Login & Share to Win! Given the chance to travel back in time, what advice are you giving yourself?

2021-08-16T09:19:20-04:00

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Response by SrA John Monette made Aug 16 at 2021 9:57 AM

2021-08-16T09:57:44-04:00

always look twice when clearing your weapon. don't take shortcuts. reserve your job before your reup time.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 16 at 2021 10:05 AM

2021-08-16T10:05:02-04:00

Stay in a little longer,, and do what you are asked to do it proficiently RallyPoint News

Response by SrA John Monette made Aug 16 at 2021 10:08 AM

2021-08-16T10:08:21-04:00

Response by SPC Mark Piekarski made Aug 16 at 2021 8:17 PM

2021-08-16T20:17:30-04:00

buy restate

Response by MSgt Jimmie Brown made Aug 16 at 2021 8:17 PM

2021-08-16T20:17:54-04:00

Buy Microsoft and stop drinking.

Response by 1LT Becky Chase made Aug 16 at 2021 8:22 PM

2021-08-16T20:22:56-04:00

Don't change a thing, you will love what life will bring you and the friends you will make. You will do more than you ever expected to achieve!

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Aug 16 at 2021 8:31 PM

2021-08-16T20:31:42-04:00

Damn, join the AF and be a firefighter, you serve, you learn, then you go to work fir a city FD making great money with benefits. At that time I didn’t feel like putting out burning aircraft or being a cop. I guess my ASVABS scores were what they were.

Response by SPC David Laden made Aug 16 at 2021 8:31 PM

2021-08-16T20:31:55-04:00

Don't ever enlist!!!

Response by SPC Arthur Lowder made Aug 16 at 2021 8:32 PM

2021-08-16T20:32:39-04:00

THE ADVICE I WOULD GIVE MYSELF WOULD BE TO WRITE BACK TO MY MOTHER I THINK I CAME UP A LITTLE SHORT ON THAT.

Response by Cpl Ernest Thomas made Aug 16 at 2021 8:33 PM

2021-08-16T20:33:21-04:00

Not gotten married as a Lcpl., been more financially responsible and invested properly. As far as military service itself, not a damn thing!

Response by CH (LTC) Jon Tidball made Aug 16 at 2021 8:33 PM

2021-08-16T20:33:33-04:00

Stay the course no matter what.

Response by PO1 Wayne Sasser made Aug 16 at 2021 8:36 PM

2021-08-16T20:36:07-04:00

stay in, it wasn't so bad.

Response by SPC Edward Slagle made Aug 16 at 2021 8:36 PM

2021-08-16T20:36:45-04:00

Do twenty ...

Response by MAJ Matthew Thomas made Aug 16 at 2021 8:37 PM

2021-08-16T20:37:00-04:00

Invest early and keep the faith.

Response by GySgt Edward Reagle made Aug 16 at 2021 8:37 PM

2021-08-16T20:37:29-04:00

I had an OIC back in the day that was a pilot and flew DC-9 school flight from MCAS Cherry Point usually to MCAS El Toro but that would vary with the requirements. One flight in particular I remember him telling my that I need to put in a package for the warrant officer program. I thought wow thank you sir and shook his hand. I thought about this for weeks I kept it to myself. I finally came up with a lot of reasons why I shouldn't among them was this one "I could probably help a lot more non-rates as a Gunny than as a WO". I should have put in my package the LtCol was correct. LtCol Bridgewater thank you for advising I should have heeded your advice. Semper Fi Sir

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 8:42 PM

2021-08-16T20:42:28-04:00

Listen to your parents, enlist sooner, invest in Netflix.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Aug 16 at 2021 8:44 PM

2021-08-16T20:44:01-04:00

Try harder, be smarter, don't stop.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 8:55 PM

2021-08-16T20:55:35-04:00

Knock out military schools early and often

Response by MSG Frederick Otero made Aug 16 at 2021 8:56 PM

2021-08-16T20:56:08-04:00

Invest all the money i spent on foolishness!

Response by SP5 Sam Powell made Aug 16 at 2021 8:57 PM

2021-08-16T20:57:33-04:00

Stay more sober. Clean my weapon.

Response by SPC Daniel Kennedy made Aug 16 at 2021 9:03 PM

2021-08-16T21:03:17-04:00

Make it a career,and listen,listen,listen to the advise of those older and wiser than the young man of my youth.nuff said

Response by CPT Larry Hellie made Aug 16 at 2021 9:05 PM

2021-08-16T21:05:57-04:00

Start accumulating real estate as soon as you c an afford it. Rental property is a steady income stream, appreciates in value and provides great tax benefits. Waited until I was 55, should have started at 25.

Response by SPC Paul Valnes made Aug 16 at 2021 9:11 PM

2021-08-16T21:11:01-04:00

Go Army, stay strong.

Response by SPC Paul Valnes made Aug 16 at 2021 9:15 PM

2021-08-16T21:15:58-04:00

Go ARMY, Stay Strong

Response by Lt Col Warren Domke made Aug 16 at 2021 9:18 PM

2021-08-16T21:18:58-04:00

I would have done a better job of setting priorities. How better to prepare for different assignments and what to look for in the future. I would also have been more open to additional duties. Some were unreasonable but many were perfectly manageable and would have paid dividends in the long run. I think I had a reasonably successful career, mostly as a public affairs officer, but there were many things I could have done to make it more successful. My advice to others like me is be open minded and adaptable.

Response by CSM Steve Slocum made Aug 16 at 2021 9:19 PM

2021-08-16T21:19:11-04:00

I would have sought the advice of my Father and two Uncles and spent a lot of time preparing myself physically for BCT, Inf AIT and Airborne School !!! While in HS I never was into running or weight lifting etc. As a result , I had to work harder than the average Trooper and the DS`s and ABN Cadre had a field day with me!!! However, it was what I needed to get myself prepared for a military life that I ended up loving during my 30 year career!!!! Hooah

Response by PO2 David West made Aug 16 at 2021 9:22 PM

2021-08-16T21:22:06-04:00

No regrets as I thank the Navy for my future success in life!

Response by SSgt Tina GAllagher made Aug 16 at 2021 9:34 PM

2021-08-16T21:34:30-04:00

don't get out and save your money

Response by SGT David Jackson made Aug 16 at 2021 9:35 PM

2021-08-16T21:35:31-04:00

Private Jackson, close mouth, open mind. Do what's right, not just expeditious. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and always give help when it's wanted. And keep your mouth shut. The Ds is NOT your best Buddy! And save up every penny! Fifty years from now a company called Amazon is going to give me $100.00 just for typing this. Buy all their stocks you can! If they are rich enough to do that in fifty years, think what they must be worth!
That's about all I have to say, except MARRY GEORGIA!
AND KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!

Response by SSgt Kathleen Fleitz made Aug 16 at 2021 9:38 PM

2021-08-16T21:38:39-04:00

Don't let anyone tell you you're not smart or could ever be successful. You will have a lot of obstacles ahead of you, but you're kind, caring, and smart. You will accomplish wonderful things, meet many great people, and travel to your heart's content. Be proud of yourself, and never give up!

Response by SGT Kevin Taber made Aug 16 at 2021 9:41 PM

2021-08-16T21:41:28-04:00

Run when I meet my first ex-wife

Response by CDR William Smith made Aug 16 at 2021 9:43 PM

2021-08-16T21:43:14-04:00

Applied to Supply Corps. SWO eats their young!

Response by Cpl Cary Cartter made Aug 16 at 2021 9:48 PM

2021-08-16T21:48:44-04:00

Don't drink. Save more than you spend. Make this a career, then find something else.

Response by MAJ James Woods made Aug 16 at 2021 10:11 PM

2021-08-16T22:11:34-04:00

Go ordnance and don't trust your assignments officer as you demand to be stationed in Europe.

Response by SSG John M Jacobson Sr made Aug 16 at 2021 10:18 PM

2021-08-16T22:18:28-04:00

Work harder and make more jumps out of the planes. I only had 374 jumps. I would love to have have made more before they told I could not any more. The body got old before I was ready for it to.

Response by SP5 Lawrence Bush made Aug 16 at 2021 10:19 PM

2021-08-16T22:19:08-04:00

Don't fight someone else's war.

Response by Lt Col Doug Chapman made Aug 16 at 2021 10:24 PM

2021-08-16T22:24:02-04:00

Do not try and live someone else’s life, live your own and chart your own path where your own skills will make you successful beyond your wildest dreams!

Response by LCDR Diane Neff made Aug 16 at 2021 10:25 PM

2021-08-16T22:25:33-04:00

Understand that no one is paying attention to those things you are stressing about because they are all mostly concerned with themselves. Your little mistakes will be forgotten in minutes by everyone else.

Response by SPC David D'Amario made Aug 16 at 2021 10:29 PM

2021-08-16T22:29:46-04:00

the winning numbers for the power ball are---------

Response by CPT Derry Gallagher made Aug 16 at 2021 10:29 PM

2021-08-16T22:29:47-04:00

Avoid the firing lanes of the loyal opposition.

Response by 1SG Arthur Detmers made Aug 16 at 2021 10:33 PM

2021-08-16T22:33:54-04:00

I’ve had a great life and wouldn’t change a thing.

Response by CPL Raul Perez Jr made Aug 16 at 2021 10:35 PM

2021-08-16T22:35:47-04:00

Screw the promotion and enter JFK for SF.

Response by PO3 Rick Lewis made Aug 16 at 2021 10:46 PM

2021-08-16T22:46:03-04:00

I would tell myself that the decision I made then was the same one I would make today! Stand tall, stay true to my convictions, and be proud to represent my country in the uniform I wore!

Response by SGT Robert Eddy made Aug 16 at 2021 10:47 PM

2021-08-16T22:47:25-04:00

My first full day at the Fort Knox Reception Station, we were asked two or three times, whether anyone wanted to volunteer to be a Chaplain's Assistant. I didn't raise my hand because 1) I didn't know what a Chaplain's Assistant was, and 2) my friends told me not to volunteer for anything.
Thinking back, maybe I should have raised my hand.

Response by SSG John M Jacobson Sr made Aug 16 at 2021 10:52 PM

2021-08-16T22:52:48-04:00

Work harder and make more jumps out of the planes. I only had 374 jumps when they told me I could not any more. the body got old to fast.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 10:58 PM

2021-08-16T22:58:19-04:00

Do not take a 15 year break in service

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 11:13 PM

2021-08-16T23:13:37-04:00

Make the best of every situation regardless of how unpleasant.

Response by SPC Michael Terrell made Aug 16 at 2021 11:29 PM

2021-08-16T23:29:32-04:00

Do not tolerate fools.

Response by SSG Ted Seal made Aug 16 at 2021 11:41 PM

2021-08-16T23:41:04-04:00

I would be much more diligent in honing my skills, so to be more proficient in my assignments, thus rendering my team, a better margin of survival.

Response by SPC Jeff Stassin made Aug 16 at 2021 11:44 PM

2021-08-16T23:44:41-04:00

I went to Germany for my first duty station, and I would tell myself: Don't be dumbass, your not invincible, don't run full blast while playing flag football on ice for PT. Don't drink SO much, enjoy the sights, save more money, and re-enlist and extend for another 6 years.

Response by 1LT Rich Voss made Aug 16 at 2021 11:57 PM

2021-08-16T23:57:58-04:00

Not all the way back to when I was first drafted, but after I had become an officer by completing OCS. I was offered a Regular Army commission by my BN CO as a 1LT. My younger self would NOT have married that lovely German girl, and would have taken that commission. I had friends that retired as LTCs, and had I survived various combat assignments, suspect I would have done as well (or better).
Choices. Life is full of them.

Response by A1C Michelle Pagan made Aug 17 at 2021 12:09 AM

2021-08-17T00:09:41-04:00

I have never been sorry for joining the military. It was right for me at the time. I think back on it and am proud to have had the courage to do so.

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Aug 17 at 2021 12:49 AM

2021-08-17T00:49:18-04:00

Stop worrying about the mule and just load the wagon!

Response by SPC Bill Bailey made Aug 17 at 2021 1:10 AM

2021-08-17T01:10:37-04:00

Try harder

Response by 1LT Lewis Nelson made Aug 17 at 2021 1:17 AM

2021-08-17T01:17:29-04:00

Time travel is what books and the imagination are for. As insane as it is, the 21st Century is my time.

Response by SP5 Ed McCoy made Aug 17 at 2021 2:44 AM

2021-08-17T02:44:21-04:00

buy Apple n more farmland

Response by CPL Larry Monkus made Aug 17 at 2021 6:54 AM

2021-08-17T06:54:54-04:00

be more aware and attentive stay 20 instead of 4

Response by PO1 David Shepardson made Aug 17 at 2021 6:55 AM

2021-08-17T06:55:47-04:00

Don't drink alcoholic drinks.

Response by PO2 Jay Stotler made Aug 17 at 2021 7:23 AM

2021-08-17T07:23:28-04:00

Remember this is a once in a lifetime chance to make something special of your self as well as help others. If you stay in long enough you will see the world and get paid to do it, don’t give up.

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Aug 17 at 2021 7:44 AM

2021-08-17T07:44:22-04:00

Enjoy life more. Dont be so serious all the time. Stay out of trouble, and rejoice in the Lord. Focus on making this world a better place.

Response by Sgt Tim Greenwalt made Aug 17 at 2021 8:18 AM

2021-08-17T08:18:50-04:00

Reenlist, purchase Microsoft stock cheap, be a better friend

Response by PO1 Frank Reiffenstein made Aug 17 at 2021 8:30 AM

2021-08-17T08:30:57-04:00

Study study study and save for the future. Time flies by. Before you know it you are out of the service.

Response by SPC Debra Hill made Aug 17 at 2021 8:49 AM

2021-08-17T08:49:47-04:00

would have stayed single and stayed in Army!

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Aug 17 at 2021 9:11 AM

2021-08-17T09:11:59-04:00

Jim you have accomplished everything you wanted since you joined the service. You have served with and learned so much from a long line of distinguished and accomplished NCO's whom you now can call your friends. You have done well by following in their boot steps.

You graduated from your NCO advancement/Development courses way ahead of your peers and have received awards for doing so from your instructors and your family of NCO's. You do not brag. These accomplishments are fact. You graduated from the ARMY/NG Military Academy with honors twice. Once for your Primary NCO Course or PNOC and again for your Advance NCO Course or ANOC. This was unheard of back then.

You set goals for yourself that no one knew about. It showed in your service to others, your willingness to coach and teach others who didn't understand a subject matter that would surely make them drop the course. You spent hours at night teaching Land Nav/map reading with a plotting square and a flashlight to members of your training squad. You did this while another squad member helped you hone your skills at first aid and another helped you shine your boots which to this day you still suck at..............this was the way you helped your squad and they helped you graduate without leaving anyone behind.

I think I did OK, follow my lead Jim and enjoy the ride brother. Just remember to help when you can! Do more than you were asked to do. Say thank you for someone's opinion or knowledge. I have many to thank for my career..............I still do because I am still learning from you here on RP.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Aug 17 at 2021 9:37 AM

2021-08-17T09:37:43-04:00

Delay getting married, enlist sooner, follow my education goals, and buy property cheap.

Response by SFC Richard OConnor made Aug 17 at 2021 9:45 AM

2021-08-17T09:45:29-04:00

I should have kept in closer contact with my fellow soldiers, especially my Nam buddies

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Aug 17 at 2021 10:21 AM

2021-08-17T10:21:16-04:00

Jim you have accomplished everything you wanted since you joined the service. You have served with and learned so much from a long line of distinguished and accomplished NCO's and officers whom you now can call your friends. You have done well by following in their boot steps.

You graduated from your NCO advancement/Development courses way ahead of your peers and have received awards for doing so from your instructors and your family of NCO's. You do not brag. These accomplishments are fact. You graduated from the ARMY/NG Military Academy with honors twice. Once for your Primary NCO Course or PNOC and again for your Advance NCO Course or ANOC back to back This was unheard of back then.

You set goals for yourself that no one knew about. It showed in your service to others, your willingness to coach and teach others who didn't understand a subject matter that would surely make them drop the course. You spent hours at night teaching Land Nav/map reading with a plotting square and a flashlight to members of your training squad. You did this while a buddy helped you hone your skills at first aid and another helped you shine your boots which to this day you still suck at..............this was the way you helped your squad and they helped you graduate without leaving anyone behind.

I think I did OK follow my lead Jim and enjoy the ride brother.

Response by Stephen Poole made Aug 17 at 2021 10:26 AM

2021-08-17T10:26:01-04:00

Don't smoke.

Response by SPC Bill Howell made Aug 17 at 2021 10:29 AM

2021-08-17T10:29:57-04:00

Sucked it up and stayed in longer, if for only a few years. Then joined the Reserves afterwards to get retirement.

Response by MAJ Karl Swenson made Aug 17 at 2021 10:31 AM

2021-08-17T10:31:22-04:00

I think I would go with the idea of "Observe, but don't touch." It seems that any interference with events would cause a change in history. I would hate to think that something I did on my return to the past would possibly cause a cosmic shift in the future. For example, changing the events of my life way back when could mean that I would never meet my wife, or have 7 kids, or be as comfortable as I am in being me. I hope this makes sense to you, it's a hard concept to explain.

Response by MSgt Don Dobbs made Aug 17 at 2021 10:31 AM

2021-08-17T10:31:28-04:00

I enlisted at 23 I would tell myself to enlist sooner.

Response by SN Michael Smith made Aug 17 at 2021 10:35 AM

2021-08-17T10:35:30-04:00

Stay at Great Lakes for Boot Camp and work towards becoming a Warrant Officer.

Response by SGT Linda Al-Omair made Aug 17 at 2021 10:37 AM

2021-08-17T10:37:37-04:00

I would have advised myself to stay in military until retirement. In addition, I would have earned my bachelor's degree and go to OTS. I made E-5 in two years, was soldier of the month 3 times and soldier of the year for entire post in Fort Benning. I went to the board for E-6 at 2 & half years aced it. I was 6th on the list of 600. I was higher than many that had been in the Army 15 years. I was going places and kick myself in the behind for leaving the military

Response by CPT Ronald Davis made Aug 17 at 2021 10:39 AM

2021-08-17T10:39:51-04:00

Learn more, do more, connect more

Response by SPC Roger Dunn made Aug 17 at 2021 10:40 AM

2021-08-17T10:40:55-04:00

DON'T be a smartass and just go to basic training with your eyes and ears open

Response by CH (LTC) Jon Tidball made Aug 17 at 2021 10:41 AM

2021-08-17T10:41:02-04:00

A life of service is the best legacy.

Response by PV2 Keith Young made Aug 17 at 2021 10:41 AM

2021-08-17T10:41:11-04:00

I would tell my younger self to be more dedicated and motivated. I would also tell him to wait it out to get the MOS he really wanted

Response by SFC Charles Larabee made Aug 17 at 2021 10:41 AM

2021-08-17T10:41:16-04:00

Get more schooling/training;less drinking

Response by PO1 Wayne Sasser made Aug 17 at 2021 10:41 AM

2021-08-17T10:41:28-04:00

Stick with it. They can't eat ya.

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Aug 17 at 2021 10:43 AM

2021-08-17T10:43:18-04:00

Be careful where/when in the past you would go. There have been many instances in past history when people who acted differently were not treated well, and were accused of being a witch, etc.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 10:46 AM

2021-08-17T10:46:13-04:00

Do not accept the early ETS to allow your knee to heal and then just "re-enlist" as they say .... it will take you forever to get waiver approved to get back in! LOL

Response by SPC Justine Blankenbeckler made Aug 17 at 2021 10:48 AM

2021-08-17T10:48:51-04:00

I have no regrets , I went in the Service at 31, was a military wife for a long time. I guess I wis I could have stayed in, not gotten medically retired. I lived my job. Friends, and what I was trained to do.

Response by Cpl Ken H made Aug 17 at 2021 10:49 AM

2021-08-17T10:49:31-04:00

Do the full 20 years, don't buy that house on poplar street, join the police force when you get out, Hug your mom more before she has that stroke, tell your dad you love him more before he suffers from Alzheimer's and forgets who you are. Be better.
Gotta stop now..too many mistakes made and don't want to relive them. To all my brothers and sister I say..don't wait to say things. There is no way back. God bless.

Response by Maj Mary J Caffrey made Aug 17 at 2021 10:51 AM

2021-08-17T10:51:30-04:00

Pick up the biggest stick around and fight to the death if you have to.

Response by PO2 R Greg Schmidt made Aug 17 at 2021 10:51 AM

2021-08-17T10:51:33-04:00

I would tell myself to Not eat that dysintary ridden popcycle.

Response by CPO Chris Zwolinski made Aug 17 at 2021 11:00 AM

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1. Don't be afraid to ask questions and question answers that don't make sense or need more clarification.
2. Say what you're going to do and get it done. 2b. Don't get sidetracked, it's usually ok to ask someone to "standby one" while you finish the task you're doing so you don't get out of sync.

Response by SFC Heather Marien made Aug 17 at 2021 11:01 AM

2021-08-17T11:01:38-04:00

Take advantage of every schooling opportunity and keep the partying to a minimum.

Response by MSgt George Murray made Aug 17 at 2021 11:05 AM

2021-08-17T11:05:11-04:00

I went as far as I did because followed these rules: Stop, Look & Listen. STOP being a jerk to yourself, LOOK to your seniors for advice and LISTEN to your seniors. If you do that you can go far. I ended up with 23 years and loved all of the time I did.

Response by SP5 Marianne Toohey made Aug 17 at 2021 11:06 AM

2021-08-17T11:06:28-04:00

I would tell myself to spend more time with my mother because she's gone now and I regret not being with her more. I miss her terribly. I would also tell myself not to go to an out of state college because it's not worth the amount of student loan debt.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 11:12 AM

2021-08-17T11:12:21-04:00

Get your bachelors degree sooner and finish C&GS correspondence course.

Response by Sgt Ollie Nichols III made Aug 17 at 2021 11:13 AM

2021-08-17T11:13:51-04:00

Invest in Apple and Microsoft.

Response by Sgt Ollie Nichols III made Aug 17 at 2021 11:15 AM

2021-08-17T11:15:46-04:00

I would invest in Microsoft and Apple.

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Aug 17 at 2021 11:15 AM

2021-08-17T11:15:50-04:00

Military first...get some maturity...college later.

Response by MSgt Neal Schultz made Aug 17 at 2021 11:16 AM

2021-08-17T11:16:00-04:00

Wished I had stayed in USAF longer than 20 years I did.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 11:24 AM

2021-08-17T11:24:36-04:00

Stop wasting time and take care of the easy stuff before it becomes a burden down the road.

Response by SP5 Larry Crosley made Aug 17 at 2021 11:24 AM

2021-08-17T11:24:37-04:00

First, Continue your education. Second, Knowing what you know now, invest… Microsoft and others. Lastly Have fun especially now that you know the answers.

Response by CPO Gary Bucy made Aug 17 at 2021 11:26 AM

2021-08-17T11:26:03-04:00

Stay in for one more enlistment, before retiring.

Response by CPT Greg Alford, PhD made Aug 17 at 2021 11:26 AM

2021-08-17T11:26:33-04:00

Buy Apple stock!

Response by PO3 Michael Chamness made Aug 17 at 2021 11:28 AM

2021-08-17T11:28:17-04:00

go ahead and kiss that girl, you know " that girl" and don't kiss that girl who you thought was the one!

Response by SSgt Michael Bowen made Aug 17 at 2021 11:28 AM

2021-08-17T11:28:34-04:00

Learn your job the best you can and always try to do it the best you can and always maintain your integrity . It won't always help you get ahead But it will always have the guy in the mirror smile back .

Response by SrA Les Dunaway made Aug 17 at 2021 11:36 AM

2021-08-17T11:36:39-04:00

1) Don't marry crazy women
2) Don't marry women from crazy families

Response by SGT Beverly Tift made Aug 17 at 2021 11:36 AM

2021-08-17T11:36:43-04:00

Hey, you will survive basic (and a lot more than you know of)...now carry on.

Response by CPO James Walker made Aug 17 at 2021 11:46 AM

2021-08-17T11:46:39-04:00

Keep an open mind, find enjoyment wherever you are and do not do anything you will regret later in life.

Response by Capt Ray Brosterhous made Aug 17 at 2021 11:52 AM

2021-08-17T11:52:37-04:00

Go into a career field where I would gain technical skills.

Response by PFC Robert Avants made Aug 17 at 2021 12:03 PM

2021-08-17T12:03:17-04:00

Always be proud, of your service, and never forget the oath you took, because you're never relieved of said oath. Hoooah!

Response by SGT Charles Cameron made Aug 17 at 2021 12:07 PM

2021-08-17T12:07:00-04:00

Increase my Savings Bond deduction..." out of sight, out of mind ". They really make a good "savings plan". Request more "overseas duty". Get into a MOS that would be greatly useful in your civilian life. Pay more attention to the instructors...they're NOT there to entertain you! Retain what you learn...and "most of all"...don't adopt an "attitude of defiance ". Be optimistic with your chores & training.

Response by PV2 David Matthews made Aug 17 at 2021 12:29 PM

2021-08-17T12:29:53-04:00

Quit smoking before boot camp.

Response by Sgt Larrie Lindemann made Aug 17 at 2021 1:11 PM

2021-08-17T13:11:01-04:00

Go with your heart, it’s a long road

Response by SPC Margaret Lome made Aug 17 at 2021 1:16 PM

2021-08-17T13:16:45-04:00

Your cell phone won't work so don't bother taking it. Do take some kind of ID with a date (Drivers' License) and tuck it in your shoe incase, for your protection, you need to prove you are from the future.

Response by Cpl Tyler Therrien made Aug 17 at 2021 1:20 PM

2021-08-17T13:20:08-04:00

to 22 yr old self; talk it out with Lynn (1st wife) find out why she shut you off for 2 months, cheating is NOT the right answer. will only lead to a life of regret and heartache

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Aug 17 at 2021 1:30 PM

2021-08-17T13:30:27-04:00

When I took the entrance exam, while waiting for the results, two Commanders came into the lounge and asked for me by name. I asked them what was wrong. They said nothing was wrong but they wanted to talk to me. I said there are about 60 other men here, why me? They told me that they saw my test scores and felt that I was too smart to be an Enlisted man. I said sorry, I am here to serve my Country and then go back to being a Printer. I have been a Journeyman Typesetter since I was 5 years old and printing is what I do best. I also informed them that I knew I was smart and that was why I was a member of Mensa. They wanted me to go to OCS and become an Officer. Had I known I was going to stay in the Naval Reserve for 28 years, I would have taken them up on it. Now I realize that I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN THEM UP ON OCS.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Aug 17 at 2021 1:45 PM

2021-08-17T13:45:08-04:00

None , We can;t go back in time so why answer this dumb question.

Response by 1SG Steven Malkowski made Aug 17 at 2021 2:13 PM

2021-08-17T14:13:13-04:00

Concentrate more on being the best soldier you can be instead of looking forward to days off to party.

Response by SGT Michael Brand made Aug 17 at 2021 2:13 PM

2021-08-17T14:13:29-04:00

Join the Air Force instead of the Army because a friend of mine (who retired from the A.F.) told me that's a lot more like a regular job without all of the Army-style bs.

Response by Maj Dale Smith made Aug 17 at 2021 2:17 PM

2021-08-17T14:17:00-04:00

Get ready for the ride of your life! It won't be boaring and you will make a difference in so many people's lives as well as National Security. You will save numerous aircrews from disaster and send a pilot to the Manned Space Program as an astronaut. You will tour the World, live in places you could never imagine, and fly to places that airliners never go. You won't be able to sit back, but take a bag of popcorn with you and enjoy the ride!

Response by CDR John Cicio made Aug 17 at 2021 2:19 PM

2021-08-17T14:19:06-04:00

Talk to the E-9 more often

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 2:19 PM

2021-08-17T14:19:27-04:00

This is no place for a Buddhist so don't even think about it

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 2:19 PM

2021-08-17T14:19:30-04:00

Don't do that!

Response by PO2 Robert Hartman made Aug 17 at 2021 2:19 PM

2021-08-17T14:19:38-04:00

Make sure you know all the ins and outs of the contract before signing.

Response by Capt Al Parker made Aug 17 at 2021 2:22 PM

2021-08-17T14:22:23-04:00

I have no desire to go back in time. Unless I could take the technology tools of today with me.

Response by PO1 Michael Frey made Aug 17 at 2021 2:35 PM

2021-08-17T14:35:38-04:00

Put more effort into being a better sailor when I was younger.

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Aug 17 at 2021 2:37 PM

2021-08-17T14:37:48-04:00

Sitting next to myself in MEPPS...hey kid, tell them you want the job your gut is telling you to do. Don't be swayed by the promise of an extra stripe or bonus money. Follow your instinct. You will stay in longer and be happier.

Response by SPC Robert Birk made Aug 17 at 2021 2:43 PM

2021-08-17T14:43:40-04:00

I am so glad I was able to experience the late 40's before going into the service in the early 50's. No distractions peace & harmony with each other & lots of time for school & play. Doors could be left open & we could hitch hike to the beach and other places without fear. No guns, not much crime etc.

Response by MCPO Daniel Meffen made Aug 17 at 2021 2:44 PM

2021-08-17T14:44:20-04:00

Talk the training and testing more serious!! I never studied for a test, but still advanced after each test! At the CPO level, I always passed the tests, but was an early select with 7 years in, made it at 10, SCPO at 14 and MCPO at 18.

Response by LCDR Robert S. made Aug 17 at 2021 2:44 PM

2021-08-17T14:44:46-04:00

Start planning for retirement from the day you enlist.

Response by SPC George Allen made Aug 17 at 2021 2:46 PM

2021-08-17T14:46:03-04:00

I think I would drink less save more and spend more time in the gym than in the pub.

Response by SGT Chuck Freiman made Aug 17 at 2021 2:47 PM

2021-08-17T14:47:40-04:00

Be a better NCO than I was.

Response by SSgt Dennis Finch made Aug 17 at 2021 2:49 PM

2021-08-17T14:49:39-04:00

Shut my mouth and listen.

Response by COL David Turk made Aug 17 at 2021 2:54 PM

2021-08-17T14:54:59-04:00

Nothing in life. Investment advice; know more about the respective company and how they generate their cash flow.

Response by MSgt Dallas May made Aug 17 at 2021 2:55 PM

2021-08-17T14:55:47-04:00

I would tell myself to stay in as long as I could to get the retirement benefits, the health benefits while not the best are better than nothing so stay till retirement to have them and to save at least $50 from every check while I’m in to help set me up when I retire. But the most important thing I would tell myself is have fun and take advantage of the education opportunities!

Response by CPT Gene King made Aug 17 at 2021 2:56 PM

2021-08-17T14:56:49-04:00

What language do they speak in Canada? lol

Response by PO2 Colleen O'Hara made Aug 17 at 2021 2:57 PM

2021-08-17T14:57:14-04:00

Love yourself more. That has been the single constant inner voice I fight with. Be good to yourself and your outlook brightens considerably.

Response by PO2 Doreen Chapman made Aug 17 at 2021 2:57 PM

2021-08-17T14:57:44-04:00

Don't get married at 19. Go to and enjoy different duty stations. Study harder.

Response by PO2 Doreen Chapman made Aug 17 at 2021 2:58 PM

2021-08-17T14:58:54-04:00

Don't marry another Sailor at 19. Go to different duty stations and enjoy the adventure. Study more and harder.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Aug 17 at 2021 3:04 PM

2021-08-17T15:04:52-04:00

Stay the course, I did.
Latch on to that smart, beautiful, kind lady and never let her go, I did.
Don't be a loud mouthed iron headed take no prisoners jerk, I was.
Well two outa three ain't bad.
;)

Response by SSgt Donald Stuart made Aug 17 at 2021 3:06 PM

2021-08-17T15:06:12-04:00

Stay in long enough to Retire and save money. Don't listen to idiots.

Response by CPT Endre Barath made Aug 17 at 2021 3:11 PM

2021-08-17T15:11:16-04:00

Stay in longer and think more before acting on anything....

Response by SFC James Coughlin made Aug 17 at 2021 3:23 PM

2021-08-17T15:23:53-04:00

Never wait for an opportunity, go after them and excel at every thing you do

Response by SFC Charles Jenkins made Aug 17 at 2021 3:33 PM

2021-08-17T15:33:43-04:00

I think I. Gonna wait to travel in 2022, because of uncertainty about COVID

Response by Sgt Susan Mcneely made Aug 17 at 2021 3:33 PM

2021-08-17T15:33:44-04:00

Don't marry Jimmy!!!

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Aug 17 at 2021 3:34 PM

2021-08-17T15:34:21-04:00

Honor, integrity, and truth to yourself and those you serve with are paramount. You can never regain what you lose. Killing for a good or bad cause is still murder; learn to live with it before it destroys you.

Response by SFC Charles Jenkins made Aug 17 at 2021 3:35 PM

2021-08-17T15:35:25-04:00

I’m ok with my life, how it turn out, with no regrets life is a journey without a destination

Response by SGT John Overby made Aug 17 at 2021 3:41 PM

2021-08-17T15:41:31-04:00

Invest in real estate and sex, get a lot when you are young.

Response by Cpl C Hite made Aug 17 at 2021 3:41 PM

2021-08-17T15:41:35-04:00

Budget! Spend less then you make. Take care of your knees and back. Check in with friends and family.

Response by SrA Larry Gray made Aug 17 at 2021 3:49 PM

2021-08-17T15:49:56-04:00

Invest in Cisco

Response by SGT Lenise Hamilton made Aug 17 at 2021 3:52 PM

2021-08-17T15:52:07-04:00

Be all I can be in life, for tomorrow is not promised to anyone.

Response by PO1 Mary Vermont made Aug 17 at 2021 3:55 PM

2021-08-17T15:55:21-04:00

Keep you eye on education not the boys

Response by SSgt Leslie Hayden made Aug 17 at 2021 3:55 PM

2021-08-17T15:55:26-04:00

Buy Google and Apple stock with every extra dime you have.

Response by SMSgt James Rorie made Aug 17 at 2021 3:55 PM

2021-08-17T15:55:51-04:00

As mentioned in a response to last week's question, I had the opportunity to attend East Carolina University with an ROTC Scholarship but I turned it down and later enlisted in the USAF This was after I was not selected to attend the AF Academy. Since then I have often wondered what it would have been like to go back and accept the offer and hopefully graduate with a rank of 2LT in the USAF. It really does make one wonder. I cannot complain though as my life has been rewarding. Things in my life today would most likely not have been the way they turned out to be. It could have been for the better or it could have been for the not so good. I wonder!

Response by MAJ Gerald Richards made Aug 17 at 2021 3:56 PM

2021-08-17T15:56:39-04:00

I would advise my younger self to join the reserves upon the termination of that first enlistment as I attended college on the Korean War GI Bill. I would also advise my young self to chose ROTC in college since I obtained a direct commission. In all, I threw away about 6 years of reserve time that would have paid me good money throughout my life.

Response by TSgt David Stephens made Aug 17 at 2021 3:57 PM

2021-08-17T15:57:49-04:00

I would remine my self to get more exercise and take better care of myself. I would also tell myself to quit smoking right now.

Response by SSG Jerry Pannell made Aug 17 at 2021 3:58 PM

2021-08-17T15:58:41-04:00

Learn to take better care of my body an stay in better shape.

Response by SSG Jerry Pannell made Aug 17 at 2021 4:00 PM

2021-08-17T16:00:00-04:00

Learn to take better care of y body an stay in better shape.

Response by SSG Fletcher Brown made Aug 17 at 2021 4:00 PM

2021-08-17T16:00:57-04:00

Three things: pay the damn $1200 for the GI Bill, don't mention your persistent back pain at re-enlistment time, or better yet - join ROTC in college before joining the military and busting ass in the enlisted ranks.

Response by SSgt Charles Dengler made Aug 17 at 2021 4:01 PM

2021-08-17T16:01:04-04:00

Go to the doctor and get your service connected problems diagnosed before processing out...

Response by PFC Josh Weightman made Aug 17 at 2021 4:04 PM

2021-08-17T16:04:04-04:00

Under no circumstances should you marry your first wife. Stay clear of her and her entire family.

Response by SFC Bruce Smith made Aug 17 at 2021 4:05 PM

2021-08-17T16:05:49-04:00

Escape the thrill of combat arms, go Air Force, and choose a path geared towards life beyond age 39. I enlisted at 6’ but was only 5’10.5” at retirement and had chronic kidney disease.

Response by SPC Albert Schafer made Aug 17 at 2021 4:06 PM

2021-08-17T16:06:01-04:00

I wouldn't change a thing that would change the way the stars aligned for me ... I met my wife and had three beautiful daughters... Any changes or decisions or delays would have caused me to miss out on the final outcome of my life.... Life is a game of inches...

Response by SSG Dale London made Aug 17 at 2021 4:07 PM

2021-08-17T16:07:12-04:00

Two things to remember, young fellow: 1 - never run on asphalt wearing boots unless ordered, and 2 - submit that WOT selection packet!

Response by SPC Bernell Mack-Weathers made Aug 17 at 2021 4:09 PM

2021-08-17T16:09:25-04:00

Join full time right out of High School, stay 20 pus years and live your life to the fullest.

Response by TSgt George Austin made Aug 17 at 2021 4:09 PM

2021-08-17T16:09:58-04:00

Buy Microsoft and bitcoin.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 4:11 PM

2021-08-17T16:11:42-04:00

I would have worked harder earlier in my career.

Response by CPL Larry Monkus made Aug 17 at 2021 4:12 PM

2021-08-17T16:12:15-04:00

stay strong fight with all you have

Response by CPT Jay Bank made Aug 17 at 2021 4:12 PM

2021-08-17T16:12:50-04:00

Don't trust what the recruiter says (he is just a used car salesman trying to fill his quota). Stand your ground on what job you want to do, even if that means joining a different service branch.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Aug 17 at 2021 4:13 PM

2021-08-17T16:13:19-04:00

I would tell myself to save and invest my money. To take better care of my body, and to keep my mouth shut and ears opened. To go to college and get that degree.

Response by SN Katheryn Bermann made Aug 17 at 2021 4:13 PM

2021-08-17T16:13:38-04:00

Do what you’re asked even if it doesn’t make sense, save yourself the stress of over-analyzing!

Response by PO2 D Patrick Gleason made Aug 17 at 2021 4:15 PM

2021-08-17T16:15:43-04:00

Start planning for civilian life.

Response by PFC Mike Kuhn made Aug 17 at 2021 4:15 PM

2021-08-17T16:15:45-04:00

Write it down.

Response by 2LT Daryl Stamm made Aug 17 at 2021 4:21 PM

2021-08-17T16:21:30-04:00

Stay in until retirement

Response by SSG Jesse Denton made Aug 17 at 2021 4:24 PM

2021-08-17T16:24:19-04:00

Work harder to earn another stripe or two. But, in the end it came ou t alright.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 4:24 PM

2021-08-17T16:24:22-04:00

Contribute monthly to a TSP

Response by SGT Lance LeBerte made Aug 17 at 2021 4:26 PM

2021-08-17T16:26:53-04:00

Stay in, quit drinking and go to school

Response by SSG Christopher Conklin made Aug 17 at 2021 4:28 PM

2021-08-17T16:28:13-04:00

Study more in high school, should like how to use a PC more,

Response by LT William Johnson made Aug 17 at 2021 4:28 PM

2021-08-17T16:28:35-04:00

I would tell myself to do exactly what I did all those years ago.

Response by Sgt Karl Karl made Aug 17 at 2021 4:30 PM

2021-08-17T16:30:48-04:00

do the same thing and enjoy life after the enlistment is up. It has been a great life at 72 years old and will continue after.

Response by PFC Edward Mayer made Aug 17 at 2021 4:31 PM

2021-08-17T16:31:10-04:00

Keep my older 1954 Chevy convertible as a collectors item.

Response by SMSgt Mark Hoppes made Aug 17 at 2021 4:32 PM

2021-08-17T16:32:19-04:00

No matter what, never start smoking again

Response by SPC Leland Keller made Aug 17 at 2021 4:33 PM

2021-08-17T16:33:28-04:00

Change my MOS so I won't meet the brain dead, suck up to the brass, and don't care about the lower enlisted. Then back stab other NCO who stand up to them which support us lower troops because it is the legal, right, and honorable, but these men have or had no honor in them because of their action when no one was looking of the right rank. Btw I got out early in 1992 right after the First Gulf War when Bush Senior started downsizing the army and my unit went cherry meaning 90% of the men just came off the drill trail and my platoon sergeant left and was replaced by a sergeant just off the drill traill. He was still pump up and treating everyone like we back in basic training. I had been out for three year now and was treated with no respect while he was demanding it and trashing our room over the smallest thing. (I was TDY at the time but it did'nt stop him breaking my bed which I reported to First Sergeant because I did'nt want to be charged and I did'nt have a place to sleep thank to him. Then because I was TDY and taking a stand against his antics he had it out for me as his pet project but I got out early because of the downsizing. There is more stories I could tell about this guy but I save it unless people want to hear it. Teaser it take place in January in Alaska at the firing range for requalification of our M16a2.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Aug 17 at 2021 4:34 PM

2021-08-17T16:34:24-04:00

Don’t get married! LoL

Response by LCpl Justin Russell made Aug 17 at 2021 4:35 PM

2021-08-17T16:35:04-04:00

Save your money, don’t trust Iraqi’s, and keep that classic car you built when you get out instead of selling it to get by.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 4:38 PM

2021-08-17T16:38:50-04:00

Formulate a long-term plan of what I wanted to do in the military and remain dedicated to completing it regardless of the setbacks. The biggest thing I learned from military service is to always pursue what is important to me, plus always think in terms of shirt-term, intermediate and long-term goals.

Response by SA Mike Lucius made Aug 17 at 2021 4:39 PM

2021-08-17T16:39:40-04:00

I would tell myself that pay attention to what you are told to do take alot of pictures of where you are traveling do not speak unless spoken to

Response by SN Jerry Schlotter made Aug 17 at 2021 4:40 PM

2021-08-17T16:40:27-04:00

My father told me as a child TRUST NO ONE. I didn't listen.

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made Aug 17 at 2021 4:41 PM

2021-08-17T16:41:24-04:00

Drink less. My military career was good, otherwise.

Response by MAJ John Adams made Aug 17 at 2021 4:42 PM

2021-08-17T16:42:26-04:00

Pretty easy! Bear down a little more. I'd also give myself some pointers on what platoon leaders were actually supposed to do in garrison. That was never mentioned in AOBC.

Response by PO2 Bull Halsey made Aug 17 at 2021 4:43 PM

2021-08-17T16:43:57-04:00

Be alert, be patient, be confident and appreciate everyone, even my enemies.

Response by MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. made Aug 17 at 2021 4:44 PM

2021-08-17T16:44:29-04:00

Always listen to your senior NCOs and do whatever they recommend.

Response by PO2 Bull Halsey made Aug 17 at 2021 4:45 PM

2021-08-17T16:45:35-04:00

Be alert, be patient, be confident, question always and appreciate my friends and my enemies. Life is what we make it, not what happens.

Response by SFC David Parker made Aug 17 at 2021 4:46 PM

2021-08-17T16:46:30-04:00

Buy bitcoin

Response by PO3 Michael MacKay made Aug 17 at 2021 4:47 PM

2021-08-17T16:47:45-04:00

Get RK surgery BEFORE I take the physical so my vision won't prevent me from entering BUDs.

Response by Maj Martin Smith made Aug 17 at 2021 4:48 PM

2021-08-17T16:48:27-04:00

AAA! Amazon, Apple and Amgen.

Response by TSgt Bert Brescher made Aug 17 at 2021 4:49 PM

2021-08-17T16:49:24-04:00

Join the service earlier in life and go on more TDYs.

Response by TSgt Bert Brescher made Aug 17 at 2021 4:50 PM

2021-08-17T16:50:14-04:00

Go on more TDYs.

Response by PO1 Lee Conway made Aug 17 at 2021 4:50 PM

2021-08-17T16:50:24-04:00

Don't go nuke, go sub nav ET.

Response by SFC Richard Dougherty made Aug 17 at 2021 4:53 PM

2021-08-17T16:53:18-04:00

Ranking CW4 (in the Army) asked me to apply for warrant officer, I declined. Looking back, how stupid I was. I retired as a SFC.

Response by PO2 Dominick Mancuso made Aug 17 at 2021 4:57 PM

2021-08-17T16:57:28-04:00

Hind site is20/20. I would have done 20 to 30 years and would be better off for it.

Response by 1st Lt James Lipski made Aug 17 at 2021 4:57 PM

2021-08-17T16:57:35-04:00

When asked to reenlist for a 6 year term do it. And dump that girlfriend who convinced me to not re up. She is all wrong for you.

Response by SSgt Jeffrey Fatheree made Aug 17 at 2021 4:59 PM

2021-08-17T16:59:41-04:00

Stay in for 30

Response by GySgt Jack Wallace made Aug 17 at 2021 5:00 PM

2021-08-17T17:00:08-04:00

I would had never left Okinawa until my EAS was up.Spent 3.3 yrs on an unaccompanied tour there as the Command Staff was just outstanding.I was worried my Col. would have talked me into reenlisting and I wanted to start a new career.Was blessed with an Strong father figure of a Gunny watching over me. Semper Fi

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 5:01 PM

2021-08-17T17:01:14-04:00

It ok to love and believe in yourself..don't try to keep up with the joneses. Stay in and do your 20...

Response by SrA Hal Nelson made Aug 17 at 2021 5:01 PM

2021-08-17T17:01:41-04:00

Skip 2020.

Response by Sgt Gene Stanton made Aug 17 at 2021 5:07 PM

2021-08-17T17:07:18-04:00

Yep, buy Big Tech and Big Pharma stocks and get your degree while you're still in the service. And don't give up on being a fighter jock LOL.

Response by CWO3 Dennis M. made Aug 17 at 2021 5:09 PM

2021-08-17T17:09:40-04:00

I stayed in the Navy for 23 years! I greatly enjoyed my career in the Navy and enjoyed it very much. Saw a lot of this world, I had a lot of fun, I would tell myself "don't screw up a good career" Stay the course is a term I used on the bridge as an OOD all the time, and I would tell my self the same thing if given the chance.

Response by LCpl Bryan Heilmann made Aug 17 at 2021 5:10 PM

2021-08-17T17:10:36-04:00

Stick with it. You could be retired by now.

Response by SPC Kathy Crouch made Aug 17 at 2021 5:10 PM

2021-08-17T17:10:53-04:00

Choose a different MOS.

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Aug 17 at 2021 5:14 PM

2021-08-17T17:14:55-04:00

Don’t blow off a opportunity just because said you can’t or should not do it
It has taken me to long to figure out most people are full of hot air
I could of jumped from airplanes but I waited till I was back in the civilian world to do it
Just one example

Response by PO3 Katrina Henry made Aug 17 at 2021 5:19 PM

2021-08-17T17:19:18-04:00

This is the advice I would've like to given my younger self while I served my country. You will learn quickly that the military just like any other large organization runs on rumors. Unfortunately, rumors are usually wrong and can be a death sentence for morale. If you hear a rumor, take it for what it's worth with a grain of salt. Since you obviously do not know the truth, then don't spread the rumor either; and whatever you do, don't let rumors influence your young and incredible mind. Once again young me, rumors are made up of about 6% truth and 94% fiction/lies.

Response by CDR William Kempner made Aug 17 at 2021 5:21 PM

2021-08-17T17:21:29-04:00

I would have gone to the Naval Academy Prep School, instead of directly to West Point. Ultimately, via a circuitous route I wound up in USN -WHERE I WANTED TO BE-TEN YEARS LATER!!!

Response by CW4 Dana Ahl made Aug 17 at 2021 5:21 PM

2021-08-17T17:21:31-04:00

If I could travel back in time, I would advise myself to save everything - records and money

Response by PO2 Michael Noonan made Aug 17 at 2021 5:21 PM

2021-08-17T17:21:53-04:00

I would tell myself to buy Apple and Amazon stock. Even when I was employed with IBM

Response by SPC Randy Torgerson made Aug 17 at 2021 5:23 PM

2021-08-17T17:23:23-04:00

Stay fit.... plus a whole lot of business advice that I know now....

Response by TSgt Ken Vandevoort made Aug 17 at 2021 5:25 PM

2021-08-17T17:25:49-04:00

I would sign up for electronics instead of admin in the Air Force. Air Force didn't know I had a two year degree in electronics. It would have been a better future career move. I had a perfect test score, but decided not to do it. Big mistake.

Response by SP5 Lawrence Bush made Aug 17 at 2021 5:26 PM

2021-08-17T17:26:39-04:00

Learn as much as you can.

Response by A1C Susanna Jones made Aug 17 at 2021 5:27 PM

2021-08-17T17:27:12-04:00

Don't get married!

Response by SPC Donnie Hanberry made Aug 17 at 2021 5:27 PM

2021-08-17T17:27:47-04:00

Save more money

Response by HN Kathleen M Peck made Aug 17 at 2021 5:28 PM

2021-08-17T17:28:19-04:00

My advice to my younger self would be: To re-enlisted in the Navy.

Response by SP5 Lawrence Bush made Aug 17 at 2021 5:28 PM

2021-08-17T17:28:30-04:00

Be smart

Response by MSgt Christopher "Kal" made Aug 17 at 2021 5:37 PM

2021-08-17T17:37:50-04:00

Buy a Jeep (Wrangler), life is fun in a Jeep. Everything else you did right, or close enough. Oh, and love hurts it's gonna happen :( Enjoy the love part as much as you can.

Response by PFC George Kear made Aug 17 at 2021 5:42 PM

2021-08-17T17:42:37-04:00

Have patience and keep your mind on the task at hand.

Response by CW5 Jack Gaudet made Aug 17 at 2021 5:44 PM

2021-08-17T17:44:53-04:00

Don’t worry about the little things. Look towards more opportunities to excel.

Response by MAJ William Petram made Aug 17 at 2021 5:45 PM

2021-08-17T17:45:10-04:00

Relax! Don't take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the ride. It's going to be insanely wonderful!

Response by SP5 Phillip Worthington made Aug 17 at 2021 5:46 PM

2021-08-17T17:46:17-04:00

Respect your fellow soldiers and write your mother

Response by SP5 Jim Titus made Aug 17 at 2021 5:47 PM

2021-08-17T17:47:49-04:00

Sgt J. Titus Stay out of trouble and do your best while you are serving

Response by MCPO William Richards made Aug 17 at 2021 5:48 PM

2021-08-17T17:48:43-04:00

Take life more seriously.

Response by SP5 Jim Titus made Aug 17 at 2021 5:49 PM

2021-08-17T17:49:12-04:00

Sgt Jim Titus Stay out of trouble and do your best while you serve

Response by PFC Kimberly LaVoie made Aug 17 at 2021 5:49 PM

2021-08-17T17:49:22-04:00

Quit smoking, quit drinking, commit to improving physical conditioning, break off contact with my civilian friends....those are the things my initial enlistee self should have done.

Response by PO1 Dale Smiley made Aug 17 at 2021 5:49 PM

2021-08-17T17:49:25-04:00

I would spend more time with my dad and my grandparents but now I don't have the chance, also I would have waited to get married when I was financially secure.

Response by Sgt Justin Dale made Aug 17 at 2021 5:51 PM

2021-08-17T17:51:04-04:00

Buy Bitcoin and don't marry the 1st one.

Response by SPC Julie Wilkerson made Aug 17 at 2021 5:54 PM

2021-08-17T17:54:14-04:00

Don't make drinking into a bad habit.

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Aug 17 at 2021 5:56 PM

2021-08-17T17:56:57-04:00

Enlist at 18 and not near 40!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 5:58 PM

2021-08-17T17:58:17-04:00

Buy a house early on and invest in the TSP…

Response by CPO Arthur Weinberger made Aug 17 at 2021 5:58 PM

2021-08-17T17:58:38-04:00

Stay in high school and take my schooling seriously.

Response by CPT Edward Barr made Aug 17 at 2021 6:01 PM

2021-08-17T18:01:06-04:00

Just chill out, do what you're supposed to do, and everything will work out.

Response by Cpl William Sneed made Aug 17 at 2021 6:02 PM

2021-08-17T18:02:31-04:00

Wait longer to get married.

Response by Cpl William Sneed made Aug 17 at 2021 6:03 PM

2021-08-17T18:03:21-04:00

Reenlist

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Aug 17 at 2021 6:05 PM

2021-08-17T18:05:16-04:00

Talk less, listen more, trust only those who have earned it, and stay close to the Lord.

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made Aug 17 at 2021 6:16 PM

2021-08-17T18:16:22-04:00

Pay Attention, Learn more, Buy Disney stock... and don't marry any of those three!

Response by TSgt Chip Dollason made Aug 17 at 2021 6:16 PM

2021-08-17T18:16:55-04:00

Invest everything I have in an upstart company called MacIntosh which became Apple then take some of those proceeds and buy as many bitcoin as possible when they first come out. Then maybe I wouldn't have to work until I die. My ex gets half my retirement so I can never quit working. I don't worship money but I would like to retire one day.

Response by SP5 Kenneth Neubauer made Aug 17 at 2021 6:20 PM

2021-08-17T18:20:48-04:00

Join the Air Force

Response by SSG Scott Kelley made Aug 17 at 2021 6:28 PM

2021-08-17T18:28:18-04:00

Party less; spend that money and time visiting museums and outdoor wonders

Response by SGT Leonard Frank made Aug 17 at 2021 6:32 PM

2021-08-17T18:32:03-04:00

I joined late and I hate cold weather, I got held back and was not medically released till all the slots in the normal boot camp places were filled. I ended up, in the winter in MO. I live in FL. I was a reserveist. call me a pansy but at the same time I was a 2 pack a day man and now in the cold, all this changed my attitude. I was a miserable non leading recruit and could have done more if I had said no wait tell when jackson or the other southern states open. BTW I had to pay a bunch of money to fly home for exedus.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 6:36 PM

2021-08-17T18:36:00-04:00

Never give up!!

Response by CW4 Rodney Burnett made Aug 17 at 2021 6:40 PM

2021-08-17T18:40:24-04:00

I'm going to tell someone where to find Bin Laden.

Response by SPC Karen Coyle made Aug 17 at 2021 6:40 PM

2021-08-17T18:40:41-04:00

You aren't as smart as you think you are and people aren't always who they pretend to be.
Take the time to figure things out.

Response by SSgt Philip Rouse made Aug 17 at 2021 6:41 PM

2021-08-17T18:41:18-04:00

Force myself to NEVER start smoking! I started in Basic Training at Lackland AFB, TX in 1967! I then smoked for 50 years. I have had severe COPD the past 5 years and am now in Stage 4. I am a skeleton and spend all day gasping for air even with Oxygen supplementation.

Response by SSG Christopher Morin made Aug 17 at 2021 6:43 PM

2021-08-17T18:43:03-04:00

Stick with the TX school.

Response by SSG Christopher Morin made Aug 17 at 2021 6:43 PM

2021-08-17T18:43:37-04:00

Stick with the TX school

Response by SP5 Dennis Dorsey made Aug 17 at 2021 6:50 PM

2021-08-17T18:50:03-04:00

If I knew what I know now, I would have not been so young and dumb.

Response by LCpl Bobby Spatafore made Aug 17 at 2021 6:54 PM

2021-08-17T18:54:42-04:00

Keep your mouth shut.

Response by SGT Craig Hoffman made Aug 17 at 2021 6:54 PM

2021-08-17T18:54:53-04:00

I would tell myself to spend more time with the kids! I feel I didn't do my best to make more of
their activities. I also feel I put myself first when I could have stayed home and spent time with them

Response by PO1 Thomas B. made Aug 17 at 2021 6:57 PM

2021-08-17T18:57:04-04:00

Re-enlist...

Response by PO3 Julien Chambers made Aug 17 at 2021 6:58 PM

2021-08-17T18:58:10-04:00

Take risks, make trouble, and don’t take yourself so seriously.

Response by SPC David Batterson made Aug 17 at 2021 6:58 PM

2021-08-17T18:58:55-04:00

Man up, real quickly! Get with the program. Even if you don't like there [I didn't], do your best. Make lasting friendships, as some will stay with you for life. If you rise in the ranks, don't forget where you came from, and act with respect and honor always. Take on challenges, even if you think you will fail.

Response by PO3 Rich Dye made Aug 17 at 2021 7:02 PM

2021-08-17T19:02:03-04:00

Stay to full retirement!

Response by PO2 Christopher Thompson made Aug 17 at 2021 7:07 PM

2021-08-17T19:07:04-04:00

Stay in as long as you can, it may seem a long way of, but the end is worth the effort.

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Aug 17 at 2021 7:09 PM

2021-08-17T19:09:23-04:00

Take every damned colledge credit availbkle when statuioned in S-holes like Kunsan And Altus AFB

Response by SSgt Christopher Spaulding made Aug 17 at 2021 7:12 PM

2021-08-17T19:12:35-04:00

I would learn as much as I could and take as much training that I could.

Response by SGT Trish Woodbury made Aug 17 at 2021 7:12 PM

2021-08-17T19:12:48-04:00

Don't be too cool look like a fool. You're probably the only fool looking.

Response by SSgt Robert Mesic made Aug 17 at 2021 7:15 PM

2021-08-17T19:15:22-04:00

Keep your first car it will become a classic sooner than you think go to college first active duty second

Response by SFC Robert Ortiz made Aug 17 at 2021 7:25 PM

2021-08-17T19:25:30-04:00

First thing I would tell myself to accept the Lord into my life. 2nd to buy stock in many big tech companies so I can live very comfortable at retirement. 3rd to look for the love of my life at my early age, not 20 years later. Lastly, buy the land that I always wanted when I first seen it before it slips away again.

Response by SPC Richard Bare made Aug 17 at 2021 7:26 PM

2021-08-17T19:26:20-04:00

stay in active duty

Response by PO2 Kirk Eaton made Aug 17 at 2021 7:27 PM

2021-08-17T19:27:18-04:00

Finish school the first time.

Response by SPC A.j. Roeper made Aug 17 at 2021 7:29 PM

2021-08-17T19:29:19-04:00

Drink less and enjoy more. Youth fades way too quickly.

Response by Capt Keith Glass made Aug 17 at 2021 7:30 PM

2021-08-17T19:30:26-04:00

Buy Apple stock

Response by SSgt Randall Matheny made Aug 17 at 2021 7:34 PM

2021-08-17T19:34:04-04:00

Stay faithful and active with my church.

Response by SSG Robert Velasco made Aug 17 at 2021 7:42 PM

2021-08-17T19:42:21-04:00

What would tell myself as a young recruit is NEVER SMOKE, DON'T DRINK Alcohol, run for exercise and Find a nice lady to cherish.

Response by LT Mikkel Moller made Aug 17 at 2021 7:46 PM

2021-08-17T19:46:01-04:00

Stay for 20!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 17 at 2021 7:47 PM

2021-08-17T19:47:01-04:00

Stay Frosty

Response by PO3 Darla Salmons made Aug 17 at 2021 7:48 PM

2021-08-17T19:48:31-04:00

If I could go back in time I would have join Navy right out of high school!!

Response by MAJ Doug Mattox made Aug 17 at 2021 7:51 PM

2021-08-17T19:51:48-04:00

She is crazy, stay away

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Aug 17 at 2021 7:51 PM

2021-08-17T19:51:55-04:00

Buy Microsoft at $21 a share when it goes public in 1986.

Response by SP5 James Johnson made Aug 17 at 2021 8:02 PM

2021-08-17T20:02:54-04:00

Easy. Buy Microsoft in 1981 and hold it. I'd be a multimillionaire.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 8:03 PM

2021-08-17T20:03:11-04:00

Don't look back.

Response by PO1 Paul Andrews made Aug 17 at 2021 8:03 PM

2021-08-17T20:03:32-04:00

Save more and consider changing rate so you don't get PNA'd 11 times.

Response by TSgt Wayne Johnson made Aug 17 at 2021 8:04 PM

2021-08-17T20:04:29-04:00

Study longer and harder for rank.

Response by SFC Keith Frain made Aug 17 at 2021 8:05 PM

2021-08-17T20:05:17-04:00

Don't take the left at the fork in the road after "Puppy Palace!" (Let's see if I get a bite off of this answer?)

Response by CWO2 Brian Ferring made Aug 17 at 2021 8:11 PM

2021-08-17T20:11:34-04:00

Stay in college and get your degree first.

Response by MSgt Daniel Bella made Aug 17 at 2021 8:13 PM

2021-08-17T20:13:18-04:00

Go active not AIRNG

Response by AN Ronald Norris made Aug 17 at 2021 8:14 PM

2021-08-17T20:14:37-04:00

I AM A DAV VIET NAM RIGHT I AM ASHAMED OF THIS COUNTRY BECAUSE OF STUPID JOE BIDEN AND HIS DUMIES IF I KNEW WHAT I KNOW NOW I WOULD NOT HAVE GONE.IF THE BIG BOYS START A WAR LET THEM GO FIGHT IT.

Response by SP5 James Stockton made Aug 17 at 2021 8:18 PM

2021-08-17T20:18:27-04:00

Keep a detailed record of everything you do, when you do it, and the names of all the people you are serving with. You will need all that information in your fight for Agent Orange benefits.

Response by 1LT Jeff Hammons made Aug 17 at 2021 8:21 PM

2021-08-17T20:21:30-04:00

Wait to marry and don’t mistake what you enjoy doing with what would make a good career.

Response by PO1 Shelly Hudson made Aug 17 at 2021 8:21 PM

2021-08-17T20:21:45-04:00

You not only survive, you thrive

Response by PV2 Keith Lilly made Aug 17 at 2021 8:23 PM

2021-08-17T20:23:37-04:00

Stay in and retire

Response by SSG Steven Gotz made Aug 17 at 2021 8:29 PM

2021-08-17T20:29:36-04:00

Stay in the Army, save every penny you can towards retirement, buy houses at every duty station that you can, and rent them out when you leave.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Aug 17 at 2021 8:32 PM

2021-08-17T20:32:11-04:00

I would go back to the mid 90’ and tell myself to take a certain job I was offered.

Response by SGT Donald Brodbeck made Aug 17 at 2021 8:37 PM

2021-08-17T20:37:02-04:00

Ya...should have stayed in.

Response by SFC Steven Kleimola made Aug 17 at 2021 8:38 PM

2021-08-17T20:38:14-04:00

Don't get married!

Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made Aug 17 at 2021 8:40 PM

2021-08-17T20:40:07-04:00

Keep in touch with your branch and take an advanced course every time you PCS.

Response by SPC Edward Marshall made Aug 17 at 2021 8:41 PM

2021-08-17T20:41:41-04:00

This is a very though thoughtful question that I have rarely had to think about. But, if I had the chance, this barely 17 year old soldier would have taken a more serious approach to my military service. I was intelligent, yet did not take all of the advantages of my service. Had I. I would have retired as a general. But admittedly, being a young soldier, does not require a mature approach, just basic training. My service in Vietnam would have been a whole different experience.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Aug 17 at 2021 8:42 PM

2021-08-17T20:42:00-04:00

Buy into the cell phone industry and remain on active duty

Response by PO2 Tom Sage made Aug 17 at 2021 8:48 PM

2021-08-17T20:48:10-04:00

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a damn thing.
US Navy (4 years) right out of high school was the best thing I could have done. No college. 6 years as a police officer followed by 31 years as an airline pilot. Married now for 55 years with 2 great kids.
One lucky dude here.

Response by SSG Sidney Galloway made Aug 17 at 2021 8:50 PM

2021-08-17T20:50:56-04:00

Focus more on your family. The Army's needs will be taken care of.

Response by SPC Errol Webb made Aug 17 at 2021 8:55 PM

2021-08-17T20:55:46-04:00

Re up

Response by Sgt Steven Boone made Aug 17 at 2021 8:57 PM

2021-08-17T20:57:01-04:00

Make a career of the military!

Response by CPT Kurk Harris made Aug 17 at 2021 9:02 PM

2021-08-17T21:02:14-04:00

Go to college straight out of high school, and get your commission before joining the military, and make sure you stay for at least 20.

Response by FN Rebecca Wierenga made Aug 17 at 2021 9:04 PM

2021-08-17T21:04:08-04:00

Use your voice, you are a force to be reckoned with!

Response by PO1 Phil Audritsh made Aug 17 at 2021 9:08 PM

2021-08-17T21:08:52-04:00

Don't get married.

Response by Sgt Sophia Cottrill made Aug 17 at 2021 9:12 PM

2021-08-17T21:12:19-04:00

Travel more, take more pictures and get your degree. Be kind to yourself and don’t waste time on people who are not kind. And remember - What others think of you is none of your business!

Response by MSG Les Amaya made Aug 17 at 2021 9:18 PM

2021-08-17T21:18:43-04:00

Stay single!

Response by SPC Rob Hunker made Aug 17 at 2021 9:23 PM

2021-08-17T21:23:57-04:00

Stay in the Army until retirement.

Response by PO1 Ken Helmick made Aug 17 at 2021 9:26 PM

2021-08-17T21:26:07-04:00

Don't go into the engineering ratings, you'll hardly ever get promoted when you go into the reserves. With your writing abilities, become a yeoman.

Response by SFC Michael Moody made Aug 17 at 2021 9:27 PM

2021-08-17T21:27:38-04:00

I would tell my young self to quit smoking before I joined the Army and to make it a habit to save my money every month. I could live very comfortable on the savings from not smoking and a little less on the booze.

Response by CSM Bob Stanek made Aug 17 at 2021 9:28 PM

2021-08-17T21:28:48-04:00

I turn down three opportunities to become an officer. Once before I was in college, one while I was in, and one after I started as an civilian engineer. I think if I would have taken the jump in the beginning, I would have become a colonel, and just maybe a general officer.

Response by SSG Alleria Stanley made Aug 17 at 2021 9:30 PM

2021-08-17T21:30:48-04:00

It gets better and it's never as bad as it seems at the time

Response by PFC Guy Gantner made Aug 17 at 2021 9:36 PM

2021-08-17T21:36:08-04:00

Do better in high school. I graduated, but could have done better. It mad it more difficult to get my B.S. degree in Nutrition.

Response by SPC Ramon Urias made Aug 17 at 2021 9:39 PM

2021-08-17T21:39:02-04:00

Every duty station is different. Take advice but remember everyone’s military experiences are different so take it with a grain of salt. everyone’s military experience is different. Make the best of your situation and control the things you can control.

Response by SPC George Edwards made Aug 17 at 2021 9:44 PM

2021-08-17T21:44:47-04:00

Listened to my First Sergeant's advice about staying away from all of the whores in Juarez.

Response by PO2 Robert VanderVeer made Aug 17 at 2021 9:48 PM

2021-08-17T21:48:31-04:00

Enjoy life ...you only live once !!

Response by Cpl Tyler Therrien made Aug 17 at 2021 9:54 PM

2021-08-17T21:54:05-04:00

Stay in the marines and make a career of it

Response by CPL Donnie Starnes made Aug 17 at 2021 9:54 PM

2021-08-17T21:54:08-04:00

Don't ever drink alcoholic beverages, Take schools that are critical & pays Great, & Find My Wife earlier where I can Love Her Longer !

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 10:01 PM

2021-08-17T22:01:17-04:00

Go to university first and join Army ROTC.

Response by SPC Donald Packard made Aug 17 at 2021 10:01 PM

2021-08-17T22:01:28-04:00

Stay in and retire from the service

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 10:02 PM

2021-08-17T22:02:30-04:00

Skip flight school and go for more education. Flying was a dud for me and I found my footing in cybersecurity. I could have been doing this much earlier, gotten in on the ground floor, and potentially been a part of some groundbreaking things.

Response by CDR Scott Buck made Aug 17 at 2021 10:02 PM

2021-08-17T22:02:35-04:00

Avoid the partners, take advantage of new learning experiences and advance as soon as you are able.

Response by CDR Bob Lange made Aug 17 at 2021 10:06 PM

2021-08-17T22:06:43-04:00

Homework THEN beer

Response by A1C Robert Underwood made Aug 17 at 2021 10:08 PM

2021-08-17T22:08:52-04:00

The first thing I would say, GET IT TOGETHER ! At one time I was just a dumbass and had no idea what life was or what I could do with it! Everything turned out ok, but it could have been so much easier. The other thing I would say would be, have fun but not so much to get you off track.

Response by CMSgt Will Savage made Aug 17 at 2021 10:09 PM

2021-08-17T22:09:43-04:00

Lighten up. I was wrapped way too tight. Should have partied more.

Response by Sgt Mary Currin made Aug 17 at 2021 10:11 PM

2021-08-17T22:11:44-04:00

First of all, I would tell myself to take better care of my body. Then I would have made an effort to strive for the 20 years instead of getting out after one term.

Response by PO3 Lauren King made Aug 17 at 2021 10:13 PM

2021-08-17T22:13:09-04:00

When the times seem so dark, I promise there will be a light in your life. It may not seem like it now but do not ever give up hope. Do not let the spark in you die. You will see so much and learn even more.

Response by PO3 Steven Asman made Aug 17 at 2021 10:15 PM

2021-08-17T22:15:47-04:00

tell my younger self to ease up on the alcohol especially over seas as made with very little mixer
. Keep your bearings straight and go after what really want in your Military Career and Never Never Give Up!

Response by PO2 Joan MacNeill made Aug 17 at 2021 10:15 PM

2021-08-17T22:15:54-04:00

In a similar response to another survey, my words matched those of MSgt Jimmie Brown: "Buy Microsoft and stop drinking." Slightly different, however, it was Intel, and Santa Clara County real estate, and moderate drinking. There are many major bits of advice I could give to my earlier self from my vastly wiser perspective. Take greater advantage of self-development opportunities, such as any kind of education. Get to knoiw the environments I was stationed in, such as geography, geology, history, and most of all, the people, their language and culture (this even includes my elders, and funny Connecticut, could also include the Navy itself). Learn folk dancing, including yes, SQUARE DANCING. Absorb Celtic culture: customs and history, language, music, and dancing. Take better care of my body. Take advantage of travel opportunities. I am not nor was religious, but it would have been good to get to know religions and church people better, even attend services at times, just to broaden my perspective and circle of acquaintances. Give more thought to my future, keeping in mind that it will not exactly match what I plan. So much of this is what I got to know better as I aged, and wished I had started on earlier.

One of the biggest things I wished I had done earlier would be bizarre to most of you, but makes sense to more folks than you know. I am a transgender woman (see, bizarre), who only came to my senses much later in life, and pursued the gender appropriate to my real self. I hugely wish I had started this much earlier. I hope this is not too offensive. Before you condemn me or others, please remember all the kinds of misconceptions you have had corrected over the years, that you are wiser now, but always have more to learn. Get to know some of us. You will find us more like ordinary folks than you think. It will expand your universe, and make you a better person.

Of course, if you try to pass on your wisdom to youngsters, be prepared to be ignored as an old out-of-touch geezer. It's probably right, they have to learn for themselves. The ones who survive the process will be stronger for it. And the smarter ones will pay at least some attention to us.

Response by SSgt Reggie Klatt made Aug 17 at 2021 10:16 PM

2021-08-17T22:16:58-04:00

Take eve3rything more seriously

Response by SPC Tamara Trammell made Aug 17 at 2021 10:20 PM

2021-08-17T22:20:20-04:00

Read this letter. Follow the instructions exactly.
Shut up. Your handwriting's worse. Paragraph three has the book I used to improve our handwriting.

Response by CPT Earl George made Aug 17 at 2021 10:20 PM

2021-08-17T22:20:29-04:00

I would have taken physical conditioning more seriously. You can never hurt yourself by exercising especially as you age.

Response by SSG Richard Hackwith made Aug 17 at 2021 10:29 PM

2021-08-17T22:29:20-04:00

I would resist the temptation I had to become a trouble maker. When I did finally quit being a troublemaker and started taking responsibility, things were better. In the 60s you would usually make E-5 in less than three years, took me four.

Response by SFC Richard Baerlocher made Aug 17 at 2021 10:42 PM

2021-08-17T22:42:41-04:00

I wasn't in great physical condition when Ientered the service in 1966. I would work harder to improve my physical condition. When you are in better phsical condition you feel better, and training is so much easier.

Response by SFC Vanessa Thomas made Aug 17 at 2021 10:45 PM

2021-08-17T22:45:41-04:00

Don't trust everyone, everyone is not your friend. Don’t let people pressure you in to doing something that you don’t want to do. Always protect yourself!

Response by Nelson Irey made Aug 17 at 2021 10:45 PM

2021-08-17T22:45:52-04:00

Out live the ass holes....Out lasting is the BEST revenge!

Response by LT Robert Kennedy made Aug 17 at 2021 10:47 PM

2021-08-17T22:47:19-04:00

shut up more and do not accept the appointment to Headquarters under any circumstances

Response by SGT Frank Barnes made Aug 17 at 2021 10:55 PM

2021-08-17T22:55:31-04:00

Drink less, save more, stay in it till the end.

Response by SGT Frank Barnes made Aug 17 at 2021 10:56 PM

2021-08-17T22:56:03-04:00

Drink less, save more, stay in it till the end....

Response by SSG Wayne Battles made Aug 17 at 2021 10:56 PM

2021-08-17T22:56:52-04:00

Marry the girl!!! Join the Air Force, lol

Response by SSG Wayne Battles made Aug 17 at 2021 10:57 PM

2021-08-17T22:57:35-04:00

Marry the girl!!! Then join the Air Force!!

Response by MSG James South made Aug 17 at 2021 11:00 PM

2021-08-17T23:00:23-04:00

I would first focus on education. 2nd start a savings account. 3rd take more leadership responsibilities

Response by SP5 Bill Coburn made Aug 17 at 2021 11:03 PM

2021-08-17T23:03:24-04:00

Listen, pay attention and don't hesitate to tell the truth when asked.

Response by SSgt Marian Mitchell made Aug 17 at 2021 11:04 PM

2021-08-17T23:04:29-04:00

Don't believe that dumb recruiter!! But come into the military because you wanted to, not on what that lying recruiter said.

Response by Cpl Ross Curtis made Aug 17 at 2021 11:05 PM

2021-08-17T23:05:35-04:00

I would tell myself, don’t ever set “safe” goals. If a goal will not push you outside of your comfort zone, it is a waste of time. Set goals that push and stretch you, so you will be reshaped into the best version of yourself.

Response by SPC Jordan Brown made Aug 17 at 2021 11:08 PM

2021-08-17T23:08:57-04:00

I would’ve probably told myself to take my National Guard career a bit more seriously.

I’m the only person who’s held me back.

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Aug 17 at 2021 11:10 PM

2021-08-17T23:10:09-04:00

But into biomedical, into pharmaceutical companies and never ever beer on the mariners

Response by Sara Lucas made Aug 17 at 2021 11:14 PM

2021-08-17T23:14:45-04:00

Keep my head down mouth shut..pay attention to goal stay focused dont be distracted by others..

Response by PO3 Dale Olson made Aug 17 at 2021 11:15 PM

2021-08-17T23:15:58-04:00

Keep mouth shut and my ears open!

Response by SFC John La Voie made Aug 17 at 2021 11:16 PM

2021-08-17T23:16:35-04:00

Swim everyday while picking up the new MOS.

Response by SN John Dilley made Aug 17 at 2021 11:16 PM

2021-08-17T23:16:56-04:00

Get behind some cover on Sept. 11, 1968.

Response by 1SG William Randall’s made Aug 17 at 2021 11:20 PM

2021-08-17T23:20:58-04:00

I’d do it all over again

Response by SPC Wildon Mitter, D Coun made Aug 17 at 2021 11:29 PM

2021-08-17T23:29:23-04:00

Quit drinking. Shut up and listen.

Response by 1st Lt Richard Gauthier made Aug 17 at 2021 11:38 PM

2021-08-17T23:38:29-04:00

Do what I ended up doing for a living sooner. Not let the naysayers influence me.

Response by PO1 Steve Newton made Aug 17 at 2021 11:39 PM

2021-08-17T23:39:55-04:00

Do your best. Trust in the Lord. Everything else will fall into place.

Response by SPC Kenneth Bowles made Aug 17 at 2021 11:41 PM

2021-08-17T23:41:32-04:00

Stay in active duty; attend OCS or Warrant Office School; take college classes

Response by Capt Sylvia DeBorger made Aug 17 at 2021 11:58 PM

2021-08-17T23:58:11-04:00

Your ratings will depend on more than how well you do your job. I found out the hard way that mine depended on how well I pleased the "boss." Our offices were in the rec center. He liked for people to stay in at lunch time & play ping pong with him. I didn't. Now I know.

Response by SFC Howard Holmes made Aug 17 at 2021 11:59 PM

2021-08-17T23:59:58-04:00

Don't change a thing. My Recruiter, SFC William Peters, in 1979, was honest and open with me. The ONLY thing I didn't like was being an MP at Ft. Lewis - 9th MP Co., Hoooaahh, was living at permanent party in an open bay. The only unit in the Division, I Corps, and Forscom to live in open bays. But as crappy as it was, it was also a great experience in its own right.

Response by SFC Leon Amer made Aug 18 at 2021 12:03 AM

2021-08-18T00:03:43-04:00

When ex #1 starts getting flirty, shut her down, so she never gets to be mrs. #1 !

Response by MSG Albert Grounds made Aug 18 at 2021 12:12 AM

2021-08-18T00:12:32-04:00

My decision to join the Army began at 10 years old. The reason was two people greatly influenced this decision. My Uncle was permanently injured by a sniper shattering his elbow which left his right arm in a permanent "L" position. He did not let this stop his from becoming one of the best mechanics in the area. My cousin was a prisoner of war in Korea and he was brutally beaten by the guards. He spent over a year in rehab in Okinawa before he came back home. He was a big man, 6ft, 2in and around 235 pounds and in great condition. When he came back and walked through the door of his parents house, he looked to be around 80 pounds, bent over and had bad eyesight. The thing that stood out though was he had a big smile on his face which told me they may have broke him physically but not his spirit. While in Viet Nam, I spoke with a sergeant who related he was a prisoner of war in Korea (volunteered for Viet Nam) and said he would not be there today were it not for this one person there with him in prison who protected him and others from the guards by knocking them down when they started beatings with their rifle butts. I asked him if he remembered the persons name. He gave the name of my cousin. My uncle was Wilford Combs and my cousin was Delbert Henson.
After spending 21 years in the U.S. Army, I wrote a book titled "It Started & Ended" dedicated to the two people I have great admiration for; my uncle and cousin. Both passed away in 2020 and I miss them but will never forget them.

Response by SFC Norman Graves made Aug 18 at 2021 12:22 AM

2021-08-18T00:22:10-04:00

#1. Go in the USAF. #2. stay longer. # 3. Find the one that got away Carolyn Iren Smith 1962 in Arlington Va. Above all get home before both my Father and Mother past away.

Response by SPC Roger Opfer made Aug 18 at 2021 12:48 AM

2021-08-18T00:48:25-04:00

I said to myself in 1966. I would like to go back out side of that airport we landed in when we came back from the DMZ in Korea. And walk back through that airport and the first protester that spit on me of around 30 protester & called me a baby killer & numerous other rotten things. That's when all hell would break loose. No one will ever do that to me or any of the people I'm with again. I have lived that scene over & over in my mind a 1,000 times. Never Again

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 12:59 AM

2021-08-18T00:59:43-04:00

Go green to gold now.

Response by CPL Nathaniel (Nate) Harrison made Aug 18 at 2021 1:21 AM

2021-08-18T01:21:29-04:00

Go back to school

Response by SSG Mike Zientek made Aug 18 at 2021 1:22 AM

2021-08-18T01:22:18-04:00

Stay Active Army, go OCS.
Stay away from your second ex-wife.

Response by SGM Willie Sanderson made Aug 18 at 2021 1:26 AM

2021-08-18T01:26:38-04:00

I would advise myself to watch out for pitfalls like over use of alcohol and taking questionable shortcuts knowing the outcome will probably not be successful.

Response by 1SG Steven Imerman made Aug 18 at 2021 1:37 AM

2021-08-18T01:37:03-04:00

Don't marry someone who's slightly crazy just because she is solid stone beautiful.

Response by PO2 Steven Youngblood made Aug 18 at 2021 1:54 AM

2021-08-18T01:54:08-04:00

Stay on base. don't get married. buy gold. stay in for 20.

Response by A1C Sandie Weidner made Aug 18 at 2021 3:04 AM

2021-08-18T03:04:34-04:00

If I had to do it over again, hard one. But I would work on college courses and finish RN degree and apply for officer school. BUT what makes it hard is that I would not have met my first husband and had my 2 beautiful children that are adults and parents, doing great. In fact my son is a Marine, put in 2 years in Japan and 1 year in Okinawa, and 1 year in CA. He was third generation Veteran in my family.

Response by PO2 David Russell made Aug 18 at 2021 3:08 AM

2021-08-18T03:08:28-04:00

Stay in the Navy and retire

Response by SrA Susan Leonard made Aug 18 at 2021 3:29 AM

2021-08-18T03:29:01-04:00

I was very young and not smart when I first joined. So much I could tell myself. Probably the big thing would be to do the college thing sooner in my career and actually go.

Response by LCpl Ron A made Aug 18 at 2021 4:50 AM

2021-08-18T04:50:42-04:00

Take chances. Jump on every opportunity that crossed my path that I was either afraid or too cautious to take.

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Aug 18 at 2021 4:53 AM

2021-08-18T04:53:20-04:00

Join sooner.

Response by SrA Trina Hanner made Aug 18 at 2021 5:56 AM

2021-08-18T05:56:10-04:00

Do not make decisions based on emotions. I loved serving and my decision to leave the military was emotional, not logical. I was young, immature and greatly influenced by someone who did not have my best interests at heart. I would have had a fantastic career. I did find my way back into the military community as a civilian in 2005 and am completely fulfilled today. I never regret decisions I make however would have made a different choice knowing what I do.

Response by SFC Robert Falco made Aug 18 at 2021 5:58 AM

2021-08-18T05:58:02-04:00

DO NOT marry my ex-wife!!

Response by TSgt Mike Meserve made Aug 18 at 2021 6:28 AM

2021-08-18T06:28:04-04:00

I would tell my younger self to stay away from alcohol and study for rank more seriously. Explore every duty stations local cultures and customs and engage with the people.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Aug 18 at 2021 6:32 AM

2021-08-18T06:32:02-04:00

Listen more, talk less. You're not as smart as you think you are.

Response by TSgt Mike Meserve made Aug 18 at 2021 6:32 AM

2021-08-18T06:32:13-04:00

Don't drink so much, study for rank harder and explore the local communities at every duty station.

Response by PO1 Martin Findley made Aug 18 at 2021 6:39 AM

2021-08-18T06:39:19-04:00

Take your Navy career seriously stupid.

Response by SPC Thomas Kosakowski made Aug 18 at 2021 6:52 AM

2021-08-18T06:52:34-04:00

stayed in

Response by TSgt Walter Ponczek made Aug 18 at 2021 6:55 AM

2021-08-18T06:55:46-04:00

Work harder to get promoted more. This working harder could involve many different things but whatever is necessary is a must!

Response by MSgt Bill Shields made Aug 18 at 2021 7:13 AM

2021-08-18T07:13:30-04:00

Do more to get into a medical field.

Response by PVT Michele Bowman made Aug 18 at 2021 7:23 AM

2021-08-18T07:23:24-04:00

If I could travel back in time the advice I would give myself is submit and give my life to Christ with reading the Bible in it's entirety which I know would have saved me a lot of heartache.

Response by A1C Michael Netz made Aug 18 at 2021 7:23 AM

2021-08-18T07:23:33-04:00

Get better grades in High school, which you are quite capable of and then enter Officer Training School to become a pilot.

Response by TSgt Chuck Mankin made Aug 18 at 2021 7:38 AM

2021-08-18T07:38:49-04:00

My advice would be several things. First off would be to stay in the military for 20, secondly, don't marry that girl. Thirdly would be invest more $$ while you are young.

Response by 1SG Tomm Edwards made Aug 18 at 2021 7:43 AM

2021-08-18T07:43:38-04:00

Keep those monthly savings bonds until I retired.

Response by PO2 Robert Kelly made Aug 18 at 2021 7:47 AM

2021-08-18T07:47:52-04:00

Buy a property at every duty station you have and never sell them. When your duty station changes find an exmilitary realtor and request he only rents your house to active duty military members. Then enjoy your retirement in 20-30 years

Response by SPC Deon Holmes made Aug 18 at 2021 7:48 AM

2021-08-18T07:48:11-04:00

Dear 19 year old Deon. Please don't marry her! She's beautiful yes, her body is a work of art, but she's an energy vampire! Don't sell all those Amazon shares you had @$32 a share!

Response by SPC Tommy Dean made Aug 18 at 2021 7:49 AM

2021-08-18T07:49:32-04:00

1997. BUY ALL SHARES POSSIBLE, AMAZON.

Response by PO2 Richard Prosser made Aug 18 at 2021 7:55 AM

2021-08-18T07:55:39-04:00

purchase apple stock.

Response by Sgt Walter Bollinger made Aug 18 at 2021 8:01 AM

2021-08-18T08:01:00-04:00

After we pulled out of Viet Nam we were treated like crap by civilians and our own I wish I had stayed in went back to school and tried to get a commission

Response by PO2 Jimmie Shelnutt made Aug 18 at 2021 8:27 AM

2021-08-18T08:27:29-04:00

Was offered OCS. It required however, an additional years enlistment. That's an eternity at 21 so I declined. Seems worthwhile at 76. Even so, I was proud to serve as a Navy Corpsman with the FMF. Semper Fi!

Response by PO2 Rex Beishline made Aug 18 at 2021 8:38 AM

2021-08-18T08:38:46-04:00

It would be important to be more open minded, and to explore opportunities that fit my interests as well as those that provided challenges to help me grow, learn more and become more specialized in a occupational sense.

Response by A1C Cesar Baquerizo made Aug 18 at 2021 8:44 AM

2021-08-18T08:44:47-04:00

Grow up, don’t be an asshole, stay in, buy Microsoft and Amazon.

Response by MAJ John Davis made Aug 18 at 2021 8:46 AM

2021-08-18T08:46:40-04:00

Listen more than you talk.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 8:56 AM

2021-08-18T08:56:50-04:00

Save as much money as you could. Train harder. Remember that 1SG's and Commander's change, so don't be that pisses off lower enlisted Joe.

Response by Cpl Henry Busby made Aug 18 at 2021 9:05 AM

2021-08-18T09:05:07-04:00

Upon reflection, I believe that I would have joined the Reserves instead of active duty. I have friends who have lived a good life serving in the reserves and was activated when required, and at the same time was able to pursue their secular careers and now are retired from both endeavors which affords them a more secure life. And yes, I should have invested more in technology.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Aug 18 at 2021 9:26 AM

2021-08-18T09:26:31-04:00

Study harder in high school. I was rather rebellious as a teen being a child of a broken home when such things weren't openly discussed. The military helped a lot and I turned out pretty well.

Response by PVT Steve R made Aug 18 at 2021 9:29 AM

2021-08-18T09:29:26-04:00

never, ever, give up!

Response by Cpl Anthony Starcevic made Aug 18 at 2021 9:31 AM

2021-08-18T09:31:25-04:00

Be careful what you wish for, and do not volunteer for anything

Response by SGT Larry Styer made Aug 18 at 2021 9:37 AM

2021-08-18T09:37:19-04:00

Keep your mouth shut and your hand down!

Response by SP5 William Sells made Aug 18 at 2021 9:40 AM

2021-08-18T09:40:56-04:00

I would have waivered my enlistment option and went to OCS at Ft Benning!

Response by LCpl Lynn Reese made Aug 18 at 2021 9:44 AM

2021-08-18T09:44:37-04:00

I would have been a Medic in Vietnam. Maybe I could have erased at least one of those names on That Wall...

Response by Maj William Kelso made Aug 18 at 2021 9:52 AM

2021-08-18T09:52:54-04:00

DO FULL 30 YEAR CAREER IN USAF. FIRST WIFE DEMANDED i QUIT OR DIVORCE HER SO SHE COULD BE CLOSE TO THE WOMEN SHE WAS INTIMATE WITH SINCE COLLEGE. 3 KIDS I SHOULD HAVE LEFT THEM WITH HER AND HER PAL AND I WAS BELOW THE ZONE FOR MAJOR AND ON A FAST TRACK I SCREWED MYSELF. HER PARTNER WAS A TEACHER AND COMPETENT WITH 2 KIDS SAME AGE. KNOWING THEY WERE BEING WATCHED VERY CLOSELY, I THINK MY KIDS WOULD HAVE BEEN ACTUALLY MORE STABLE. (I ENDED UP MOVING 5 TIMES BECAUSE NO ONE WANTED A GP IN THE CIVILIAN WORLD AND DIDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE MY SERVICE TRAINING. OH WELL. KIDS ARE FINE.

Response by CH (LTC) Jon Tidball made Aug 18 at 2021 10:02 AM

2021-08-18T10:02:16-04:00

Stay true to yourself/values and don't join the herd.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Aug 18 at 2021 10:16 AM

2021-08-18T10:16:16-04:00

I would tell myself to shut up and listen more. Really listen to hear. I was brash and would have appeared to not listen. I was also bright enough to knkw good advice and would have tempered my words in reply more, had more patience with my son, and possibly a better person. Arm chair quarterbacking is easy....

Response by PO3 Erik Naville made Aug 18 at 2021 10:17 AM

2021-08-18T10:17:07-04:00

Be careful lending money to "friends"

Response by SP5 John Passanisi made Aug 18 at 2021 10:17 AM

2021-08-18T10:17:37-04:00

Buckle up! You are in for a ride the rest of your life.

Response by Sgt William Moody made Aug 18 at 2021 10:31 AM

2021-08-18T10:31:15-04:00

To change my mind when I refused to listen to my DI's insistence I go to OCS in Quantico. At that time the war in Viet Nam was going into full mode and I figured a 2LT would last less than a week, so I backed out. I should have gone and become an officer.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 10:32 AM

2021-08-18T10:32:46-04:00

RE-enlist but reclassify into something like civil engineer or X ray tech.
Learn the meaning of and utilize the concept of ROI

Response by SSgt James Martin made Aug 18 at 2021 10:41 AM

2021-08-18T10:41:47-04:00

Stay in the Air Force for twenty years.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 10:42 AM

2021-08-18T10:42:40-04:00

I'd tell recruit Everett to make sure he gets the MOS he really wants and not settle for anything else.
I'd tell PVT Everett to put 10% of his check into some investment vehicle and to not drink so much.
I'd tell LT Everett to join the National Guard immediately after coming of active duty.

Response by SCPO Dan Lewis made Aug 18 at 2021 10:44 AM

2021-08-18T10:44:19-04:00

No regrets.

Response by PFC Robert Avants made Aug 18 at 2021 10:49 AM

2021-08-18T10:49:04-04:00

Sgt Stewart; thanks for the vote up.
11B all the way! Hooah

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Aug 18 at 2021 11:04 AM

2021-08-18T11:04:46-04:00

After basic and AIT ( I was promised PFC if I scored high upon completion) We began RVN training. The first words we heard were" Forget everything you learned so far. Pay close attention, if you want to survive and come home." I was the undergraduate, did not get PFC, and awarded a plaque (with out my name etched in). It seems that I had to be at least PFC to serve in a combat zone. At Ft Lewis, I was in line to pick up jungle fatigues etc.. I asked the supply clerk; "Why was I issued 6 pairs of EX EX large boxer shorts, because I'm skinny" He replied; "That's all we have" That was repeated for T shirts, towels, and wash cloths. I asked" What was I to do with these?" He replied; "Trade them, when you get there." I had 24 pairs of EX EX LG boxer shorts in my duffle bag. I knew then as I know now, I'm on my own....

Response by PO2 Paul Dempsey made Aug 18 at 2021 11:09 AM

2021-08-18T11:09:58-04:00

Don't get married so quick. Also look down when fighting an on board fire so you dont fall down that open hatch again

Response by AB Lisa Chambers made Aug 18 at 2021 11:12 AM

2021-08-18T11:12:13-04:00

Stay just like I was at 15. Because at 16, a lot changes hormonally ... let's just say :) I would have listened and adhered more closely to Mommy and Daddy's wishes as they knew all too well what a young lady would face out there in the dating pool. But also, I would have turned in my Father for emotional abuse all of all of us, Mom, 3 Half Brothers and myself, all our lives and not listened to my Mom who just wanted to save her 40 acres from him.
Lisa Chambers

Response by CPT Allen Saum made Aug 18 at 2021 11:13 AM

2021-08-18T11:13:17-04:00

Fully think out options and possible outcomes of decisions before implementing them based on emotion.

Response by SPC Richard Rauenhorst made Aug 18 at 2021 11:14 AM

2021-08-18T11:14:13-04:00

I wish I had talked to an Air Force recruiter as there basic training is more like boy scout camp. Oh, but then maybe I would not have gotten eligibility to VA like I have. Also because of the extra time to serve I might not have married the wonderful lady I did. We can never go back and sometimes we should not even think about it.
I wish our government would think about looking back and not keep making the same mistakes.

Response by LCpl Sam Epaloose jr made Aug 18 at 2021 11:16 AM

2021-08-18T11:16:42-04:00

Don't drink so much!

Response by SGT John Beahm made Aug 18 at 2021 11:21 AM

2021-08-18T11:21:27-04:00

I have often thought of that question, and I have one answer. I should have done my 20 or 25, 30. Just should have stayed in. I feel more focused and with a purpose in life.

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Aug 18 at 2021 11:31 AM

2021-08-18T11:31:21-04:00

I'd pay more attention to my education; particularly in college - and I'd have saved a lot more of the money I earned during Summer vacations, instead of spending it on clothes! ...and I'd have enlisted in the Army for THREE years instead of TWO, so I could be guaranteed an MOS!

Response by PO3 Gerardo Serrano made Aug 18 at 2021 11:38 AM

2021-08-18T11:38:21-04:00

Don't accept to be a cook. People always need to eat, hence you will always be working with minimal to no breaks.

Response by Sgt Paul Houghtaling made Aug 18 at 2021 11:41 AM

2021-08-18T11:41:21-04:00

Spend more time learning the Bible and applying the knowledge to my life

Response by MCPO John Malone made Aug 18 at 2021 11:42 AM

2021-08-18T11:42:20-04:00

I got out for 10 years after my first tour. Came back in, served 28 more years active, 10years as MCPO. Retired in 1996. Should have stayed in, would have retired 10 years earlier.

Response by SPC Allen Werth made Aug 18 at 2021 11:42 AM

2021-08-18T11:42:23-04:00

Chose who you are seen with. You will be judged by the company you keep. Volunteer for new experiences, find a mentor, someone you trust not like but trust. close your mouth and open your ears.

Response by 1st Lt James Spight made Aug 18 at 2021 11:43 AM

2021-08-18T11:43:48-04:00

Make better decisions

Response by SSG Donald H "Don" Bates made Aug 18 at 2021 11:51 AM

2021-08-18T11:51:30-04:00

Stay in and serve.

Response by Capt Ray Brosterhous made Aug 18 at 2021 11:52 AM

2021-08-18T11:52:05-04:00

My father, who inspired me to join the military, also encouraged me to not hold back and do my best, even though it was only going to be four years. Although a civil engineer, he was a Navy officer hard helmet diver during WWII and cleared harbors for Allied shipping that the Germans had blocked.

Response by SFC Paul N Taylor made Aug 18 at 2021 11:54 AM

2021-08-18T11:54:20-04:00

The BS and Mickey Mouse are pervasive and will wear you down if you allow it. Don't seek relief in a bottle. Talk to the chaplain/chaplain's assistants, attend services, and participate with your faith-oriented brothers and sisters in arms.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Aug 18 at 2021 12:03 PM

2021-08-18T12:03:46-04:00

Always have a career contingency plan. My plan all along was to stay on active duty until I retired. That changed when I was passed over for promotion and found myself leaving the Army 10 years before I expected to with no plan on what I would do next.

Response by LtCol Michael Niermeier made Aug 18 at 2021 12:12 PM

2021-08-18T12:12:33-04:00

Get an engineering degree.

Response by MAJ Ward Odom made Aug 18 at 2021 12:22 PM

2021-08-18T12:22:30-04:00

Buy a farm in middle Tennessee, put 2 new Hemi Dodge Challenger convertibles with 4 speeds and 2 Ford Torino Cobras in the barn and wait.

Response by LTC Charles "Pappy" Patchin made Aug 18 at 2021 12:40 PM

2021-08-18T12:40:33-04:00

Pack shit paper

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Aug 18 at 2021 12:44 PM

2021-08-18T12:44:16-04:00

Save more and be better prepared for retirement.

Response by PO3 Kathy Getchey made Aug 18 at 2021 12:54 PM

2021-08-18T12:54:04-04:00

Find my husband before he went to Vietnam and marry him ASAFP.

Response by SN Harry Conrad made Aug 18 at 2021 1:03 PM

2021-08-18T13:03:18-04:00

I worked hard, but never saved. Next time I would save a fixed percentage of my income and never touch it until it was enough to invest in the many opportunities that came up with the advancement of technology. I would also pursue a career in bass fishing now that I know how to secure sponsors. I teach my kids to do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life. They are both successful and happy in their careers.

Response by SPC Jennifer Creek made Aug 18 at 2021 1:03 PM

2021-08-18T13:03:45-04:00

Stay true to yourself

Response by CPT David Gowel made Aug 18 at 2021 1:23 PM

2021-08-18T13:23:14-04:00

So so so many things come to mind, but one nugget of wisdom to send back to my younger self would be "Hey LT, although it is NEVER a good idea to do this under any circumstance, it is especially unwise (after returning from a year deployment to Iraq following 9 months of unaccompanied pre-deployment training) to buy your spouse of two years a vacuum as her birthday gift."

Response by SN Kristi Kalis made Aug 18 at 2021 1:32 PM

2021-08-18T13:32:09-04:00

Instead of USAR MP, go full time Air Force and become a flight nurse.

Response by Cpl L Ortiz made Aug 18 at 2021 1:37 PM

2021-08-18T13:37:20-04:00

I believe a main point I would give to focus on would be, to develop my inner strength and Faith, as I would truly have to depend on it for the task and hand (Military Life) and years to come. This world and all its influences constantly fight that theory, so to daily exercise my faith muscles is key. - Sir Luke MFT

Response by Cpl Laramie Anderson made Aug 18 at 2021 1:53 PM

2021-08-18T13:53:51-04:00

Stay in until retirement, whether active or reserves.

Response by MSgt J D McKee made Aug 18 at 2021 1:54 PM

2021-08-18T13:54:08-04:00

1. Sex is not the only thing that matters.
2. DO NOT get married at 21. See #1 above.
c.. Fuck guns and using them. Become a language expert and learn Farsi, Dari, and everything else they will teach you.
D. Bitcoin at 50 cents

Response by SSG Don Smith made Aug 18 at 2021 2:02 PM

2021-08-18T14:02:04-04:00

Decide what would you like to do as your life's work if you were not enlisting in one of the branches of the military.
Research each branch of the military to learn which one may offer that opportunity.
Choose two or more branches that offers the best chance of your being able to qualify for that opportunity.
Research each of the branches chosen to determine which one will be the most likely to honor a commitment to that field, enlist for the minimum amount of time and if the commitment to the chosen field is honored, continue to serve so long as it is in the field of your choice.

Response by MSG David Densmore made Aug 18 at 2021 2:24 PM

2021-08-18T14:24:04-04:00

Gone Warrant Officer when it was offered early in my career, and been more intentional and aggressive with my career.

Response by SMSgt James Connolly made Aug 18 at 2021 2:27 PM

2021-08-18T14:27:14-04:00

Go to school and go to OTS

Response by SPC Tom Richardson made Aug 18 at 2021 2:50 PM

2021-08-18T14:50:42-04:00

make smarter choices

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made Aug 18 at 2021 3:05 PM

2021-08-18T15:05:08-04:00

Pay more attention to the older people. Listen more. Ask more questions. Trust yourself. Believe that everything will work out.

Response by PO2 David Harlow made Aug 18 at 2021 3:08 PM

2021-08-18T15:08:07-04:00

Stick to your guns, go into the computer tech field, avoid nuclear at all costs!

Response by SGT Judy Swift Johnson made Aug 18 at 2021 3:21 PM

2021-08-18T15:21:35-04:00

Instead of going commo my 1st time in, I wish I had gone either military intelligence or CID.

Response by SFC Charlotte Honsinger made Aug 18 at 2021 3:28 PM

2021-08-18T15:28:29-04:00

Never give up... you will win, be successful, and capture all those dreams.

Response by TSgt John Buzzard made Aug 18 at 2021 3:29 PM

2021-08-18T15:29:39-04:00

I'd go back to the 70s and invest in Microsoft and Google, and in myself

Response by Capt Bill Gaumer made Aug 18 at 2021 3:51 PM

2021-08-18T15:51:31-04:00

Enjoy, observe, document, and learn; but do not disturb or judge by today's standards..

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 4:00 PM

2021-08-18T16:00:52-04:00

Buy Stock in Apple.

Response by SPC(P) Donald B. made Aug 18 at 2021 4:04 PM

2021-08-18T16:04:11-04:00

For all of those working through the #Vetforce / #SalesforceMilitary program:
- The long hours, dedication, and hard work you invest in the beginning will pay off!
- Get as many Salesforce Certs as you can get
- Grow your network and don't be specific to any industry vertical... you never know when you are going find an amazing investment idea in an industry vertical you may have previously looked down on

Response by CPT Timothy Morris made Aug 18 at 2021 4:04 PM

2021-08-18T16:04:22-04:00

Buy Microsoft, Amazon, and Intel.

Response by CPO Rob Carleen made Aug 18 at 2021 4:11 PM

2021-08-18T16:11:59-04:00

Always take the hard road.

Response by SGT James Johnson made Aug 18 at 2021 4:18 PM

2021-08-18T16:18:49-04:00

Take the offer of embassy duty in Sweden for 3 more years. I was to full of myself.

Response by PFC Jim Schmidt made Aug 18 at 2021 4:22 PM

2021-08-18T16:22:00-04:00

Don't start smoking!

Response by PFC Jim Schmidt made Aug 18 at 2021 4:22 PM

2021-08-18T16:22:47-04:00

Don't smoke!

Response by SrA Joe Martin made Aug 18 at 2021 4:26 PM

2021-08-18T16:26:36-04:00

Make it a career.

Response by SMSgt George Cutler made Aug 18 at 2021 4:30 PM

2021-08-18T16:30:29-04:00

Make every second count for something!

Response by Cpl Glen Burks made Aug 18 at 2021 4:30 PM

2021-08-18T16:30:40-04:00

Just do right, do your 20, and get out.

Response by 1LT Tim Commins made Aug 18 at 2021 4:31 PM

2021-08-18T16:31:21-04:00

Work toward Air Force Academy Admission.

Response by SSG Willie Means made Aug 18 at 2021 4:32 PM

2021-08-18T16:32:20-04:00

Be a little more leery and focus on Your job and let that Captain hang himself!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 4:35 PM

2021-08-18T16:35:26-04:00

Do not get upset or even frustrated at things that are outside of your control.

Response by SPC Rudy Gunardi made Aug 18 at 2021 4:37 PM

2021-08-18T16:37:36-04:00

Go MI.

Response by MSG Roger Mannon made Aug 18 at 2021 4:40 PM

2021-08-18T16:40:13-04:00

There is no glory in war, only necessity. When you're called upon to serve, serve with honor, as much courage as you can muster, and always trust in your fellow soldiers, your team. You'll be fine.

Response by SPC Lynda England made Aug 18 at 2021 4:45 PM

2021-08-18T16:45:36-04:00

Love yourself, be confident and know your worthy.

Response by CW3 Joseph Lawrence made Aug 18 at 2021 4:45 PM

2021-08-18T16:45:50-04:00

Take advantage of every opportunity to learn new things. Read every possible thing that I can get my hands on. Work on controlling my temper and learning to say yet sir.

Response by James Rush made Aug 18 at 2021 4:46 PM

2021-08-18T16:46:02-04:00

I worked all thru school. Would not do that again

Response by SGT Anna Tyler made Aug 18 at 2021 4:46 PM

2021-08-18T16:46:18-04:00

Plan better for retirement.

Response by SPC Gerald Freed made Aug 18 at 2021 4:46 PM

2021-08-18T16:46:45-04:00

Gerry, Take better care of your health and stay in the Army !!!

Response by CWO4 Charles Williams made Aug 18 at 2021 4:47 PM

2021-08-18T16:47:08-04:00

Don’t think you know everything

Response by SPC James Owens made Aug 18 at 2021 4:48 PM

2021-08-18T16:48:01-04:00

Join the Air Force instead of Army jobs transition better to private sector.

Response by SSgt Keith Lynn made Aug 18 at 2021 4:51 PM

2021-08-18T16:51:14-04:00

Don't retire early

Response by PO1 BrendaLee Lennick made Aug 18 at 2021 4:51 PM

2021-08-18T16:51:19-04:00

Watch out for the old Salts! They don't want you in "their" Navy.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Aug 18 at 2021 4:54 PM

2021-08-18T16:54:21-04:00

be you first

Response by Ellen Limbach made Aug 18 at 2021 4:54 PM

2021-08-18T16:54:28-04:00

always do your best , you cant do much more

Response by LCpl Dylan Burkley made Aug 18 at 2021 4:56 PM

2021-08-18T16:56:01-04:00

invest

Response by PO2 Dale Brown made Aug 18 at 2021 4:56 PM

2021-08-18T16:56:16-04:00

To not go back in time

Response by MSG Galen Barker made Aug 18 at 2021 4:57 PM

2021-08-18T16:57:43-04:00

Invest half the money you spent in bars. Spent half the time in school that you spent in bars. No women are ever faithful

Response by SSgt Mike Conway made Aug 18 at 2021 4:58 PM

2021-08-18T16:58:48-04:00

Never Again Volunteer Yourself
Granted I wasn't Navy, but rarely did anything good come of volunteering. I loved my time in, learned a lot about myself, and met many interesting individuals. Given the chance to do it all again, I would.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 4:59 PM

2021-08-18T16:59:29-04:00

Write notes on the back of the photos you take so in 40 years you can remember who and what you are looking at!

Response by LCpl Travis Partington made Aug 18 at 2021 5:00 PM

2021-08-18T17:00:10-04:00

Don't worry about getting a car or motorcycle or chasing women. Focus, focus, focus on investing in yourself.

Response by MGySgt Thomas Kromis made Aug 18 at 2021 5:00 PM

2021-08-18T17:00:11-04:00

Volunteer for everything and do with 100% effort.

Response by LCDR Jeff Seitzinger made Aug 18 at 2021 5:00 PM

2021-08-18T17:00:13-04:00

Embrace the uncertainty of life in general and military life in particular. Take a moment to see the good in every situation; be thankful for those moments, and never burn all your bridges.

Response by LTC William Robbins made Aug 18 at 2021 5:00 PM

2021-08-18T17:00:44-04:00

If in a leader position, any level enlisted or officer, sometimes one must think twice before responding to a trooper expressing negative thoughts aloud. Sometimes a quick response to save personal loss of face should be deferred to better correct the conditions encountered. Time can be a strong silent partner in proper resolution of the concern.

Response by SP5 Brad Johnson made Aug 18 at 2021 5:01 PM

2021-08-18T17:01:07-04:00

I would recommend to myself to extend myself more. To experience more of what is offered/available while in the service.

Response by MSG Kevin Elliott made Aug 18 at 2021 5:04 PM

2021-08-18T17:04:17-04:00

I would take advantage of schools (Airborne and SFAS and the Q-Course) early in my career. I would go to units earlier in my career to meet my mentors earlier in my career, to be able to spend more time learning with them.

Response by SSG Tim Lutz made Aug 18 at 2021 5:04 PM

2021-08-18T17:04:56-04:00

Don't go Infantry, Armor would be fine.

Response by CPL Sheila Lewis made Aug 18 at 2021 5:07 PM

2021-08-18T17:07:00-04:00

college and ROTC in college

Response by SGT Pedro Belardo made Aug 18 at 2021 5:08 PM

2021-08-18T17:08:04-04:00

Ask the questions that I never asked before to do better in my present life.

Response by SSG Constance Hurst made Aug 18 at 2021 5:08 PM

2021-08-18T17:08:08-04:00

Take the AGR overseas assignment and stay in long enough to retire.

Response by TSgt Glenn Coombes made Aug 18 at 2021 5:12 PM

2021-08-18T17:12:42-04:00

Join a different branch of service. Navy

Response by PO3 Michael MacKay made Aug 18 at 2021 5:13 PM

2021-08-18T17:13:43-04:00

Get RK surgery before I take that physical, you know, the one where I found out my vision precluded me from BUDs.

Response by SFC Jan Goodman made Aug 18 at 2021 5:14 PM

2021-08-18T17:14:17-04:00

I enjoyed my service in the ranks, but now I would go for the Officer Corp. That's what I should have done the first time, instead of listening to all the propaganda!

Response by SPC Margaret Lome made Aug 18 at 2021 5:14 PM

2021-08-18T17:14:24-04:00

Always trust your intuition or gut instinct. That's your guidance from wherever you believe it come. How many times have you had a feeling that you shouldn't do something but did it anyway. Bet you were sorry!

Response by SPC Orville Wallace made Aug 18 at 2021 5:17 PM

2021-08-18T17:17:09-04:00

Not to ETS first time in.

Response by Sgt Kerry Thurlow made Aug 18 at 2021 5:17 PM

2021-08-18T17:17:31-04:00

Oh, there are SO many things that I would tell me.

Stay in longer
Don't get married
Think things through
Travel more, worry less
Save more, drink less
Remember where you come from and who you represent.
It's not brain surgery or rocket science, but people's lives do depend on the job you do.
Follow through
That second guy, don't marry him either

Response by SPC Jeff Lutz made Aug 18 at 2021 5:18 PM

2021-08-18T17:18:12-04:00

stay in the army.

Response by SFC Linda Clipp made Aug 18 at 2021 5:18 PM

2021-08-18T17:18:59-04:00

Leave the boys be; don't get married; stay in the Army...you know you love it!

Response by SGM Mark Schermerhorn made Aug 18 at 2021 5:20 PM

2021-08-18T17:20:07-04:00

Read more books about the military actions of your forefathers. They are written after time to reflect on what happened, and we know that history repeats itself.

Response by Cpl David Bailey made Aug 18 at 2021 5:21 PM

2021-08-18T17:21:04-04:00

Focus on the big picture, forget the little crap and take care of what matters most. Never let an opportunity to help someone pass you by…..

Response by Sgt Earl Neconie made Aug 18 at 2021 5:21 PM

2021-08-18T17:21:36-04:00

Take up a class on PURSUIT DRIVING & THE PIT MANEUVER!!!

Response by SSG Joseph Ferguson made Aug 18 at 2021 5:21 PM

2021-08-18T17:21:45-04:00

If I went back in time, I would buy stock in Nike.

Response by LCpl Kevin Bryson made Aug 18 at 2021 5:21 PM

2021-08-18T17:21:58-04:00

Pay attention to those who have gone before you. There is SO MUCH to learn. And... show RESPECT to everyone with whom you come in contact.

Response by PO2 J. leb Burza made Aug 18 at 2021 5:26 PM

2021-08-18T17:26:01-04:00

1. Don't rush into a MOS/rating.
2. Don't get out until you have a plan and are working toward that plan.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Aug 18 at 2021 5:27 PM

2021-08-18T17:27:15-04:00

If I could go back in time, I would have keep my mouth shut more and listened A little more.
Like most day one's I thought that I knew more then I did about people ,And the Military

I would have Payed all my bills off each month.
I also would have shaved money on a monthly basis.
Just a few buck back then would have maid me a Millionaire a few times over.
Start a savings account for a house.
Bought stock in company's like Disney , Bush Gardens.

Response by PO2 James King made Aug 18 at 2021 5:28 PM

2021-08-18T17:28:07-04:00

Stay in and do your 20.

Response by SSG Joshua Eckhoff made Aug 18 at 2021 5:30 PM

2021-08-18T17:30:45-04:00

avoid All Alcohol and pursue a technical degree such as cyber security or systems/software development

Response by LCDR Steve Brown made Aug 18 at 2021 5:30 PM

2021-08-18T17:30:45-04:00

Give it time, and work harder. This could be the best job you ever have. If not, you haven't lost a thing! Whatever you do, don't get out just because your GF wants you to. You're going to get divorced, anyway.

Response by SGT Ryan Cash made Aug 18 at 2021 5:32 PM

2021-08-18T17:32:20-04:00

Don't eat all that late night drunk food in Korea.

Response by SGM Mike Williams made Aug 18 at 2021 5:32 PM

2021-08-18T17:32:42-04:00

Study the history of the time period you’re going to and be aware of the customs. Knowledge is power. Fit in and use your knowledge for max good

Response by PO3 Donald Reed made Aug 18 at 2021 5:34 PM

2021-08-18T17:34:26-04:00

Would tell my younger self stay in the NAVY so that I could retire after twenty years of service.

Response by Cpl Daniel Jeans made Aug 18 at 2021 5:38 PM

2021-08-18T17:38:28-04:00

1. Attend school while you are in. It does not matter if it is for your batchelors, masters, PhD or a 2nd or 3rd degree. It's cheaper while you are in and helps you better yourself.
2. You will remember your small mistakes longer than 98% of people. The other 2% may or may not have valid reasons to remember, but it's best to know who they are.
3. Seek out responsibility, but don't do other people's jobs without some recognition. Some folks will take advantage of you and use the work you did to advance in your place.

Response by CW2 Michael MacInerney made Aug 18 at 2021 5:48 PM

2021-08-18T17:48:38-04:00

Read the ancient stoics

Response by PO2 Rafael Zamora made Aug 18 at 2021 5:48 PM

2021-08-18T17:48:47-04:00

Don’t ever be afraid to work and be proud of your heritage.

Response by SGT Charles Cameron made Aug 18 at 2021 5:49 PM

2021-08-18T17:49:34-04:00

Personally...I wouldn't be that "rebellious jerk" that we sometimes read about. If it wasn't for the wise and patient actions of the DI's, I probably wouldn't have g "grown-up" and become a useful team member... resulting in 2 more re-ups.

Response by SPC Michael Teichner made Aug 18 at 2021 5:49 PM

2021-08-18T17:49:49-04:00

Wouldn’t change anything because I would not have met my wife (now 54+ years), had two successful children, finished college, and so many more shared wonderful memories.

Response by CPO James Barnhart made Aug 18 at 2021 5:51 PM

2021-08-18T17:51:18-04:00

I would have focused more on absolutely being the very best that I could be, in all areas of my life.. But, I was 18, immature and, knew very little about life. Going into the Navy was the only thing I had going for me at that time.

Response by SPC Gene Manning made Aug 18 at 2021 5:51 PM

2021-08-18T17:51:56-04:00

Dont get Married & Reenlist , Got out only because my wife couldnt hack it 3 years & 2 Kids later she left with Jody . I could be retired instead off in debt & working 50 HRS at a Job I Hate because off Child Support

Response by SSgt Walter Finley made Aug 18 at 2021 6:05 PM

2021-08-18T18:05:04-04:00

Get up early, even if you don't have to. Always eat breakfast. Drink only in moderation. Don't buy lottery.

Response by SFC Ken Jones PhD made Aug 18 at 2021 6:06 PM

2021-08-18T18:06:47-04:00

Over the decades I got my nose broken in fourteen different places. Lesson Learned: Stay out of those places. If you are going back in time pick your place carefully.

Response by PVT Kelly Karshner made Aug 18 at 2021 6:10 PM

2021-08-18T18:10:55-04:00

work hard, pay attention and give it all that you have. Use your brain as much as you do your body.

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Aug 18 at 2021 6:15 PM

2021-08-18T18:15:49-04:00

Keep up the great work. It works out for the best in the end. Be careful of whom you trust, ask what is in the mail bag.

Response by CPT Franklin Schall made Aug 18 at 2021 6:16 PM

2021-08-18T18:16:54-04:00

I would have extended for two more years for assignment to Japan

Response by Maj Roger Wenman made Aug 18 at 2021 6:19 PM

2021-08-18T18:19:23-04:00

A "stand down" order does not mean you can take off. Unless on leave, you're always on duty.

Response by PO3 Mark Nicholson made Aug 18 at 2021 6:24 PM

2021-08-18T18:24:55-04:00

Get my head out of my rear and make a career

Response by PO1 Chad Alcock made Aug 18 at 2021 6:29 PM

2021-08-18T18:29:03-04:00

Enlist directly in the Navy. Skip the Army.

Response by TSgt Timothy Backstrom made Aug 18 at 2021 6:31 PM

2021-08-18T18:31:09-04:00

Use the college benefits more while active duty before retirement.
I could've had probably 2 or 3 BS degrees before retiring.

Response by SMSgt Roy Dowdy made Aug 18 at 2021 6:33 PM

2021-08-18T18:33:35-04:00

Pursue college first through ROTC or Warrant Officer to fly. Although being enlisted offered certain experiences, an officer's retirement is far more rewarding in the long run.

Response by SP5 Kenneth Neubauer made Aug 18 at 2021 6:34 PM

2021-08-18T18:34:23-04:00

Join the Air Force and buy the land in Montana

Response by PFC Andrew "Tommy" M. made Aug 18 at 2021 6:35 PM

2021-08-18T18:35:05-04:00

Choose a better MOS and don't marry that crazy chick

Response by SSG Craig Newton made Aug 18 at 2021 6:35 PM

2021-08-18T18:35:48-04:00

Stay in my original MOS and stay in Japan.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 6:36 PM

2021-08-18T18:36:23-04:00

To loosen up a little bit.

Response by PFC Ray Gibb made Aug 18 at 2021 6:41 PM

2021-08-18T18:41:58-04:00

Given the opoy to travel back to 1982, when I crashed and burned, I would give the following advice.

Kid, life brings many bad times in our lives. You have a mission, and for you to fulfill that mission, you need to lean on God. Keep God in your life, and when questions arise, ask for his help.

Your goal is for you to use your time in the service to further yourself, to become a Doctor, so don't let the shit storms to stop you.

Once your goals are met, will be in time for you to step up. Pay close attention to the future leaders, you will have some that are out to destroy this great nation, just to pad their pocket books.

Take a leadership role, starting in town, and build to the National Stage, the demise of this country is squarely on the Soldiers, the Patriots like you.

Response by SSgt Chris Loomis made Aug 18 at 2021 6:44 PM

2021-08-18T18:44:16-04:00

Do NOT start dating and marry that red head!

Response by CPO William Slifko made Aug 18 at 2021 6:46 PM

2021-08-18T18:46:03-04:00

Don't wear that T-shirt with a picture of the Beatles on it under my dress whites at my first command inspection when I was a Seaman Apprentice.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 6:49 PM

2021-08-18T18:49:02-04:00

Buy Microsoft or Apple, or whatever would have been nice to know. My grandfather used to reminisce about when he could have bought Coca Cola for 5 cents a share.

And yes, as much fun as it was to be a paratrooper and infantryman, I realize that if I'd gone Intelligence instead of switching to it only after I was getting broken, I might have had an even better and more lucrative career.

The thing is, I'm very happy to be where I am now. Would I have been there if I'd done something different? Maybe. Maybe not. The grass SEEMS always greener on the other side.

The richest man in the world may not be Bill (douchebag thief who stole and cheated to build his company) Gates, or Jeff Bezos, or Zuckie (modern day Goebbels censoring free speech.) It may just be the guy who looks at his life and doesn't want (much) more than he has.

Response by Sgt Andy Savvidou made Aug 18 at 2021 6:49 PM

2021-08-18T18:49:07-04:00

Stay in the Corp till retirement.

Response by PO3 Grant Skiles made Aug 18 at 2021 6:54 PM

2021-08-18T18:54:51-04:00

Do not join until you finish the last year of college first. Then join after OCS as an Officer only. Stop all drinking immediately.

Response by LCpl Michael Celeski made Aug 18 at 2021 6:55 PM

2021-08-18T18:55:29-04:00

Just go with the flow

Response by SSG John Wurst made Aug 18 at 2021 6:56 PM

2021-08-18T18:56:04-04:00

Take your time and choose the right person to be your life's partner.

Response by SGT Wes King made Aug 18 at 2021 6:59 PM

2021-08-18T18:59:08-04:00

Always remember when traveling over seas avoid the combat zones

Response by PO2 Michael Witt made Aug 18 at 2021 7:17 PM

2021-08-18T19:17:36-04:00

Do not forget to Duck

Response by SGT George Reimuth made Aug 18 at 2021 7:22 PM

2021-08-18T19:22:05-04:00

What advice would I give myself , It would go like this " young man you have the chance to correct your behavior , and make a new life for yourself , please take advantage of this offer , and yes you will travel here in the US or overseas.

Response by SSG Oscar Medina made Aug 18 at 2021 7:23 PM

2021-08-18T19:23:05-04:00

Not get married

Response by CPT William Pearson made Aug 18 at 2021 7:29 PM

2021-08-18T19:29:35-04:00

Avoid punji stakes, quit taking Benzedrine pills, go easy on Montagnard rice wine

Response by PFC Timothy Mickler made Aug 18 at 2021 7:47 PM

2021-08-18T19:47:58-04:00

Stay in the military, I was young and could have had a great career.

Response by CPL Charles Casper made Aug 18 at 2021 7:52 PM

2021-08-18T19:52:33-04:00

Gone to OCS when I had the opportunity.

Response by SSgt Dennis Finch made Aug 18 at 2021 7:52 PM

2021-08-18T19:52:38-04:00

Shut up and listen.

Response by SFC Carlos Cruz made Aug 18 at 2021 7:55 PM

2021-08-18T19:55:25-04:00

Choosing the right partner can make your career & life easier therefore be careful who you with…

Response by SPC Patrick DiStaso made Aug 18 at 2021 8:01 PM

2021-08-18T20:01:57-04:00

I would taken the offer of OCS.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 8:15 PM

2021-08-18T20:15:24-04:00

I would warn myself that recruiters can tell you just about anything, and like car salesmen they can withhold vital information. My recruiter told me I had a guaranteed aviation school, and did not say anything to the contrary on my day of enlistment. In Boot Camp I was told I could not go to the promised aviation school because on the day of my enlistment I was found to be color blind - something I did not know as it is only a minor red-green color blindness, and that I had signed a paper in the stack of papers to sign on which I gave up my aviation school. Having a few choices and choosing to be a Corpsman put me in a lot of possible danger in Vietnam! I'm proud however of being a Corpsman. I just did not know enough about the Navy or the war that I would be involved in.

Response by PO3 Joe Anchondo made Aug 18 at 2021 8:16 PM

2021-08-18T20:16:30-04:00

Buy Apple

Response by SPC Jonathan Lee made Aug 18 at 2021 8:23 PM

2021-08-18T20:23:08-04:00

Educate yourself and change MOS

Response by Maj Roberto Benitez made Aug 18 at 2021 8:25 PM

2021-08-18T20:25:00-04:00

Vigorously challenge my wing commander's question if I was questioning my superior's decision not to give me another chance in pilot training after I almost did in myself and my instructor.

Response by Maj Roberto Benitez made Aug 18 at 2021 8:27 PM

2021-08-18T20:27:15-04:00

Vigorously challenge my wing commander's question if I was questioning the integrity of my superior's decision to not give me another chance after I almost did in myself and instructor in pilot training.

Response by Sgt Benjamin Nuzzi made Aug 18 at 2021 8:31 PM

2021-08-18T20:31:14-04:00

Depends....can my wife read this?

Response by Col Philip Miller made Aug 18 at 2021 8:44 PM

2021-08-18T20:44:56-04:00

Get a mentor who will guide you in managing people who are passive or resistant to change. Learn the basics of business management and sales.

Response by AB Debora Mizner made Aug 18 at 2021 8:45 PM

2021-08-18T20:45:14-04:00

My best experience with a superior was when he taught us the #1 lesson to never forget: THERE ARE NO EXCUSES! YOU DO OR YOU DIE!!

Response by 1SG Jack Don made Aug 18 at 2021 8:48 PM

2021-08-18T20:48:26-04:00

stay in the Army for 30+ years. civilian life sucks

Response by SFC Louis Willhauck, MSM, JSCM, and ARCOM made Aug 18 at 2021 8:52 PM

2021-08-18T20:52:57-04:00

Not marry my first wife.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 9:20 PM

2021-08-18T21:20:08-04:00

Get your head out of your ass, Son!

Response by PO1 Tim Lewis made Aug 18 at 2021 9:30 PM

2021-08-18T21:30:30-04:00

If I could go back in time, the first thing I would advise me to do would be to immediately open a savings account at Great Lakes Credit Union, or what ever credit union or bank even existed back then, and start automatic deposits, again if those were a viable choice.

Response by Maj Crystal White made Aug 18 at 2021 9:32 PM

2021-08-18T21:32:03-04:00

Just do the work - any effort or thought put into anything is useless

Response by PO1 Tim Lewis made Aug 18 at 2021 9:32 PM

2021-08-18T21:32:27-04:00

If I could go back, I would tell myself to open a savings account as quickly as I could, and start saving all, or as much as I could!

Response by SP5 Bill Merritt made Aug 18 at 2021 9:33 PM

2021-08-18T21:33:40-04:00

Don't have anything to do with that woman. I'm serious, here. NOTHING! And, now that I've got you on the line, that other woman, too. Just DON'T.

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Aug 18 at 2021 9:34 PM

2021-08-18T21:34:42-04:00

Stay in till retirement

Response by 1stSgt Ronald Sheps made Aug 18 at 2021 9:41 PM

2021-08-18T21:41:15-04:00

Learn how to do things the way they want you to do them.
Not your way, not the right way, but the Services way.
They'll give you stripes for that.

Response by SGT Art Fournier made Aug 18 at 2021 9:45 PM

2021-08-18T21:45:26-04:00

Keep cool. Pay attention. Enjoy. Travel if you can. Learn about the culture of the host country where you are stationed. Do not be a typical American.

Response by PO2 Edward Blumberg made Aug 18 at 2021 9:46 PM

2021-08-18T21:46:18-04:00

I’d probably come up with the $1,000.00 dollars and get in on the ground floor of a company call HBO!

Response by SFC William Crews made Aug 18 at 2021 9:51 PM

2021-08-18T21:51:36-04:00

I would encourage myself to set more professional goals and save more money.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Moen made Aug 18 at 2021 9:59 PM

2021-08-18T21:59:48-04:00

Realize that a 4 year year tour will go by quickly. Don't stress about that much time because, as it turns out, its not that much time at all.

Response by PO2 Ed Taylor made Aug 18 at 2021 10:18 PM

2021-08-18T22:18:05-04:00

DO NOT GO. THE CHANCE OF ACCIDENTLY CHANGING HISTOEY AND YOU MAY NOT EVER BE BORN.
SO YOU COULD NOT CO ANY WAY. " A CONUNDRUM "
ED TAYLOR USN AND USA AND ARNG. PO2/SSG/TRAINING NCO/BOSN/EO/EN--------.

Response by SSG Joseph Leckie made Aug 18 at 2021 10:27 PM

2021-08-18T22:27:27-04:00

Stay on track and do the right thing with an open mind and keep moving forward.

Response by MGySgt Charles Restifo made Aug 18 at 2021 10:35 PM

2021-08-18T22:35:35-04:00

Take advice freely and with an open mind. Do your very best at all times, it's not what you do while someone is watching but what you do always.

Response by SFC Kevin Turner made Aug 18 at 2021 10:46 PM

2021-08-18T22:46:13-04:00

Get an MOS that you can take with you when you retire

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made Aug 18 at 2021 10:47 PM

2021-08-18T22:47:24-04:00

Keep working hard and setting good examples and be the kind of leader that takes good care of his soldiers

Response by SPC Judy Glore-Calloway made Aug 18 at 2021 10:51 PM

2021-08-18T22:51:17-04:00

If I could have given myself advice I would have joined the Air Force :)

Response by SPC Judy Glore-Calloway made Aug 18 at 2021 10:52 PM

2021-08-18T22:52:46-04:00

If I could travel back in time I would advise myself to Join the Air Force instead of the Army. :)

Response by TSgt Edwin Rollins made Aug 18 at 2021 10:54 PM

2021-08-18T22:54:50-04:00

I would definitely have told myself to pay close attention to my surroundings.

Response by Maj Gerald Taft made Aug 18 at 2021 11:34 PM

2021-08-18T23:34:48-04:00

Don't get married until you are 35 years old.

Response by Maj Gerald Taft made Aug 18 at 2021 11:35 PM

2021-08-18T23:35:39-04:00

Do not get married until you are at least 35 years old.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 11:58 PM

2021-08-18T23:58:46-04:00

Although I retired as an MSG, I would have retired as a CSM because I would have told my old self to take the military seriously and not do stupid things as a private like partying and showing up to formation with a hangover. I love my children but the oldest two would have the same mother because I would have listened to my 1SG who told me that I look like I am going to have kids by Hopkinsville or Clarksville girls (Fort Campbell) out there because I think I'm cute and pretty. He was right! I also would tell my old self to stay in after the first deployment. Although I retired from active duty with 21 years, I would have retired from active duty with 28 active years had I remained instead of taking a seven-year hiatus before returning to active duty.

Response by Sgt David Branham made Aug 19 at 2021 12:19 AM

2021-08-19T00:19:19-04:00

Never surrender and follow your heart

Response by Sgt Jerry Genesio made Aug 19 at 2021 12:22 AM

2021-08-19T00:22:12-04:00

Go to college. Get a degree. Then apply for a commission in the Marine Corps. An awful lot of us who enlisted as privates were smarter and more competent Marines than a lot of the officers we knew.

Response by SP5 Bill Coburn made Aug 19 at 2021 12:42 AM

2021-08-19T00:42:11-04:00

Shut up, and listen up!

Response by Steve Jones made Aug 19 at 2021 12:55 AM

2021-08-19T00:55:06-04:00

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 1:02 AM

2021-08-19T01:02:44-04:00

Do not re-enlist until I was eligible for VRB and get all promises in writing.
I re-enlisted while in Shake and Bake school Ft Benning because my OJT after graduation was to be at Ft Benning. I wanted to go to Jump school, Rangers then Nam. Had I waited until graduation and becoming an E5 with my new 11F MOS my bonus would have been $10K, as it was my bonus was $1K. And I was stuck at Benning as cadre for next class, was sent straight to Nam without Ranger and jump school.

Response by SP5 Wayne Johnson made Aug 19 at 2021 1:18 AM

2021-08-19T01:18:43-04:00

Don't be afraid or worried. Your next two years will be the just about the best years of your life. You'll be a better person when when you're released from active duty. You may not believe it now, but you might even want to re-up. If so, you can't go wrong.

Response by BG Mike Bridges made Aug 19 at 2021 1:33 AM

2021-08-19T01:33:52-04:00

buy msft and apple

Response by LCDR Claire S. made Aug 19 at 2021 2:01 AM

2021-08-19T02:01:58-04:00

Advice to self: You don't have to prove anything to your Dad or anyone else. Be honest to yourself and be a person others can count on. You are a far better person than you realize and can do anything you put your mind and effort to.

Response by SSgt Donald Hahn made Aug 19 at 2021 2:06 AM

2021-08-19T02:06:46-04:00

My 1st thought was marry the girl, after thinking a bit it was stay in SAC moving from SAC to MAC made my life a living hell for 5 years.

Response by SSG Jerry Seippel made Aug 19 at 2021 2:12 AM

2021-08-19T02:12:25-04:00

You're going to have a lot of Pain when you get old .

Response by PV2 Terry Agee made Aug 19 at 2021 3:55 AM

2021-08-19T03:55:47-04:00

Fix a drink lusty boy. Call 1-800-blu-nuts. Ask for 36-24-38.

Response by 1SG Mitchell Smith made Aug 19 at 2021 4:22 AM

2021-08-19T04:22:23-04:00

Start my education a lot sooner, learn how the promotion system works, save mone with Army retirement plan, utilize all schools offered, update my security clearance often, don't buy houses at every base relocated, pick a great mentor sooner and at some point start planning for my military exit and family restart/retirement.

Response by SFC John Donovan made Aug 19 at 2021 6:55 AM

2021-08-19T06:55:22-04:00

I would goof are less and learn another !language. If possible, I'd choose an MOS that offers language training.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 8:01 AM

2021-08-19T08:01:35-04:00

I would tell my young military self to wholeheartedly believe the several persons who shared Salvation and new life through Jesus Christ with me, during my service time.
I finally embraced Christianity right after I left the Marines (40 years ago) and that decision was a life changer for me!

Response by Sgt Wayne Horton made Aug 19 at 2021 8:07 AM

2021-08-19T08:07:07-04:00

Stir clear of ticket punchers...

Response by COL John Hudson made Aug 19 at 2021 8:40 AM

2021-08-19T08:40:23-04:00

Such questions can act to generate thoughtful introspection. BUT. If I changed one iota of my life in the past, I wouldn't be what I am today. I would not have been presented an opportunity to fly wonderful military aircraft; to own my own planes and fly over gorgeous vistas of our Grand Canyon with family and friends; to own and sail boats in ocean waters - to dive in our oceans and mingle with the vast variety of sea life in two scenarios - both day and night diving; to see the width and breadth of our United States coast to coast. To travel the planet that's having us while mingling with other cultures to enjoy their environments, food, language and pleasures - all combining to grant me a perspective few others will ever experience - a LIFE OF ADVENTURE! What would I say to that young man standing at the Army Induction Station in Fargo, North Dakota in 1966? "Follow your dreams - change nothing - know that in the end everything will turn out as it should!"

Response by CPO Daniel Holmes made Aug 19 at 2021 8:55 AM

2021-08-19T08:55:08-04:00

Invest, invest and invest in life insurance, annuities and IRA’s! Military retirement isn’t enough!

Response by CH (LTC) Jon Tidball made Aug 19 at 2021 9:04 AM

2021-08-19T09:04:35-04:00

Be faithful to God and to others and always remember that we "Serve" in the Military.

Response by SGT Pedro Belardo made Aug 19 at 2021 9:07 AM

2021-08-19T09:07:18-04:00

Ask my recruiter which MOS would help me land a job/career in civilian life once I finish my service.

Response by SGT Kelly Murphy made Aug 19 at 2021 9:08 AM

2021-08-19T09:08:22-04:00

Stay in Longer, Get out of the Barracks more often. Stay in touch with the guys from your unit.

Response by TSgt Glenn Coombes made Aug 19 at 2021 9:11 AM

2021-08-19T09:11:25-04:00

Read everything twice, ask questions. Remember that you didn’t learn things during the first and second grades because of personal reasons. Comprehension I have to really work at these days.

Response by CDR John Cicio made Aug 19 at 2021 9:13 AM

2021-08-19T09:13:50-04:00

Strike while the iron is hot......................or just finish pressing your shirt!

Response by PO1 Tom Follis made Aug 19 at 2021 9:23 AM

2021-08-19T09:23:24-04:00

Stay single. Study harder for advancement. Save money and/or invest.

Response by MSgt Pat Zuczek made Aug 19 at 2021 9:34 AM

2021-08-19T09:34:53-04:00

Volunteer more - hiding in the shadows doesn’t get you anywhere and you don’t learn crap.

Response by SSG Kerry Birch (Little) made Aug 19 at 2021 9:54 AM

2021-08-19T09:54:28-04:00

Live life to the fullest, no regrets!

Response by Capt Ron Jr Frakes made Aug 19 at 2021 10:08 AM

2021-08-19T10:08:50-04:00

I would do it again!

Response by PVT Mark Whitcomb made Aug 19 at 2021 10:18 AM

2021-08-19T10:18:21-04:00

When offered the chance to go to West Point in Basic TAKE IT.

Response by PFC William Mower made Aug 19 at 2021 10:27 AM

2021-08-19T10:27:54-04:00

Stay in the army

Response by SFC Allan Silberstein made Aug 19 at 2021 10:56 AM

2021-08-19T10:56:54-04:00

To be patient! Not get married so soon! Start college as soon as possible!!

Response by Cpl Tyler Therrien made Aug 19 at 2021 10:57 AM

2021-08-19T10:57:03-04:00

stay in and retire

Response by PFC Brenda Nurre made Aug 19 at 2021 10:58 AM

2021-08-19T10:58:02-04:00

Dig in because it is going to be a bumpy ride but worth each bump.

Response by PO3 Amy Simms made Aug 19 at 2021 10:59 AM

2021-08-19T10:59:16-04:00

I would tell myself to embrace the education I was getting and the experience. Stay in as long as you can. See all you can see. Focus on you and your dreams and don't let anything get in the way.

Response by MSG Bobby Dean made Aug 19 at 2021 11:02 AM

2021-08-19T11:02:11-04:00

Take advantage of going to college while in the service. Graduate and take a direct commision as was counseled to me then. Instead I did the young and dum soldier thing and chased skirts. I have a degree now. Just wished I completed it on Active duty and then started my civilian career.

Response by SPC James Parthemer made Aug 19 at 2021 11:03 AM

2021-08-19T11:03:28-04:00

Get the most of out the Army (schools, education, medical, benefits) because the Army is going to get theirs out of you.

Response by MSgt Frank Askins made Aug 19 at 2021 11:04 AM

2021-08-19T11:04:12-04:00

I'd give myself the same advice my first NOCIC gave me... "For the first two years, keep your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open"!

Response by A1C Joseph Copeland made Aug 19 at 2021 11:04 AM

2021-08-19T11:04:12-04:00

been adamant and join jag

Response by SFC Linda Clipp made Aug 19 at 2021 11:08 AM

2021-08-19T11:08:08-04:00

Don't use credit except for a house or car.

Response by CPL Christopher Thomas made Aug 19 at 2021 11:08 AM

2021-08-19T11:08:20-04:00

If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would be the watch out for those potholes while at BCT. It would have changed the trajectory of my life, I would have been able to keep slot at Jump School. I served my country and wouldn't change a thing, I wouldn't have married my beautiful wife, wouldn't have had three wonderful children and three of the cutest grandchildren this side of the Mason-Dixon.

Response by PO2 Marco Monsalve made Aug 19 at 2021 11:08 AM

2021-08-19T11:08:39-04:00

Take advantage of extra training opportunities outside of specialty

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 11:10 AM

2021-08-19T11:10:16-04:00

Listen to those old guys you were dismissive of. Many seasoned NCOs tried to talk down a rash younger me in the 80's and 90's. They warned of bad knees and back pain to be had from the things I was rushing into. I would still do them but with much more caution to delay that inevitable onset of old paratrooper arthritis.

Response by SGM Major Stroupe made Aug 19 at 2021 11:11 AM

2021-08-19T11:11:04-04:00

Starting from day one I would have better served myself by being more organized and efficient. I did not establish clear goals for my military service and beyond nor take the time to do so until much later. Organization would have helped tremendously.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Frusha made Aug 19 at 2021 11:14 AM

2021-08-19T11:14:02-04:00

Get addresses and keep in touch with your friends.

After 4 strokes, my memory stinks and friends have helped me get some memories back, plus there are those I cannot find, that I wish I knew how to.

Response by SPC George Keller made Aug 19 at 2021 11:14 AM

2021-08-19T11:14:06-04:00

Stay away from the hot blonde on the other side of the room. Next, when you are in Germany stay away from the blonde on the other side of your buddy at the bar. Wait for your soulmate. They are not it.

Response by CW3 Bobby Miller made Aug 19 at 2021 11:15 AM

2021-08-19T11:15:32-04:00

Don't be afraid to make decisions you know are backed by sound research. Trust yourself more often. Bump your TSP a few percentage. Go to sickcall and make sure you document real issues (it will make the VA claim go much smoother).

Response by LCpl Lynn Reese made Aug 19 at 2021 11:16 AM

2021-08-19T11:16:30-04:00

I would live my life with courage even thru fear and strive to always do the right thing.

Response by SSgt Jeffrey Fatheree made Aug 19 at 2021 11:17 AM

2021-08-19T11:17:22-04:00

Never leave the service.

Response by Carla Lawless made Aug 19 at 2021 11:18 AM

2021-08-19T11:18:39-04:00

Go to law school earlier and remain with JAG

Response by SGT James Murphy made Aug 19 at 2021 11:23 AM

2021-08-19T11:23:48-04:00

I would say Seriously "Make Good Choices".

Response by PVT Pamela Pippin made Aug 19 at 2021 11:24 AM

2021-08-19T11:24:55-04:00

Spend the $150 on the better running shoe

Response by A1C Paula Roblez made Aug 19 at 2021 11:26 AM

2021-08-19T11:26:18-04:00

I would have re-uped

Response by SGT James Murphy made Aug 19 at 2021 11:26 AM

2021-08-19T11:26:36-04:00

Ok, this is maybe funny because it's true and very personal. "Don't Get Married Until Your Really Really Ready to Give Up SEX!

Response by PO1 Michael Pombier made Aug 19 at 2021 11:26 AM

2021-08-19T11:26:45-04:00

Start investing sooner. Ask for items in writing during enlistment.

Response by Sgt Zulma Rivera made Aug 19 at 2021 11:32 AM

2021-08-19T11:32:14-04:00

Get all your docs and a good lawyer when you have experienced rape because back in the 70 s nobody gave a hoot especially my CO who just so happened to be a female. Go figure.

Response by SGT Peter Hayes made Aug 19 at 2021 11:33 AM

2021-08-19T11:33:04-04:00

To Stay in the U.S ARMY

Response by SPC Robert Caldwell made Aug 19 at 2021 11:34 AM

2021-08-19T11:34:19-04:00

I would tell myself to stay in and make a good career for myself, work hard for my promotions, and be the best i could be. The Military definitely gave me what I needed to get a better start in life.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Aug 19 at 2021 11:34 AM

2021-08-19T11:34:54-04:00

Avoid 194th Armored Brigade
Now it's a shell of what it used to be, but back in the 80's and 90's, holy cow!

Response by SSG Leo Mcardle made Aug 19 at 2021 11:37 AM

2021-08-19T11:37:41-04:00

I joined at 17 (1962). I should have waited another year and listened to what my father had to say about the military. Typical kid, I didn’t listen.

Response by SGM Tim Kinsella made Aug 19 at 2021 11:43 AM

2021-08-19T11:43:30-04:00

Do not volunteer.

Response by PO1 William Hill made Aug 19 at 2021 11:50 AM

2021-08-19T11:50:36-04:00

Be confident in what you can do. You'll exceed your expectations.

Response by PO3 Mike McKinney made Aug 19 at 2021 12:00 PM

2021-08-19T12:00:18-04:00

Stay in reserves

Response by CPT Barbara Smith made Aug 19 at 2021 12:01 PM

2021-08-19T12:01:27-04:00

Retire from the US Army-Active Duty!

Response by PO2 Charly Goehring made Aug 19 at 2021 12:03 PM

2021-08-19T12:03:43-04:00

Learn to play dance music on my trombone in HS so I could make the Navy School of Music. It was my only failure in the audition. I grew up in a town of 100 playing march music.

Response by 1SG Lawrence Sisneros made Aug 19 at 2021 12:03 PM

2021-08-19T12:03:49-04:00

I should have gone to flight school and become a helicopter pilot instead of a helicopter mechanic.

Response by Pvt Michael Klama made Aug 19 at 2021 12:06 PM

2021-08-19T12:06:01-04:00

Accept offer in boot camp to go to OCS

Response by SSG Donald H "Don" Bates made Aug 19 at 2021 12:06 PM

2021-08-19T12:06:49-04:00

Be money smarter!!!!

Response by PO2 Roger Tripp made Aug 19 at 2021 12:06 PM

2021-08-19T12:06:53-04:00

Build a time machine !

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Aug 19 at 2021 12:07 PM

2021-08-19T12:07:33-04:00

Do Not accept orders to NAVCOMMSTA Sicily. I enlisted at 22 so I was older than others going to their first command. At my 1st duty station there was a STSC in my division that made it known he disliked me almost immediately. My first 3 months onboard, I was in 67A. The Sonar Shop (67G) had two STS2 and an ET2 as LPO. The 4 of us got along great from the beginning. When the ET2 transferred out, the STS2's quickly petitioned our Division Officer, who was a prior STSCS, now LDO Ensign, who also liked me, to fill the billet of ET LPO in the shop. That made the STSC flip. Mainly because 67G usually got to stay behind when the ship went to sea every quarter (usually 4 out, 4 in a liberty port, 4 back).
When I got to Sicily (6 years later), in the Indoctrination class with the families was when I first saw him. We recognized each other immediately. My wife asked, "What was that look for?" I told her he doesn't like me. That was the downfall of my Naval Career. From SOQ at my previous Command and straight 4.0, I was hounded for every little detail. He tried to court martial me for my son being sick. I only found out after his surgery stateside when I obtained my service record. My son's medical records were reviewed by the Chief Surgeon in Germany. That was the only reason I wasn't court martial because he stated there was no way I could have known of my son's rare disease when 3 previous specialist missed it. However, that was not in my service record so that followed me to my last and final command where the BS got too much. The more you try to redeem yourself at a small command, the deeper the hole gets.

Response by Cpl Scott Pfeiffer made Aug 19 at 2021 12:09 PM

2021-08-19T12:09:21-04:00

Listen to my father and not marry my first wife

Response by SSgt Richard Peterson made Aug 19 at 2021 12:09 PM

2021-08-19T12:09:45-04:00

Don't do it!

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 12:15 PM

2021-08-19T12:15:27-04:00

Go Airforce instead of Army. I have done both and wish I would have done Airforce 1st.

Response by SSgt Jason Schulz made Aug 19 at 2021 12:18 PM

2021-08-19T12:18:11-04:00

Go Active Duty.

Response by Sgt Steve Williams made Aug 19 at 2021 12:19 PM

2021-08-19T12:19:36-04:00

There are a number of things I would change...and I'm sure friends and family would agree and add to my list.

But #1 would be Don't Smoke.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 12:22 PM

2021-08-19T12:22:04-04:00

Take time to consider5 what you are being trained for and then apply it to your life. Pray, Pray, Pray.

Response by CPT Kenneth Rankin made Aug 19 at 2021 12:32 PM

2021-08-19T12:32:47-04:00

Stay in the military!

Response by A1C Melanie Foley made Aug 19 at 2021 12:35 PM

2021-08-19T12:35:33-04:00

I got thyroid cancer at the end of my enlistment. I was passing out everywhere and felt useless, and hopeless. The symptoms and surgery were so tough on my body. I was reccommended not to re-enlist. I regret that decision every day especially that my cohorts have retired now and Im still working to regain my peace. I wish that I hadnt listened and knew that I would eventually adapt and feel better. I would go back and tell my young self that I can do it. I survived cancer two more times after that.

Response by PO3 Stanley Hohler made Aug 19 at 2021 12:39 PM

2021-08-19T12:39:27-04:00

Not to use anyone else's things like bicycles, etc. Not to drink booze and do extremely dumb... things. Help more elderly people and pray to our God for peace, which I haven't done except the past 10 years

Response by SrA Raymond Geraghty made Aug 19 at 2021 12:46 PM

2021-08-19T12:46:25-04:00

Stay in for 20!

Response by SGT Conrad Gonzalez made Aug 19 at 2021 12:52 PM

2021-08-19T12:52:09-04:00

Take the extra year added to enrollment and join the NSA

Response by SFC Mamerto Perez made Aug 19 at 2021 12:54 PM

2021-08-19T12:54:26-04:00

I WOULD THE SAME THING EXCEPT BE MORE DESCRIT.

Response by PO2 Loretta Guidroz made Aug 19 at 2021 12:56 PM

2021-08-19T12:56:39-04:00

Instead of keeping your mouth closed and keep pushing forward, OPEN your mouth, say what you have to say and keep pushing forward

Response by SFC Mamerto Perez made Aug 19 at 2021 12:58 PM

2021-08-19T12:58:34-04:00

I WOULD THE SAME THING EXCEPT BE MORE DESCRIT.

Response by PFC Kit Corson made Aug 19 at 2021 1:13 PM

2021-08-19T13:13:38-04:00

Don’t start smoking and quit drinking. All those things my family said to me!

Response by Cpl Michelle James made Aug 19 at 2021 1:15 PM

2021-08-19T13:15:57-04:00

Really LIVE. Fill that "bucket" and jump in. Be the first to reach out. Speak your mind, respectfully. Forgive. Discover aquatic therapy. Pray more, worry less. Shop thrift over retail.

Response by PO3 Kevin Hokerk-Robinson made Aug 19 at 2021 1:19 PM

2021-08-19T13:19:16-04:00

Should have gone into the military earlier than I did but it was the height of Vietnam conflict and that was my sticking point back then.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 1:22 PM

2021-08-19T13:22:46-04:00

Pull your head out of your forepoint of contact

Response by PFC Jim Schmidt made Aug 19 at 2021 1:31 PM

2021-08-19T13:31:05-04:00

Don't smoke!

Response by SSgt Clare May made Aug 19 at 2021 1:36 PM

2021-08-19T13:36:53-04:00

As bad as it will get, fold the 7,5,4,3,2 low ball hand in that Montana card room, you are beat with a 7,4,3,2,ace. Lol...

Response by SSgt David Wilkins made Aug 19 at 2021 1:43 PM

2021-08-19T13:43:40-04:00

Learn to invest(stocks, bonds, precious metals), Get bank accounts with USAA, AND Navy Federal, DO NOT GET MARRIED, Learn your family history, and above all, BE a BETTER MARINE, and don't retire until they carry you out under a flag draped coffin.

Response by 1LT Willis Johnson made Aug 19 at 2021 1:48 PM

2021-08-19T13:48:38-04:00

Apply my self more when getting my B.S. It would have made earning my masters degree & doctorate easier! GI bill paid for my doctorate after Vietnam.

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Aug 19 at 2021 1:53 PM

2021-08-19T13:53:26-04:00

Probably stock advice

Response by PFC Willis Addison made Aug 19 at 2021 1:56 PM

2021-08-19T13:56:23-04:00

I'd advise my younger self to take out an Allotment for a Minimum $100 and use it to dollar cost average in to $AAPl Apple Inc Stock Monthly and or the $SPY S&P500 index.. Build financial Wealth and gain physical /knowledge wealth through my military tenure...

Response by PO2 Mike McKinley made Aug 19 at 2021 2:03 PM

2021-08-19T14:03:30-04:00

Stay in for 20, instead of the 9 you did.

Response by PO2 Mike McKinley made Aug 19 at 2021 2:04 PM

2021-08-19T14:04:04-04:00

Stay in for 20 and not just the 9 you did.

Response by SPC Michael Tierney made Aug 19 at 2021 2:04 PM

2021-08-19T14:04:05-04:00

Focus more on school
Don't get drafted
Don't get shot

Response by MSG Galen Barker made Aug 19 at 2021 2:07 PM

2021-08-19T14:07:19-04:00

I really would change a thing. I made many mistakes but I learned from them and I was able to pass my experiences onto others. My experiences helped define who I am today

Response by PO1 Edward Speary made Aug 19 at 2021 2:10 PM

2021-08-19T14:10:08-04:00

Do not become a recruiter!

Response by PO1 Phil Audritsh made Aug 19 at 2021 2:15 PM

2021-08-19T14:15:18-04:00

Listen to your parents. They're smarter than you think.

Response by TSgt George Austin made Aug 19 at 2021 2:27 PM

2021-08-19T14:27:42-04:00

Stay in Italy.

Response by SrA Manny Diaz made Aug 19 at 2021 2:34 PM

2021-08-19T14:34:41-04:00

Attend college right after high school, and then join military as an officer.

Response by SGT Barbara Wilt made Aug 19 at 2021 2:40 PM

2021-08-19T14:40:43-04:00

Stay in for schooling

Response by PO2 D Patrick Gleason made Aug 19 at 2021 3:00 PM

2021-08-19T15:00:03-04:00

Keep your mouth shut!

Response by Cpl Ruth Walker made Aug 19 at 2021 3:15 PM

2021-08-19T15:15:09-04:00

I would have stayed in longer and taken advantage of the opportunity to get an education.

Response by Cpl Ruth Walker made Aug 19 at 2021 3:16 PM

2021-08-19T15:16:43-04:00

I would have stayed in longer and taken advantage of opportunities for promotions through education, etc.

Response by SSG Steven Gotz made Aug 19 at 2021 3:21 PM

2021-08-19T15:21:22-04:00

Marry a rich woman. Beauty fades, but properly invested, money lasts forever. ;)

Response by CPL Ryan Thibault made Aug 19 at 2021 3:25 PM

2021-08-19T15:25:33-04:00

If I could travel to my younger self I would tell him to try to slow down. There’s no need to be in a rush to go all of the time. Life is only so long and try to be more aware of the present moment. Love those you love and be more accepting of the love given back to you, yes you deserve it.

Response by SPC James Nokes made Aug 19 at 2021 3:30 PM

2021-08-19T15:30:50-04:00

Save your money, go hit some AA meetings while in Germany.
After Desert Storm, put half that huge check in the bank, then invest it in a company called 'Intel', another called 'qualcomm', and Motorola.
After you get those two checks in 92, use both to buy stock in Microsoft, THEN go back on active duty till 2000, and see how much your collective stocks are worth then.
Sell everything in summer of 2000, then buy again in 2002, Apple, Motorola, Microsoft, and Google.

Response by SPC Markisha Rodriguez made Aug 19 at 2021 3:32 PM

2021-08-19T15:32:55-04:00

Pick a better MOS.

Response by PFC Jeremy McGill made Aug 19 at 2021 3:48 PM

2021-08-19T15:48:51-04:00

Make it a career.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Aug 19 at 2021 4:14 PM

2021-08-19T16:14:34-04:00

Buy more stocks that sky rocketed

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Aug 19 at 2021 4:15 PM

2021-08-19T16:15:26-04:00

I would have taken the time to thank SFC Wolf and SSG wheeler , they taught me so much about leadership , discipline ,team work, professionalism and problem solving at an early age, at the time I didn't recognize they were grooming me for leadership however, that foundation served me well over a successful 41 year career where I advanced through the ranks from entry level employee to one of six Corporate Sr. VP positions in the US. Even though I had several thousand people, I couldnt meet them all however, I worked tirelessly to positively improve there lives. At the time of my retirement, 90% of all my subordinate Directors, Managers and Supervisors came up through the ranks, veteran employment was increased to 65% and we improved salaries, benefits , training, performance recognition and leadership development accross the board for my entire team

Response by Sgt William Troskey made Aug 19 at 2021 4:24 PM

2021-08-19T16:24:35-04:00

Don't arrange to report for BMTS in San Antonio on August 3rd; Wait til October.

Response by Bob Goodworth made Aug 19 at 2021 4:25 PM

2021-08-19T16:25:05-04:00

Direct enlist into Aviation, flying slicks or gunships

Response by PO1 Al Walls made Aug 19 at 2021 5:00 PM

2021-08-19T17:00:07-04:00

Find out how many calories you can eat per day & don't go over that limit. & it's okay to go lower.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 5:17 PM

2021-08-19T17:17:27-04:00

Don't kill yourself trying to do your job.. If you're injured, go see someone.. it's not worth toughing it out in the long run

Response by Sgt Dale Taylor made Aug 19 at 2021 5:18 PM

2021-08-19T17:18:29-04:00

Truth, justice and In God We Trust is a myth in how the US politicians conduct their duties. Most exercise no morals, no core values and no honor. The best hired special interest liars that money can buy.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 5:19 PM

2021-08-19T17:19:06-04:00

Also... It's not that bad..

Response by SSG Tony Cortez made Aug 19 at 2021 5:24 PM

2021-08-19T17:24:04-04:00

Dont put off traveling though out the year. Dont worry about freinds and just travel

Response by PVT Pat Morrison made Aug 19 at 2021 5:26 PM

2021-08-19T17:26:28-04:00

Take bugout bag.

Response by SPC Eileen Keller made Aug 19 at 2021 5:53 PM

2021-08-19T17:53:52-04:00

Take more risk and listen to your gut more

Response by TSgt Wehart Hosea made Aug 19 at 2021 5:55 PM

2021-08-19T17:55:49-04:00

I would be more persistent with the job assignment that I desired and fought more for it.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 5:58 PM

2021-08-19T17:58:03-04:00

Go Active Duty and get out at 20 years in instead of going reserve and staying in 30 years

Response by SGT Thomas Seward made Aug 19 at 2021 6:15 PM

2021-08-19T18:15:11-04:00

Laugh more, do a good deed daily like you learned in Boy Scouts, and buy Bitcoin when it was 12 for a dollar and sell when it was $20,000 each!

Response by SFC Rick Brooks made Aug 19 at 2021 6:19 PM

2021-08-19T18:19:41-04:00

keep your cool watch what you say learn to deal with the a** holes

Response by SGT Keith Davis made Aug 19 at 2021 6:39 PM

2021-08-19T18:39:18-04:00

Kill Hitler

Response by SFC Kendrick Johnson made Aug 19 at 2021 6:40 PM

2021-08-19T18:40:11-04:00

Stay in the Air Force and study harder. Lay off the sauce.

Response by SFC David A McGILLIS made Aug 19 at 2021 6:42 PM

2021-08-19T18:42:36-04:00

Take that 20k reenlistment bonus and stay in... instead of getting out for 13-months and coming back in and getting nothing.

Response by TSgt Tomika Miller made Aug 19 at 2021 6:45 PM

2021-08-19T18:45:19-04:00

Choose a better career choice instead of Food Service Specialist and stay Active Duty instead of switching to National Guard. The reason is because I struggled a lot financially and is still struggling to get a decent career and decent pay that I desire so I can be financially secured instead of barely making ends meet living paycheck to paycheck.

Response by AA Loreen Silvarahawk made Aug 19 at 2021 6:53 PM

2021-08-19T18:53:25-04:00

The Navy is all right but you will do better in the Air Force. Your Dad was a 20 year man and retired from the Air Force. So go Air Force.

Response by SrA Kale Poor made Aug 19 at 2021 7:14 PM

2021-08-19T19:14:14-04:00

I would go a few months before my mom found out she had cancer so I could tell myself that we could treat it successfully without her going terminal. I would also tell myself to not smoke (a habit picked up in the military) because I'll need as much lung tissue as possible when COVID hits. I'd also give myself an almanac, back to the future style

Response by Sgt David Branham made Aug 19 at 2021 7:14 PM

2021-08-19T19:14:57-04:00

Push through the pain

Response by Sgt Carlos Garcia made Aug 19 at 2021 7:49 PM

2021-08-19T19:49:19-04:00

Locate and befriend the motivated hard working Marines, learn from them and heed their advice.

Response by SFC W. Stewart made Aug 19 at 2021 8:00 PM

2021-08-19T20:00:31-04:00

Listen to advice given, sometimes it's good advice

Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Aug 19 at 2021 8:08 PM

2021-08-19T20:08:20-04:00

Do twenty years.

Response by Nelson Irey made Aug 19 at 2021 9:37 PM

2021-08-19T21:37:29-04:00

Know where you want to go. Figure out how to get there. Navigate obstacles. Be true to yourself and YOUR objectives!!!

Response by SPC Edward Gralak made Aug 19 at 2021 9:37 PM

2021-08-19T21:37:55-04:00

never marry

Response by SFC Terry Wilcox made Aug 19 at 2021 9:46 PM

2021-08-19T21:46:07-04:00

Stay in school - LEARN - I wasn't stupid nor dumb, Just couldn't figure out what anything was for or Why I had to learn things like Algebra. I was a fair artist - the problem was I am color blind. At a robust 95 pounds, I sure wasn't much of a threat. The Army took care of everything - except the color blindness. And Like Msgt Jimmie Brown - investing in Microsoft would have been a great achievement.

Response by PV2 Steven Stockwell made Aug 19 at 2021 9:50 PM

2021-08-19T21:50:46-04:00

I Should Of Went To O.C.S. When They Offerd It To Me And I Wouldnt Of Been Stuck A A Private E-2 For 6 Years I Couldnt Make Rank Becuse They Sent Me To The The Wrong A School They Trained Me As 76V10 When It Should Have been 11B So I Couldnt Make Rank The Light Infantry Had No Use For Heavy Duty Forkllifts And My Job Was As A 60 Gunner And R.T.O. They Kept Promoising To Retrain Me But It Never Happened I Still Loved My Time In Though I Miss Serving If I never Got Injured I Would Still Be There Over 20 Years Probally Still A Private Ha,Ha

Response by SSgt Dave Sesher made Aug 19 at 2021 11:44 PM

2021-08-19T23:44:13-04:00

Stay in college!

Response by SP5 Felix Girard made Aug 20 at 2021 1:17 AM

2021-08-20T01:17:09-04:00

Learn about retirement benefits and stay in longer ...

Response by Steve Jones made Aug 20 at 2021 1:32 AM

2021-08-20T01:32:05-04:00

Time travel teaches a great lesson:

In science fiction movies when people travel back in time they are warned that anything they do in the past could have dramatic effects on the present.

And yet we hardly ever think about how anything we do in the present can have dramatic effects on the future.

Every moment is meaningful.

Response by CPL Joe Yersak Sr. made Aug 20 at 2021 6:30 AM

2021-08-20T06:30:10-04:00

Invest money, and get divorced before I joiners the military

Response by PFC Shannon Evans made Aug 20 at 2021 8:08 AM

2021-08-20T08:08:21-04:00

Don't party as much. Don't sweat the small things not everyone cares that you did things off the clock. The injuries you received and those that didn't survive are not your fault.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2021 9:26 AM

2021-08-20T09:26:00-04:00

Be willing to take more risks.

Response by PO2 Robert Landrum made Aug 20 at 2021 11:15 AM

2021-08-20T11:15:15-04:00

When my unit was authorized "release from active duty" back to reserve status I wish I had shipped over to active duty. Even knowing that one of my favorite Chiefs died in a deck fore on the Oriskany fire.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Berke made Aug 20 at 2021 11:22 AM

2021-08-20T11:22:02-04:00

more eduction

Response by SGT Scott Adie made Aug 20 at 2021 11:41 AM

2021-08-20T11:41:40-04:00

Become a public speaker and share the true stories of Vietnam, that except for the politicians and media, we achieved outstanding victories.

Response by CW3 Bradley Keiser made Aug 20 at 2021 1:58 PM

2021-08-20T13:58:57-04:00

Mom was right, "birds of a feather flock together." Chose your mentor and your friends carefully. Not everyone has your best interest at heart. Connect with ethical, moral, fun, intelligent, and hard-working people who prioritize God, family, and country.

Response by PO3 James Heine made Aug 20 at 2021 2:12 PM

2021-08-20T14:12:25-04:00

When you're in a strange new place you've never been in before, try to soak up all the culture and history you can from it. The experiences can make you well rounded and can do you good.

Response by PO2 Don Scott made Aug 20 at 2021 2:50 PM

2021-08-20T14:50:17-04:00

Remain on active duty and retire.

Response by PO3 Susan Allen made Aug 20 at 2021 2:53 PM

2021-08-20T14:53:12-04:00

Invest, stay in school, and stay healthy!

Response by MSgt Wesley Christiansen made Aug 20 at 2021 2:54 PM

2021-08-20T14:54:16-04:00

If I had it to do over again I wouldn't. I would be too afraid to mess things up even worse.

Response by MAJ Michael Weber made Aug 20 at 2021 2:54 PM

2021-08-20T14:54:40-04:00

Patience

Response by LCpl Joe Thomas made Aug 20 at 2021 2:58 PM

2021-08-20T14:58:25-04:00

Make no assumptions or have any expectations because it’s a waste of time, no experience is ever as you imagine it will be and military-wise it’s usually worse.

Response by SFC Charles Manwill made Aug 20 at 2021 2:59 PM

2021-08-20T14:59:38-04:00

Don’t have a break in service

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2021 2:59 PM

2021-08-20T14:59:47-04:00

Don't let anyone decide for you what you want to do!! Go for it. If it doesn't work out at least you tried. Better to say later in life you tried rather than you wish you had.

Response by SSgt Lawrence Gordon made Aug 20 at 2021 3:04 PM

2021-08-20T15:04:21-04:00

Remember to "See Sharp or you Be Flat!"

Response by SSG Rene Uhler made Aug 20 at 2021 3:07 PM

2021-08-20T15:07:40-04:00

This is not so bad just hang in there once you make it through the training you'll get a chance go to Vietnam and be next to dad killing the enemy. But as usual it didn't happen that way I didn't get to go to Vietnam they sent me to Germany because I speak fluent German and they sent me to Manheim and I was very glad they did 'cause that's where I met my wife and we've been together 48 years now so the main thing is always tell yourself hang in there you've had worse things in life to do IE rake out stalls in a riding stables in Albuquerque NM.

Response by Sgt David Branham made Aug 20 at 2021 3:08 PM

2021-08-20T15:08:59-04:00

Do the twenty then start a second career

Response by MAJ Jim Lathroum made Aug 20 at 2021 3:10 PM

2021-08-20T15:10:06-04:00

I joined the military at age 44, but my advice to that me would be the same if I had joined earlier. Read the Bible more, strengthen your faith in God! Provide spiritual care as well as health care.

Response by SGT Jim McGee made Aug 20 at 2021 3:11 PM

2021-08-20T15:11:50-04:00

Keep a good attitude

Response by Capt Al Parker made Aug 20 at 2021 3:14 PM

2021-08-20T15:14:39-04:00

Nothing, I knew what I was getting into.

Response by SGT Bobby Ewing made Aug 20 at 2021 3:14 PM

2021-08-20T15:14:47-04:00

Invest in Microsoft, don't get Married early, and buy the Harley sooner than later!

Response by SSG Steven Gotz made Aug 20 at 2021 3:18 PM

2021-08-20T15:18:22-04:00

Think more, act more deliberately.

Response by MAJ Vincent Fulginiti made Aug 20 at 2021 3:18 PM

2021-08-20T15:18:38-04:00

Yolo

Response by Sgt Michelle Evans made Aug 20 at 2021 3:22 PM

2021-08-20T15:22:56-04:00

I would tell myself that things will work out better than expected. I will write the book I always wanted to write, and it will become very successful. I would also tell myself to not sell myself short, and that I will accomplish what I need to do to be happy.

Response by SrA Theodore Dobbins made Aug 20 at 2021 3:26 PM

2021-08-20T15:26:14-04:00

Don't don't drink the SOJU !!!

Response by Sgt Patrick Preuss made Aug 20 at 2021 3:26 PM

2021-08-20T15:26:49-04:00

Don't sell any of your motorcycles.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2021 3:32 PM

2021-08-20T15:32:04-04:00

Become a Warrant Officer as soon as possible.

Response by SFC Byron Perry made Aug 20 at 2021 3:34 PM

2021-08-20T15:34:34-04:00

Daily entry

Response by PV2 William Genzel made Aug 20 at 2021 3:38 PM

2021-08-20T15:38:46-04:00

Stick it out and stay in. Retirement is worth the hassle (and internal politics).

Response by Sgt Norm Bailey made Aug 20 at 2021 3:39 PM

2021-08-20T15:39:16-04:00

stay and go to School

Response by CPO Daniel Randazzo made Aug 20 at 2021 3:41 PM

2021-08-20T15:41:34-04:00

Don’t PT so hard, especially running, it will really hurt when your older

Response by PO1 Timothy Montalbano made Aug 20 at 2021 3:46 PM

2021-08-20T15:46:21-04:00

Invest and take care of yourself

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2021 3:53 PM

2021-08-20T15:53:17-04:00

Travel more when younger because availability of vacation days become an even bigger bottleneck later on.

Response by SSG Jonathan Williams made Aug 20 at 2021 4:03 PM

2021-08-20T16:03:44-04:00

More schools and courses

Response by TSgt Alan Adkins made Aug 20 at 2021 4:07 PM

2021-08-20T16:07:07-04:00

To drink and party less and Study more. Study more and get promoted and get a college degree.

Response by CPT Philip Richardson made Aug 20 at 2021 4:18 PM

2021-08-20T16:18:10-04:00

Take advantage of every opportunity. Don't look for ways to get out of the hard jobs and situations. Be physically fit and in shape at all times. Challenge yourself.

Response by CPT David Hammett made Aug 20 at 2021 4:20 PM

2021-08-20T16:20:38-04:00

Details matter. Take care of the details and the big things will automatically be taken of.

Response by SPC Priscilla Elmore made Aug 20 at 2021 4:24 PM

2021-08-20T16:24:05-04:00

Be aware of my surroundings before opening my mouth!

Response by CH (CPT) Ephraim Travis made Aug 20 at 2021 4:26 PM

2021-08-20T16:26:06-04:00

Stay on Active Duty as long as possible even if/when things look bleak...

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Aug 20 at 2021 4:27 PM

2021-08-20T16:27:45-04:00

Yay, it's Friday!

Response by PO2 D Patrick Gleason made Aug 20 at 2021 4:33 PM

2021-08-20T16:33:42-04:00

Stay in school!

Response by SPC Jason Yochum made Aug 20 at 2021 4:37 PM

2021-08-20T16:37:38-04:00

Do better in school and don't drink.

Response by SGT Matt Saunders made Aug 20 at 2021 4:44 PM

2021-08-20T16:44:25-04:00

Learn to listen to my body & get proper treatment when injured insteaded of pushing through it for yrs.

Response by LTC William Robbins made Aug 20 at 2021 5:03 PM

2021-08-20T17:03:15-04:00

Get up to speed on the latest in tech,esp the use of those Ipads etc. When I served in the Armor branch, the M60A1's had only a telescope for the gunner, and a manually operated stereoscope range finder for the TC. Recent photos of the inside of an m1A3 shows the gunner facing 3 computer screens. MG - what next? !!!!

Response by PO2 Jose A Arroyo made Aug 20 at 2021 5:04 PM

2021-08-20T17:04:58-04:00

To be gentle with myself and STOP comparing my accomplishments (or lack of) to others. We ALL have different journeys in life

Response by AB Debora Mizner made Aug 20 at 2021 5:12 PM

2021-08-20T17:12:23-04:00

Don't make the same mistake twice.

Response by PO2 Ronea Fowler made Aug 20 at 2021 5:19 PM

2021-08-20T17:19:08-04:00

Listen to that within -- those dreams, that inner voice -- be free to be yourself, express yourself, speak your mind and follow you heart. Pursue your dreams, and remember you are the Leading Lady of your life! Find mentors to help you along the way, and grow, grow and help others along.

Response by Maj Wess Anderson made Aug 20 at 2021 5:24 PM

2021-08-20T17:24:47-04:00

Work harder to become more proficient in my MOS. Listen to my NCOs and SNCOs to learn from their experiences.

Response by LCpl Kevin Bryson made Aug 20 at 2021 5:28 PM

2021-08-20T17:28:33-04:00

Have fun! But everyone doesn't need to know it.

Response by SP5 Walter Mearkle made Aug 20 at 2021 5:39 PM

2021-08-20T17:39:04-04:00

In 1962 I was fresh out of college, single, not a teacher, and #1 on the draft list in Peoria, Illinois. so I took the Army Recruiter's advice and enlisted in the Army Security Agency. I eventually qualified as a Korean Linguist and spent 16 months in Korea. Got good duty. Given what happened in the coming years in Vietnam, the recruiter gave me good advice.

Response by Capt Bruce Bitterman made Aug 20 at 2021 5:50 PM

2021-08-20T17:50:49-04:00

I would tell myself to get out after my first enlistment instead of staying in for 20 years.

Response by PO2 Roger Diez made Aug 20 at 2021 6:06 PM

2021-08-20T18:06:07-04:00

Beware of the three most dangerous things in the Navy: A Yeoman with muscles, a Boatswain's Mate with brains, and an Ensign with a pencil!

Response by SFC Paul Rhoten made Aug 20 at 2021 6:26 PM

2021-08-20T18:26:31-04:00

I made rank to fast then I was stuck

Response by CPL Billy Dennison made Aug 20 at 2021 6:32 PM

2021-08-20T18:32:16-04:00

Keep politicians out of war

Response by PO1 William Vaupel made Aug 20 at 2021 6:34 PM

2021-08-20T18:34:50-04:00

I would have stayed for twenty at least.proud to have served

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Aug 20 at 2021 6:39 PM

2021-08-20T18:39:09-04:00

The advice I will give myself prior to time travel back in time would be to remain cautious about peers, superiors and subordinates; know who stands with you and who is merely with you for the time being; know your Teammates. I would be careful of extreme weather along the way, like toxic leaderships and dangerous threats. I will learn listen, comprehend and then, tackle issues of destructive nature. keeping the equilibrium of the Sine wave of life, I will manage the peaks and valleys properly.

Response by SFC Linda Clipp made Aug 20 at 2021 7:26 PM

2021-08-20T19:26:28-04:00

Pursue YOUR dreams, not ANYONE else's.

Response by Sgt Michael Oberline made Aug 20 at 2021 7:35 PM

2021-08-20T19:35:36-04:00

Take the high ground. Make the enemy climb up to you!

Response by SGT Walter Drumm made Aug 20 at 2021 8:24 PM

2021-08-20T20:24:11-04:00

Perhaps, but probably not. Our experiences both good and bad shape who we are.

Response by Lt Col Sarah Shirley made Aug 20 at 2021 8:39 PM

2021-08-20T20:39:15-04:00

Save money, don’t get married, learn at least three languages, keep playing the piano, don’t miss a day of fresh air and exercise!

Response by SFC Edward Sneed made Aug 20 at 2021 9:48 PM

2021-08-20T21:48:02-04:00

I would not change my decision to complete my military career, as it has given me many opportunities for different employment, once I had retired. I learned so much during my tenure with the Army, and it has helped me to compete with the knowledge currently being used in the outside world. I stay ahead of the game! And now that I'm happily retired and enjoying life, this would be a great advantage had I knew back then. Would have made some helpful additional decisions.

Response by 1SG Lawrence Sisneros made Aug 20 at 2021 10:04 PM

2021-08-20T22:04:18-04:00

Stay single until I retired.

Response by SSgt Gale Voyles made Aug 20 at 2021 10:55 PM

2021-08-20T22:55:54-04:00

Read everything, gather as many educational tools as you can, do not be afraid of asking, if you don’t ask, you can not ever get a “yes”. Buckle up-it probably will be a rough ride. Probably hurt at times!

Response by Sgt Steven Payne made Aug 21 at 2021 12:51 AM

2021-08-21T00:51:01-04:00

Never get married when you are a enlisted Marine

Response by 1st Lt Lorie Myers made Aug 21 at 2021 1:08 AM

2021-08-21T01:08:24-04:00

Stay in the USAF and retire from the USAF

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 2:57 AM

2021-08-21T02:57:57-04:00

Don’t give up hope. Things will get worse but there will be better days. Stay loyal to your friends, God, and country

Response by WO1 Rich Stombaugh made Aug 21 at 2021 5:29 AM

2021-08-21T05:29:10-04:00

spend more time in the classroom & less time at the bar and start investing as an 18 yr old kid

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 8:17 AM

2021-08-21T08:17:21-04:00

Keep your head down, RELY on your platoon, keep your mouth shut, accept ALL the help offered, if you CAN, STAY IN!

Response by SP5 Michael Barczykowski made Aug 21 at 2021 9:58 AM

2021-08-21T09:58:52-04:00

Don't be so hard on my body. You'll pay for that later on in life.

Response by TSgt Joseph Martines made Aug 21 at 2021 10:04 AM

2021-08-21T10:04:42-04:00

Never join the reserves, stay on active duty

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Aug 21 at 2021 11:15 AM

2021-08-21T11:15:53-04:00

Study harder!!!!!

Response by CW3 Steve Butts made Aug 21 at 2021 12:17 PM

2021-08-21T12:17:36-04:00

Listen and learn from the leaders that will be training you. No matter how smart you think you are, you can always learn something new. Remember, you have committed yourself to a way of life unlike anything you have ever experienced and above all, duty, honor, and country should always remain in the forefront of your mind.

Response by SPC Dean Bricker made Aug 21 at 2021 12:27 PM

2021-08-21T12:27:39-04:00

Follow your dreams and work hard.

Response by SrA Manny Diaz made Aug 21 at 2021 12:27 PM

2021-08-21T12:27:50-04:00

Obtain my degree, apply to officer school, and become a special forces troop.

Response by Capt Al Parker made Aug 21 at 2021 12:27 PM

2021-08-21T12:27:53-04:00

Have Fun and OBEY THE RULES

Response by LCDR James Erickson made Aug 21 at 2021 12:31 PM

2021-08-21T12:31:38-04:00

Don't believe anyone who says, "I really know my sh*t".
Move quickly and get away from anyone who says, "Watch this -- it'll be impressive".

Response by MCPON Art Freed made Aug 21 at 2021 12:34 PM

2021-08-21T12:34:03-04:00

I had recently made E-7. Two officers asked me to get a commission. (LDO), but I thought that the Navy would off of I stayed as an enlisted air crew instructor. To me being an ASW aircrew instructor would be more valuable to the Navy and my squadron.

Response by Capt Claudia Valentine made Aug 21 at 2021 12:36 PM

2021-08-21T12:36:25-04:00

Forget trying to go to navigator school and take the Logistics assignment that was offered.

Response by 1SG John Martin made Aug 21 at 2021 12:39 PM

2021-08-21T12:39:17-04:00

I would have taken the deal, re-up'd for 6 and the 10 grand, (tax free in Nam) and gone to the White House Communications agency

Response by SGT Jeff Nolan made Aug 21 at 2021 12:44 PM

2021-08-21T12:44:08-04:00

Go to Airborne school.

Response by SFC James Kennedy made Aug 21 at 2021 12:49 PM

2021-08-21T12:49:33-04:00

Don't ignore the warning sign's and get yourself checked out earlier-Maybe the Doctors could have done something sooner. Pay attention to your health-it could turn on you quicker than a rattlesnake.

Response by SPC Justine Blankenbeckler made Aug 21 at 2021 12:50 PM

2021-08-21T12:50:16-04:00

Oh, all the friends I had thought I was crazy for going into the Army. You have children, are you nuts. You are not going to be the same person if you go in. I proved them wrong. I became a BETTER person, and my friends were shocked. I proved them wrong. Don't listen to others, believe in yourself. Thank you.

Response by CW2 Richard Athey made Aug 21 at 2021 12:52 PM

2021-08-21T12:52:29-04:00

Get my civilian education finished first.

Response by SPC Gary Symons made Aug 21 at 2021 12:54 PM

2021-08-21T12:54:37-04:00

Maybe I wouldn’t go back to the other 1917 Pandemic because if I had to stay home, I don’t think I ciuld watch Netflixs.

Response by 1SG Danny Ramos made Aug 21 at 2021 12:59 PM

2021-08-21T12:59:28-04:00

Would have stayed in to 30 years.

Response by SGT Randell Rose made Aug 21 at 2021 1:02 PM

2021-08-21T13:02:26-04:00

Get in on as much of the training as you can. Do and see everything thing you can. Retire and don't settle for 1 pension.

Response by SPC John Reed made Aug 21 at 2021 1:10 PM

2021-08-21T13:10:58-04:00

Work my ass off harder and prove the hater wrong, make a career out of it

Response by TSgt Gary McPherson made Aug 21 at 2021 1:12 PM

2021-08-21T13:12:34-04:00

Work harder and be more serious in the job,.As a supervisor you must remember the people who work for you can make or break you by how well THEY preform their job.That reflects on how well you have done yours.

Response by SSgt Jeanne Wallace made Aug 21 at 2021 1:21 PM

2021-08-21T13:21:15-04:00

Study for WAPS testing ( for real)... and save money. And always drink beer in dark bottles
( that way you can refill them with water and you will re main sober while every one around you is trashed) this will avoid a lot of problems later on

Response by TSgt George Austin made Aug 21 at 2021 1:46 PM

2021-08-21T13:46:14-04:00

Bring the Miura stateside

Response by SFC Byron Perry made Aug 21 at 2021 1:48 PM

2021-08-21T13:48:05-04:00

Daily entry

Response by SSgt Hyon Lew made Aug 21 at 2021 1:54 PM

2021-08-21T13:54:19-04:00

Venture out more to take advantage of the foreign places I was deployed - don't gravitate to just the bars!

Response by CPO Al West made Aug 21 at 2021 2:12 PM

2021-08-21T14:12:17-04:00

Set my sights to the highest position possible

Response by PO2 Phillip Scott made Aug 21 at 2021 2:23 PM

2021-08-21T14:23:46-04:00

See the VA AS SOON AS I WAS DISCHARGED WITH DISABILITY

Response by SMSgt Jeff Kyle made Aug 21 at 2021 2:40 PM

2021-08-21T14:40:56-04:00

Depends on how far back I go. If I could go to two points, I think post military I would be happier. Rule #1, stay away from ice and snow! #2, if, by rule #1 must be broken, slow the f(bomb) down!!!

Response by PO2 Paul Dempsey made Aug 21 at 2021 2:53 PM

2021-08-21T14:53:57-04:00

Don't accept recruiting assignment just to be close to your home. don't get married so fast

Response by SP5 Ronald Gerhart made Aug 21 at 2021 3:38 PM

2021-08-21T15:38:13-04:00

Stay “shaped up”. Follow orders and keep your boots (and shoes) spit polished!

Response by Brian Smith made Aug 21 at 2021 3:46 PM

2021-08-21T15:46:17-04:00

Invest in Apple and Microsoft instead of a new truck.

Response by 1SG Gary Dillard made Aug 21 at 2021 5:01 PM

2021-08-21T17:01:18-04:00

Go to college right out of High School and then join SOF!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 5:10 PM

2021-08-21T17:10:28-04:00

Stay In longer and take the offer for OCS

Response by SFC Kenneth G. made Aug 21 at 2021 5:12 PM

2021-08-21T17:12:06-04:00

I would say to focus on family as much as I did my military service. Maybe I wouldn't have ended up divorced twice.

Response by SP5 Edwin Golinski Lesperance made Aug 21 at 2021 5:25 PM

2021-08-21T17:25:48-04:00

Filling out paperwork for induction I revealed my prior use of Cannabis.
An officer came by and asked, "Who wants to fly helicopters?" I did and started the FAST test to see if I qualified.
Halfway through the test, I was interrupted and the test was terminated. The officer asked me if I had used MJ, and then said, "We want our pilots to fly high, but not THAT high."

Response by SFC Kenneth Kreps made Aug 21 at 2021 5:26 PM

2021-08-21T17:26:34-04:00

I was drafted! Best thing that ever happened. I had no direction; my future was to be mundane at best. The Army gave me a home, a family, a future. I took advantage and made a 22 year career. I made a few miscalculations, but all in all no regrets.

Response by PO1 Don Uhrig made Aug 21 at 2021 5:30 PM

2021-08-21T17:30:48-04:00

Be more authentic.

Response by PO2 Vassily Macepura made Aug 21 at 2021 5:42 PM

2021-08-21T17:42:46-04:00

Response by SSG Valerie Barney made Aug 21 at 2021 6:20 PM

2021-08-21T18:20:21-04:00

Don’t smoke. Don’t go across the monkey bars.

Response by MSgt Neal Schultz made Aug 21 at 2021 6:21 PM

2021-08-21T18:21:31-04:00

I joined AF in Jan 1954 & stayed soon 20 years. If we were not at war would have stayed longer.

Response by SFC Eugene Helstrom made Aug 21 at 2021 6:32 PM

2021-08-21T18:32:58-04:00

Marry your first love!!! The next two are living proof that an appendix can grow legs!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 6:41 PM

2021-08-21T18:41:06-04:00

Buy into Dogecoin and stop smoking

Response by SPC Christopher Flores made Aug 21 at 2021 6:56 PM

2021-08-21T18:56:51-04:00

Save money, dont let my sex drive overpower my conscience, take it easy on the beers, and dont treat my body like a smash derby car

Response by Sgt Steven Boone made Aug 21 at 2021 6:59 PM

2021-08-21T18:59:34-04:00

I would tell myself----- self you need to make a career out of this!!

Response by TSgt Bob Meloche made Aug 21 at 2021 8:04 PM

2021-08-21T20:04:49-04:00

Take the offered SWAP for my short term remote.

Response by SGT Brandon Culpepper made Aug 21 at 2021 8:16 PM

2021-08-21T20:16:19-04:00

Thrift Savings Plan and reclass you mook!

Response by HN Cristian Guerrero made Aug 21 at 2021 10:03 PM

2021-08-21T22:03:48-04:00

Be confident

Response by Capt Robert W Shillato made Aug 21 at 2021 10:22 PM

2021-08-21T22:22:23-04:00

Buy IBM in 1960

Response by SGT James Lansberry made Aug 21 at 2021 11:36 PM

2021-08-21T23:36:42-04:00

Keep yer mouth shut. Do as yer told. Keep yer head down. You shouldn’t go out drinking on yer third anniversary. You and Harmony will be fine.

Response by SPC Jim Shelton made Aug 22 at 2021 12:56 AM

2021-08-22T00:56:12-04:00

I would do a better job of keeping track of the men I served with. I've only been able to track down a couple and they had already passed away.

Response by SSG Deron Santiny made Aug 22 at 2021 2:19 AM

2021-08-22T02:19:34-04:00

Stay the course, don't get out and make the twenty. Go for the things that you thought were out of reach and never take no for an answer without at least trying to accomplish your goals first.

Although I did eventually Retire, I had a six year break in service so it took longer to retire than it should have.

Response by SPC Will Thorson made Aug 22 at 2021 4:52 AM

2021-08-22T04:52:12-04:00

I would tell my younger self to join the air force. Haha. 8 years in the infantry does a number on your body and mind. My dad served 27 years in the air force. Being young and dumb, and that stupid commercial..FREEDOM ISN'T FREE, JOIN THE ARMY INFANTRY!! Suckered me in.

Response by SCPO Ken Badoian made Aug 22 at 2021 6:38 AM

2021-08-22T06:38:15-04:00

Learn to eat hard tack, salt beef, beer, grog, rancid water, and use a cutlass.

Response by MSG Scott Berndt made Aug 22 at 2021 9:24 AM

2021-08-22T09:24:03-04:00

Keep your mouth shut and glide through training. Score high in PT tests

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2021 10:32 AM

2021-08-22T10:32:32-04:00

Dude! Pick a career building MOS not the MOS that sounds fun! And invest from day one.

Response by SrA Miles Humphreys made Aug 22 at 2021 10:35 AM

2021-08-22T10:35:10-04:00

Listen to your drill Sgt. Don't get married right out of basic...and don't be afraid to make this a career.

Response by PO1 Don Benson made Aug 22 at 2021 10:52 AM

2021-08-22T10:52:05-04:00

Finish your education!

Response by CPL Terry Perry made Aug 22 at 2021 11:57 AM

2021-08-22T11:57:35-04:00

More physically fit

Response by LCpl Richard Lally made Aug 22 at 2021 1:14 PM

2021-08-22T13:14:53-04:00

keep your ass down and your eyes scanning the trees

Response by Cpl William Tanguay made Aug 22 at 2021 1:15 PM

2021-08-22T13:15:39-04:00

keep eyes straight ahead, keep mouth shut and do as told.

Response by PO2 Vassily Macepura made Aug 22 at 2021 2:30 PM

2021-08-22T14:30:48-04:00

I should have reenlisted.

Response by MSG Ron Radar made Aug 22 at 2021 2:41 PM

2021-08-22T14:41:13-04:00

Don't get married until you've grown up and have seen how hard marriage is on a career by watching others !

Response by SFC Annette Pittman made Aug 22 at 2021 2:48 PM

2021-08-22T14:48:08-04:00

Going back in time, I’d say go ahead and take the opportunity to pick up the military police as your secondary MOS.

Response by CW3 John Holtam made Aug 22 at 2021 6:27 PM

2021-08-22T18:27:30-04:00

Be more aware of my solders needs and help those returning from Vietnam. We still do not give enough to those who served in foreign wars.

Response by Cpl Tyler Therrien made Aug 22 at 2021 7:07 PM

2021-08-22T19:07:44-04:00

invested MORE

Response by Cpl David E. Jenkins Jr. made Aug 22 at 2021 7:08 PM

2021-08-22T19:08:37-04:00

Dont Get Married!

Response by PO2 Edward Blumberg made Aug 22 at 2021 7:08 PM

2021-08-22T19:08:47-04:00

Should have stayed in till they threw me out! 30+ years!

Response by SGT Jodi WittBailey made Aug 22 at 2021 7:09 PM

2021-08-22T19:09:12-04:00

Be much pickier about who you marry.

Response by SFC William Fowle made Aug 22 at 2021 7:14 PM

2021-08-22T19:14:09-04:00

Do not take the compassionate reassignment to Ft Devens. Go to Ft Campbell.

Response by PFC Larry Cunningham made Aug 22 at 2021 7:24 PM

2021-08-22T19:24:06-04:00

Don't change a thing. All of your mistakes and all of your successes are because of what you have done,good or bad. I personally know that if I changed a certain thing that messed up my time in the service I would never have met my wife of 36 years. That means I would not have my children and grandchildren. I am not ashamed of what I have done in my past. I learned from my mistakes and it has made me who I am and that I am proud of.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2021 7:30 PM

2021-08-22T19:30:05-04:00

Invest in the TSP sooner, and enjoy your time with family.

Response by SSG Jerry Mason made Aug 22 at 2021 7:30 PM

2021-08-22T19:30:44-04:00

If overseas spend more time site seeing than drinking in barracks. Take advantage of the free college classes giving.

Response by MSgt David Guenther made Aug 22 at 2021 7:32 PM

2021-08-22T19:32:59-04:00

Nothing, Nada, if I changed anything my timeline would have changed and the people I had in my life would not be there.

Response by MAJ William Cussins made Aug 22 at 2021 7:36 PM

2021-08-22T19:36:55-04:00

Study harder. Bring with you a lot of historical data that will help you, including sporting results and lotto winners.

Response by SP5 Michael Barczykowski made Aug 22 at 2021 7:38 PM

2021-08-22T19:38:13-04:00

Change my mos. 91b2p was a heavy mental load.

Response by PO3 Mark Sartor made Aug 22 at 2021 7:38 PM

2021-08-22T19:38:42-04:00

Be yourself -

Response by Maj Maria Avellaneda made Aug 22 at 2021 7:42 PM

2021-08-22T19:42:03-04:00

If I could go back, given my degrees I should have join the Army only because their language and Foreign Area officer is actually a real career field.

Response by AA Charles Ragan made Aug 22 at 2021 7:43 PM

2021-08-22T19:43:43-04:00

Pick a different job and stay in at least 20 years. Don't get married so soon (I don't regret getting married and having two great children), wait a couple years. Don't drink so much and just be aware of all the experiences and opportunities. Take advantage of the educational opportunities and see the world. Oh yea, buy Microsoft, Bitcoin and Coca Cola.

Response by Sgt Mark Stonerock made Aug 22 at 2021 7:46 PM

2021-08-22T19:46:42-04:00

Back to the future only exists in the movies. In real life we make decisions and live with them. I can’t change the past so why consider what “I would advise myself to do differently “.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2021 8:01 PM

2021-08-22T20:01:35-04:00

Make a plan AND stick to it!
You don’t need that college kicker. There’s TA! Take the bonus instead!
Focus on going Warrant. You’ll thank me later.

Response by CPL George Cruz made Aug 22 at 2021 8:04 PM

2021-08-22T20:04:06-04:00

Invest in Amazon, not in Barnes and Noble

Response by CPO Arthur Weinberger made Aug 22 at 2021 8:13 PM

2021-08-22T20:13:36-04:00

I should never have divorced my second wife. Talk less and listen more.

Response by Sgt(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2021 8:15 PM

2021-08-22T20:15:59-04:00

Buy Amazon instead of buying from Amazon.

Response by SP5 Philip Sanders made Aug 22 at 2021 8:23 PM

2021-08-22T20:23:29-04:00

Don't lend money to a Drill SGT in basic, because as you learned you will never be repaid.

Response by SSG Donald H "Don" Bates made Aug 22 at 2021 8:26 PM

2021-08-22T20:26:18-04:00

Invest invest invest!!! And live smarter.

Response by SSG Leo Mcardle made Aug 22 at 2021 8:27 PM

2021-08-22T20:27:00-04:00

Be quite, do your best. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something.

Response by SSgt Steven Imlay made Aug 22 at 2021 8:31 PM

2021-08-22T20:31:43-04:00

I would advise myself to invest in IBM, Microsoft, Oil, buy gold and silver then get out of the stock market when I was worth several million.

Response by Sgt Tom Gainer made Aug 22 at 2021 8:31 PM

2021-08-22T20:31:43-04:00

Do it again and stay in.

Response by PO2 Ed Fielding made Aug 22 at 2021 9:03 PM

2021-08-22T21:03:06-04:00

Take more photos and keep a journal

Response by Cpl Doug Wuenschel made Aug 22 at 2021 9:06 PM

2021-08-22T21:06:43-04:00

Apply myself

Response by PV2 James Donaldson made Aug 22 at 2021 9:07 PM

2021-08-22T21:07:30-04:00

Stay in school and get the nursing license. It opens many more opportunities.

Response by 1LT Willis Johnson made Aug 22 at 2021 9:17 PM

2021-08-22T21:17:27-04:00

I would tell my younger self to checkout what the Army Reserves really had to offer 51 years ago. I have friends from the military that had dual careers in academics (as I did) and reserve (which I didn’t) and managed both very well.

Response by PFC Eduardo Lastra made Aug 22 at 2021 9:23 PM

2021-08-22T21:23:21-04:00

Open up a IRA and start saving cause time passes in a blink of an eye.

Response by PO2 S.J. Carroll made Aug 22 at 2021 9:25 PM

2021-08-22T21:25:31-04:00

I was lucky. having been convent bred in high school, boot camp was a breeze for me. My only problem was the cold weather since I came from a warm state.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Aug 22 at 2021 9:28 PM

2021-08-22T21:28:39-04:00

Since I am back in 1966, my advice is relatively simple, buy property in Great Lakes and Norfolk as soon as you can. In the meantime, invest in Krugerrands. As soon as you have the money set aside, buy them and put them into a safe deposit box, then forget you have them until the next time you deposit one. Never cash one in because the value will double every few years and no other investment will bring that return. Never buy a new car, always a used car and hold onto it until it falls apart.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2021 9:42 PM

2021-08-22T21:42:35-04:00

Think about the things you want out of life and go make a plan to do them. Super easy to become complacent with what you have and not go after your dreams.

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made Aug 22 at 2021 9:52 PM

2021-08-22T21:52:42-04:00

Don’t marry that woman you married back in 1976! Go to Physician Assistant School in Wisconsin!

Response by PO3 Kevin Wilson made Aug 22 at 2021 9:55 PM

2021-08-22T21:55:18-04:00

To listen better and to communicate more often with your family

Response by SPC Dean Bricker made Aug 22 at 2021 9:59 PM

2021-08-22T21:59:58-04:00

Pay attention to your training!

Response by Cpl Douglas Wuenschel made Aug 22 at 2021 10:35 PM

2021-08-22T22:35:25-04:00

I would have chosen a career field besides 0331

Response by SSG Gary R Peek made Aug 22 at 2021 10:50 PM

2021-08-22T22:50:15-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2021 10:59 PM

2021-08-22T22:59:46-04:00

Get a pre-nup.

Response by SrA Robert Adams made Aug 22 at 2021 11:06 PM

2021-08-22T23:06:27-04:00

Stay in the army

Response by LTC Gary Bracht made Aug 23 at 2021 12:04 AM

2021-08-23T00:04:29-04:00

Don't screw up the future.

Response by LTC Gary Bracht made Aug 23 at 2021 12:04 AM

2021-08-23T00:04:45-04:00

Don't screw up the future.

Response by SSG Cam Prince made Aug 23 at 2021 12:13 AM

2021-08-23T00:13:57-04:00

Keep your mouth shut, smart-a$$.

Response by CPT Leo Schenone made Aug 23 at 2021 12:35 AM

2021-08-23T00:35:13-04:00

Don't try to change anything.

Response by Cpl TMike Barnes made Aug 23 at 2021 12:54 AM

2021-08-23T00:54:30-04:00

Get everything in writing and in triplicate.

Response by CPL Samuel Asbury made Aug 23 at 2021 1:05 AM

2021-08-23T01:05:04-04:00

Stay in and do 20

Response by SPC Daniel Minjarez made Aug 23 at 2021 1:07 AM

2021-08-23T01:07:47-04:00

I would tell me to get in writing that after Basic and AIT you will go directly to jump school and your first duty station will be in an Airborne in Italy. So I can meet a woman like my recruiters wife. An incredibly beautiful, smart, and feisty woman. My recruiter was a very smart man to have her show up to one of our meetings.
That's my shallow advice...

Response by LTJG James Smith made Aug 23 at 2021 1:55 AM

2021-08-23T01:55:10-04:00

Don't do it. Join the USCG instead.

Response by MSgt George Murray made Aug 23 at 2021 4:54 AM

2021-08-23T04:54:44-04:00

I had dated a girl that I met during the welcome ceremony at Howard AFB in Panama and lost track of her while in Vietnam. I just found her through both "Together We Serve" and "Facebook" and found out she stayed in for 36 years. Always follow your dreams because I wanted to marry her and didn't. My advice is that sometimes our duties interfere with a dream, don't let it but at the same time work it out.

Response by PO2 Jay Stotler made Aug 23 at 2021 7:55 AM

2021-08-23T07:55:18-04:00

Remember to live today for what it is and to enjoy the friends and family you are around.
Tomorrow may bring changes you don’t expect or want but that’s life.live love and learn for you are also the teacher.

Response by LCpl Robert Burke made Aug 23 at 2021 8:15 AM

2021-08-23T08:15:19-04:00

Considering that I am now 72 If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself!! (Mickey Mantle).
But if the shoe fits!!

Response by Mrs Darryl Coleman made Aug 23 at 2021 8:37 AM

2021-08-23T08:37:07-04:00

Not applicable... Glad Ron did boot camp in San Diego NOT Great Lakes in December!

Response by Sgt Patrick Preuss made Aug 23 at 2021 8:55 AM

2021-08-23T08:55:40-04:00

Stay interested and learn

Response by PO2 Todd Hemming made Aug 23 at 2021 10:04 AM

2021-08-23T10:04:04-04:00

i made e-5 in three years. i would have reenlisted. Because when I got out in 1988 the Navy wasn't taking prior service. So anyways I would have made chief and drove the boats. Then apply for ensign and make Lt commander and then retire. But what did I know back then I thought I was missing something in the civilian world man was I wrong. Recessions, Job Loss, Unemployment and contract jobs with no benefits fun fun fun.

Response by SGT(P) John Doty made Aug 23 at 2021 10:45 AM

2021-08-23T10:45:36-04:00

Don't take up smoking just because you want to be the one standing around instead of the one picking up the cigarette butts.

Response by SSgt Jo-Ann Rosa made Aug 23 at 2021 10:47 AM

2021-08-23T10:47:25-04:00

Before you make a decision to take a major change in your life go through the pros and cons that will effect the decision you are going to make and take the time to let them sink in.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Aug 23 at 2021 11:04 AM

2021-08-23T11:04:26-04:00

Stay in for at least 20 years.

Response by SFC Byron Perry made Aug 23 at 2021 11:38 AM

2021-08-23T11:38:47-04:00

My daily entry

Response by SFC Byron Perry made Aug 23 at 2021 11:39 AM

2021-08-23T11:39:11-04:00

My daily entry.

Response by CPO Michael Stokesberry made Aug 23 at 2021 11:42 AM

2021-08-23T11:42:52-04:00

practice the first commandment: love God above all else

Response by CPO Michael Stokesberry made Aug 23 at 2021 11:43 AM

2021-08-23T11:43:45-04:00

love God above all else

Response by A1C Frank L. Smith made Aug 23 at 2021 12:39 PM

2021-08-23T12:39:57-04:00

Made E-4 in 3 years, stay and re-up, get more rank, fulfill your potential, retire in good shape.
Don't ever get married, let your patriotic duty be your Mistress !

Response by PO2 Robert Miller made Aug 23 at 2021 12:44 PM

2021-08-23T12:44:56-04:00

Your current environment doesn't define you, you can and will go one to do great things just have confidence in yourself.

Response by PO2 D Patrick Gleason made Aug 23 at 2021 1:52 PM

2021-08-23T13:52:19-04:00

Use GI Bill

Response by SGT Dale Wetzbarger made Aug 23 at 2021 3:39 PM

2021-08-23T15:39:25-04:00

Use the full benefits of the GI bill before they ran out

Response by SP5 June Sherwood made Aug 23 at 2021 5:09 PM

2021-08-23T17:09:02-04:00

I would tell my younger self to stay in the Army and retire after 20 years to have some stable income. You will always need to work, but where else can you have a nice retirement at the age of 38?

Response by PO2 Vassily Macepura made Aug 23 at 2021 5:53 PM

2021-08-23T17:53:14-04:00

reenlist

Response by SPC Luther Leary made Aug 23 at 2021 6:02 PM

2021-08-23T18:02:05-04:00

Do not worry about the little things in life. Major moments lie ahead.

Response by SGM Mark Schermerhorn made Aug 23 at 2021 6:12 PM

2021-08-23T18:12:23-04:00

Challenge myself all the time, professionally and personally. Don't look back and say that I should've taken the harder path.

Response by SrA Richard Harvey made Aug 23 at 2021 7:04 PM

2021-08-23T19:04:13-04:00

START Eating Pussy in Grade School. You will become the most popular guy in school When word starts getting out, the Ladies will be coming to see you so much, you will not believe it!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2021 7:05 PM

2021-08-23T19:05:13-04:00

You will not finish this degree. Quit screwing around!

Response by MSgt Gary Miller made Aug 23 at 2021 9:16 PM

2021-08-23T21:16:54-04:00

Pay better attention in my high school English and math classes. Don't take classes like year book for English credit as well as general math for math credit.

Response by CW2 Dave Shope made Aug 23 at 2021 9:56 PM

2021-08-23T21:56:53-04:00

Shut your moth and pay attention to the sergeant. Never let them know your last name

Response by SP5 Wilbert Jennings made Aug 23 at 2021 10:51 PM

2021-08-23T22:51:27-04:00

During Jungle warfare training and before I was able to get my airborne training I was injured from falling from a tree . I would simply tell myself to remain on the ground. because of the injury I had a difficult time with my advanced training and wasn't allowed to take the jump school. I was able to after returning from Nam and ETSing to actually get some training and was able to jump many time at a local airport.

Response by SGT Glenn E Moody made Aug 24 at 2021 12:49 AM

2021-08-24T00:49:57-04:00

would have gone full time active duty instead of just national guard to get some benefits for my service instead of just VETERAN status like GI BILL & VA MEDICAL 6YEAR NGB-22 HONORABLE DISCHARGE from the national guard 0% benefits. 17MARCH1982 to 11AUGUST1982 active duty for basic & AIT training DD214 HONORABLE DISCHARGE got me my VETERAN STATUS ONLY

Response by SGT Irene Chavez made Aug 24 at 2021 12:57 AM

2021-08-24T00:57:59-04:00

I would have taken High School more seriously.
For sure I would have joined ROTC.
Oh well it is what it is . . . still life is good

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2021 4:47 AM

2021-08-24T04:47:33-04:00

Take flonase and line up

Response by Mrs Darryl Coleman made Aug 24 at 2021 10:47 AM

2021-08-24T10:47:04-04:00

As A Surviving Spouse of a Vietnam Vet, I wonder what I might have done If I had responded to the _ Join Up - cards I got in High School --- Oh daughter to a USAF Lt Col pilot

Response by PO3 Gerald Lacy made Aug 24 at 2021 12:46 PM

2021-08-24T12:46:26-04:00

Experience more of the world around you

Response by SPC John Coleman made Aug 24 at 2021 1:04 PM

2021-08-24T13:04:36-04:00

Buy Budweiser stock and stay in longer

Response by COL Kathleen Roehr made Aug 24 at 2021 2:12 PM

2021-08-24T14:12:15-04:00

Take my education more seriously.

Response by RallyPoint News made Aug 24 at 2021 2:36 PM

2021-08-24T14:36:59-04:00

Congratulations SPC Gary Gibson, SSgt Kathleen Fleitz, SFC Linda Clipp, PFC Mark Booker, and PO2 Steven Vincent . You've all won a $100 Amazon gift card! An e-gift card will be sent to the email address associated with your RallyPoint account.

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Response by PVT Pat Morrison made Aug 24 at 2021 2:50 PM

2021-08-24T14:50:45-04:00

I should have paid closer attention to early advice from a retired WW2 sfc. And " go with the flow"

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Aug 24 at 2021 7:14 PM

2021-08-24T19:14:57-04:00

My advice is the same as always. Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut! Goes a long way!!

Response by 1SG James Matthews made Aug 24 at 2021 7:49 PM

2021-08-24T19:49:02-04:00

DO everything all over again--I had a good career.

Response by SSgt Melissa Sutton made Aug 24 at 2021 7:57 PM

2021-08-24T19:57:00-04:00

When things got tough and I was having a hard time they made a way for me to get out,should have toughened up and stuck it out (could have been retiring next year).

Response by SP5 Doyle Hughes made Aug 24 at 2021 8:07 PM

2021-08-24T20:07:51-04:00

Be better physically fit.

Response by CAPT Frank Nice made Aug 24 at 2021 8:11 PM

2021-08-24T20:11:26-04:00

Success = 1/2 Knowledge + 1/2 Experience + 1/2 Common Sense
This is the only time in your life where 1/2 + 1/2 + 1/2 = 1

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2021 8:24 PM

2021-08-24T20:24:43-04:00

Well since my dad was a lifer I had a good idea what the military was like. Especially at the place I did my perm. party. So for me there really is nothing military wise I would tell my younger self about the military. I was very well thought of by the military and civilian workers on post and in the community. I did my job very well in the military and even was in an apprenticeship program and got half way through that in two years and got a 2nd MOS and saved the place I worked Thousands of dollars on things we used and got us things we needed.

And I worked with kids in the community and the parents even asked me to start up clubs for their kids. Which I did. And got flown to training and put in for boards and put in charge of people.

Response by CPL George Cruz made Aug 24 at 2021 8:53 PM

2021-08-24T20:53:02-04:00

If not the military in general my specific MOS, 74F. As a computer programmer back in the 1980 it was an awesome thing. Seeing those mainframes in movies, I was loving it. Sad to say, that wasn't the case. The army had , at the time "canned programs" thats what commercial software was called at the time. If you found a bug in it you could not touch it, of try to fix it. You had to write the software developer because it was an Army wide problem, not a local problem. My first go through wasn't that exciting. All the other combat stuff was amazing to me. Getting in a chopper, looking straight down when the chopper goes on its side, having the side of your body numb from the force of the air was better than any movie I had ever seen. Going in a landing craft towards a beach was just like being In The movies without the bullets overhead. I wouldn't trade My experience for the world. Outside of my MOS, it was amazing. With many sleepless nights. The adrenaline rushes, the long days, the seven days a week, 20 hour work days. I have to say, I really miss it. Crazy, but I do.

Response by Sgt Robert Hellyer made Aug 24 at 2021 9:14 PM

2021-08-24T21:14:25-04:00

I know this is a little late, but i would tell myself, "swallow your pride".

Response by PO2 Ken Brunskill made Aug 24 at 2021 11:03 PM

2021-08-24T23:03:33-04:00

Now with High School nearly 70 years past, if I were to do it all over, I would have applied myself to the academics & not goofed off, barely making it through. Through Devine guidance (not my own), I went to 'A' school in electronics, unfortunately ended up on a very old WW II Attack Cargo, where little of that training was applicable.
Exiting the USN, I attended Jr College in order to obtain an Tool & Die Apprenticeship which led to a successful career as a mechanical engineer.
With a better high school education, I been more qualified for a higher level 'A' school a maybe a better experience in electronics. As mentioned before, guess God had other plans.

Response by SFC Kandi Temple made Aug 25 at 2021 9:04 AM

2021-08-25T09:04:49-04:00

Listen to when people were talking to you about Jesus. Don't let Sgt Hamilton borrow that book - You'll never see it again and you'll still be regretting it 20 years later.

Response by PFC Dagmar Youngberg made Aug 25 at 2021 10:00 AM

2021-08-25T10:00:31-04:00

Rule 62 :)

Response by MCPO Hilary Kunz made Aug 25 at 2021 11:11 AM

2021-08-25T11:11:24-04:00

Take the orders to Antarctica….

Response by CWO5 Stan Price made Aug 25 at 2021 11:14 AM

2021-08-25T11:14:13-04:00

Don't try to chsnge anything. Enjoy the past just leave it as is.

Response by MSgt Roger Lalik made Aug 25 at 2021 11:30 AM

2021-08-25T11:30:15-04:00

Keep your mouth shut and pay attention.

Response by Sgt Steve Gotham made Aug 25 at 2021 11:52 AM

2021-08-25T11:52:00-04:00

The best advice to give myself would be to grow up and take responsibility. I guess that does come with more time on this planet.

Response by Sgt Michael Oberline made Aug 25 at 2021 12:14 PM

2021-08-25T12:14:02-04:00

God got you this far. Do your best. The past is behind you. You own the future.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Aug 25 at 2021 2:34 PM

2021-08-25T14:34:25-04:00

When I was offered OCS after taking my entrance exam, I should have taken them up on it. I did not expect to serve for over 28 years but I passed up something that would have been great.

Response by GySgt John Buettner made Aug 25 at 2021 3:43 PM

2021-08-25T15:43:52-04:00

I joined the Marines when Tet of 68 just started.
I would give myself no advice. Everything that happened needed to be a surprise and a mystery. The Marines trained us well.
I survived, maybe if I gave myself advise, I may not have.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2021 7:02 PM

2021-08-25T19:02:16-04:00

Go back home to the woods and stay there. But heck, I wouldn't listen to anyone in those days. least of all myself.

Response by Cpl Samuel Pope Sr made Aug 25 at 2021 9:04 PM

2021-08-25T21:04:19-04:00

Slow down. You'll still get there in time...

Response by SGT Angel Sotosuarez made Aug 26 at 2021 12:20 PM

2021-08-26T12:20:48-04:00

Finish the ROTC program and get commisioned!

Response by SGT Eliyahu Rooff made Aug 26 at 2021 1:02 PM

2021-08-26T13:02:15-04:00

While I can think of all sorts of things that I wish I'd known as a young man, the fact remains that I'm quite happy where I am now, with my marriage and where we live, etc., and if I changed anything in the past, I'd be somewhere else now. It might be even better, but it coiuld also be far worse. Hence, I'm wouldn't say a word.

Response by Cpl Raymond Wiltshire made Aug 26 at 2021 1:18 PM

2021-08-26T13:18:40-04:00

I wish I would have enlisted right out of High School. I wasted a year and a half parting in college first. Did not want to go to college at the time, but parents insisted. After being released from active duty I went back to college and stayed on the Deans list. I believe this was because of the discipline I learned in the Marines.

Response by Sgt David Scott made Aug 26 at 2021 1:44 PM

2021-08-26T13:44:12-04:00

20 Years, then retire really would go fast, so stay in and let your wife go her way.

Response by SPC Clay Young made Aug 26 at 2021 2:10 PM

2021-08-26T14:10:33-04:00

I would have took as many classes that were available to me.

Response by SPC Mark Maestas made Aug 26 at 2021 4:21 PM

2021-08-26T16:21:18-04:00

Join the Air Force, you can eat all the ice cream you want and sleep in a clean bed every night. Stay away from bar girls and strippers.

Response by Jerry Rivas made Aug 26 at 2021 5:07 PM

2021-08-26T17:07:13-04:00

Stay in.....go ahead and go to OCS

Response by Sgt Frank Hupp, DTM made Aug 26 at 2021 10:25 PM

2021-08-26T22:25:14-04:00

If I had the opportunity to go back in history and tell myself to make a different decision, I am not sure that I would take that opportuity. Here is the reason why. If I changed any of my decsionions in my past I would not be here today as I am today. I have given that a great deal of consideration over the last 60 plus years. With that stated I have often thought that I would not help my truck driven at Elmendorf AFB offload the non-functioning forklift. That decison to help him cost me my right leg and my Air Force career. Of course there are many many other decisons that I have made that have changed the course of my life. Only God knows where those different decisions would have led me. Sgt. Frank E. Hupp, Retired, DTM

Response by MSgt Michael Jehn made Aug 27 at 2021 11:09 AM

2021-08-27T11:09:22-04:00

Party less...study more. Enjoy the sights

Response by SGT Mike Tomarchio made Aug 27 at 2021 11:31 AM

2021-08-27T11:31:03-04:00

Document everything, because the VA will deny without any proof. There is more to life than the Infantry and that whether or not you make a career out of the military, find an MOS that will educate you and give you hard skills that transfer to the civilian sector and reclass. My recruiter looked at my ASVAB scores and kept asking me up until I went to MEPS to leave if the Infantry was what I was set on. Invest and don't drink away your paycheck. Utilize your education benefits to the fullest extent possible.

Response by CPO Thomas Verrett made Aug 27 at 2021 11:40 AM

2021-08-27T11:40:55-04:00

Seek help for your substance abuse

Response by MCPO Chuck Feeney made Aug 27 at 2021 12:05 PM

2021-08-27T12:05:48-04:00

Take the appointment to NAPS. 1969, I was 2 years into a 6 year enlistment, and already an E-5. Offered an appointment to Naval Academy Prep School, which was located on the same base as my Nuclear Power School. I saw them marching and PTing, and thought I didn't want to return to boot camp for a year on the chance I might get into Annapolis, so I turned it down. 95% of the NAPS grads were appointed to the Naval Academy. Life hasn't turned out badly for me. Retired as a MCPO (E-9), but I often wonder What if...

Response by Sgt Tom Gainer made Aug 27 at 2021 12:06 PM

2021-08-27T12:06:35-04:00

If I could back in time my advise to myself………watch out for that trip wire that’s a few feet up the trail. I didn’t so I got blasted.

Response by PO3 Kenn Andrus made Aug 27 at 2021 1:02 PM

2021-08-27T13:02:48-04:00

Accept the training and career opportunity that you were offered when you first reported aboard ship.

Response by Sgt Earl Little made Aug 27 at 2021 2:05 PM

2021-08-27T14:05:29-04:00

Stay in until retirement. Then go do what you want and get a part time job, if necessary, to meet your standard of living.

Response by MAJ John Nieland made Aug 27 at 2021 2:25 PM

2021-08-27T14:25:29-04:00

WORK ON BOTH MY MILITARY EDUCATION AND START WORKING ON MY COLLEGE DEGREE SOONER.

Response by PO2 Kevin Topping made Aug 27 at 2021 3:05 PM

2021-08-27T15:05:07-04:00

Keep your mouth shut and your mind open. Do not try to figure out why anything is the way it is. Learn the what and how. It will come together as you learn. Ask lots of questions especially about the military life as it applies to your marital status. It is just as important to your family.

Response by SGT Dennis Bolin made Aug 27 at 2021 4:06 PM

2021-08-27T16:06:37-04:00

Listen to your Elders!

Response by SGT Dennis Bolin made Aug 27 at 2021 4:07 PM

2021-08-27T16:07:37-04:00

Listen to my Elders!

Response by PO3 Douglas George made Aug 27 at 2021 4:10 PM

2021-08-27T16:10:25-04:00

I wasn't a screw up but I didn't take military life seriously enough. If I had I might have made rate quicker and stayed in has a career. That being said the military helped me grow up.

Response by PO1 Gary Bell made Aug 27 at 2021 4:24 PM

2021-08-27T16:24:17-04:00

Copy every page of your service jacket and health record.

Response by LCpl Nicholas Ackerson made Aug 28 at 2021 8:04 AM

2021-08-28T08:04:18-04:00

Don't go to that last Kegger before shipping out from MEPS...

Response by 1SG William Randall’s made Aug 28 at 2021 8:15 AM

2021-08-28T08:15:32-04:00

Pay attention to your drill instructors because if you ever end up in combat you will appreciate the rough time they gave you to stay focused.

Response by CPL Patricia Douglas made Aug 29 at 2021 3:33 PM

2021-08-29T15:33:04-04:00

Get divorced sooner and don't trust the NCOs to have my back.

Response by PFC Ralph Maroney made Aug 29 at 2021 4:03 PM

2021-08-29T16:03:58-04:00

join the air force or the air guard

Response by SSgt Roland Atwell made Aug 29 at 2021 4:18 PM

2021-08-29T16:18:54-04:00

Reenlist, take bonus and E-6 promotion. I should have stayed for 20 years.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Aug 29 at 2021 4:25 PM

2021-08-29T16:25:01-04:00

I would have taken the commission they offered me

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2021 4:49 PM

2021-08-29T16:49:49-04:00

Should have finished College first and gone the Officer route from the beginning!

Response by SFC Kevin Strakal made Aug 29 at 2021 4:58 PM

2021-08-29T16:58:06-04:00

Take studying more seriously. The better you do in school, the better off you will be in your life. Also if I would have learned to study at an early age, it would have provided me with more discipline to handle challenges as I grew up.

Response by SrA Jason Adams made Aug 29 at 2021 5:24 PM

2021-08-29T17:24:44-04:00

Not separate when I did, I should have done my whole 20, but I didn't. That's probably my biggest regret in life, not staying in.

Response by Sgt Earl Neconie made Aug 29 at 2021 6:04 PM

2021-08-29T18:04:41-04:00

I think I would have liked to travel more and explore those options that doesn’t involve a WESTPAC! Pretty boring and crowded as all git out! Travel to Europe is a dream now!

Response by PVT Michele Bowman made Aug 29 at 2021 7:51 PM

2021-08-29T19:51:36-04:00

I wish I could have found a way to continue in my reserves but when we moved I had no way to get back and forth to drills so I had to be placed on inactive duty. I really wish I had the mindset to try harder to have find a way as the VA won't recognize me as a Veteran therefore I can't receive no benefits, not even a home loan

Response by CMC Aaron Relford made Aug 29 at 2021 8:11 PM

2021-08-29T20:11:02-04:00

Invest, save, follow my Colonials advice and put a package to attend the AFAcademy, education, education, education.

Response by SFC Keith Gardner made Aug 29 at 2021 8:16 PM

2021-08-29T20:16:25-04:00

To try out for SF early on when I had the chance.

Response by Cpl Douglas Wuenschel made Aug 29 at 2021 8:49 PM

2021-08-29T20:49:48-04:00

Pay attention to details as I learned in the various courses that the Corps offered for my benefit

Response by PO1 David McGillvray made Aug 29 at 2021 9:40 PM

2021-08-29T21:40:55-04:00

I've thought about that some times, and decided that I am actually pretty happy about my life. I would probably do somethings different, but not really change the way things turned out, I had a good career, made some great ports, and baked a lot of bread. If I had made significant changes I probably would not be where I am now, and I am happy.

Response by CPL Bryan Piercy made Aug 29 at 2021 9:59 PM

2021-08-29T21:59:41-04:00

Stay single

Response by SPC John Donovan made Aug 29 at 2021 10:19 PM

2021-08-29T22:19:14-04:00

I would advise myself to stay in the Army, go to OCS and stay in for at least 20+ years then retire. I made a mistake getting out after 3 years.

Response by CPO Al West made Aug 29 at 2021 10:24 PM

2021-08-29T22:24:51-04:00

I would set a course to get a commissiion and still go for retirement

Response by MAJ Christopher Nachand made Aug 29 at 2021 10:50 PM

2021-08-29T22:50:24-04:00

Ah, to be that young 17yo Private again... I would tell myself what I told new recruits in my later years. Basic Training will be challenging, but nothing you can't handle. Listen to *what* is being said to you, not *how* it is being said. It is a game in the end, all you have to understand are the rules.

Response by SFC Byron Perry made Aug 29 at 2021 11:30 PM

2021-08-29T23:30:40-04:00

Drive a different route to drill.

Response by MAJ Gerald Richards made Aug 30 at 2021 4:37 PM

2021-08-30T16:37:03-04:00

Further commentary on the need for raising a generation of men and women whose loyalty is to the nation as I posited as the reason the Afgan Army gave up so easily and why we failed in Vietnam. We now find the USA with perhaps two generations whose loyalty is not primarily to the nation. Since our school curricula are determined state by state and sometimes School District by School District, there is no focus on teaching our children how the federal government system is supposed to work. We do not expose the children to the process of reaching a consensus among a diverse group of people with diverse belief systems. Adults do not "model" good citizenship by themselves participating in the political system from local government to the national government. No one's way to solve a problem is so perfect that it can't be improved or made less unacceptable to those reluctant to agree with your solution. This is a failure to teach children how to listen with an open mind. Instead, while the other person is talking, most seem to be planning their rebuttal to the statements being made.
Our government, meaning the people we elect to office, needs to realize that our people are our most valuable natural resource and should be invested in from birth to help them become all their natural abilities allow. Until that happens, unequal justice, education, affluence, and dignity will continue to deteriorate with the real danger that the nation will end in an unending civil war. I have the good fortune to volunteer as a counselor with the California Boys State program. This is my 25th year doing it, and among the lessons learned is, that there are thousands of boys and girls of 16 or 17 years old in this country who are very bright and teachable who are coming out of our high schools with little or no knowledge of how our government and political systems work. We teach those who attend about both systems and most of them take to it with passion. Many of our alumni alter their career plans as a result of the program and many more return later to become counselors themselves. The raw material is there if only our so-called leaders would recognize it.

Response by SP5 Bill Merritt made Aug 30 at 2021 9:51 PM

2021-08-30T21:51:40-04:00

Do NOT marry that woman.

Response by SP5 Bill Merritt made Aug 30 at 2021 9:52 PM

2021-08-30T21:52:19-04:00

Do NOT marry that woman.

Response by Lt Col Warren Domke made Aug 30 at 2021 10:01 PM

2021-08-30T22:01:16-04:00

I would advise my younger self to focus more on the job at hand than the long-range career. Yes, you do need to make career decisions all through your time in service--in choices of assignments, training opportunities and other opportunities as well. But you will always be graded on how well you do your work and how you interface with others around you. You also learn how to lead. All if these are important, especially as you progress. Look at the long view, but don't forget the short view. Its consequences are always with us.

Response by SPC Robin Price-Dirks made Aug 30 at 2021 10:11 PM

2021-08-30T22:11:06-04:00

I would tell myself to take everyone seriously and get more training to be more of a leader and deal with people better

Response by CPL Ray Kahler made Aug 30 at 2021 10:58 PM

2021-08-30T22:58:28-04:00

Reenlist in the USAF

Response by SPC Robert Hendrickson made Aug 30 at 2021 11:08 PM

2021-08-30T23:08:00-04:00

1. get in shape for boot camp/o.s.u.t.
2. get the mental state of mind right for anything or almost anything
3. be prepared for anything
4. go to school, college, grad school, etc., to do better than my forefathers // foremothers // fore elders
5. learn to go into a career ever lasting m.o.s./ job / vocation
6. don't get married too early ,, the Mil service(s) does not issue Wife/wives
7. be respectable, treat others correctly, right, to the best of your ability
8. refer to numbers 1-7 constantly every day, every time and everywhere ,, life will be better on earth

Response by PO2 Stanley Buck made Aug 30 at 2021 11:43 PM

2021-08-30T23:43:18-04:00

I would to keep myself doing everything that I was told to do and keep myself looking like a 4.0 sailor and not get in with the party crowd. And myself out of trouble.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2021 7:13 AM

2021-08-31T07:13:47-04:00

Identify your ACTUAL, ACHIEVABLE goals, then keep your mind and ears open, your mouth shut, your head down, strive to excel at everything you do, EARN your respect as a leader, then keep your nose to the grindstone in pursuance of your goal(s). I had exceptional scores and was offered a path to West Point, or a direct recommendation for OCS, both of which I stupidly, naively refused at a very young age- they probably shouldn't let you make such consequential decisions at that age; heck, they decided everything else for you back then (BCT/AIT), so why not force you to be an officer if you're worthy right? Although I regret missing whatever professional/financial boost that would've given my career, I have to say that I still wouldn't change anything in hindsight because I'd probably miss out on all of the positive things that happened to me as a result of that flawed decision, as well as whatever influence it would have had on the negative things, which none of us can say. I doubt that I would've met my wife of 38 years, or any of the other exceptional people I was honored with working with/for, or any of the great foreign people I met, some of which I'm still friends with to this day. I don't care if I retired after 26 years "only" as a SFC- that resulted from being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and not being able to keep my mouth shut about the non-adherence to regulations which got me extra respect from some, and secret repercussions, back-stabbing & trap-setting from the jealous but powerful who slowed my rise in the ranks. I bear no hard feelings, I for sure wouldn't have met all the REAL lifelong friends as an officer as I did a NCO, and as I said, still wouldn't trade my career for anyone else's.
Warriors Forever!
-Ed Boles

Response by MSgt Al Beese made Aug 31 at 2021 3:05 PM

2021-08-31T15:05:04-04:00

Be more open and learn and absorb as much as you can.

Response by TSgt Larry Abernathy made Aug 31 at 2021 3:59 PM

2021-08-31T15:59:06-04:00

Stay in college and obtain the necessary degrees to do what you are passionate about.

Response by SPC Gerald Barber made Aug 31 at 2021 4:49 PM

2021-08-31T16:49:07-04:00

I believe that I’d stayed the corse done twenty year at least , if things could have been better with my family! I was talking to a recruiter 4 years after I got out but got sick had surgery and there was no way to return! But looking back I wish I’d stayed in instead of getting out and helping my mother ! As she was a strong woman and did take care of a very bad situation! I was just a back bone for her!

Response by SPC Harry Masse made Aug 31 at 2021 6:38 PM

2021-08-31T18:38:33-04:00

take advantage of the educational (college) opportunities. Take the overseas assignments and see the world.

Response by SSG Frank Hartwick made Aug 31 at 2021 7:32 PM

2021-08-31T19:32:57-04:00

Stay in the coast guard

Response by SSG Frank Hartwick made Aug 31 at 2021 7:33 PM

2021-08-31T19:33:46-04:00

Stay in the coast guard

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2021 9:48 PM

2021-08-31T21:48:35-04:00

Start college earlier and wear a raincoat.

Response by PO2 S.J. Carroll made Aug 31 at 2021 10:49 PM

2021-08-31T22:49:00-04:00

rely only on yourself!

Response by LCDR Edward Thomas made Aug 31 at 2021 11:04 PM

2021-08-31T23:04:36-04:00

Stay with the Navy - not with Carolyn!

Response by SSG Rafael R. Rodriguez Sr. made Sep 1 at 2021 1:00 AM

2021-09-01T01:00:43-04:00

Given the opportunity to travel back in time when I joined the military I wish I would have taken advantage of obtaining my degree and having Uncle Sam pay for it. Another thing is to take advantage of traveling within the military seeing different countries and customs and cultures.

Response by SPC Charles McFate made Sep 1 at 2021 3:02 AM

2021-09-01T03:02:30-04:00

I would have told myself: not to get married, take more chances, take the language test again, travel, not ETS...

Response by SGT James Bower made Sep 1 at 2021 7:45 AM

2021-09-01T07:45:00-04:00

If I could go back in time I would tell my younger self, stay the course and retire from the military. Working for the Federal Government may be frustrating but it one of the few places a man or woman can retire with a pension and Tricare for life is an awesome benefit.

Response by PFC Mark Taggart made Sep 1 at 2021 8:26 AM

2021-09-01T08:26:13-04:00

Before you join, do more push ups

Response by PO3 Monica Zink Davenport made Sep 5 at 2021 3:28 PM

2021-09-05T15:28:40-04:00

Re-enlist…

Response by SSG Larry Dale McCloud made Sep 6 at 2021 4:47 PM

2021-09-06T16:47:17-04:00

I would tell my younger self to be kinder to the body. That all this fun stuff will hurt later in life. I would also tell my younger self try to control your mouth and not lose rank.

Response by SPC Dave L. made Sep 8 at 2021 9:12 PM

2021-09-08T21:12:08-04:00

Pay closer attention to your wife's hobbies in the mid to late 90's. Don't be so hard on your daughter, she can't help it that she's not so bright.

Response by MAJ William St. John made Sep 11 at 2021 9:56 PM

2021-09-11T21:56:05-04:00

Do your best and stay straight in your Iife, respect your superiors and your peers for what they know and demonstrate leadership in whatever your task is no matter how insignificant.

Response by PVT Robert Bernhardt made Sep 14 at 2021 10:02 AM

2021-09-14T10:02:42-04:00

Enjoy it, whatever ‘it’ is, while you can.

Response by SPC Mary Ann Alvarez made Sep 15 at 2021 11:08 AM

2021-09-15T11:08:04-04:00

Resist the Sugar!

Response by Sgt David Branham made Sep 15 at 2021 2:30 PM

2021-09-15T14:30:50-04:00

“This too shall pass”

Response by SPC Timothy Marlow made Sep 16 at 2021 2:46 AM

2021-09-16T02:46:44-04:00

Go Air Force instead of Army

Response by PO1 James Akins made Sep 17 at 2021 7:47 PM

2021-09-17T19:47:26-04:00

If I traveled back in time to meet my younger self at gate of basic training, would say that everything will be alright along the way and relax, advance to each paygrade on time, and complete twenty years of naval service.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Sep 17 at 2021 8:20 PM

2021-09-17T20:20:22-04:00

I would have refused to sign a 50 year Non-Disclosure Agreement. It was given to me by the Admiral I was working for when I was being discharged from Active Duty. I worked for him for 2 years as his personal assassin and he did not want his family to know what he had done and figured that 50 years was longer than he was going to live. All he did was ask me to take out a number of Viet Cong and Communist Chinese Officers in Vietnam. I had no problem doing it. I was never caught, injured or even suspected in each killing but I was never able to prove "Boots on the ground" in Vietnam to qualify for Agent Orange compensation which caused a heart attack, Diabetes Type II and Neuropathy in both legs exactly one year after I retired. I applied for Compensation in 2004 and was denied. I refiled in 2019, 2020 & 2021 and have not received any response other than "we are working on it." When I pointed out that being on an Aircraft Carrier did not require being in Vietnam to be infected, they said nothing. I can only assume that they don't feel that the planes and helos brought Agent Orange back to the ship because they ALL WENT TO THE AIRCRAFT WASH BEFORE RETURNING TO THE SHIP.

Response by Lt Col James Jeffreys made Sep 22 at 2021 1:30 PM

2021-09-22T13:30:41-04:00

Get all of your immunizations

Response by SFC Byron Perry made Sep 23 at 2021 1:33 PM

2021-09-23T13:33:50-04:00

To make daily entry at Rally Point to win.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2021 5:29 AM

2021-09-25T05:29:01-04:00

I expected military medical to be generally altruistic. Found that to be the exception rather than the rule.

Response by 1SG James Matthews made Sep 25 at 2021 5:31 PM

2021-09-25T17:31:47-04:00

Pay more attention to the small things.

Response by A1C Lloyd Box made Sep 26 at 2021 1:07 PM

2021-09-26T13:07:02-04:00

I would learn to be a Jet Engine mechanic, Or. part of a flight crew.

Response by SSG John Barry made Sep 27 at 2021 9:29 AM

2021-09-27T09:29:20-04:00

For the love of all things holy; pull out, pull out, pull out!!!!

Response by A1C Charles Digby made Nov 19 at 2021 11:17 AM

2021-11-19T11:17:12-05:00

If I could time travel back to the beginning of my military career, I would do more to further my education while in the Air Force, especially as it relates to my job qualifications to be more elegible for promotion.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2021 3:23 PM

2021-11-19T15:23:50-05:00

Reenlist, Reenlist, Reenlist, Reenlist, Don't be stupid again, Reenlist.

Response by PO3 Vici Brown made Dec 16 at 2021 8:09 AM

2021-12-16T08:09:47-05:00

That this was the best decision you made.. Stay the 20 no matter what!!

unfortunately I only stayed 6

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Mar 29 at 2022 6:13 PM

2022-03-29T18:13:21-04:00

Dump the high school sweetheart, she's enjoying "Jody's company" while you're away

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Mar 15 at 2023 5:41 AM

2023-03-15T05:41:55-04:00

Thanks for sharing

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2024 4:46 PM

2024-03-15T16:46:30-04:00

Your medical unit will screw you over. Have you own copies of your records…AS THEY HAPPEN. In the Reserve, include your civ PCP appts for injuries. Why? Because your MIL duty will compound your injuries and the VA WILL deny everything.