How do I make the most of the time I have left?

I spent 16.5 years of my life serving my country and not once did I go to combat but you Know what I trained Every day thinking maybe this but it never come. so if you think it's complete waste of time than think about getting out of The army I never cared so much for being In the US ARMY but I got screwed and never retired that really bother me today 34 yrs later. SSG MARK FRANZEN COLD WAR VET

PFC Yahya Vieux you may find yourself with a change of mission in Iraq. A number of people indicated they deployed on an operational deployment in Kuwait then ended up in Iraq supporting combat operations

I would just like to thank you all for the wise words of wisdom. It's given me a lot perspective on my current situation. I guess I just need to soldier on a develop the situation as it unfolds while being the best soldier I can.

You aren't the first to realize that the idea of the military doesn't quite live up to reality. My biggest suggestion is gear yourself for the transition to civilian life (assuming that's what you want to do). Save as much money as you can because it goes quick once you get out if you don't have a job lined up. I had $13k when I ETSed and that was just enough to get started and didn't last long. Also, have a couple of back up plans. Things don't always pan out the way you envision them. I have no doubt that some of your leaders will attempt to scare you into reenlistment (seen and heard it countless times). Don't let them influence your decision. Millions of Americans get along just fine not being in the service. That is not to say it is all rainbows and unicorns. Civilian life can be hard and unforgiving at times. As long as you have a good head on your shoulders, you can work through the challenges that come.

Several good suggestions here already.
Don’t let your attitude damage what you have built. You are probably on the list for E-4 already and if you pay careful attention to your mundane duties you could be an E-5 before your four years are up. Learn your MOS inside and out so you can teach it. You will be promoted for your trouble. Be a blessing (a pleasure, valuable, etc.) to your command structure and they will reward you for it. Being good, faithful and pleasant in a mundane job is a skill that few have. Those that do have it are usually well rewarded with greater opportunities.

Here’s an idea.....Flight Paramedic Course.

I can "feel your pain." I was a Cold Warrior, meaning I spent 22 years in the Air Force and was never shot at by anybody. No combat flying hours. No overseas tours to places that suck swamp water. I missed the last war of my generation, Vietnam, and was too senior to get sand in my boots on the next one, DESERT STORM. I don't think my time in the military was wasted, but I can't say that some of my service wasn't boring or uninspiring. As a pilot training instructor, I flew the same traffic pattern to the same runway what must have been a thousand times in 3 years. Even with a student pilot in the other seat trying to kill me, it was sometimes difficult to maintain focus and motivation.


The saving grace of my service was making the best of every job I had. I went for the maximum number of qualifications and schools I could on every assignment. As a C-130 pilot I was qualified in air-land, airdrop, low-altitude parachute extraction, high-altitude low-opening drop, functional test flight, and later in my career, instructor pilot. I took on additional duties that required I attend training expanding my experience base including aircrew life support and flight safety officer. All the while I maintained combat readiness.

As a PFC, some variation of my approach may be possible. I see you're in the medical career field. Have you qualified as a combat medic? Certainly a challenge worth going after. You appear to have a bachelors degree and are working on a masters. Continue on that track aggressively. Look into your Service's programs for enlisted personnel to transition to officers, "green-to-gold" for example. Your profile doesn't show your academic information, so I can't advise you on what direction to take in this area. Also, are you working to be the very best at your MOS? Have you disciplined yourself to study the doctrine, regulations, directives, and technical information related to your MOS? You need to do this intensive study to ensure your own readiness. Finally, look for opportunities for community service. If you're bored with your job, then develop your interests through volunteerism. If you have real free time in your week, consider joining a community service group on Post or in town. Ask around, other people you work with may be part of Scouting, Optimists, the Grange, Masons, etc., but keep the mission first in your mind and actions.

Deployment to Kuwait is important overseas service, have heard it is very hot there in summer. Yes go for all the spec and al training and education you have time for, you sound like soldier Army will hope to retain.

It appears you only enlisted for citizenship status, which has been a problem with the MAVNI program.

You've been in the Army twenty minutes, have some patience.