Did you have a long-term plan when you joined the military?

2 years and I'm done. When I looked up, I had 24 years in and decided it was time to pass the torch! LOL Will never regret that decision, PAIN AND ALL! LOL

To be honest, all I wanted was to be a Marine and now that I achieved that I’m still figuring out what’s next aka the long term plan.

I was in last batch drafted for Vietnam in 972. So when o recd my notice I said what the hell, it’s only 2 years. 38 years later I retired a SGM with what many say is an usual but colorful legacy.

Not really. I had a few goals I set to accomplish while I was active. I honestly figured I would get blown up before I turned 21 so wasn't really thinking long term. That didn't happen and all my goals weren't accomplished yet so I re-enlisted for 4 more. Joined the civilian ranks at 26 years of age and had no clue what to do with my life. Ended up chasing money and working all over the country. Kind of let life take me where it wanted to for a few years. I didn't start making any new plans or goals until I turned 30. I am finally in college but even that doesn't seem right. I will finish my degree and see what happens.

Unfortunately when I entered in 1985. I tried for 13f in ft.Sill, Ok. I couldn't read a map.so I tried 75d at Ft. Jackson. I found out that I couldn't type.so I got a training discharge, I was eligible to return in 88. Where I was stationed in Germany with the third armored division on the Rock then transferred to Frankfurt with the 122nd till after I retu need to Frankfurt. Then stationed with 101 airborne on Ft. Campbell,Ky. ETSed Jan. 15th 1992. Exciting... Yes?

Mine was to get as far away from my family as possible. Still works, 33 years later.

I joined the Army for something to do and to get out of Texas. While I was in Basic at Ft. Benning, I knew the Army and the Infantry were a good fit. I got married in Germany and reenlisted. I just kept reenlisting until it was 26 years later. I enjoyed it, and wouldn't have changed it, but it was time to go.

A funny thing happened on the way to my commissioning. I had planned to be a career officer ... but!
But in my senior year, I got introduced to computing. This was in the mid-1960s and the only place interesting computing was going on was in academia. So I served 50 months (24 overseas) and got out to pursue a PhD in computational math.

Not the first time. Drafted.

I did it for the GI Bill in 2005. I am nowhere near what my plans had me at by this time. I have finished college, and have a job that has nothing to do with college...