Do you miss the military?

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.

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!

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.

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.

Yes. Most definitely.

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.

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

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!

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.

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...