If someone asked what could you have done differently in your military career, what would you have chosen?

I would refrain from having any integrity... in the Marine Corps, integrity is overrated, and people will use you, just to benefit them... but, here's the catch: they'll pat you on the back, and make you feel good about yourself, all the while, taking advantage of your abilities...

I was offered to go to ANCOC right after BNCOC, I should have gone.

I would've spent more time working on developing my people skills and mentoring my subordinates to help further their careers in so doing to further my career along in the military and in the following civilian career. I would have also made sure to keep up with addresses and telephone numbers of my fellow sailors and soldiers... Nothing counts so much as family and I consider most all of whom I served as family!

I went from E-5 to E-3 because I wrote up the command (art 183) after finding out our CO was kicking people out on drug charges because of their race and I had evidence he was a member of the KKK. He was going to be a one star so they covered it up. I got out, but found out that he was arrested about a year latter for stealing around $40,000 from the command rec fund. He was asked to retire with full benefits.

I would have ensured I invested more during active duty. Would have kept..you mouth shut and ears open more often. Would have shown more respect and more humility to some than I did. Also would have kept my mouth shut during my last physical....

I would change Nothing. Was a part of history made in the spring of 2003, literally circumnavigated the earth in one direction (aboard ship, on foot, mounted in a vehicle, and air bourne), and built a trade from my military experience that serves my family well. I have life long friends and memories I will never forget. I am very blessed and have no regrets.

Do not trust your supervision to have your best interest in mind! You are responsible for your own career and todays military leaders are just grabbing rank and will throw you under the bus if it suits their purposes.

Wouldnt have reenlisted. The pays alright, but the Navy is a shitshow these days. Theres more concern with politics and whose dick youre sucking to make Chief, abd collateral duties/community service, than with preparing for war.

You can't go back, there are no do overs. DO NOT take your dissatisfaction out on others

Here I am, mere months or one course away from getting my e6 ( in an e7 slot, need my course to receive e6 ((the national guard can be goofy))) I wish I had gone air force from the start. I am now 10 years in with the army signal corps and want to go air force mid air refueler with people telling me it will never happen.