Retirees, Veterans: how did you feel when you were first discharged from your branch of the military.

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:15:47 -0400

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 10:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:18:30 -0400

I needed to create new goals, learn new skills to compete with civilian peers, and learn how to be a productive Veteran.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 19 at 2015 10:19 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:19:20 -0400

I was very scared; as I was afraid that I would be homeless again. It turned out that my sister was kind enough to let me stay with her.

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Aug 19 at 2015 10:20 PM

Cpl Tou Lee Yang — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:20:18 -0400

Relieved that I don't have to put up with all the BS that goes on with wearing the uniform.

Response by SFC John Birks made Aug 19 at 2015 10:20 PM

SFC John Birks — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:20:31 -0400

Like a fish out of water.. After 24 years it's hard adjusting. I've been out for a year and a half and I still miss it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 10:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:57:15 -0400

Have not had to face that music yet.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 20 at 2015 12:05 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 00:05:21 -0400

I missed it.

Response by SSG Red Hoffman made Aug 20 at 2015 12:10 AM

SSG Red Hoffman — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 00:10:31 -0400

I had planned on doing at least 20 years. Had just reenlisted for another 6 at about my 11 year mark, when my marriage went bad and ended in divorce leaving me with three children. I responded to a similar question concerning my discharge on an earlier thread. The Army discharged me on a chapter 5 within 90 after my divorce. The following 90 days were the darkest of my life. It took every effort to regain the confidence I lost upon my discharge. That was in 1989. My kids are grown productive members of society now and although I still harbor some dark thoughts from time to time, I am happy the way things have turned out.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Aug 20 at 2015 12:59 AM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 00:59:31 -0400

I had really mixed feelings. For the most part I loved my time in the Army and the people that I served with. I actually had a hard time deciding to leave. Unfortunately before the all volunteer military it was hard to get by. Stateside most NCOs worked second jobs to feed their families. My real rude awakening came when I learned just how much so many people hated us in the civilian world in the seventies and that it was almost impossible to get a job if you wanted to join the reserves. I have always missed the army and wish that I had stayed. Unfortunately none of us knew that the all volunteer military was just around the corner which resulted in big pay increases. My only other complaint with the army was that they very often did not honor contracts. I did very well in civilian life but I enjoyed the army more.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 20 at 2015 4:39 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 04:39:32 -0400

Excited about my new path...

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Aug 20 at 2015 8:08 AM

MAJ David Vermillion — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 08:08:20 -0400

Lost, although I was happy to retire, it was very difficult to adjust.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Aug 20 at 2015 8:12 AM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 08:12:49 -0400

SPC Margaret Higgins I felt as though my purpose had been surgically removed. Taking care of Soldiers was so much more than a mantra for me. When I no longer had that responsibility, I felt abandon and somewhat worthless. Overtime, I realized this is not the case. Instead it was a passing of the Saber to another. I still receive calls from Soldiers asking military related questions and also asking for help, assistance, and advice. That is the highest compliment ever paid.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 20 at 2015 8:25 AM

SPC David S. — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 08:25:59 -0400

Sad, mine was due to an injury I incurred from an accident and I wasn't ready to leave the military. I have come to terms with the decision that was made and they made a good decision. Do I like it? Not for a second. I do, however, understand it.

Response by SPC Allison Joy Cumming made Aug 20 at 2015 9:34 AM

SPC Allison Joy Cumming — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 09:34:29 -0400

Honestly, I didn't feel anything. I didn't consider myself a veteran. I have NO idea what a DD 214 meant or what "power" it held. Free, sure. Things were a lot different 20+ years ago at discharge time, but I do remember a great deal of material I had no interest in, I was just looking for the next chapter.

It wasn't until 10 years after ets that I had any interest in anything remotely "military". I happened into a VFW with a non military friend for breakfast. It was one of the best things that ever "happened" to me. It changed my life and the course of my career. It began my education into all things veterans. Okay, off course a bit. I have attended several Yellow Ribbon events and Stand Down events. What I walked away with is almost none of the soldiers/veterans attending events that were mandatory actually wanted to be there and had no interest in retaining information.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Aug 20 at 2015 9:47 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 09:47:34 -0400

I was happy. I had misplaced my Monday socks so I was worried about being out of uniform. It all worked out though.

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Aug 20 at 2015 10:51 AM

Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 10:51:17 -0400

When protesting at a street corner against the endless wars. I was heckled. Wrong, our soldiers do not fight for Our Rights and Freedoms. Our Rights and Freedoms are fought for and won by those daring to exercise them - suffrage, the right to eat at the lunch counter, ride at the front of the bus, to marry, carry a gun. Soldiers are endentured servants of the government, their muscle. And the government does the bidding of those who finance their election - corporations. Now after exercising your Rights do you feel proud, justified, or ashamed and alone.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 10:58 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 10:58:52 -0400

I "transitioned" twice, officially anyway. The first time was in 2004 when the IRAD occurred...that one stunk. We had just come off a nine month deployment and six months in the yards, scheduled to ship out on another deployment as soon as we completed certs. At that time, I had NO long term plans outside of the military, no real savings, and a very unrealistic idea of what I'd be facing in civil life. Within a couple months, I was literally "digging ditches" and working on a construction crew during the middle of winter. I stated SELRES and manged to convince a Two Star to help me find a path back in...that led to a couple years of working with the Army with a "promise" of getting back into the Fleet on the other end. When that didn't pan out, I spent another few years with the Reserves trying to get back on AD, but ultimately took my DD214 and went for "Civilian Life Part II" which was still a back-breaking road, but in the end, worked out alright enough.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 21 at 2015 6:10 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 06:10:01 -0400

Like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKSNpPQlJs8

Getting your DD-214

A great representation of what it feels like when your military contract is up. http://www.gruntstyle.com/

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Aug 21 at 2015 7:41 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 07:41:27 -0400

I was transferred from active to reserve status in order to return to Boston College. But my transition from the Marine Corps life back to campus life was made easy with the help of my classmates who were also former Marines. We called ourselves "The BC Jarheads" & helped each other with college life, i.e don't salute the ROTC Cadets, don't call the Jesuits "Sir"..& don't jump to attention when your name is called in class and say "Sir, Yes Sir"...

Response by SP5 Rex J Mcnealy made Aug 21 at 2015 3:17 PM

SP5 Rex J Mcnealy — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 15:17:31 -0400

I felt like I didn't belong in the civilians world.

Response by 1SG Christine Tron made Aug 22 at 2015 3:59 PM

1SG Christine Tron — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 15:59:24 -0400

Having been a military instructor for a major portion of the last five years until retirement where every hour of my day was accounted for on a training schedule, I was relieved not to have to be tied to any time requirements, most especially an alarm clock.

Response by PO1 Cameron Rhyne made Aug 23 at 2015 3:21 AM

PO1 Cameron Rhyne — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 03:21:51 -0400

I spent the last several years of my time in knowing that I was not going to re-enlist and spent my last two months on terminal leave, so other then feeling a lot less stressed, I don't feel that much different. However, until recently I kept having recurring dreams about somehow being back on a ship or at a base and being told I'm missing watch.

Now that I'm actually starting to have success at finding employment, that anxiety is going away.

Response by SPC Kerstin Janney made Aug 23 at 2015 2:11 PM

SPC Kerstin Janney — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 14:11:59 -0400

The first time I got because of a problem pregnancy....but being on bed rest just about killed me....I wanted to get up and do something, ANYTHING! The second time around, I had married another soldier one week before getting out, so I just slid from Soldier to Spouse. I took to helping the troops and families by becoming President of the Family Support Group and teaching Army Family Team building. That kept my mind off of things for while.

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made Aug 24 at 2015 10:09 AM

SFC Douglas Duckett — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 10:09:15 -0400

My first time out from AD was in 1995 and I had spent 13 years in as an Infantryman. I had no direction or assistance. I was lost for 7 years and went through 12 different jobs. I got selected for an AGR position with the Florida Guard, it was then I vowed not to ever let that happen again. This time, after being medically retired, I was unemployed for three days (only because I had a fishing trip to go on). I have been with the same organization now for almost 4 years. The first time was the most difficult, I did not assimilate well in the civilian sector (mainly due to my PTSD). This time I was m ore prepared and knew more about my conditional and resources available to help me cope.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 31 at 2015 11:01 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 23:01:35 -0400

I was scared; because-to be truthful-I had been homeless before enlisting in the Army.
I had a 100% service-connected disability; when I got out.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Aug 31 at 2015 11:54 PM

SGT Scott Bell — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 23:54:13 -0400

scared

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Sep 1 at 2015 1:15 AM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 01:15:27 -0400

Well the first time I was excited. But after 2 twenty years I was told I had to separate because I did not score high enough and was not promoted. My friend who had retired said don't worry and you are starting a new journey. I got a great job with AT&T .

Response by Sgt Nicole Beltran made Sep 1 at 2015 12:53 PM

Sgt Nicole Beltran — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 12:53:03 -0400

Honestly I was excited to get out I couldn't wait. But my last 30 days of leave it started to hit and then I was nervous and started the " what if "... A year later, I realized I made a mistake, I missed it, so..I re-enlisted. Best decision I could have made.

Response by MSgt Darren VanDerwilt made Sep 1 at 2015 1:33 PM

MSgt Darren VanDerwilt — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 13:33:33 -0400

I was exited and apprehensive. Hindsight being 20/20, I would've done things a little differently.

Response by MSgt Darren VanDerwilt made Sep 1 at 2015 1:50 PM

MSgt Darren VanDerwilt — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 13:50:01 -0400

I was exited and apprehensive. Looking back, hindsight being 20/20, there's things I should've done differently. I thought I would grow a beard and long hair. The beard was a no-go because of some employers grooming standards. When I was able to let it out, I looked like a Union or Confederate Army Officer. The goatee became nuisance and the hair drove me nuts. Now, I routinely shave (not every day) and keep my hair to military grooming standards.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 6:37 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 18:37:47 -0400

I felt great, SPC Margaret Higgins. I felt like I had completed a long chapter of my life and it was time to move on to the next chapter. Because I continued to work for the Army as a DA civilian, I had what I consider the best of both worlds. I kept working for and with the Army, but I didn't have to deal with the military "BS" any longer. I had an excellent transition.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Sep 1 at 2015 9:43 PM

TSgt Gwen Walcott — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 21:43:45 -0400

Tired

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Sep 1 at 2015 9:44 PM

TSgt Gwen Walcott — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 21:44:47 -0400

Maybe an end to 96 hour work weeks, almost all of which was overseas

Response by TSgt Ryan Lee made Sep 2 at 2015 8:46 AM

TSgt Ryan Lee — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 08:46:57 -0400

Thankfully I had employment lined up to start right after my retirement date, but I felt great, excited to start my new career wearing civi's to work for the first time in many many years. It was strange to interact with true civilians every day that I worked with. The worth ethic sure is different than how it is in the military...not really there. It was an exciting time though, some days I do miss wearing my uniform, but my civilian clothes are more comfortable.

Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Sep 3 at 2015 2:34 PM

SFC Terry Fortune — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 14:34:41 -0400

Lost

Response by PO2 Angelika Laist made Sep 3 at 2015 2:36 PM

PO2 Angelika Laist — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 14:36:45 -0400

I was scared shitless! Navy was all i knew and i had no idea what i was going to do with my life. Thankfully everything fell into place with time.

Response by Sgt Sabrina Williams made Sep 6 at 2015 11:15 AM

Sgt Sabrina Williams — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 11:15:44 -0400

I was very happy but at the same time I was sad. I was sad because I would be leaving a lot of good friends and family. I had a job waiting for me when I ETS'ed.

Response by SFC Dave Wynn made Oct 16 at 2015 11:18 AM

SFC Dave Wynn — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 11:18:57 -0400

I was lost . Most of you are from the 90s and later years I started my career in 1972. It was a different time and fellowship seemed to mean more. I still find it hard to deal with civilians. They just don't seems to get it they don't value what they have until they don't have it.

Response by TSgt Richard Satterfield made Jan 6 at 2016 4:58 PM

TSgt Richard Satterfield — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 16:58:46 -0500

Lost...I made it a career and civilian life is still taking some getting used to.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2016 1:08 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 13:08:34 -0400

I was very happy and still am!!!!

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Aug 11 at 2018 8:29 AM

CPO Bill Penrod — Sat, 11 Aug 2018 08:29:57 -0400

Felt great. I left my watch in good hands.....

Response by SSG Diane R. made Aug 11 at 2018 10:40 AM

SSG Diane R. — Sat, 11 Aug 2018 10:40:58 -0400

Despair. Melancholic. I found myself lost and adrift.

Response by SGT Kevin Berman made Apr 1 at 2019 3:43 PM

SGT Kevin Berman — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 15:43:35 -0400

Relieved - recruiter screwed me out of an airborne slot, thoroughly enjoyed the 3rd Armored Division and disliked the 24th ID. Plus had the college fund and was ready to go back to school.

Response by SGT Robert Schaefer made Feb 24 at 2020 12:39 PM

SGT Robert Schaefer — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 12:39:26 -0500

I felt pissed off I had 13 years invested in the United States Army 4 deployments. The last unit I was in hatted my guts because I had a few more deployments that some of the higher-ups. And because I got automatic promotion. We had an E5 and he lost a 9mm in Afghanistan and got soldiers blown up and still got to re-up. And an E6 got a sexual assault charge against him and he got to stay in. An then we had an E2 that went AWOL seven times and he received a Good Conduct Medial. All I wanted to do is to stay in an finish my time. So yes I was not happy.