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 feel it is a privilege to serve my country. Especially given this is an all volunteer force you've taken the time out to dedicate (all or some) of your life to serving and protecting millions of people you don't even know.
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I'm still unsure.... Funny thing is my Battalion Retention NCO left to go back home for knee surgery and I'm the retention NCO now (lol). Already reenlisted 2 people and it's only been a week.
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SGM Matthew Quick
Thanks for sharing your experience and for your Retention NCO duties, SGT Smith.
Many take their career from one enlistment to another...probably the best way to go.
Many take their career from one enlistment to another...probably the best way to go.
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SGM (R) Antonio Brown
I enlisted because I was not focused enough to stay in college and I wanted to do something different. Airborne School gave me the chance to jump out of planes and helicopters for a living. I reenlisted three times(no bonus) because I was having fun and I love my job. At this stage in my career I am still having fun.
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SPC (Join to see)
I wish I was high-speed enough to do all that stuff. Unfortunately I have asthma, suck at running, rucking, and anything with sports. Probably one reason I don't want to reenlist.
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I am very glad that I enlisted and reenlisted all of the way til now(I am indef). However, I don't think if I had the opportunity I would reenlist now.
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SFC (Join to see)
MSG Quick, don't get me wrong I still am proud to serve and enjoy what I do. But I also realize that what I am seeing and experiencing now is something that I just don't see myself being able to excell in. I have excepted "my place" now and will still give 110% until it is my time to go.
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Suspended Profile
I would've enlisted a lot earlier than I originally did. Even through all the b.s, the Army has helped me become a much better person overall and given me direction in life, whether I decide to try and stay in or not. I definitely would like to maybe have studied for the ASVAB more than I did when I enlisted. I would have gotten my citizenship on my own behalf, to have been able to select from more jobs. I would've gone Active Duty the first time around also.
Suspended Profile
Gary you can still change jobs, study and retake the ASVAB... My advice, take general ed courses at a local community college, Math, English, and Science.
SGM Matthew Quick
I think many of us share your sentiment...enlisting earlier.
Hindsight is probably the one thing many of us would like to have...seems only time and experience truly open our eyes to the things we would change.
Have you seen your Career Counselor/NCO Support Channel to retake your ASVAB?
Hindsight is probably the one thing many of us would like to have...seems only time and experience truly open our eyes to the things we would change.
Have you seen your Career Counselor/NCO Support Channel to retake your ASVAB?
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Suspended Profile
I knew I could improve my GT score, I wasn't aware I could retake my entire ASVAB again. It's something I'd love to do. This time I can actually study for it and hopefully it'll pave the way for more career choices in the near future.
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Although service was difficult for me (93lbs, 5 feet, girl when there weren't many girls), I would definitely do it again. I learned more character traits and application of those traits, skills in leadership and support than I would have ever, ever learned elsewhere. I missed a lot of family functions, but the big picture is that I learned how to protect them and serve them. I'm retired with 23 years and I'd go back in a heartbeat. My career was invaluable. I'm very appreciative.
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SGM Matthew Quick
Thanks for sharing your experiences, TSgt Buqoui.
Hopefully your experiences will assist others considering further military service.
Hopefully your experiences will assist others considering further military service.
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The military for me, like many others, has been a very rewarding experience. Though not everything has been fun, nor have I agreed with everything that we have done as a military, I wouldn't trade it for the world. The Army has opened many doors for me and allowed for a myriad of experiences that I would've never had back home. So yes absolutely I would enlist and re-enlist again if I could go back.
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All my short term goals made when I enlisted have been met or exceeded. I've traveled a lot, learned a lot of skills that would've taken a lot more effort in the civilian world, and started college.
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I just would have done it sooner. I was 20. If I had gone in two years earlier, I'd only have 4 years until retirement instead of 6!
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SGM Matthew Quick
Thanks for sharing your insight, MAJ Zeski.
It appears we have many others that share your 'joining earlier' insight.
It appears we have many others that share your 'joining earlier' insight.
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Considering the politics of today - I would not go into the military.
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