How The Military Serves You During and After Your Career

I began my career at age 17 and was assigned to a field for which I was not suited. I have no artistic ability, yet the Air Force made me an illustrator. So, was I unable to survive and get promoted? No, I made E-2, E-3, and E-4 each time I was eligible. How? I did the parts of the job I could do, mainly statistical drafting. I went to work on time, was willing to work extra when the mission called for it, and I used the educational opportunities available.

Because I worked at getting an education, I became eligible for the Airman Education and Commissioning Program (AECP). I didn’t think I stood a chance but after I applied, I was selected (I had already completed 49 semester hours) to complete my degree at Arizona State University. After earning my degree, I attended OTS and was commissioned. All of this took 6.5 years (from Oct 1960 to Apr 1967). The cost to me was approximately $500.

Were things always great? Not at all; I was caught up in force cutbacks after Vietnam, and had to leave the military after fourteen years and eight months. Then, three years later, I had the opportunity to join the Army Reserve and serve as an E-6 and E-7 for eight and a half years. This allowed me to retire at the age of 60 with my highest grade held, so I am now a retired Army Captain. As such, I draw a monthly retirement check, and I have medical and pharmacy benefits that are outstanding. The retirement is not the 50% that a normal 20 year would have been, but it is still substantial, and it has allowed me to retire from my civilian career at age 62.

The point of telling my story is to show that there are opportunities, if one is willing and dedicated to achieving goals.

Is anything given to you? No, you have to apply yourself and work hard. In my case I went to school four nights a week, and, for one term, on weekends. I wound up getting credits from four colleges (all through the base education resources).

Decide what you want, set goals, and work hard and the military can be a very satisfying and rewarding career.

After the military, I had had to wait a little over two months before finding civilian employment. The education and degree I got while in the military, coupled with the experience in civil engineering in the military, allowed me to have a fairly successful civilian career. So, yes, the military provided me with a lot of benefits.

Here in my later years, I have developed some significant health problems. The pharmacy benefit alone provides me and my wife with over $4,000 per year in medications, which allow us to live a comfortable life.

I consider myself fortunate to have served my country while enjoying the rewards given me. I have no problem saying that the military can and has also served me.

There was some luck involved, but, as I often say, I find good luck has a tendency to follow dedication and hard work.