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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Yes...four years, get out, and use my GI Bill.....20 years later I retired! (I did use my GI Bill, though!)
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SGT Gunderson,
I did make any long term plans what so ever. All I wanted to do was to join because I was at a point in my life where I was tired of college trying to pursuit a mechanical engineering degree...I had good grades, but my mind was completely dried, ha ha ha. Been involved in drugs didn't help the problem either so, the Army was the best and the quickest choice at that time. I didn't care about the GI Bill, none of that. I just wanted to get the hell out of Puerto Rico.
But our lives take weird turns, we ended up liking situations that we are/were in. I didn't know I was going to like the Army that much, and like what I was doing which is the reason why I held one job or MOS my entire career. Then I met my second spouse, and by then I had almost six years in. Well, six years turn into 10, then 15...why not 20, right? Mind as well!
Even though it sounds like I was going with the flow of things which I kinda was, I chose to stay in the Washington D.C. and Maryland area because of jobs opportunities and network, and having a clearance. I guess things worked out in their own way.
I did make any long term plans what so ever. All I wanted to do was to join because I was at a point in my life where I was tired of college trying to pursuit a mechanical engineering degree...I had good grades, but my mind was completely dried, ha ha ha. Been involved in drugs didn't help the problem either so, the Army was the best and the quickest choice at that time. I didn't care about the GI Bill, none of that. I just wanted to get the hell out of Puerto Rico.
But our lives take weird turns, we ended up liking situations that we are/were in. I didn't know I was going to like the Army that much, and like what I was doing which is the reason why I held one job or MOS my entire career. Then I met my second spouse, and by then I had almost six years in. Well, six years turn into 10, then 15...why not 20, right? Mind as well!
Even though it sounds like I was going with the flow of things which I kinda was, I chose to stay in the Washington D.C. and Maryland area because of jobs opportunities and network, and having a clearance. I guess things worked out in their own way.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson Long term plans, at age 20? I was OK, working, dating, getting by, going to the beach.
My dad said, why don’t you join up? I did, loved the Army life, was never charged for, (some offenses), realized that family life was easier as a part-time reservist and went USAR.
My dad said, why don’t you join up? I did, loved the Army life, was never charged for, (some offenses), realized that family life was easier as a part-time reservist and went USAR.
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I wanted to be a Seabee, like my dad. My long term plan was to make Builder 3rd Class. At 26 I made Builder Chief. It was time to decide what I really wanted to do for a career. So I switched to Army Engineers with plans to get 20 years. After 35 years in boots, I was kicking, screaming and dragging my feet as I was being figuratively drug out the door. I liked my job and the soldiers I served with. Retirement has been good to, especially on the first of each month.
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In my mind, let's go with this as long as I can. At one point I almost left as a Jr. CPT. 3 years in Pisa, Italy changed my mind to stay a bit longer. Survived a 27-month medical board. Never thought I'd be a diplomat (FAO job) as a LOG guy. Later retired under TERA. It was an awesome roller coaster ride. Glad to have served.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
I was hoping to make it to 20+ retirement until my medboard was started up. It was nice while it lasted but I'm moving on to bigger and better things now.
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MAJ Raúl Rovira
SGT Joseph Gunderson - There is a 6-pack story right there. I need to hear yours. Med board messed up plans for a lot of great soldiers. Many who could have served a bit longer with distinction.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
MAJ Raúl Rovira - I actually had just finished up a packet to put in for WOC and be a pilot. I had taken my AFAST during my second deployment and scored a 110. I was diagnosed bipolar and it was pretty much decided on the spot that I was going to be forced to medically retired.
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To lose over 50% of my salary and benefits in order to risk my life during two raging wars... only to be told later that direct ascensions were “never intended to stay or be competitive on the officer boards”. naturally ,,,, lol
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