DD214
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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.
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A1C Lisa Casserly
I know what you are saying... First, when you enlist, you swear in... and when you get out, no matter how much or how little time has gone by, you don't "unswear". So yes, soldier for life! I was single term, and I knew it wasn't a good fit for me, personality wise. I loved helping my people (as a personnel clerk), but hated playing political games with those with real issues, telling them that too bad, no one cared, and military needs came first. Because of course, I DID CARE. I thought it stank to high heaven to have to turn that person away when they needed help. As a retiree, yes. You definitely achieved a goal, and that's a wonderful thing. Its great that you are looking forward to life on the "outside" in the civilian sector after service. Congratulations, sir!
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MCPO Roger Collins
Depends on which one. The last one was a bit depressing, since it meant the end of a long career and the unknown of the future.
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A1C Lisa Casserly
MCPO Roger Collins - And that's natural, every time you enter a new chapter of your life. I remember feeling like that at high school graduation, the day I signed into the USAF, the day I signed out (though there was more relief and happiness there!), the day I got married, the day we had our first child, when the last kid graduated high school, when the call from Afghanistan, telling me that our younger daughter had been blown up by an IED and she was seriously injured, etc. You are stepping off the edge of the map, as it were, into the unknown, where "there be monsters".
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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.
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A1C Lisa Casserly
Great advice, especially the part about setting up a support network. There are going to be days where you wonder what the heck you have done. And, days when you are down in the dumps, and it really helps to have someone to talk to, bounce ideas off of, etc. I know that sounds "girly", but its true.
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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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).
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