How did you feel when you signed your DD-214?

SPC Ryan Su — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 11:39:43 -0500

I felt part of my life has been missing since yesterday when I signed my DD214 it's normal or just me?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2014 4:40 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 16:40:38 -0500

SPC Ryan Su, even though I do feel I'm a "Soldier for life," when I signed my DD 214, I said to myself, "It is finished." I served 30.5 years, so my experience was likely different from others who may have served less time. In fact, everyone's experience will be unique. For me, it was a relief. I felt like I had "made it," achieved a goal, and I was ready to turn the page and start the next chapter of my life.

Response by SGT Steven Montgomery made Dec 4 at 2014 5:34 PM

SGT Steven Montgomery — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 17:34:34 -0500

I'm sure it's a much different Army than when I was in from 1975-1981 but I was single most of that time and living in barracks and that wasn't all that great so when I signed my DD 214, I was pleased to be moving on with my life. 10 months later I got a job as a civil servant with DLA and have been there since. I work with a great group of people (and have for many years) so it's been a good thing for me.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 4 at 2014 5:40 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 17:40:34 -0500

That is how i felt when i signed my DD214. But once you get things going on the civilian side it gets better. Get involved with Veterans groups you find out about them at the Vet center or the VA.

Response by SPC Stephanie Oanes made Dec 5 at 2014 11:27 AM

SPC Stephanie Oanes — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 11:27:24 -0500

Pretty much sums up my experience LOL

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Dec 5 at 2014 11:59 AM

CPL Rick Stasny — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 11:59:05 -0500

It is most definitely the biggest culture shock I ever experienced. I would suggest to get back on the priverbial bicycle. Focus on employment and or education. Plus take time to reconnect with friends and family, never hurts to have a strong support system.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 10 at 2015 6:23 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 18:23:38 -0400

https://www.facebook.com/DYEGB/videos/ [login to see] 95269/?fref=nf

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 10 at 2015 6:49 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 18:49:41 -0400

SPC Ryan Su as SWEET as a Cherry. Glad that 25 years and 3 days was signed sealed and delivered. Also felt like Chuck Norris-UNSTOPABLE, (no turning back).

Response by A1C Lisa Casserly made May 31 at 2016 3:29 PM

A1C Lisa Casserly — Tue, 31 May 2016 15:29:06 -0400

It depends on how you felt about being enlisted. For me, it wasn't a great fit. I did my job, even loved my job and the people I worked with, and as a Personnel Clerk, I loved helping people. But I knew early on that it wasn't a good fit for my personality and that I would be getting out after my tour was up. I hated the politics that were involved, and you can only get so much rank before you can't opt out of playing those games. I hated telling someone with a real problem that it was just too bad, that "military needs come first". So when I signed that 214, I was happy, and felt like sighing in relief. However, this is not true for everyone. I know many, many people who were conflicted, and who had loved the life and lifestyle, and desperately missed and mourned for their service time. I really think that's a good thing, because you want to know that the people who stay in, do so because they love it. Also, there is the idea that there is a certain "safety" in being enlisted... you know from one day to the next (lol, relatively anyway) what is going to happen, where you are going to be, what behaviors are acceptable and rewarded, and what is not acceptable, that there are standards of dress and all of that... that there is a paycheck and a roof over your head, and a meal on your DFAC tray. Its normal to feel uneasy and upset when you enter a new chapter of your life. Example, when you graduated high school or college, when you get married or have a child... you are suddenly stepping off the edge of the map, into the unknown, with no idea what is on the other side. It will get better, and possibly you could re-enlist if you wanted. (My middle son got out at his ETS about a year and a half ago, and they are STILL calling him, asking him to reenlist.)