and Gold Officer and recruited for the Naval Academy. I was accepted.
Upon departure for the Naval Academy, I made sure there was no way I could be forced into the Marines. I wanted to be a Navy Attack Pilot.
After Two years, I wanted to be a Marine Cobra Pilot. (In case you forgot, I only chose the Naval Academy after I was assured I could not be forced into the Marines.)
After I got to the Basic school, aviation guarantee in hand, I fell in love with the infantry, and to the total shock of everyone who ever thought about being a pilot; I dropped my guarantee and took my chances. I got infantry.
All I wanted to do was be a Rifle Company commander, never thought past that. I had a security company for three years and that was great, But I still wanted that rifle company. Then I started serving in billets above my grade, and was told that going backward was not an option. Then All I wanted to be was with my kids before they moved out of the house, so I did.
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I originally joined the National Guard out of desperation between jobs. Now I have my 20-year letter and I may make Lieutenant Colonel this summer. The retirement option was on my mind but I was only 31 years old then.
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SPC Margaret Higgins
LTC Stephen Conway: CONGRATULATIONS ON MAKING LIEUTENANT COLONEL this summer! Many prayers, Major Conway, for your continued success.
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My desire since I was young was to be a soldier and to make my own way in life SGT Joseph Gunderson. My sisters took advantage of free education at University of Pennsylvania thanks to our father. I decided not to pursue an appointment to Annapolis and enlisted in November 1974.
Since I had been an avid reader about military history I had hoped to go to West Point. In 1976 I received an appointment to USMA, West Point.
I took each day at a time and was thankful when I graduated as an infantry 2LT on May 28, 1980. By that point I had determined to pursue a career as a soldier.
Images: 1980-05-28 Steve Ford with proof of graduation on graduation day for class of 1980 at West Point.; 1975-01-23 Ft Leonard Wood, MO - Graduation Photo for Basic Training for Stephen Ford; 1982-01 1LT Stephen Ford near Regensburg, Germany at BDE level Maneuver Rights Operation
FYI Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown 1stSgt Eugene Harless MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"SCPO Morris Ramsey SGT Michael Thorin SGT (Join to see) SGT Robert George SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski SP5 Robert Ruck SP5 Dave (Shotgun) Shockley SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright CPL Craig Cheltenham
Since I had been an avid reader about military history I had hoped to go to West Point. In 1976 I received an appointment to USMA, West Point.
I took each day at a time and was thankful when I graduated as an infantry 2LT on May 28, 1980. By that point I had determined to pursue a career as a soldier.
Images: 1980-05-28 Steve Ford with proof of graduation on graduation day for class of 1980 at West Point.; 1975-01-23 Ft Leonard Wood, MO - Graduation Photo for Basic Training for Stephen Ford; 1982-01 1LT Stephen Ford near Regensburg, Germany at BDE level Maneuver Rights Operation
FYI Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown 1stSgt Eugene Harless MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"SCPO Morris Ramsey SGT Michael Thorin SGT (Join to see) SGT Robert George SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski SP5 Robert Ruck SP5 Dave (Shotgun) Shockley SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright CPL Craig Cheltenham
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Maj Marty Hogan
Great share LTC Stephen F. sharing your stuff. Very cool
MSG Dan Walther SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SrA Christopher Wright Sgt Randy Wilber SGT Gregory Lawritson Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth LTC (Join to see) MSG Frederick Otero SFC Pete Kain SSG David Andrews LCDR (Join to see) SCPO Morris Ramsey SPC Margaret Higgins SGT Jim Arnold PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SGT Charles H. Hawes CPL Dave Hoover TSgt Joe C. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D.
MSG Dan Walther SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SrA Christopher Wright Sgt Randy Wilber SGT Gregory Lawritson Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth LTC (Join to see) MSG Frederick Otero SFC Pete Kain SSG David Andrews LCDR (Join to see) SCPO Morris Ramsey SPC Margaret Higgins SGT Jim Arnold PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SGT Charles H. Hawes CPL Dave Hoover TSgt Joe C. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D.
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It is kind of ironic. I graduated from high school in 1980. The Russians had invaded Afghanistan the year before. The Americans were held hostage for a long time. I was afraid about the Warsaw Pact and the threat of nuclear war. I did not want to join the military then. I just ran cross-country and tried to figure out what I wanted to do in school. Fast forward 14 years ahead, I was fired from a job unjustly and that involuntary termination haunted me since I could not get another job in the same field. I join the National Guard military police thinking this would help me join civilian law enforcement. This termination totally changed my life. Prior to joining the National Guard, I thought the National Guard and Army Reserve work for those soldiers who were active duty who wanted to stay affiliated. I never thought that you could join the reserve component without going active duty first. I also didn't know that you could be a commissioned officer in the Army Reserve at 32 and 1/2 years old or younger. I was 31 when finished basic training. I joined OCS, luckily, in the California Army National Guard and I completed my OCS program by 33 years 9 months and I received an age waiver. The active Army I believe it's 29. I made it and I'm still alive and kicking! I never expected to get into armor and I did. I never expected to be mobilized to dugway Proving Ground with the California Army National Guard. I never thought I would have the time to complete my Captain's career course but I did since I was on active duty. I never expected to talk to other soldiers in my armor Captain's career course that were deploying to Iraq in the Idaho National Guard. I never expected to be a liaison officer instead of a platoon leader in the Idaho Army National Guard in kirkuk, Iraq. I never expected to have internet access in a war zone and telephone access as well. Sounds funny, but I met my wife while chatting online. She happened to live in Canada. I met her in Las Vegas during the middle of one of my leaves. After I came back from Iraq, I went into the irr took my captains promotion and went to civil affairs. I married my wife in Las Vegas and months later I moved to Canada. I now have two wonderful daughters ages 10 and 7. They are very squared away kids. I have a lovely wife and I never expected to complete my command and general staff officer course while working 50 hours a week at my civilian job. I've been flying back and forth from Canada to the United States for the last 12 years. I never expected to make major but now I'm getting promoted to Lieutenant Colonel by this summer. None of this came to mind when I joined as a s p e c 4 in 1994. I'm not trying to brag but I was trying to tell you that you don't know what your future may bring. My military career has had painful moments as well. I have had both good and not-so-good Leadership and ncos. I am a survivor and I look forward to working another four and a half years before I retire.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson Nope... one day my dad told me...either go to college or join the Air Force...I joined the Air Force and only planned to stay in for four years...and get my GI bill....and go back to school and get my BFA...cause to AA's don't equal a BA or BFA...well come to find out...they took the GI Bill away for a while...which just so happened to be when I signed up. UGH!!! I went to school at night and on Saturday mornings the whole time I was in...when I got out I only needed two semesters which the money I put into the VEAP program gave me back enough to finish school.
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Yes, i had set a goal of achieving either pay grade E-7 or a commission by the end of ten years. Failing that I would get out. As it worked out, I achieved both.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson: Partly, I wanted to travel.
I did save a lot of money in the Army.
I also, many years later, learned how to apply my professional skills and talents.
I did save a lot of money in the Army.
I also, many years later, learned how to apply my professional skills and talents.
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