If you knew back then what you know now, what changes would you have made while in the military?

Sgt Joe LaBranche — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:58:59 -0500

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Feb 19 at 2016 3:59 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:59:41 -0500

I would not have joined.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 19 at 2016 4:00 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:00:55 -0500

I would not have told my BN CO that I was suffering PTSD like symptoms. He came down on me hard for admitting it.

Response by SR Terrilynne Porst made Feb 19 at 2016 4:03 PM

SR Terrilynne Porst — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:03:56 -0500

I would not have joined, and I would have deterred as many as I could to not join also.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 4:05 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:05:32 -0500

I definitely would have prioritized civilian education. Would have been a lot easier as a 18 year old PFC then it is now almost 20 years later.

Response by MSgt Daniel Attilio made Feb 19 at 2016 4:07 PM

MSgt Daniel Attilio — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:07:14 -0500

Two exwives - would of done better without them, or at least less headache & heartache

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 4:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:10:43 -0500

I would have stayed on active duty. I also would've stayed single. Overall though I'm happy with my experiences. I had the BEST times it's made me who I am today.

Response by SGT Jimmy Carpenter made Feb 19 at 2016 4:12 PM

SGT Jimmy Carpenter — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:12:18 -0500

I would have invested in silver bullion when it was $2 an ounce, maybe even some gold.

I served from 93-04 and I would have still served. Joining the Army was the best decision I ever made. Not staying in for 20 was one of the top 10 worst decisions I've ever made.

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 19 at 2016 4:12 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:12:34 -0500

I would have gone to OCS and then SF.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Feb 19 at 2016 4:14 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:14:15 -0500

I would of gone with my heart and not with my head! I was offered a promotion and 10K to re-up and I decided to get out. My heart told me to stay and my head told me to leave. Who the hell knows what would of happened if I stayed? It will always be a "what if" in my life?

Response by PO3 David Fries made Feb 19 at 2016 4:16 PM

PO3 David Fries — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:16:03 -0500

I would have not gotten married the first time, I would have retired instead of Getting out after 6.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Feb 19 at 2016 4:16 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:16:28 -0500

I still would have enlisted, but actually finished the correspondence courses I started and maybe not gotten married.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 19 at 2016 4:24 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:24:00 -0500

Started college earlier.

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made Feb 19 at 2016 4:24 PM

SSgt Robert Marx — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:24:09 -0500

My time was truly well spent in the military. I served in three branches. I would have advised my younger self to stick with active duty for the entire career in one branch, the US Air Force. Also, I should have saved more of my money but what has been done is now gone. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Feb 19 at 2016 4:25 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:25:36 -0500

Hindsight is 20/20!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 4:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:27:44 -0500

I would not have gone out to play pool and get a few drinks while under age on a Thursday night and gotten an article for it lol I'd have gone to Italy had that not happened and I'd still be in active service. My how I played my cards wrong

Response by SN Greg Wright made Feb 19 at 2016 4:29 PM

SN Greg Wright — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:29:47 -0500

I would have stayed in. I wouldn't have gotten married.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 4:30 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:30:22 -0500

I've would of went to PLDC sooner and worked on promotions from the start, oh yeah and not punch that SSG and get an article

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Feb 19 at 2016 4:37 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:37:24 -0500

Would have joined the Coast Guard, get skipper qualified and run my own charter business in the Caribbean!

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 19 at 2016 4:51 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:51:37 -0500

When I came back from Basic Training I was offered an opportunity to go to Officer Candidate School and turned it down because I came from a family of NCO's and wanted to emulate my dad and uncles. Should've done it could be retired at Capt/Major by now and the retirement pay would have been pretty sweet...........on second thought I am glad I did what I did and I accomplished plenty. Should have joined the Air Force instead!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 19 at 2016 5:16 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:16:37 -0500

There were points in my career where I had to decide whether to continue in operations or be a staff officer. Twice I chose the staff officer route. The first time it worked great and allowed me to make major, finish Air Command and Staff, and earn a Masters Degree. I went back to flying and in a few years was faced with the same decisions again. I wrongly believed I had a future in the Air Force beyond Lt Col. I should have stayed in operations and continued to fly. I would have still retired as a Lt Col, but had more fun getting to 22 years. However just to prove all things work together for good, my staff jobs prepared me for post-retirement employment in the private sector. The moral of the story: Don't try too hard to guess the future. When you find something you like doing and you're reasonably good at it, stick with it. Become an expert in that field and enjoy your work everyday.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 5:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:20:21 -0500

I would have taken better opportunities of the available education offerings the first time I was in and enlisted, gotten commissioned earlier and already be retired from active duty by now.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 19 at 2016 5:21 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:21:27 -0500

Would have done more training and less screwing off.

Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Feb 19 at 2016 5:22 PM

Capt Lance Gallardo — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:22:10 -0500

I never would have threatened my SJA and Assistant SJA (two of my three reporting seniors, as a half defense counsel and half legal assistance attorney-the other was the Senior Defense Counsel, a Lt. Col. who was located at Camp Pendleton and rarely observed me as one of his part-time defense counsels) with a State Bar Complaint, for pushing forward on a Administrative Discharge Board (prosecutors are required to investigate exculpatory evidence during a prosecution and to notify and turn over to defense counsel exculpatory evidence during a criminal prosecution) for a Career Marine Staff Sergeant with a prior spotless record in the Marine Corps, including two meritorious promotions (His Warrant Officer Supervisor said he was one of the hardest working and best Marines whom he had ever worked with or who had worked for the Warrant Officer) in light of last minute, exculpatory evidence, that the Marine Staff Sergeant was NOT guilty of stealing anything of value when he plead guilty to one count of receipt of stolen Property in State Court here in California. His entire Administrative Discharge Board was based upon that one civilian conviction, and therefore was the sole reason the Marine Corps had sent him to an Administrative Separation Board.

I would have just kept my mouth shut, and wrote up the complaint with my evidence of their misconduct and let them and the Marine Corps deal with my formal and official allegations. Making that verbal threat (even though it was legit) was the beginning of the end of my short Marine Corps career.

When you get older and hopefully wiser, you learn to maneuver through minefields, avoid the Rocks and Shoals, and you learn that if you observe official misconduct by office holders, you never verbalize your complaint, you reduce everything to an objective writing, supporting everything you allege with as much documentary evidence as possible (affidavits, declarations, official records, etc.).

You also may write out your allegations of malfeasance when you are "Hot" as Lincoln said, but you mail or hit send, when you are cool. Even then, you have to be willing to face reprisals as a Whistle Blower, like Major James Weirick, who filed an IG Complaint in March 2013, against the then Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Amos, and informed the Defense Counsel for one of the "Taliban urination" prosecution cases Marines, that Commandant Amos had committed UCI ("Unlawful Command Influence") when he told Lt. Gen Waldhauser in an in-person meeting, who was then the Convening Authority for the Taliban Urination cases, that he wanted the Marines involved, "crushed." Weirick ultimately retired as a Lt. Col. but was retaliated against for blowing the Whistle on Commandant Amos, including being investigated, having his security clearance suspended, email account or privileges suspended, promotion unlawfully witheld (that happened to me-only the Secretary of the Navy has the authority to withhold a promotion, once it has been approved, like Lt. Col. Select Weirick, I had been selected for promotion to captain, but had not pinned it on, when I made my allegations), removed from his position as an assistant SJA, and was ordered to surrender his personal firearm, and also ordered to undergo a psych screening, among other things.

"According to the Marine Corps, Weirick was relieved due to e-mail harassment of Peter Delorier, a civilian attorney and advisor to the CMC, and one of the individuals he named in his complaint to the IG.

The Marine Corps relieved Maj. Weirick of his post, ordered him to relinquish his personal firearms, and ordered him to report to Navy officials for a “psychiatric evaluation.”

The Marine Corps’ concern about the content and tone of Weirick’s emails to Delorier appears to bet the heart of their move to force Weirick into a psychiatric eval. According to the Marine Corps Times reporting, Weirick sent a series of emails in which he refers to himself in the third person – a peculiar construction which indicates that Weirick’s methods may have become… unsound, believes Jason Van Steenwyk, the author of this article. “He can’t offer you protection from Weirick. That protection can’t be offered by anyone. Ever,” Weirick wrote, referring to Delorier’s boss.

The emails led Marine Corps officials to issue a restraining order barring Maj. Weirick from communicating with Gen. Amos, Delorier, and several other people, and prohibits Weirick from coming within 500 feet of them."
http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/archives/2013/08/19/whistle-blower-alleges-reprisal-by-marine-brass-says-he-won/78541570/

The above illustration is another reason to be very careful regarding the content of official military email communications, as we have been discussing. I am sure Lt. Col. Weirick (ret.) regrets sending some of those emails, and their contents and the way he drafted them, the way I regret having verbally threatening my immediate Superiors with a State Bar Complaint. I personally and professionally know a medically retired (Iraq combat/IED injury) retired Marine Lt. Col. JAG who was one of Weirick's former supervisor's and mentors, and he told me that Weirick's peculiar habit of speaking in the third person is part of his "schtick" and he was known by his peers in the JAG Community of the Marine Corps to refer to himself in the third person as "The Weirick." I guess it was something like Pilots calling themselves by their Call Signs or Nicknames, but it doesn't translate well, especially when people are reviewing your professional email communications and trying to figure out if you are unhinged or have become emotionally unstable.

Most Military lawyers do their "combat" in a courtroom or by by trying to stay true to what they know is the right thing to do, by the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen who are their clients or when, like Major Weirick, they discover wrongdoing by senior, even flag level officers, and feel duty bound to report it.

I was so proud of Major Weirick, when I learned about him, and I found out that there are still JAGS in the Marine Corps that put honor before their careers or self-advancement or even self-preservation. He had insider information about the Commandant that he could have sat on, and no one would ever have known. Like me, he didn't do everything perfectly, but he did the best with what he had, and where he was at, in his position as a Deputy SJA of a Major Marine Corps Command. Major Weirick, unlike me, was a career Marine Officer who had succeeded in numerous assignments and billets, and had the respect and acknowledgment of his peer group and had MOS credibility that he had earned in more than ten years of service. Because of that, I think it was even more remarkable that he did what he did, and I see him head and shoulders above anything I might have done in my very short time as a Marine JAG in active duty.

He had every reason to "keep quiet"but he did the right thing as he understood it, at a terrible cost to his career, and I am sure it will take him years like it did me, to heal from the devastation of leaving a culture and an Organization that you had believed in with all your heart and soul.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/12/20/federal-judge-ordered-pentagon-to-unseal-secret-files-on-former-marine-commandant-james-amos/76676004/

Whistle-blower alleges reprisal by Marine brass, says he won't back down

Maj. James Weirick had seen enough.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 5:23 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:23:28 -0500

Would of joined the Marines, join military police and stay in for over 20.

Response by Sgt Tammy Wallace made Feb 19 at 2016 5:28 PM

Sgt Tammy Wallace — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:28:38 -0500

i would've stayed single...i would've stayed in...i would've saved more money...i would've finished my degree...and i would've kicked every single one of those jerk offs in the balls who sexually harassed and assaulted me period

Response by PO1 Michael Fullmer made Feb 19 at 2016 5:31 PM

PO1 Michael Fullmer — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:31:39 -0500

I probably wouldn't have gotten out the first time and went reserve. I'd have stayed straight through and went back to sea, again.

Response by CPL Richard Flagg made Feb 19 at 2016 5:34 PM

CPL Richard Flagg — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:34:02 -0500

Not to be so overconfident and cocky during EIB testing; because I made it all the way to the last event the radio and bolooed it on a simple mistake. Badically I was humbled by my Hubris.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Feb 19 at 2016 5:36 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:36:40 -0500

I would of purchased a butt load of gold, Google and Facebook Stock back in the day!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 5:47 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:47:54 -0500

Sgt Joe LaBranche I wouldn't have changed what I did in the military, except that I would have done some things sooner. I would have changed a few things in my personal life.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 6:24 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 18:24:41 -0500

I would have required my Navy recruiter to take a polygraph test before I signed up for 8 years!!!

Response by Bill Kim made Feb 19 at 2016 6:25 PM

Bill Kim — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 18:25:33 -0500

Would've cross-trained out of Air Force, into Marines. For more than one reason. Air Force fire protection is taking a horrific change of direction, Marine fire protection, CFR in particular is maintaining tried and true technology and buying P-19R CFR trucks, descendants of the old P-19 workhorse. Meanwhile the Air Force is investing I worthless UHP "technology" that can't even hold a decent fire stream in a gentle 10mph breeze. /rant off

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 19 at 2016 6:36 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 18:36:47 -0500

Bought Apple and Dell low and be proud of being called a "Dell Head". That aside, you always wish you took the other turn so you didn't walk into the firefight at the wrong time and place. That woulda, coulda, shoulda game can eat you alive. And then there are the times you know you could have done better. So you get to change things later so you can offload the things you wanted to change earlier. That's being human.

Response by SSgt Jamie Ritter LeBlanc made Feb 19 at 2016 6:54 PM

SSgt Jamie Ritter LeBlanc — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 18:54:17 -0500

Traveled overseas more

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Feb 19 at 2016 7:22 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 19:22:44 -0500

That damn "Magic Bullet" all of you like to use on your negative counselings.....I would've trademarked and copyrighted it!!! All of you would be paying me for all of my mistakes as you correct your Soldiers in theirs.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Feb 19 at 2016 8:02 PM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 20:02:36 -0500

I would of accepted E8 and gone back to sea. Oh no I wouldn't I retired at the right time. I have no regrets

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 8:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 20:10:01 -0500

Should have stayed in Germany longer.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 19 at 2016 8:20 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 20:20:08 -0500

I wouldn't have played near burn pits

Response by SFC Eric Williams made Feb 19 at 2016 8:30 PM

SFC Eric Williams — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 20:30:36 -0500

Reinlisted, ONE MORE TIME!

Response by GySgt Joe Strong made Feb 19 at 2016 9:13 PM

GySgt Joe Strong — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 21:13:22 -0500

When I had my original knee injury I'd have bitched moaned and fought to get to an Arthropod. Everything else, I can live with w/o regrets.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 9:21 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 21:21:57 -0500

I would have extended for the deployment, rather than re-upping.

Response by Sgt Lew Dunham made Feb 19 at 2016 9:25 PM

Sgt Lew Dunham — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 21:25:15 -0500

I would have done 30 years instead of 4 ... saved some money and passed on the incredible amount of alcohol consumed looking for love in all the wrong places ...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 11:08 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 23:08:33 -0500

I would still join the military at age 17 and be more focus in pursuing my education. One thing that I will do different is join the Active component and retire after 20 years (age 37). After getting all that training and skills I will then look and start my 2nd career in the private sector.

The funny part, if I do have a time machine and I give this valuable advice to the younger me... the younger me would just probably brush it off and say "yeah right"... its just the younger me being me I guess.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Feb 20 at 2016 12:04 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 00:04:09 -0500

I would have been more adventurous. Went to Airborne School and gone Ranger. You can only do that stuff when you are young.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2016 12:28 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 00:28:09 -0500

Going out with a 13D

Response by SSG William Rhodes made Feb 20 at 2016 2:38 AM

SSG William Rhodes — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 02:38:41 -0500

The one change I would of made, it would of been to join the RA instead of the NG. Now I served in the NG for almost 17 years and look back and I am proud of my service. There were ups and downs but overall, I would do it all over again! Another change would of been to join a younger age. I join when I was 30 years old, although I did try, I encounter some difficulties such as language barrier and also at the time I was acostume to the metric system instead of the English systembecause I was raised abroad.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2016 4:03 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 04:03:30 -0500

Would have stayed active instead of transferring to the reserve.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2016 6:19 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 06:19:12 -0500

I would have joined right out of high school instead of racking up a year of college loans first and I would of joined active Air Force like I wanted to instead of the army guard

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2016 9:19 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 09:19:42 -0500

I would have joined at 17 instead of 24, and would have went straight Active Duty instead of reserve. I love being in the Army but I definitely would have worked on education earlier.

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Feb 20 at 2016 10:41 AM

SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 10:41:13 -0500

I would have researched if credits taken at colleges like University of Phoenix would be transferable either to PSU or other colleges I had interest in. I would have started taken courses early on in my career. I would have worked out even more, so that I would be even fitter than I am now. There's always room for improvement, but because I got lazy and tiring , I now must work harder to reach my fitness goals.

I would have started taken anger management courses earlier and I would have paid closer attention to my hearing capabilities/protection. I would have really focused more on strengthening the relationships I had with my Soldiers. SGT Torres now versus then, would be a lot more caring.

I would probably still be in the Army and getting ready to achieve the rank of SFC right about now, perhaps still serving as either a Drill or a Recruiter.

I can honestly say that, now; I truly feel that I am on the right path. It was a dark time in between leaving and arriving at college.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2016 10:47 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 10:47:36 -0500

First, I'd never would have started out in the Reserves/National Guard--Go Hard, or Don't Go at All! Definitely wasted too many years (10) in both those components. Secondly, I would have joined the Marines for my enlisted--Communications. What prevented me before, was two Uncles that just weren't right upstairs! Tried to go to school online for the basics. "Try" because, that was still a fairly new concept back in 1992. Also, even today, I still prefer that "Brick and Mortar" class vs. online. It's more personal. Third, would not have started a family without a college degree (i.e. Bachelors). Got out of the military. Fourth, would have completed my Bachelors degree full-time. Participate in the ROTC program. Finally, come back in the Army as an Officer--Logistics.

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Feb 20 at 2016 11:35 AM

SFC Terry Murphy — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 11:35:18 -0500

Two things that I could have done different while in the Army would have changed where I am at now. First, I had a friend that was an Instructor at Ft. Rucker for Blackhawks. He wanted me to put in my warrant packet. He said he would help me study and get all the requirements to become a pilot. I wasn't really looking that way at the time, but that would have really changed my life today. Second, while instructing at Airborne School, I was the squad leader of a First Sergeant who was the 1SG of HHC Task Force 160. After he graduated, he call me to ask if I wanted to come to Campbell and be his S-3 Air NCO. I was about to get married so I said no thanks, If I had done that, I probably would have moved up in rank quicker. However, I staying the course that I did set me up to be where I am now. If I would have picked either of the other routes, who knows where I would be. Could be better off, but could be a lot worse off.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Feb 20 at 2016 11:37 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 11:37:19 -0500

I would have avoided, at all costs, my time as a recruiter. Although technically I was successful, it set my career back by 3 years and as a result my career did not advance the way it should have.....

Response by LTC John Shaw made Feb 20 at 2016 12:58 PM

LTC John Shaw — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 12:58:11 -0500

I wish I never went to law school, four years of evenings and 90K I will never get back. Stupid mistake when I already work in information technology.

Response by Capt Tj Feeley made Feb 20 at 2016 9:35 PM

Capt Tj Feeley — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 21:35:47 -0500

I wouldnt change much. I started enlisted active duty and transitioned to the reserves then guard. I got commissioned and became a "troops commander". I remembered where i came from. Hopefully the troops and younger officers learned something from me.

Response by SSG Gerald King made Feb 21 at 2016 2:43 PM

SSG Gerald King — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 14:43:51 -0500

In Basic Training, the CO was pushing me to go to OCS. For some reason just didn't want to. Wonder what would have happened if I had gone to OCS. But, I also wonder if I would still be alive because the time was 1966 and Vietnam was in need of a lot of 2LT's. I would like to think that since I signed up the Army Security Agency, that I would have gotten a commission in Military Intelligence which may have been a safer field if sent to Vietnam.

Response by SSG Eddie “JD” Brown made Feb 22 at 2016 12:11 PM

SSG Eddie “JD” Brown — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 12:11:19 -0500

Grabbed a copy of every medical document in my personal care no matter what the issue get a copy of the nurses notes the day you go into hospital or tmc!! As well focussed more on enjoying the countries I was in verses drinking and bs all the time! I missed out on many many things I could have done many sites and activities because hell we drank and chased well you mnow all the time! Id love to have dove in honduras, phillipines, instead of prev stated I was ignorant thought i was. Invincible and when i realized i wasnt I was too injured to do so many activities like skiing etc and ti this day cant! Enjoy your surroundings drink when ya cant any longer ya can always drink cant always fish the nile etc

Response by SPC Heidi Goodnature made Feb 22 at 2016 12:16 PM

SPC Heidi Goodnature — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 12:16:07 -0500

I would have joined when I was 18 rather than when I was 35!

Response by SSG Michael Primm made Feb 22 at 2016 2:58 PM

SSG Michael Primm — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 14:58:56 -0500

To put in an OCS packet.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 4:20 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 16:20:45 -0500

I would have took things serious from the jump and networked super early so I'd have more under my belt currently. I mean I'm doing well but I could always be better. I would saved way more money definitely.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 1:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 13:18:56 -0500

I would have accepted the offer to go to sniper school right after Korea. I then would have tried to transfer OUT of my MOS and tried to get into SF or Airborne/Rangers. I was a medic/nurse know spanish fluently and scored 40/40 on brm and earned hawkeye...

Response by SGT Chaplain Bobby 'Josiah' Farmer made Feb 25 at 2016 4:34 PM

SGT Chaplain Bobby 'Josiah' Farmer — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 16:34:33 -0500

I would have been a Military Chaplain.

Response by Cpl Tom Surdi made Mar 19 at 2017 8:42 PM

Cpl Tom Surdi — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 20:42:37 -0400

I wouldn't have let my ex-wife talked me into getting out. I was scheduled to be attached to the Forward going to Iraq 2 months before my EAS date, but my then wife begged me not to re-up. Like an idiot I listened to her, 2 years later, she is cheating on my with another Marine (whom I beat the crap out of and reported him to his CO) we are divorced, and I am kicking myself in the balls for not re-enlisting. Marrying her and getting out of the Marine Corps are my two biggest regrets in life. Every 5 years or so since then I debate re-enlisting, but it would require uprooting my family and getting them involved in a lifestyle I am not sure they can handle. I'm 38 now, almost 39 and I would barely make the age cut with my prior service, but it is still something I toy with. I could also be retiring with 20 years of service in 9 months if I had stayed in.

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Mar 19 at 2017 9:33 PM

SP5 Robert Ruck — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 21:33:25 -0400

Tough one. I probably would not have gotten married as the marriage didn't last much longer than the enlistment.

Response by PFC Jim Wheeler made Mar 19 at 2017 10:29 PM

PFC Jim Wheeler — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 22:29:30 -0400

I would have went to sick call when I needed to instead of being "tough" (read: stupid).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2017 2:14 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 02:14:43 -0400

Pfft! Where do I start. Wish I'd taken pursuing college sooner. Wish I'd saved more money. Wish I'd been more career-minded, err, if you wanna say, wish I'd been more selfish.

Response by TSgt Tommy Amparano made Mar 20 at 2017 11:51 AM

TSgt Tommy Amparano — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 11:51:52 -0400

Hmm, I would have joined earlier, stayed in for 20, tried harder to get stationed in Germany, and finish college in the 1990s. Don't regret the ex-wife, cause I have two beautiful kids because of her.

Response by SGT Marc Tyler made Mar 20 at 2017 2:57 PM

SGT Marc Tyler — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 14:57:43 -0400

Would have gone OCS and/or Airborne. Stayed in longer than 6.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 7:47 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 19:47:03 -0400

I would have started using Tuition Assistance before I had 26 years in.

Response by 1SG Nick Baker made Mar 21 at 2017 9:07 PM

1SG Nick Baker — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 21:07:07 -0400

I would have went to West Point prep

Response by SGT William Cooper made Mar 21 at 2017 9:45 PM

SGT William Cooper — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 21:45:02 -0400

I would not have gotten so drunk that I wound up with an awol for four days because I thought I had a 4 day pass, which lead to AR-15 which ruins my chance to stay in Germany and got me sent to FT Polk

Response by GySgt Cornelius Cunningham Jr. made Mar 29 at 2017 12:10 AM

GySgt Cornelius Cunningham Jr. — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 00:10:03 -0400

Stay the course with force

Response by SP5 Thomas Scott made Mar 29 at 2017 6:36 AM

SP5 Thomas Scott — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 06:36:07 -0400

I would have gone SF from the beginning!! I wasted my career as a POG

Response by SSgt Jimmy Jackson made Jun 16 at 2019 4:11 PM

SSgt Jimmy Jackson — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 16:11:39 -0400

Stayed single and overseas.....Don't tell my wife.

Response by CPL Mark Andersen made Jun 16 at 2019 4:24 PM

CPL Mark Andersen — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 16:24:36 -0400

I would have traveled more when I was in Germany. Would have spent less on going out at Ft.Campbell.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jun 16 at 2019 4:54 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 16:54:14 -0400

With a do over I’d stay in, and maybe look for an MOS change, hell I would have been retired at 39 and took on another career. If you like it stay in, if you don’t you opt out.

Response by PO2 Bill Kuiper made Jun 16 at 2019 4:57 PM

PO2 Bill Kuiper — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 16:57:14 -0400

Nothing. My experience was extemely positive. I was in a critical rate at the time with an offer for E-6 and a bonus on the table. I knew if I took it I would go for 20, but I felt my future was in the civilian sector.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2019 8:08 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 08:08:30 -0400

I would have started working on my civilian education when I was young. I had little responsibility comparatively speaking and much more free time. Other than that, I would change nothing. I am past 15 years now, and I'm exactly what I said I wanted to be when I barely had two years in. Bottom line, take advantage of TA early. Having a degree will never hurt you, but it does make things easier.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Feb 16 at 2020 1:06 PM

SPC Donn Sinclair — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 13:06:27 -0500

Had the opportunity to attend West Point, and passed on it. Would I have stayed in? Who knows? One thing's sure. I'd have a framed sheepskin hanging on the wall.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2020 1:11 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 13:11:19 -0500

1) I wouldn’t have signed a 6 year contract.

2) I would have gone with 68A over 68E.

3)I would have dropped a G2G packet every year I was eligible as soon as I was eligible.

Response by SN Craig Ralston made Feb 16 at 2020 7:20 PM

SN Craig Ralston — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 19:20:05 -0500

I would of applied myself way more, I think about that all the time since I've been out.

Response by SPC Roger Dunn made Oct 19 at 2021 12:27 PM

SPC Roger Dunn — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 12:27:23 -0400

When you are a low ranking person NEVER be a smartass and ALWAYS use the chain of command

Response by SrA Chris Livingston made Oct 19 at 2021 3:50 PM

SrA Chris Livingston — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 15:50:09 -0400

I would have tried out for K9 in tech school. I just didn't want to spend any more time at Lackland in the summer. It would have opened up more opportunities for a young enlisted man. It would have also sent me to a more active base as a first assignment. My first assignment was fun, but was nothing to do to learn the job.