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 am glad I reenlisted over and over. I was not ready at the time to take on living life out outside the military, such as buying healthcare. I could have managed a living situation. I guess the military life was for me.
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I had a great run, and it put me in the position to take the advantages presented to me today. I have travelled the world, lived in shit holes, as well as places only people dream of visiting. Met and maintain the greatest bunch of hooligan extended family for life, and have a wonderful family now. Hell, I even think of jumping back in from time to time because now as a civilian I have had time to analyze the things I learned inside from the outside, and as a contractor working alongside Active members. I can tell you one thing, the NCO's in positions of influence today have a hell of a time ahead of them tomorrow. The new breed coming in the ranks are crazy, lol. I am sure they said the same of my cycle, but now my cycle are in the senior ranks SFC - W03. I would come back as a lowly SPC, and the payback would be brutal, LOL! No regrets here.
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I love what I do. Even though there are long days away from home in the field, this mission is one-of-a-kind. Bully!
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Suspended Profile
I tried in vain to give my VA disability back and get back in. But too broken from OEF. I would do it in a second, even now, even if I'm 99 years old, I would dawn the uniform proudly and fight for my country any day of the week. No regrets except getting injured, even then proud to have served. I envy those who are in, I can only say to those who are, stay the course, we need strong, loyal, honest and pragmatic men and women with conviction and solid military bearing to lead.
Suspended Profile
I like the man I have become. I wouldn't be here without the Army. Even though there are days that I would love to go back into time and beat myself for joining. I still would never change any decision I have made.
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I would willingly go through the system again, even now. The major change I would make, however, is I would most definitely choose a different job.
For any of the 92A's out there, I feel your pain. I hated every day of that b/s job.
For any of the 92A's out there, I feel your pain. I hated every day of that b/s job.
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SPC Christopher Seitler
92A (Automated Logistical Supply Specialist)
You can read the detailed description by searching the MOS, but what they fail to tell you is that the upward mobility is nearly impossible unless you max APTF, awards, and education.
Also, good luck trying to reclass. I tried to switch to 37F (psychological operations) and was told that I would not be authorized a release from my current position.
I even made attempts to go to WLC and was told no, because I was too important in my current position (SAMS-1E clerk). I think that was a b/s answer. Either I was doing something terribly wrong, or someone didn't want me promoted for whatever reason. Saying "you're too good to be promoted" is like saying a pie is too good to eat.
Also, getting stuck in an HHD setting is not great, because you are the only clerk (or so it was in my case, so you have more work to handle than you actually have hours in the day.
Mostly, I just got frustrated to my whit's end, because when I brought up these genuine concerns, I was told to stop complaining and get my work done. I hate that response. I am the type of person who likes to solve problems to make things easier for the next guy. To continue doing something that is already failing (and had been before I came into the position) without attempting to fix the problems is not in my character.
Oh well, shit happens. I am out, and now about to finish my BS in political science/criminal justice. I should be graduating at the end of this year.
You can read the detailed description by searching the MOS, but what they fail to tell you is that the upward mobility is nearly impossible unless you max APTF, awards, and education.
Also, good luck trying to reclass. I tried to switch to 37F (psychological operations) and was told that I would not be authorized a release from my current position.
I even made attempts to go to WLC and was told no, because I was too important in my current position (SAMS-1E clerk). I think that was a b/s answer. Either I was doing something terribly wrong, or someone didn't want me promoted for whatever reason. Saying "you're too good to be promoted" is like saying a pie is too good to eat.
Also, getting stuck in an HHD setting is not great, because you are the only clerk (or so it was in my case, so you have more work to handle than you actually have hours in the day.
Mostly, I just got frustrated to my whit's end, because when I brought up these genuine concerns, I was told to stop complaining and get my work done. I hate that response. I am the type of person who likes to solve problems to make things easier for the next guy. To continue doing something that is already failing (and had been before I came into the position) without attempting to fix the problems is not in my character.
Oh well, shit happens. I am out, and now about to finish my BS in political science/criminal justice. I should be graduating at the end of this year.
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SGM Chris Kaukali
The grass always looks greener...I enlisted as a 76P, which was later converted to 92A. You should look at the career path for each MOS. The 92 series goes all the way to E9.
As for switching career paths during your first enlistment, you can almost forget it. When you volunteered, you contracted to enter a certain field. When you re-enlist, you have more options like requesting to transfer to another field. The military spends big bucks to train you for a specific job, so the payback is to do your job, and do it well. All assignments are not equal, but you learn from each and you take away these lessons learned for your next assignment. I made it to E-9, but had to make a few career changes along the way.
Sorry your experience was not an enjoyable one, but I am sure you will take away a lot from this that you can use in your civilian career.
As for switching career paths during your first enlistment, you can almost forget it. When you volunteered, you contracted to enter a certain field. When you re-enlist, you have more options like requesting to transfer to another field. The military spends big bucks to train you for a specific job, so the payback is to do your job, and do it well. All assignments are not equal, but you learn from each and you take away these lessons learned for your next assignment. I made it to E-9, but had to make a few career changes along the way.
Sorry your experience was not an enjoyable one, but I am sure you will take away a lot from this that you can use in your civilian career.
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SPC Christopher Seitler
Oh, absolutely. My lack of experience when I was younger (and my stubbornness) led to many learning opportunities. I've been fortunate to not make the same mistakes going forward.
Thank you for your response. I hate being negative, but sometimes I just get bitter at the situation because of how it ended. No worries, though. I am far better for my time served, and I would never change my choice to join, only the job I chose.
Thank you for your response. I hate being negative, but sometimes I just get bitter at the situation because of how it ended. No worries, though. I am far better for my time served, and I would never change my choice to join, only the job I chose.
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At the time I wanted so badly to join the private sector and make $. I regret it. Some of the best years of my life were in the Navy.
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I loved my job and the people I worked with. Had I been able to stay in the only problem I would have is being moved to units that didn't have the brotherhood my last unit did because of my MOS.
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If I could go back and do it again I would change one thing. I wanted to enlist when I was 18 while in college at ROTC to become an Officer, but my father (29 years as an officer) insisted that I not do it and had so many horror stories. I wish that I had enlisted as it would have given me more perspective on the other side, built me 4 more years in service by the time I commission for more money, more time, etc and would have given me a perspective from that side of the Army. This is why I will give my kids all the info and let them make their own decisions instead of instilling my mindset on them.
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