Posted on Feb 19, 2016
If you knew back then what you know now, what changes would you have made while in the military?
30K
247
152
18
18
0
Humor
Leadership
Jobs
Promotions
Training
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 80
5
5
0
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.
(5)
(0)
Sgt Joe LaBranche
Lt Col Jim Coe, sound like you were successful in everything you did, but enjoyed one more than the other. Congratulations, either way, sir! God bless!
(0)
(0)
5
5
0
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.
(5)
(0)
Sgt Joe LaBranche
Many of us have made that mistake SFC Rick Molina. Never too late to be what you might have been!
(0)
(0)
4
4
0
Would of joined the Marines, join military police and stay in for over 20.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
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
(4)
(0)
Sgt Lew Dunham
shame on you! getting a few drinks while serving your Country (no matter what your age)? you can die, but you can't drink!!!
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
Haha too right you are sgt. Oh, I was at Osan AB when those shinanigans went down. Shame on me smh. I sure learned my lesson
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
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 ...
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
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.
(3)
(0)
Sgt Joe LaBranche
We all need to change something in our lives, CPT M C.! Let's hope the changes we make are positive. Thank you for your service, sir!
(1)
(0)
3
3
0
I would of purchased a butt load of gold, Google and Facebook Stock back in the day!
(3)
(0)
2
2
0
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.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
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
(2)
(0)
Sgt Joe LaBranche
Bill Kim, MRE's are baf for a lot of things, but they beat C Rations. Everyone should have the pleasure of eating both of them.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
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?
(2)
(0)
Sgt David G Duchesneau
Sgt Joe LaBranche - Oh believe me brother, I have made a very good life for myself. I have two retirement incomes, Law Enforcement and I own and operate a very successful PI/Security and Consulting Firm. Life is and has been good! I thank the good Lord everyday for all of my gifts He has given me!
(2)
(0)
Sgt Joe LaBranche
God is GOOD, brother! Congratulations on your accomplishments. I'm sure you helped many other succeed in your life time, Sgt David G Duchesneau!
(1)
(0)
Nawaf Alanizi
I would have stopped pocking and picking my nose but it helps relate the involvement with the issue and attention span. That's if I chose to do so. Some people are just insignificant by the face they present and portray to others publicly without estimating the value, validity and accuracy of convictions believe in reality compared to what they're compelled to do just to survive the difference and flow of information and facts that they're always in disagreement with one another because they newly had to get accustomed to
(0)
(0)
MSG Marcel Guaring
You would have done well if you would have stayed based on what you have accomplished in the private sector. Only you know if you would have been happier if you stayed but the right decision was made at that point in time.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google