Posted on Apr 25, 2014
Time Machine: Would you have enlisted/reenlisted?
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Often times we hear/read about Soldiers regretting enlisting/reenlisting (may just be current frustration).
IMPORTANT: Take the survey (Vote) AND respond with 'why'. If you are currently in service, what are your reasons for continuing military service?
Your responses are important as they WILL assist those considering enlisting/reenlisting.
IMPORTANT: Take the survey (Vote) AND respond with 'why'. If you are currently in service, what are your reasons for continuing military service?
Your responses are important as they WILL assist those considering enlisting/reenlisting.
Military Career
Re-enlistment
Enlisted
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 84
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I'm glad I enlisted and reenlisted. I enlisted because when I was a kid I wanted to serve and be a soldier and college wasn't for me at 18. I reenlisted because I enjoy impacting in a positive way an organization and peoples lives. It gives me that feeling that I'm doing something for the greater good.
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I would enlist again and look more closely at the MOS jobs offered. I stayed in again because the economy back at home is not going to provide the same benefits as the Army can. While I know I could find a job, it would not have been a career position.
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SGT (Join to see)
If I would've known that I wouldn't have deployed, I wouldn't have enlisted after 11 years break in service. But would I take back the past 4 years in the Army, No. I'm able reenlist in Oct of this year. Right now, I'm at 95% sure I will. My career hasn't gone the way I wanted/expected, but it's been a great experience. It's by far the easiest but challenging career I've had. As a 19D, I feel like I made the right MOS choice too. Even though I'm 36 years old, I'm still holding my own, and I'm trying to direct my career towards the airborne side of things. (trying to go to the 82nd next)
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SPC Robert Myers
I'm glad your sticking with it there SPC. Believe it or not, you're an inspiration to those who are in the same challenging position as you are in. I recently got out of the Army National Guard last year. I was a 35 y.o. SPC, my career in the military wasn't going the way I wanted/expected and I was up for re-enlistment. After being flagged for HT/WT I just figured well I had a good 12 year run with 3 deployments so I decided to just not re-enlist. I have mixed feelings about re-enlisting again but reading your comments makes me want to do the right thing and get back on that bike so to speak. I commend you for sticking in there and going after your goals. I too, at 36, want to get those jump wings but it's a long road ahead. Good luck to you and your journey!
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Being in has taught me a lot about myself, I took my freedoms for granted. I would not have enlisted if I could do it all over again. Sallie Mae could have waited, but at the time I was concerned messing up my credit would ruin my job hunt. Since I have been in I've passed up a few good employment opportunies. Really one of the only positives is being able to say I traveled to Korea, horrible duty location, but great country.
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I love the Marines, and would do it again in a heartbeat. I have never held a job for this long in my life...but seriously, you meet some of your best friends who have seen you at your worst and will stick by you no matter what.
The one thing I love the most about the Marines is how small it is, I have just recently ran into a Marine who was my SNCO 10 years ago in Bahrain.
The one thing I love the most about the Marines is how small it is, I have just recently ran into a Marine who was my SNCO 10 years ago in Bahrain.
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The military has been my life since I was 17! I'm pretty sure I'm too institutionalized to get out at this point ;) Having said that, despite the frequent suck that I know we are all aware of, I wouldn't change a thing. There are just some experiences you can't get anywhere else...
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There are certainly things I would change about my past, but I am proud of my service and would never give that up.
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SFC (Join to see)
SPC McCumber, I am sure there are more than a few of us who would make different choices, myself included. Thanks for your service.
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I'm so glad I reenlisted after first 4 year AD commitment. I requested duty in Germany, and it was the best time of my life! I also am grateful for earning promotion to E5/SGT shortly after that 2nd term started, it was my best accomplishment :)
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SFC (Join to see)
Would have stayed in if I knew for sure (100%) that I would have seen SFC. or MSG; than the answer is Yes. But being treated like a plaque (having a Platoon, but not in charge of it, etc.) only because you are in the WWP...and they send you to the Base Gym to 'command' there... no thanks!
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Just wish I planned out my "career" a bit better than I would have changed my promotable status to SSG (I didn't meet the TIS remaining requirement) ;) Overall the military was not a bad deal and there are lots of days where I miss it. But I just wish that I had better mentoring and wasn't treated like a sandbagger which I don't think I was. But sure I made mistakes and had my setbacks, soldiering was all I ever wanted to do.
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