Military Career
Retirement
Responses: 234
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Gone to jump school for my precious first reenlistment option instead of DI school. Don't know how easy it was to volunteer for the drill field compared to getting a permissive slot for jump school.
(Small thing, but the only thing that has repeatedly come to mind over the years.)
(Small thing, but the only thing that has repeatedly come to mind over the years.)
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I would have enlisted as a medic, which was my initial plan anyhow. I also would have commissioned at least a decade ago. I'd be a Major on my way to LTC, instead of a butter bar.
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LT Pete Rivera (FMF)
I got commissioned at the 10 year mark (E-7) and retired after 21 years. I always thought that maybe I should have applied sooner or stayed in longer to retire as an O4 versus O3. But in the end all that matters is that you had a good career, regardless of what "could have been." Maybe if I would have retired as an O4 I would have been sour that it was an not an O5. Some folks are happy to make E-7. So its all relative. Do 20 years, get out and get the next great job. Most civilians have no idea between a sgt and a 1st Sgt. Petty Officer or Officer. We are just people with uniforms that have ornaments on them. It's more about the certifications and diplomas.
(6)
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LT Louis McKellar
Perhaps waited for 2nd look at LCDR before putting on retirement request. On the other hand, my retirement brought me here where my daughter met her husband, and I have my grandchildren. it might not have worked out otherwise.
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MSgt Jerry Rathke
LT Pete Rivera (FMF) - When I arrived at my first duty station in the USAF, I said I would be happy to retire as an E-7...which I did. Unfortunately (?) it was the rank I wore longest. I guess my regret is that I didn't understand at the time that there is only so much I could do on my own.....
(3)
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I would have partied less and worked harder on my education. Other than that I'd do it all again.
(14)
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SCPO Henry Malone
I would have stayed with Jesus Christ all the way and not put Him down and pick Him back up later in my career.!!!!
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I would have found a way to go on every staff ride, I would have visited battlefields and installations from Hadrian's Wall to Hue, taken the duty train to Berlin. It gripes me to think of the chances I had and blew off. But I was just a smartass kid trying to have fun. I didn't have the imagination to put myself in the place of those who served in perilous times.
I might have even stayed in if I'd thought about the opportunities. But I have to be honest and say that the Army was a mess when I got out in 1969, and it only got worse for a while. All honor to those who stuck it out and made it into the Army we have now!
I might have even stayed in if I'd thought about the opportunities. But I have to be honest and say that the Army was a mess when I got out in 1969, and it only got worse for a while. All honor to those who stuck it out and made it into the Army we have now!
(10)
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If I had done something different in my Military career, I 'never would have a wonderful live of I have with my wife and children.
(10)
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If the military had paid enough to eat on back in those days I would have gone to OCS when it was offered the second time and stayed in awhile. With the pay scale that was in effect at the time that was not an real good choice. At the time I also felt that they had jacked me around (they really did) and I didn't trust the army. Otherwise I enjoyed my time in the army and glad that I served.
(10)
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