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

Just do right, do your 20, and get out.

Make it a career.

Get an engineering degree.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fully think out options and possible outcomes of decisions before implementing them based on emotion.

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