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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SGT Joseph Gunderson My long term plan was to retire from the Marine Corps after 20 years and utilize the GI Bill. Plans change. I was interested in the Space Program and also felt the Marine Corps was not doing enough to fix the drug problems which they later fixed. I discharged after four years, obtained my degree, and worked at my dream job.
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I joined to become a military Pilot and to get the GI Bill. I used my military benefits and experience to obtain a college education, additional skills, and civil (FAA) ratings. I met my objectives, flying the “dream” in both military and civilian aviation. I’m not sure I would do everything “exactly” all over again, because there are some things I would change and some things I would not want to have to live through again. Once in a lifetime was enough.
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LTC Stephen Conway
You lived your dream and you became a cw5! In my training command, I have 2 commercial pilots who are also Army aviators.
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CW5 John M.
LTC Stephen Conway - It's probably harder to maintain a "dual status" with today's OPTEMPO. I once logged time every day for four months straight - no days off during a particularly tough time..... I wish them well.
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LTC Stephen Conway
They are in my training command as USAR OC-Ts ( Observer controller trainer types) so I know they are not flying for the US Army but they are flying for their commercial airlines. As you know, warrants get the fly no matter what warrant officer rating they are compared to regular officers who are more geared toward command and desk jobs.
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My original plan was to do 3 years, get out and join a law enforcement agency. That plan was executed perfectly. What I didn’t anticipate was how much I missed the military. After a substantial break in service, I went back in. Now the plan is to stay in and retire at 60.
It’s funny how things change.
It’s funny how things change.
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I joined because my older brother went in. He didn't make 20, I did because of a couple buddies. I didn't even stay in my career filed. They told use the class was closed and it would be months. So we went to another field.
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MSgt John McGowan
This was back in the day when we had PATS. They sold passes for a few bucks other wise you stayed on base. They would sale AF rings and all kind of crap.
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I hoped to get some college. 6 1/2 years later I had a degree and a commission.
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Is making it to 25 a long term plan. Several of my friends from high school went on to be wards of the state in varies ways. I joined the AF and just wanted away. Came out of the military and loved working on jets, hated the asshats with a GED leading the charge. I began my federal service career as an Air Reserve Technicians and moved later to the Guard full time. If you would have told me 34 years ago I would still be here. I would have laughed at you. Plan was more out of necessity to break away from where I was headed. Best. Move. Ever.
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) PO1 Tony Holland 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) PO1 Tony Holland 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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My plan was to make a career of it and I was fortunate enough to have that happen. There were many shifts I. Direction throughout the years but I never lost sight on 20. When I hit 20, it was all fun from there and I stayed until it was time to leave. As our oath stipulates we follow the orders of those appointed over us, and when I could no longer do that I retired. Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way! Thank you for your service.
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SMSgt Thor Merich
At least your were smart enough to know when it was time to leave. Some folks miss the writing on the wall and end up hating life. I remember the words an old Captain told me, "I will stay around until it's not fun anymore." Good advice.
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