Posted on Dec 1, 2014
If America needs you again, would you be willing to return to active duty one grade lower?
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If you read Once an Eagle, you know the hero was up and down in permanent and temporary ranks based on the needs of the military...but you might not know that one of my personal heroes, Gen. Andrew Goodpaster (SACEUR) took a downgrade to 3- star rank to command his beloved West Point. If we had full mobilization or even partial mobilization, what about you?
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 146
I would be willing to return but at present pay grade or one higher! To return to duty in a lower pay grade would not only be unfair to the member, but unfair to the country. As most veterans do upon retirement/discharge, I have been developing myself as an individual since retirement. I entered an all-volunteer military. I performed my fair share of arduous duty and did my time and more to the best of my ability, I did what I was asked to do with no questions. To ask me to take a dive in rank/rate is truly unfair. I would return one pay grade lower, but under duress! I would still do my duty, but I don't think I could be as effective or as good a leader, as I could at my present pay grade or advanced pay grade because I would always feel cheated. Sounds cheesy but it's the truth!
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I would gladly return any grade lower, even the lowest. But....that said: if I'm needed, the country's gotta be REEEEAAALLLLLYYYY desperate --- and I know there are great folks out there waiting for their talents and leadership to be given a shot.
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Where do I sign up. I had a better time as a 1SG anyhow.
One question.
Can I go back in as the same pay I left as? LOL
One question.
Can I go back in as the same pay I left as? LOL
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If it hadn't been for a new family when Iraq/Afganistan kicked of I would have gone back. If America needs me, I will go. As far as going in a rank lower voluntarily, no. Rank was hard enough to get when I was in if you didn't sign for six years. I earned what few stripes I had.
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If I was physically able I would still be in. Separated because of my injuries.
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To quote Spock, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one." If the Army needs me, I'll be there, ready to do what needs to be done to the utmost of my ability.
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MSgt Rand Lorenz
Id rather give my life to something that I believe in rather than waste away in some obscure corner of a senior center. Im proud to be an American - Id stand up and defend her still this day - I love this land - God Bless the USA!
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