Do you miss the military?

SGT Mitch McKinley — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 10:19:46 -0400

I ETS'd exactly 10 years ago today.
It brings me a lot of sadness considering that I would still be in if it were up to me.

How long have you been out, and if you were capable, would you still be in?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2014 10:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 10:26:22 -0400

Great Question I've only been out a little over a year, but if I was capable I probably would of stayed in. Instead I retired on 31 Mar 13.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 2 at 2014 10:50 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 10:50:43 -0400

I transitioned out in 2008. I miss certain things about the military lifestyle. I miss working with my guys and everything but I don't miss the craziness. Would I still be in if I could, probably not. After 8.5 years and repeat deployments, I was missing my kids growing up and it was the best thing to get out.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 2 at 2014 10:51 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 10:51:19 -0400

I retired in 2006 and I can honestly say that I miss the camaraderie and the people. Aside from that I do believe that it was my time and I have no regrets about retiring when I did.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2014 11:11 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 23:11:30 -0400

The only thing I miss is the free travel to foreign ports.

Well.... and the "free" healthcare.

Other than that.... no, not really. I accomplished what I went in for. I really don't think I was cut out for it as a lifer. I'm a better person because of my experience, but it was not a life that I could have been happy with. It was by far the 4 darkest/hardest years of my life. Maybe it was simply my age. Being that typical 19-22 year old little ISH who was simply trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life was hard enough.

Miss the military politics, favoritism and complete BS though? Nope, not at all.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Jul 3 at 2014 1:52 AM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 01:52:29 -0400

I don't miss the nonsense that I had to deal with at times, but I do miss the people I served with.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 3 at 2014 6:34 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 06:34:30 -0400

Every day! I retired in 2009 after being QRBed and do miss it.

Response by SGT Mitch McKinley made Jul 3 at 2014 10:59 AM

SGT Mitch McKinley — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 10:59:52 -0400

Wow...great responses.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 3 at 2014 11:39 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 11:39:41 -0400

Retired 17 years ago. Of course I miss it. All the Travel, working with the crème de la crème in computers, communications, electronic and information warfare. Don't miss carrying a "Get out of Jail Free Card" as a DIA Courier "Screw up 10,000 dollars and 10 years in jail" don't miss being responsible for all those codes. For the most part I had a Great Time for 21 years.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2014 11:48 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 11:48:08 -0400

Out in '96 after 6. Miss the brotherhood and camaraderie of like minded individuals. Cronyism and assorted BS, Nope.

Response by SSG Lucas Lisitza made Jul 3 at 2014 12:33 PM

SSG Lucas Lisitza — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 12:33:45 -0400

I miss the Army every single day of my life.

The daily mental and physical challenges of being an Infantryman cannot be reproduced in the civilian world. Security contracting is the closest thing I have found to the military, but it is more about the money than the sacrifice and brotherhood.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jul 3 at 2014 2:16 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 14:16:27 -0400

I do miss the people. But as a contractor, got the same camaraderie without the drama.

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Jul 3 at 2014 7:10 PM

PO2 John Crutchfield — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 19:10:10 -0400

I got RIF'd at the end of 93. At first I was angry. I tried joining the Navy reserves, but they didn't have my rate available. Still to this day, I miss the camaraderie and the people. I'm somewhat lucky that my two best friends that I had in the Navy are still close to me today.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Jul 5 at 2014 9:55 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 21:55:11 -0400

I been missing the Army since January 2008, and the friends I made military and civilians.

Response by SGT Marko Atts made Jul 7 at 2014 3:20 PM

SGT Marko Atts — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 15:20:29 -0400

I got medically retired in 92. and yes i miss the spirit of the CAV. but i am not sure of today's army under Obama. there are a lot of good people in the service its just the politics that we can do with out.

Response by SSG James Boyd made Jul 10 at 2014 8:50 AM

SSG James Boyd — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 08:50:44 -0400

I am a DAV 31B20, I was discharged on 18 Feb 2007, from Fort Drum, NY. I miss everything about the military but most of all I miss the teamwork, the camaraderie, the unity, the family fun while stationed in different areas of the world. I have tried everything there is to get back into the job I loved the most. I sometimes sit and sulk on what I could've said or done to stay in. But I though about my health, one of my 1SG told me he had back issues and that he takes these humongous horse pills to help him get through the pain. I chose to get the medical surgery done for my back and the ARMY sent me packing. WHY!? (One sad SSG)

Response by SSG James Boyd made Jul 10 at 2014 8:53 AM

SSG James Boyd — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 08:53:33 -0400

I do miss the ARMY so much, that I find myself wondering where I went wrong and what I could've done to change the course of my history. I am extremely unhappy with my civilian life. There are time I wish I was down range, I don't care if I live or died in the process. Just as long as I was still serving. WHY do I feel like this!? (one sad SSG)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 11:23 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 11:23:13 -0400

I do with regards to friends and some of the fun I had as both an observer and forecaster but not the silly people who seemed to spend their waking hours being a nuisance. On the other hand, those same types are on the outside as well.

Response by TSgt John Marshall made Jul 11 at 2014 11:35 AM

TSgt John Marshall — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 11:35:21 -0400

I've been retired for nine years and am so much more busy/involved with what I do now (The DrillMaster) than when I was in- I did 20 in the USAF after 4 years of JROTC and 2 years at New Mexico Military Institute- had Army and AF Basic as well.

When I was nine years old my uncle took me to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb. I knew I wanted to wear a uniform for the rest of my life. At about the 14-year mark, I could not wait to get out. While many have rightly stated here that petty people exist everywhere, I was so disappointed in where the AF was going.

I enlisted in '85 and had about 8 great years and then I saw the politics and it slid downhill steadily after that. It was actually depressing for me to be so eager to get out after loving the military (I still do to a point) for so long.

Response by MSgt Peter Castine made Jul 11 at 2014 12:02 PM

MSgt Peter Castine — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 12:02:30 -0400

I retired in '92 and most of all, I miss the people. I would do it all over again.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Jul 11 at 2014 12:11 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 12:11:23 -0400

I got out a little less than a year ago. Retired at 20, or as they say in the Navy, transferred to the Fleet Reserve. That means I can be recalled but only by order of the Secretary of the Navy.

I miss the camaraderie, I miss the steady pay and the benefits, but not much else. The Navy I joined in 1993 is not the Navy I left in 2013. It has become a place for politicians and their minions to inject themselves into anything and everything and by so doing reduce our fighting ability.

As the great General Patton once said, "He's [Bernard Montgomery] more concerned about not losing a war than he is about winning one." That's where the DoD and the nation it defends finds itself nowadays.

Response by Sgt Matthew O'Donnell made Oct 9 at 2014 7:27 AM

Sgt Matthew O'Donnell — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 07:27:00 -0400

I look back at all crap I had to go through and tell people I know now how it sucked ass.... I wouldn't change a minute of it if I could. I learned so many valuable lessons in the Corps that I take with me everywhere I go.

I take that back, the only thing I would change is I would of listened to my command and comrades and never have gotten married so young.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 9 at 2014 1:22 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 13:22:35 -0400

SGT Mitch McKinley more than I should. All the things they tell you like "starting the next chapter of your life" "be proud of our service" etc. etc. is true but if you are still in mourning 10 years later, I fear for myself. It has been a rough 4 years for me. I have a tattoo of an M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle on my arm. I got to 18.5 years and them BOOM......all finished. RallyPoint is great therapy for me. I try to keep it light and as supportive as I can for those who are still serving and inspire veterans to hold their head high, but inside.......
I tried being an Olympic contender for drinking whiskey and that was not the way to go. I finally went to the residential (INPATIENT) PTSD VA hospital in Menlo Park, CA for 4 months and learned how to grieve properly (among many other things). I'll scream it from the rooftops."I WAS A MESS AND NEEDED HELP!!!!" Stay in touch, brother. You are NEVER alone and maybe we can help each ther figure this out.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 12:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 00:44:43 -0400

Hmm, loaded question. I retired 9 days ago, and yes I do miss it. It's one of the reasons why I love RallyPoint. Being able to stay in contact, albeit digitally, with brothers and sisters scattered around the world, brings comfort to many of us. I have to admit it makes me nervous being a civilian again after 23 years but I know I have the support of others who have gone before me or are still in. If I could, I would definitely still be in but I'll keep the end of that comment to myself. The ones who know me and know the truth will know exactly what I'm referring to.

Response by SFC Benjamin Parsons made Oct 10 at 2014 11:56 AM

SFC Benjamin Parsons — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 11:56:24 -0400

Not had a single day I've awakened and wished I could don the uniform.
There are certain aspects of my military life (your results may vary) I do wish I could recapture from time to time - and a few long lost friends I'd like to reconnect with. I find one every so often.
No close commissary or PX since Ft. Harrison closed. I do miss that.
Been out almost 20 years.
I worked hard, had many good times, and gave the Army my best every day. But when it was time, I was eager and ready.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 1:43 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 13:43:47 -0400

I've been out for more than 18 years now. I definitely miss the camaraderie, however, I don't miss the BS.

It's too late and I'm too old to go back in, but I am currently working as a civilian contractor supporting the Army Watercraft System.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 2:08 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 14:08:12 -0400

I miss being a Combat Corpsman, and military medicine. I don't miss the b.s. of the military, because I'm not a kiss a--! Medicine is my life!

Response by SPC James Lowe made Oct 10 at 2014 4:45 PM

SPC James Lowe — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 16:45:48 -0400

I've been out for 5-1/2 years now, and not a day goes by that I don't think of going back in. I miss the army, I miss the feeling of having purpose in my life. I haven't had a job that's made me feel that way since. There's a lot of BS that goes on, but the people you serve with is what makes it

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Oct 10 at 2014 4:48 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 16:48:43 -0400

I miss being around people that "get it." I miss the family or brother/sisterhood that we create no matter where we go. I was fortunate to be surrounded by amazing people with a great mission everywhere I was sent, where people had goals, drive, leadership, innovation, camderaderie. I can talk to any vet and find some connection. Not so the civilians. I also willingly worked however many hours it took. When I got a civilian job and they quibbled over a 2 minute early punch time in and a 2 minute late time out because I gave my all and some days it took a few minutes longer, I was in disbelief. Punch a clock; doesn't matter how hard your work or how much you get accomplished, just that you were there for exactly the time of your shift.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 8:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 20:34:06 -0400

I miss it. Tho it has its tedious bullshit you're going to find that at pretty much any job. There are many plus sides to it tho. Decent pay and always comes every 2 weeks. Weekends for the most part compared to other jobs where you work 7 days a week. The work environment was decent in some of the units I was in. Chilled but harsh when the time needed to be….etc

I could go on but obv those who have served know where I am coming from.

Overall I miss working with my brothers & sisters by my side and knowing I had a family with the military.

Response by COL Roxanne Arndt made Oct 14 at 2014 11:06 PM

COL Roxanne Arndt — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 23:06:42 -0400

Like most jobs, I miss the people but not the Army....today it's crazy and getting crazier by the minute

Response by CPT Jeremy Smith made Oct 27 at 2014 5:52 AM

CPT Jeremy Smith — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 05:52:02 -0400

Every day.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 28 at 2014 9:10 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 09:10:03 -0400

Absolutely ... every day.

I was fortunate to have gone to work, following retirement, with a company where a great many of my former Army friends also work. In addition, our company is one of the most military/veteran-friendly companies in the USA and a vast majority of the people we hire are veterans.

Response by Cpl Peter Holst made Oct 28 at 2014 4:00 PM

Cpl Peter Holst — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 16:00:03 -0400

I turned 50 on the 9th of October. Every month, or so, I wish I had stayed in. By now, I would have had thirty plus years in. That being said, my Love reminds me, that things may not have turned out as rosey as I had wanted. Two wars. Unending deployments. All of the things that we signed up for. Dedication to Country, and to our way of life, isn't why I signed up, but learned as my time in the Corps progressed. So yes, I miss a dedication that is not found in the world outside of Service.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Oct 28 at 2014 4:01 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 16:01:09 -0400

Yes.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Feb 25 at 2015 4:13 PM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:13:23 -0500

I miss being part of the team that not only was the best in the world but was the best that has ever been. I miss being a part of the team that when ever something bad happened was the first on the scene. I don't miss being away from my family for months on end.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 4:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:48:11 -0500

Cpl Clinton Britt My friend told me that his dad has the best name plaque on his desk, "Retired Airborne Ranger = Old Civilian".

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Feb 25 at 2015 5:14 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:14:07 -0500

I miss the structure. I was badly injured, but I would have loved the chance to be an Army Ranger. I was working hard to get the opportunity, and now I will never have that. To answer your question, I miss it everyday. Thank God for "The Point!!!" At least I can still interact with all of you awesome soldiers. HOOAH!

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 25 at 2015 5:15 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:15:10 -0500

Just on days the end in "y" . . .

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 6:34 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:34:36 -0500

I've written this before here on RallyPoint, Cpl Clinton Britt, but I don't miss the military. And that's because I continued to work for the Army as a DA civilian after retirement. I'm still "soldiering on" as a civilian, and I love it. It's essentially the best of both worlds: I still work for an Army organization, but I don't have to put up with the military BS.

Response by SrA Matt Shuman made Feb 25 at 2015 6:42 PM

SrA Matt Shuman — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:42:16 -0500

Most definitely

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Feb 25 at 2015 6:54 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:54:50 -0500

CPL Clinton Britt......The work ethics in the civilian world is poor.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Feb 25 at 2015 6:58 PM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:58:19 -0500

I miss it, but not sure how to characterize what I miss. I felt I part of something special, an organization that made a difference. I miss the camaraderie of being around my peers and fellow service members

Response by MSgt Stephanie McCalister made Feb 25 at 2015 7:07 PM

MSgt Stephanie McCalister — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 19:07:30 -0500

Miss it? Yes. Any regrets? No. I still try to do my part & show support, through membership in, and participation with, Veterans Organizations, as well as social networking.

Response by SPC Mark Beard made Feb 25 at 2015 7:20 PM

SPC Mark Beard — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 19:20:20 -0500

correct and agreed Brother

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Feb 25 at 2015 9:09 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 21:09:24 -0500

I miss doing my job on the boat... operating the power plant, fixing electrical stuff, being part of that small submarine crew.

Yeah. I miss that.

Don't miss "the Navy" crap. Not one bit...

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Feb 25 at 2015 10:07 PM

MSgt Robert Pellam — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 22:07:27 -0500

I am always like this question because my answer has never been the same. Different places of where you are in this world seem to dictate the answer.

From a Retired Air Force point. Yes, I do miss some things. But I have smiled and accepted that my new life is in full work. I feel we live different lives and have different stages. Im back in school full time learning a new trade. It is scary. but it is an experience I would never give up. I do look at some of my Professors with a little Envy. All my professors are around my age and I am friends with them all. They have steady jobs and know what they are doing. What is funny as I admit that I envy them, they admit they Envy me having the chance to take on another career.

As for dealing with other people, in Jobs and in work places. At the Campus all the young adults I come in contact with , I always try and mentor without being pushy. In return they teach me some of the new ways to do things that I would never have learned. I have also mentored some of the professors who really are intelligent people, but their mentoring skills are not the greatest. Again, give and take.

I do miss the Air Force, and have told many of my stories to some of these young adults. But I live in the Present, looking forward to learning more things. And maybe getting some of these young adults who feel a little to privileged to get some introspection and become better citizens in the process. Who knows.

Response by SSG Sean Garcia made Feb 26 at 2015 1:53 AM

SSG Sean Garcia — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 01:53:41 -0500

I miss the gun line, the boom, the goose bumps when artillery rounds went off. I miss it because being a civilian sucks big hairy ba*%s
I miss it more just thinking about missing it.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Feb 26 at 2015 6:53 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 06:53:07 -0500

I miss the great people I had the pleasure to work with. I miss the port visits. I don't miss the stress, leaving the family or the bull crap.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 11:00 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 11:00:10 -0500

Not at all. I live around army, air force and Navy with Coasties not that far away. The Marines are scattered in there at different places as is the army special warfare community.
I am not in a physical condition to serve so that is fine with me now. I meet with some of the old gang once and a while. I belong to this site, other sites. Nope, can't miss what has only evolved into a different and more mature relationship.
Now I can have my military service as part of my life for all of time. A very real part of my family tradition for all time. Ever since my family came to this country, there has been someone serving in the military. That is 4 generations. Not as much as many and yet much more than others.
I forgot, I retired 9/30/96 and then was 100% on 10/1/96 by VA ratings. I had some very good people processing my information. Active 23 years and 6 reserve. Fun time for all.

Response by SSG Robert Rusinko made Feb 27 at 2015 11:06 AM

SSG Robert Rusinko — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 11:06:16 -0500

I was medically retired in 2012. Yeah I miss it especially because things seem to be ramping up again. I miss leading soldiers, getting dirty and being in the fight.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 12:47 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 12:47:46 -0500

Almost every day. Heck, that's why I'm trying to get back in via the Air Guard. Has been a looooooooooooooooooong 15 year struggle that may, hopefully, be coming to a successful end soon!

Response by SPC Oscar Ruiz made Feb 27 at 2015 4:55 PM

SPC Oscar Ruiz — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 16:55:40 -0500

yes i miss been in military....from aug 6 of 1979 to april 1987. coldwar veteran. I would serve my country again if I could.7

Response by MSgt Jim Pollock made Feb 27 at 2015 7:24 PM

MSgt Jim Pollock — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 19:24:39 -0500

More than I thought I would. I was ready to retire when I did, but civilians still puzzle me after almost 5 years. Rally Point is a salve that feels like running back to the womb, lol! I truly miss military people and culture, but not the politics that made me ready to leave.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 28 at 2015 8:19 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 08:19:28 -0500

Sometimes I do miss the military, and sometimes I don't. Depends on the memory going through my mind at the moment!

Response by MSgt Allan Vrboncic made Feb 28 at 2015 8:55 AM

MSgt Allan Vrboncic — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 08:55:39 -0500

Yes. Most definitely.

Response by SPC Michael Ferguson made Feb 28 at 2015 2:55 PM

SPC Michael Ferguson — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 14:55:24 -0500

I miss the true friends that I made while in. Don't miss the B.S.. Wish I could have stayed in,been out since 9/92. Seams like forever and a day. Life on the outside is so fake along with the people. If they trained employees the same manner as the armed services . You wouldn't need a degree to say you can do some of the Bull Shit positions in the work place.

Response by Sgt Pj O'Malley made Mar 2 at 2015 12:15 PM

Sgt Pj O'Malley — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 12:15:26 -0500

This is my 11th year in the civilian force. I came back from Fallujah, Iraq at the end of 2004, and was then diagnosed with cancer about 2 months later. 8 months of chemo and a handshake thanking me for my service. I was surely a lifer...but God had other plans I guess. Still waiting to see what that plan is. I miss it every day of my life.

Response by PO2 Kristopher P. made Mar 2 at 2015 2:02 PM

PO2 Kristopher P. — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 14:02:36 -0500

I feel like I'm still in! I've worked as a contractor ever since I got out since 2002. I still get to deploy, I still get to talk to soldiers, airmen, Marines, and sailors daily. Difference is: I get to grow epic facial hair!

Response by SCPO Jon Altmann made Mar 4 at 2015 12:26 PM

SCPO Jon Altmann — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 12:26:19 -0500

Some days I do, but I have become very "political" in working for veterans, military members and military families as a national officer of the Assn of the U.S. Navy and with some other veterans groups I hold positions with. If I had the chance to return to government service for a directed mission that would help junior enlisted members or help a directed defense effort with a clear end game, call me back! In the meantime, since retirement, I have taken what I know and the many I do know and applying that and my talent to help others still serving and those who have served. I retired when I did by my choice to have more time at home with a young child - and 22 years was enough. I would ask that any of those out there who have served, seriously consider getting active in an organization that represents your interest. In Arizona, where I live, there are 532,000 veterans, or which 55,000+ are military retirees. To an elected official, that's a lot of voters. Multiply that voice & strength by joining a group - and if there is in your heart some time, in addition to membership fee, volunteer to help those who, like us, have served or are still serving. No one knows better about "community" and "kinship" than military members and their families.

Response by CPO Michael Callegri made Mar 9 at 2015 7:52 PM

CPO Michael Callegri — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 19:52:41 -0400

I miss it terribly. It has now been 14 years, but I think about it daily. I miss the closeness, being at sea, visiting foreign ports. It's just is not the same as a civilian. Once you go home for the day or weekend, that's it, there is not connectivity. I don't see or hear from any of my old shipmates, but I still consider them friends for life.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Mar 15 at 2015 8:38 PM

SGT Mark Sullivan — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 20:38:55 -0400

It's the only job, I have ever truly enjoyed. I may not have liked certain commands, but, I knew those would change every few years. I miss my time in service every day.

Response by SGT Corey Franks made Apr 8 at 2015 9:08 AM

SGT Corey Franks — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 09:08:18 -0400

Every.dam.day

Response by CPT Bob Moore made Apr 8 at 2015 3:40 PM

CPT Bob Moore — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 15:40:57 -0400

I did it again.

I enlisted into the Army in 1994, served on active duty until 1998, then transitioned to the National Guard, then the IRR. I got out, all the way out, no IRR or service obligation in 2003.

In 2005, I reenlisted into the Army Reserve. I spent time in Iraq, then turned into an Officer and spent a little more time in the reserves.

At this point, I am back in the IRR. But... I miss it. There is something special about being in the military. I would do it over again. Some of my times in the military were some of the worst days in my life. But those days were surrounded by some of the best people, best jobs, and best days of my life. Some of my choices might be different, but I would go through the bad to get the good.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 9 at 2015 10:11 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 22:11:30 -0400

I liked my career. I flew in black helicopters, became a tank officer, finance officer, worked on national disaster preparedness and recovery, and work as a Corps budget officer.

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made Apr 9 at 2015 10:18 PM

SSG Donald Mceuen — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 22:18:37 -0400

hell yes some of the best times and memories we jumped into a canyon and at 1500 every day
all hell would break lose tornados and rain we spent 90% of are time setting back up bitched about it every min, but thinking back we had a ball

Response by PO3 Michael James made Apr 9 at 2015 11:10 PM

PO3 Michael James — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 23:10:57 -0400

Interesting.. I did what was asked of me.. Things I wish I could do over again ? or do again, and do it better ?.. NO.. If I had done things differently I might have become one of the 500,000 Marines in country, Vietnam.. I might have a chest full of awards ! who knows.. I could also be a name on the Vietnam Memorial Wall, I probably would have NOT met my wife, meaning that I would not have two children, and three grandchildren.. At 19 years, I was Honored to have served in our military, I did the best that I could for a 19 year old, and in return, I was awarded an Honorable discharge, and for this I too have some Pride.. even for a sea going bellhop..... I received .. quickly, and accurately relayed secure information in support of our Army and our Marines.. During the MediVac of the 5th MarDiv, I might have even saved a Marines life.. That being said, I would NOT change a thing.. Thanks to All.. Mike

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made Apr 10 at 2015 1:00 AM

LTC Gavin Heater — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 01:00:50 -0400

I served for 29 years, including 2 ROTC cadet years, 9 years on active duty and 18 years on reserve duty (with 3 in the IRR). I miss time spent mentoring and developing younger troops and younger officers, time working with seasoned NCOs and most two week and above exercises. I volunteer with the National Guard now for Civil Emergencies and help to develop improved Service Member/Employer relations with ESGR. Once a Soldier, always a Soldier.

Response by LTC Charles Sherman made Apr 22 at 2015 6:35 PM

LTC Charles Sherman — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 18:35:59 -0400

I did 33 years total, and spent much of the time between 9/11 and 2014 on Active status of one kind or another. I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything, and I loved being in the Army. There may have been things I would like to have done differently, but overall I'm satisfied that I did the best I could under every circumstance and hopefully had some lasting impact on a few people along the way.

But the last 5 years of so have changed the Army in ways I'm not sure I like. I don't think I would want to be in the Army now. It's not because "that's not the way we did it in MY Army", it's that the changes I see really make being a soldier much less rewarding. Many of the activities the Army deems "critical" now have very little to do with making us more combat effective, or a better team, or anything more than satisfying politically-correct mandates and demands to "DO something" about various perceived ills while doing little to actually solve them. Being very good at one's job is less important, and means less to your advancement, than the right positions and associations along the way.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 5 at 2015 11:40 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Tue, 05 May 2015 11:40:24 -0400

More as I am getting older.
We were soldiers once, and young.

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 5 at 2015 11:43 AM

SFC Joseph James — Tue, 05 May 2015 11:43:34 -0400

Yeah I miss it, but like prison I did my time lol. I like being a "Veteran" because I have a bigger choice to speak on behalf of our brethren.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 5 at 2015 11:52 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 05 May 2015 11:52:42 -0400

Maybe not every day...I cannot remember that I didn't miss being in uniform but there might be a day I didn't miss serving.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 5 at 2015 12:36 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 05 May 2015 12:36:38 -0400

Its not every day, it's not every week.. but something will trigger a memory.
Today on my FB feed there was a VA Vet of the day or something, a Marine Pilot that went down in a part of Iraq I was in and knew intimately.

I just spent the last 4 hours looking at pics and files, reports and lists, documents and memorial flyers, receipts for flowers sent to family..

I miss the days like when my commander and I took on rebuilding a school house the Taliban had destroyed... They killed the teacher and tore the school house down the next week.... we killed um back and built the school again.

I dont miss most of it..... Do it all again..? Id still be doing it were it not for my Family I chose over AWG.

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 5 at 2015 12:52 PM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 05 May 2015 12:52:42 -0400

Yep. I miss it. RP helps fill some of that void, but I still miss it.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made May 5 at 2015 1:21 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 05 May 2015 13:21:05 -0400

Every day of my life. One doesn't spend over 20yrs doing something to just let it go.

Response by SGT Wain Lyden made May 5 at 2015 4:47 PM

SGT Wain Lyden — Tue, 05 May 2015 16:47:27 -0400

I retired. I only been out 2.5 year and I still miss it. Yes I would go back now if I could.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 6:20 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 18:20:43 -0400

Honestly, no. I don't miss it. I miss the people I met. I miss the opportunity to learn new skills. I miss the opportunity to visit new places.

But everything else ruined it. I don't feel like I sacrificed. I don't even feel like I served. I'm markedly less impressed with my government and more wary of its actions at home and abroad. It was a 2.5 year field trip to Korea, most expenses paid. I would consider it a waste of my life had I done something better with my life since I've gotten out, but truth be told, I haven't.

I won't even bring up the ARNG.

Rewind the clock, I would do it again. But I wouldn't re-enlist now unless maybe we as a nation were attacked by someone other than our own police force. Only maybe.

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made May 6 at 2015 12:32 AM

SGT Anthony Rossi — Wed, 06 May 2015 00:32:46 -0400

I left the Army (which I absolutely loved) after my second enlistment to follow a call into Christian ministry that I received while on active duty. Do I miss the Army? ABSOLUTELY!!!! Yet, I don't regret the discission. If you are a soldier in your heart you will always love your military days. Yet, there are greater battles and victories ahead of you! God has a greater Army for you to join:
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. -2 Timothy 2:3

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made May 6 at 2015 9:29 PM

LTC Gavin Heater — Wed, 06 May 2015 21:29:12 -0400

I miss the people, but not the paperwork or the bureaucracy. I served 27 years on Active Duty, Reserve Duty and in the IRR. June is my 2nd year in the Retired Reserves, with 9 more years to go until I am fully retired. If I could go back in, I would, but I am now past my mandatory removal date. There are retiree deployments, but they are rare and likely not worth the hassle. I keep in touch with some of my still serving peers, but less and less. It was a fun ride. I am glad I took it.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 7 at 2015 12:35 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 07 May 2015 00:35:27 -0400

SGT Mitch McKinley, I was assigned to the Retired Reserve on 11MAY98 and officially retired on 18MAR09. Do I miss it? Absolutely. That's why the interaction on RP has been so engaging.
I've been out longer than most people have been in, so I don't delude myself about serving again. However, if I could serve, I would.

Response by PO2 Johnathan Kerns made May 7 at 2015 9:24 AM

PO2 Johnathan Kerns — Thu, 07 May 2015 09:24:32 -0400

My EAOS was 23FEB08. Do I miss the military? No, I have never once regretted my decision to get out. Do I miss some of the people? Yes.

Response by SGT Theron Cowan made May 13 at 2015 12:13 PM

SGT Theron Cowan — Wed, 13 May 2015 12:13:17 -0400

I retired in June of 2013 and I definently do miss the people I served with at Fort Benning. I also miss Fort Benning because that post has a lot of military history along with the National Infantry Museum. I know I'm not able to go back in because of 5 deployments and medical issues but make no mistake about it I would still be in doing what I loved to do and that was serving in the United States Army as an NCO The BackBone of The Army.

Response by SPC James Martin made Aug 31 at 2016 11:55 PM

SPC James Martin — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 23:55:06 -0400

I miss the Army. I miss the early days especially. Even BCT. Life has never been as organized as it was in BCT. I went through as a 22-year-old, and I really took in the experience. Eco 1/61 Sept. - Nov. 2005. I miss the people I trained with back then. After that, when I got to the NG, it was a mess. A disorderly disorganized mess. I don't miss much of that. If I could go back and do it all over, I would have gone active duty. I regret that to this day.

Response by SFC Benjamin Parsons made Sep 1 at 2016 1:25 PM

SFC Benjamin Parsons — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 13:25:37 -0400

I retired after 18 1/2 years (early out) in 1995. The last couple of years, while the Army was struggling to redefine its mission at the end of the Cold War, I found miserable. Up to that point I had great success and fun (and a real world, relevant function), but I noticed my own performance suffering.
On top of that I was 45 years old and it seemed every day I had to work harder to maintain an acceptable level of physical condition.
Once 'early out' RIF hit my grade and MOS (E-7, Armor), I jumped. Cost me 5% of retired pay. Everything else was stat.
Not a single day since have I awoken to wish I could don a PT uniform or fatigues.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Sep 8 at 2016 2:47 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 14:47:24 -0400

The camaraderie, yes. The bullshit and politics, no. Eight years of progressive politics have eroded my faith in the electoral system, accountability and leadership as a whole. By time '13 rolled around, I'd had enough. That said, there are times I think I should've stuck it out one more hitch. But there was no way I was going back to the east coast, let alone anywhere near the Beltway. Those were my only options, which made punching at 20 a pretty attractive choice.

Response by SGT Tyler Webber made Feb 19 at 2019 9:20 PM

SGT Tyler Webber — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 21:20:38 -0500

Almost 9 years for me. Would definitley still be in.

Response by PO1 Myles Leon made Mar 4 at 2022 11:44 AM

PO1 Myles Leon — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 11:44:34 -0500

Highly granular question I medically retired in 2010 after 8.0 years & 3 deployments (OIF & 2x OEF). I had a great career and had just started having the success I wanted in the military & started to enjoy it especially after my second deployment. Now on that I hated being a junior HM and my first two years where rough training commands then 6 months to Iraq. I actually hated being in the military my first year. I returned to command after going to Iraq I did get a lot more respect and received a NAM & CAR and did pick up 3rd class in that time. A year later I went on a second deployment to OEF and returned back to command after 15 months (3 month work up 12 month deployment) and was an E-5 & this is when I really did start enjoying the military. My senior leadership was great and I received a lax job working for a Chiropractor. It got a lot better my command was pretty lax and I started attending college in my off time. I made a good group of friends & guys in the barracks. We got an apartment out in town and really just had a good time. At this time I realized I started having problems from my two previous deployments but figured I would deal with it after I got out.

I extended my contract after 5 years so I could deploy a 3rd time and save some more money for college. I had always planned on getting out so I figured I would return from this deployment pocket my BAH and have 6 months to plan my exit. I deployed a 3rd time and unfortunately was injured early on in the deployment as in the 3rd week in country & was MEDEVACd out. Now after I was put through a MEB and it was determined I would medically retire. Now my chain of command was great during this time pretty much let me do what I wanted to do and allowed me to attend school during the day and where incredibly supportive. It took 18 months from start to finish but I did a lot of nothing except go to school during that time.

Now when I first got out I was so happy to be done with the military no more BS, no more watch, no more deployments, being able to have a stable relationship. I was 25 was collecting retirement, almost done with undergrad, had money saved, and had no bills. I stayed in the area to finish undergrad after I retired & my roommates where all in the military so I was still "in the loop". I graduated and then moved back to where I am from and went to law school to do a JD/MBA. Even during this time

I recently attended a retirement ceremony of a guy I served on my second deployment with. It did make me slightly miss being in the military and the comradery which I do not have in the civilian world. I have since had success in the civilian world and have achieved most my personal goals at 38. I am incredibly proud of my service and it is something that has shaped me for better & worse. I do miss the guys I served with grabbing drinks on Friday, going to the bars, leadership (i always had great leaders), having time dedicated to working out but it was time to move on.