They say the grass isn't always greener...but if you could pick a different MOS, Service, or duty assignment what would it be?

GySgt John O'Donnell — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 00:20:34 -0400

I have no regrets as a Marine ..but we all have a "road never traveled". As a Marine I wish I had become a Marine Security Guard at one of our Embassies. But if I had chosen another branch, I would have worn the red beret of the 82nd Airborne, became a SERE instructor in the Air Force, or a Corpsman in the Navy. If you could have chosen a different path, what would it be? One Team, One Fight!!

Response by LTC John Mohor made Aug 6 at 2017 12:24 AM

LTC John Mohor — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 00:24:41 -0400

Either an Air Force Officer, possible serving with Special Operations or as an Army Warrant Officer if I had it to do over again I'd also try for duty in Hawaii!

Response by PFC Jim Wheeler made Aug 6 at 2017 1:01 AM

PFC Jim Wheeler — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 01:01:18 -0400

I always wanted to go through SFAS. Truthfully, my only regret is that I never got the chance.

If I could do it all again, I might would have gone to college and grown up a little and enlisted with an 18x.

I don't regret my time in the 82nd, only the way it ended.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 1:58 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 01:58:18 -0400

My original plan was to become a medic, but when I got to MEPS they offered me a bonus and the chance to ship out earlier about a month earlier if I chose another MOS. I was young, impulsive, and impatient so I chose the other MOS. In retrospect I should have waited to become a medic. That summer they pretty much "overbooked" our basic training site so I ended up being a holdover for about 3 weeks after I arrived at reception before beginning basic so I still ended up starting basic about the same time I would have if I would have waited. Another regret I have is waiting so long to commission. I wouldn't give up my enlisted time for anything but I do wish I would have made the jump 10 or so years ago. I'd me a Major like most of my age peers instead of a butter bar right now. I'd be retiring as a LTC or even COL instead of a CPT or MAJ.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 2:22 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 02:22:27 -0400

I think I enjoy my MOS so far, but... If I could do it over again.
I think I'd enlist earlier, go Active then switch to Guard.
If I didn't have this MOS... Gunner on an AC-130 or Drone Pilot seems cool.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 3:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 03:54:12 -0400

I thought about going CO and doing actual interrogations before I got out. I think if circumstances had been different for me before I ETS'ed out I would have. Great question GySgt John O'Donnell.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 5:01 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 05:01:14 -0400

GySgt John O'Donnell There is no turning back from the decisions that I made and I do not regret joining the Marine Corps. An alternative path would have been to try and obtain a nomination to the Air Force Academy.

Response by PFC William Jacobs made Aug 6 at 2017 8:27 AM

PFC William Jacobs — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 08:27:16 -0400

11 bravo, Air Force

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Aug 6 at 2017 9:28 AM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 09:28:53 -0400

Within the Marine Corps: small arms technician, anything IT-related with cyber command, armor (tanks) or artillery (because who doesn't like stuff that goes BOOM?).

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Aug 6 at 2017 9:45 AM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 09:45:08 -0400

Was: 82nd Airborne, grunt

Road not travelled: Air Force pilot.

If I don't jump out if 'em, might as well fly them.

Response by MAJ Don Bigger made Aug 6 at 2017 10:48 AM

MAJ Don Bigger — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 10:48:59 -0400

Great question. I certainly enjoyed all of my assignments, so no regrets. However, if I COULD go back-- As an enlisted Marine, I would go Force Recon. It's not something I passed up initially, the fact of the matter is that I didn't even know they existed in 1970 :) And SGT Aaron Atwood you are absolutely correct--being in Field Artillery has been a blast. So to speak :)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 1:05 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 13:05:05 -0400

I would've joined the Army sooner first of all, then I would've probably enlisted as an infantryman. In the Marine Corps I think I would've like to have been an artillery man. Airforce I would've tried for an F-22 mechanic. The Navy offered me the Nuke program, so I believe i would've gone with that. As it stands I haven't been in the military long so I'm sure there's more than enough to find in my career.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 1:53 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 13:53:02 -0400

I'm on the MSG program right now, and it's pretty awesome. I'll never pass up an opportunity to go somewhere new on this planet, especially when I'm told to do a special duty. To be honest, though, I wouldn't mind something on the combat arms side of the Marine Corps to break the monotony of helpdesk BS and non-combat deployments in my nearly six years of service; even if said "deployments" have taken me to Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia so far.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 2:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 14:02:32 -0400

I like to think as if I have no regrets, because I made a decision at the time based on the information that was available to me then. Two of my enlisted buddies and I got out after our first three year terms. They both went to ROTC while I had no ambitions on re-entering the military. They got their commissions and are now majors. I wish I had known then what I know now and would've followed the same path as they did. BUT, I love being an NCO.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 5:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 17:57:41 -0400

I definitely would have chosen the Air Force, Navy or even the Coast Guard over the Army. I still have the opportunity on the National Guard or Reserves side when this enlistment ends. My current CoC is awesome & can't say anything negative about them, but I know that the Army is definitely not for me. As for duty assignments, I would have wanted Cuba or Ft. Buchanan as my first duty station, but getting Hawaii wasn't too bad.

Response by TSgt Bob Dalpe made Aug 7 at 2017 11:14 AM

TSgt Bob Dalpe — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 11:14:13 -0400

I wish I had joined the USAF.....oh wait I did. The one regret I have other than the ex-wife (I got the kids but...) was turning down jump school and joining the Secret Squirrels of Weather as would have had to delay forecaster school and I wanted to be normal. The normal part was the mistaken part, never was and never will be normal.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Aug 7 at 2017 4:43 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 16:43:36 -0400

I was in the Infantry from 1973 to 1977, in Baumholder Germany and at the 101st Infantry. I went in the Infantry because they offered me a $2500 bonus. I was already Infantry qualified as a Reservist, and didn't want to go to AIT again (I thought they were all like Fort Polk, North Fort) Fast Forward 1978, at College in Albany NY, Winter, 15 below zero, 48 inches of snow, Army Recruiter pulls into the gas station I am working at and asks if I want to join the Army. Told him I was already in, said I could go back. I said, if I can go someplace warm.. Took ASVAB, scored high, told me I could be anything chose Intel Analyst. Said OK, but DA disapproves I was an 11 B SGT out only 16 months, If I wanted Intel Analyst I would have to wait 8 months and lose a rank..Screw that, I was cold, I took 11B at Fort Ord (Thought California was warm, (They fooled me) And you know what? In 1991 I went to Fort Rucker For WOC, and I was concerned in 1973 about AIT, HA!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2017 5:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 17:53:32 -0400

I think I would have liked to have gone into the Navy and chosen a position that would have placed me in the bridge. USMC air wing on a helicopter crew - I do not think I would have enjoyed the Air Force and the Coast Guard again something on a bridge. As to my time in the Army I just wish it would have been possible to have stay artillery.

Response by MSgt Richard Randall made Aug 7 at 2017 6:09 PM

MSgt Richard Randall — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 18:09:16 -0400

I really have no regret being an AF missile dude. I was, however, really tempted by the Coast Guard. Met some “Coasties” down on the gulf when I was in high school. They really seemed like they had their act together. I actually talked to some folks about an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy, but, at the time I couldn’t even spell Conectikut, Konnekti, Connictikut, er New London.

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Aug 7 at 2017 6:28 PM

SGT Jim Arnold — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 18:28:45 -0400

When I enlisted My father wasn't sure I'd make the minimum weight requirement and since I was on the small side I went for the brainier job. makes me wonder how fast my career would have advanced as a tanker or something like that

Response by SSgt Jimmy Jackson made Aug 7 at 2017 7:45 PM

SSgt Jimmy Jackson — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:45:52 -0400

Navy would have been my second choice.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 7 at 2017 8:00 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 20:00:35 -0400

I would still choose Marine Corps, but I think I would choose one of the more combat related MOS. I have no regrets where my path took me. I like the practicality of my MOS and the ability to make it into a career. But one of my favorite things about being a Marine was going to the range every year. Considering I had never fired a weapon before the Marine Corps, my proficiency with a rifle surprised even myself. So I think if I had gone down another path, I might pick the opportunity to go down the ground side.

Response by Sgt David Hesser made Aug 7 at 2017 8:29 PM

Sgt David Hesser — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 20:29:31 -0400

great question Gunny, it was funny that not one wanted to be in another branch and that I could understand as I could not picture being anything but a Marine. When my enlistment was coming to a end and (apparently only I knew this) I asked the Capt about the possibility of switching into another MOS and base he looked at me and laughed saying I was to important and that I would retire never leaving Los Pulgas, well being young and stupid I did not like that answer and in two months with two days left on my contract I informed them that I was getting out (they where not happy) that was back in 77, and after all these years I look back and think that was a real stupid move on my part, I loved the Corp (still do) I was treated very well and I was very well respected it took years to build that back up in civilian life and in my case the grass is not always greener on the other side of the hill.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 7 at 2017 11:53 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 23:53:56 -0400

Like many, my original plan was to try for SFAS and go SF. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had been SWCC or a 880A Army Marine Deck Officer and run Army water craft. The branch lottery sent me to Ordnance, starting as Armor then going to OD would have been better.

Response by SN Roger Kluthe made Aug 8 at 2017 6:52 AM

SN Roger Kluthe — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 06:52:42 -0400

I still would choose Navy, however instead of Dental maybe EOD or SEAL. I don't regret being a DT, but I wish I picked a more high speed rate.

Response by SGT Richard Smith made Aug 8 at 2017 8:40 AM

SGT Richard Smith — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 08:40:42 -0400

the Marines

Response by SPC Rj Wasser made Aug 8 at 2017 10:06 AM

SPC Rj Wasser — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 10:06:56 -0400

Funny thing...., I did my first enlistment in the Air Force and decided that I didn't feel like it was for me.... cue the Blue To Green program and bam... I spent the better part of my time in as a Forward Observer in the Army. Best decision I ever made. Couldn't be more proud to have been in the Army. I liked the Air Force, it just wasn't for me.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Aug 8 at 2017 11:48 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 11:48:42 -0400

Within the Army- Stayed an 11C and not have re-classed to 79R.
Another branch- Navy, with a job on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. Why, because dad was on a carrier, and aircraft carriers are just cool.

Response by CPO Mark Robinson made Aug 8 at 2017 7:25 PM

CPO Mark Robinson — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 19:25:37 -0400

I was all set to join the Marines as an Aviation Electronics tech but then they figured out that I was color blind so for some reason they didn't want me working on their planes. Shoot, red, brown, green it's all the same anyway right? So I ended up in the navy as a Machinist Mate and it worked out pretty well because I wanted to travel and that I did. What I really wanted to do was be a CB. Went on a fourth grade field trip to Port Huenemi and I said right there thats what I'm going to be. My biggest worry was that I would be stuck in one spot for my four years and never see the world and MM had about a 99% chance of going to sea duty.

Response by PO3 Mitchell Haynie made Aug 9 at 2017 5:08 PM

PO3 Mitchell Haynie — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 17:08:05 -0400

No regrets, however If I had a "do over", I would change rating to a Rescue Swimmer!

Response by LTJG Edward Bangor Jr made Aug 10 at 2017 1:55 PM

LTJG Edward Bangor Jr — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 13:55:25 -0400

If I could have done anything differently, I would have gone AMDO (aviation maintenance) when I redesignated out of flight school instead of going SWO. I really enjoyed the aviation community overall and still generally get along better with pilots and FOs than I do with surface types. Also, flight suits are much more comfortable than NWUs.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2017 1:58 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 13:58:14 -0400

I started out in the Marines and switched to the Army. I love them both. But I've always said that I think I would have enjoyed being in the Navy. Those ships are amazing and the amount of coordination it takes to keep them going 24/7 is impressive. Plus, you'd get to see a lot of cool places.

While in the Marines I was an MSG and to date it is the best military duty I've ever had. Hands down.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2017 9:36 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 09:36:54 -0400

I wish I would have stayed in the Air Force.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2017 1:30 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 01:30:33 -0400

I'm a 14T in the army at Ft. Sill. If I could have chosen s different MOS, branch, or duty assignment, it would be a 31B, Air Force, and Ft. Bragg.

Response by SFC Eric Hager made Aug 24 at 2017 10:17 PM

SFC Eric Hager — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 22:17:47 -0400

now retired, but as a PSG I am on a field x as an E7 in a shelter half, well as an E7 I had 2, so had my own tent, while my E3 nephew in the AF was staying in a hotel in England. Things that make you go Hmmmm. Loved what I did, but........

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Aug 25 at 2017 12:48 AM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 00:48:09 -0400

I would choose 92Y initially to start off with. Once completed with command I would apply for one of the following: FA 50, FA 51 or FA 90. If I were to cross into another service, it would be toss up of either the USN or USAF since I have family members that served both.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2017 8:28 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 08:28:28 -0400

18 Bravo US ARMY

Response by Sgt Louis Lecalsey made Aug 31 at 2017 11:16 PM

Sgt Louis Lecalsey — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 23:16:06 -0400

Embassy guard or FAST team

Response by SSG Rodney Richter made Aug 9 at 2019 3:22 PM

SSG Rodney Richter — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 15:22:51 -0400

I later moved to the Air Force from the Army. Should have stayed but I didn't. Regret that decision.

Response by SP5 Hank Vandenburgh PhD made Dec 22 at 2020 1:03 AM

SP5 Hank Vandenburgh PhD — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 01:03:14 -0500

When I went in in 1962, the Army was the only branch in which you could pick a field. I opted for chemical. In six years, I only had two good jobs though (instructor and chemical NCO.) Mostly I ended up clerking. As an E-5, I was an admin NCO and a acting supply sergeant. If I had to do it again, I'd pick a more practical field like cook or medic. I really didn't want the Marines, and hated the idea of being on water, so no Navy. The Air Force just seemed iffy. I don't like machinery, so that was out.