What do you miss about the military since you got out, and some things you don't miss?

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 10:03:26 -0400

The military means a lot to so many of us whom have served " Duty Honor Country" I miss a lot. Here are a few things I miss and don't miss.

I miss the Team Work
Leading Soldiers
Being Part of a bigger mission.
Meeting all ethnicity of the world
Training Soldiers
Benefits
Guarantee 3-hots (meals) and a cot
Paycheck

......inclusive...the list goes on.

I don't miss:

The Field Problems/Exercise
The time away from family
Working on Powepoint slides
Early morning PT-my body is worn out
Help chaptering Soldiers out the military
......inclusive...the list goes on.

TSgt Joe C. SFC William Farrell PO1 William "Chip" Nagel LTC Stephen F.] SGT Robert George SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas Maj Marty Hogan MSG Andrew White SGT Private RallyPoint Member SFC Dave Beran SGT Philip Roncari SP5 Michael Rathbun CW5 Private RallyPoint Member SPC Margaret Higgins MSgt Jason McClish COL Mikel J. Burroughs ] SrA Christopher Wright SFC George Smith Cynthia Croft SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Aug 9 at 2015 10:06 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 10:06:10 -0400

Calling in Fire Missions ... I really miss that on the Freeway sometimes.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 10:24 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 10:24:48 -0400

There are a lot of little things that will be special to us but kind of cryptic to others. Like starched fatigues and old combat boots and chuka boots.. so on and so forth, but I do miss the old places, many gathering dust or totally raised to the ground......

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 11:10 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 11:10:10 -0400

I think the biggest thing I miss is making a difference every day. I also miss the brotherhood.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 9 at 2015 11:13 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 11:13:25 -0400

I miss people who share a work ethic

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 12:15 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 12:15:10 -0400

I think that I most miss the "certainty" of everything. And, yet, as we who have served all know that nothing is certain nor routine. Still, there was a particular guarantee that everything had a time and place, everyone had a time and place, and that brought me, at least, a level of comfort and security. Yes, I also miss the camaraderie and the opportunities to see places and do things that few Americans will ever have the opportunity to see and do. And I really miss not making E-9, even though I made the list two times!!!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 9 at 2015 1:29 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 13:29:22 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, I miss the camaraderie which I had with the soldiers I served with primarily. I also miss the trust and understanding that we developed over time between the leaders and the the led where we could communicate with sufficient understanding with very few words and sometimes without any actual words exchanged among us.
My wife has been amazed at reunions where a mere glance between me and somebody I served with resulted in roars of laughter and how we could instantly catch up not seeing each other for many years.
I don't miss pettiness where a few individuals especially superior officers would needle subordinates. In those cases I learned to exercise patience and respectfulness but it was very challenging. I am glad those situations were few and far between and I resolved to never behave that way towards the soldiers who served under me. SPC Private RallyPoint Member, LTC Stephen C., CPT L S

Response by SGT Brian Nile made Aug 9 at 2015 2:01 PM

SGT Brian Nile — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 14:01:33 -0400

I miss team work Sarge!

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Aug 9 at 2015 3:58 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 15:58:11 -0400

I miss being active the most. Not being able to stand for longer than 20 minutes without having my legs go numb just sucks, I miss the road marches to be very honest. I miss a sense of being someone and not just another face in the crowd. I do not miss lazy fat arrogant Officers and Fellow NCO's. I do not miss all the political nonsense that went with some chains of command. I do not miss the suck ups who were given rank just because they were good friends with so and so...

Response by SGT Brian Nile made Aug 9 at 2015 4:34 PM

SGT Brian Nile — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 16:34:04 -0400

Nice!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 9 at 2015 5:15 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 17:15:17 -0400

I miss the NCOs, soldiers, their desire to do their best and their smiles. I hated micromanagers and toxic leaders. I also despised putting 100 lbs of crap in a 50 lbs bag and saying it looks good.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Aug 9 at 2015 7:45 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 19:45:04 -0400

Being a part of something bigger than myself, surrounded by people who gave a damn. Why I came back. Found exactly what I was looking for. Never looked back.
That being said, anyone getting out of active duty should take a strong look at Reserves or Guard (both types). It was awesome on active duty, but I would argue that being a citizen/soldier has a tremendous impact on your life.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Aug 9 at 2015 7:47 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 19:47:45 -0400

To tell you the truth.... Everything ... I served for half my life. As my wife says ....I retired from the army, it never retired from me.

Stay on the tank!

Response by CMSgt John Momaney made Aug 9 at 2015 7:49 PM

CMSgt John Momaney — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 19:49:11 -0400

I miss nothing. Once I walked out the gates I never looked back or wished I was still in. Why? Because when I was a Buck Sergeant and allowed into the NCO club I saw retirees hanging around drinking looking for someone to tell war stories to. Back then the life expectancy of. Retiree was 3 years. I did not want that to be me. I started a new career and have only been on a military base a few times in 23 years. Always move forward seek a new horizon and live life to the fullest. I have no bad days just situations that I resolve.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 7:50 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 19:50:42 -0400

I miss the teamwork, camaraderie, training, helping and motivating soldiers; fortunately as a retired soldier I still have most of the benefits and still am part of the Army, but I sorely miss active participation even in a reserve capacity.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 8:33 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 20:33:54 -0400

I miss the camaraderie. There's a certain special bond among service members. If you don't believe me, take a look around you and notice how popular RallyPoint is! :-)

I don't miss some of the BS: One immediate example that comes to mind is the Division formation at 0650, which turns into a squad assembly time of 0600 or so. Not being treated like an adult at times, I guess.

I do miss being active duty in general, but there's a time for everything, and my time for that has passed. I'm at peace with being a retiree. I'm still a Soldier, for life.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Aug 9 at 2015 10:29 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 22:29:49 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL The main thing is being part of something that is bigger than myself. I miss being around Soldiers, ranges, training, and even deployments.

Response by SFC Joseph James made Aug 10 at 2015 7:31 AM

SFC Joseph James — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 07:31:10 -0400

I can't sing about squishing little yellow birds without civilians looking at me funny. I always add the stomp at the end while staring at them! "A yellow bird...with a yellow bill...was sitting on....my windowsill..."

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Aug 10 at 2015 8:53 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 08:53:25 -0400

Miss:
- the comraderie
- the structure
- mentoring and being mentored

Won't miss
- bullshit that interferes with getting the mission done
- the politics

Response by SGT William Howell made Aug 10 at 2015 9:08 AM

SGT William Howell — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 09:08:56 -0400

Mine is easy. I miss being part of a team of people that are like minded. I don't miss formations one bit.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Aug 10 at 2015 9:26 AM

MSG Floyd Williams — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 09:26:27 -0400

I miss the:
1) Camaraderie
2) Learning different leadership skills
3) Mentoring soldiers
4) Teamwork and communication
5) Different challenges to unlock my potential to push me forward
6) Responsibility for myself, soldiers, and weapons
7) I miss being in other countries

I don't miss:
1) Selfish leaders who only "glory seeking" and step on others to climb up the ranks
2) Leaders who don't set a good example
3) Individuals who enlist in the all volunteer U.S. Armed Forces and complain about can't deploy for whatever reason(s)
4) Senior NCO's who manage to "duck and dodge" deployments and enjoying the benefits that others sacrificed for during their deployments
5) Constant rapid changes that is weakening our U.S. Armed Forces

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Aug 10 at 2015 10:30 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 10:30:18 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL - Honestly, I miss the military every day. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I was still on active duty.

I am very fortunate, however, in that the company I work for (and have since retirement) is about the closest thing to the military there is. Many of my military friends over the years work for the same company and the large majority of the folks we hire are former military. We have the same structure (SGT, LT, CPT, MAJ, etc.) and many of the same weapons systems (9mm, AR-15, M-60/M-248, Dillon Aero Gatlin guns, hand grenades, etc., etc.). Still, I miss the military... and always will.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 10 at 2015 11:15 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 11:15:02 -0400

As much as the military was unpredictable, it was VERY predictable. You could set your clock to some of the goings on and bank on them happening. It's that very structure that I miss the most. It was also cheaper being in. All I had to worry about was my uniforms and boots. Keep them up to snuff and the rest would sort itself out. I also miss the camaraderie that you had even in crappy units. That unit could suck, with the worst command climate in the history of mankind, BUT no one will come to your unit and say that to you. I guess that would come under Esprit de Corps, and pride in ones self. Really I miss everything except...pre deployment training....(hours sucked with massive repetition), just to go there and find out you did it all wrong or it really doesn't work that way, and being in 1SG's office. Something about being in that office scared me even when I hadn't done anything wrong. I could be -99 outside his door, but as SOON as you crossed into his office and closed the door, it's hotter than Kuwait in the daytime summer. I think if the devil has having a bad day, even he would avoid 1SG's office.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Aug 10 at 2015 11:26 AM

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 11:26:49 -0400

Being part of something bigger than me.
Liberty in foreign ports of call.
Early release on paydays.
I don't miss the ignorant leaders.
I don't miss the long days and nights on missions.

Response by SPC Joshua Heath made Aug 10 at 2015 11:39 AM

SPC Joshua Heath — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 11:39:27 -0400

I miss the people, I miss not having to pay utility bills. I don't miss deployments, formations, or mass punishments. I don't miss having to deal with soldiers that are football bat level soup sandwiches.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 10 at 2015 1:27 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 13:27:22 -0400

While I still stay in contact with most in my troop I miss the the brotherhood. I also miss putting on the uniform. I can't help to think of my father's service, my grandfather's service, and all the others that have donned a military uniform. Other than that flying around in a Huey lay of the land and getting crazy at the range M203-50cal style. Things I don't miss - hurry up and wait!

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Aug 10 at 2015 3:44 PM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:44:17 -0400

I miss the brotherhood, camaraderie, structure, and teamwork involved with being a part of something bigger than myself. I've never known a better group of people and I doubt that I ever will. I also miss the little things like the hustle of a base, the buzz around the flightline, BX, Commissary, etc. For my wife and kids, I miss the friends they had and the experiences they were able to have while being stationed overseas for 7 years, probably more than I myself miss it. I was in the Air Force for the majority of my life (24 of 42 years) so it is a huge part of me, my life, and my family's life.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Aug 10 at 2015 3:52 PM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:52:04 -0400

I also meant to add, there isn't really anything I don't miss. The good definitely outweighed the bad and you can't have one without the other. Not a day goes by where I wouldn't trade retired life for military life, I haven't gotten to the point yet where I can put it in the rear view mirror yet, don't know if I'll ever be able to. I just try to look forward to the present and not overlook the good things happening now, my wife keeps me pointed in the right direction! However, I was blessed with an outstanding career filled with outstanding duty stations, travel, opportunities, and great people that I will never be able to replace. It's hard to explain to people that have never served, so I don't even try.

Response by SSG Michael Primm made Aug 10 at 2015 4:05 PM

SSG Michael Primm — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:05:03 -0400

Camaraderie I miss but all the other stuff ie too many formations , mass punishment and early morning PT not so much.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Aug 10 at 2015 4:06 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:06:58 -0400

I miss:
Chow hall - Breakfast mainly, Biscuits and gravy, omelette, Bagel and Cream cheese, fruit, cottage cheese.... I ate breakfast like a horse, always upped my energy level for the day... No way I could afford to breakfast eat that way now.

Toys - NVG's? Check. M16A2? Check. M35 "duce and a half"? check. Rappelling/Fast roping out of a CH-47? Oh Hell yeah. Watching a U-2 doing a "max climb takeoff" at Osan Airbase? Yeah baby.

Comrades. - Nuf said.

I even *kind of* miss morning PT. Circling the formation carrying the guideon... making my drinking buddies from the night before want to hurl.

Being challenged by my peers and leaders... and owning it.

Getting to see places I would have never seen if I hadn't joined up (I'm a bit of a homebody).

Things I don't miss:
Getting sent to different "armpits of the world" where people don't care to have us as guests (I'm a bit of a homebody).

Crappy pay.

Long hours.

The smell of... well, you Army/Marines know.

Being constantly filthy and not having a really great shower.

Babysitting Comrades... "Seriously, did you HAVE to throw up on my boots?!"

"Sucking it up" with Incompetent leadership.

Response by SMSgt Bryan Raines made Aug 10 at 2015 5:10 PM

SMSgt Bryan Raines — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 17:10:43 -0400

I miss the people and the structure of the military
I don't miss the politics and dumbstuff

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Aug 10 at 2015 7:16 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 19:16:54 -0400

The number one thing I miss are my brothers and sisters in my old AFSOC MXS unit. We did two tours in Iraq and I have not met a better and more trustworthy group in my life then them. After that the paycheck and responsibility, no were else will you find an 20 year old in charge of $3 mil in equipment.
Now what i don't miss is the 10-13 hour days everyday, the "oh the general is coming on a surprise visit clean the base up now" instead of just letting them see how the base really looks, and the bs you have to go through to get the simplest thing done.

Response by Lt Col John Eliopolo Cpc, Eli Mp made Aug 10 at 2015 9:14 PM

Lt Col John Eliopolo Cpc, Eli Mp — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 21:14:03 -0400

I miss the people, the camaraderie and the laughter, especially about all the BS. I don't miss all the bullshit management routines--death by PowerPoint briefings, filling out various management reports that no one reads, all the unnecessary meetings, seemingly inspections one on top of another, writing performance reports that include a bunch of "fiction" about what the individual accomplished during the period, and careerists officers/NCOs giving speeches that it's "all about you" when it's really only about them. I don't miss any of that stuff, just the people. I do have a lot of good memories that I cherish, but the rest of it, I'm quickly forgetting about it since retirement.

Response by SFC Traveling Citizen made Aug 11 at 2015 1:43 AM

SFC Traveling Citizen — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 01:43:00 -0400

Great Leadership is missing, no more integrity. The ARMY is all loyalty and double standards. Team work and family bond within units is missing. http://wh.gov/i52uo

Remove double standards and punishments for General Officers, hold them to same standard as...

A "GREAT" leader as a result of utilizing The Whistleblower Act, was a victim of retaliation in the U.S. Army and malicious prosecution in 2014. Serving his country for more than a decade and now those sacrifices has been overshadowed by a wrongful conviction prompt by reprisal for informing his Congressional leader of wrongful activities and misconduct.

Response by MSgt Timothy Winans made Aug 11 at 2015 6:57 AM

MSgt Timothy Winans — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 06:57:14 -0400

I actually do not miss much except the paycheck. My friends are still my friends. If I miss TDY's, I'll go camping. If I miss the dining hall, I'll go to the Navy Hospital as they have a dining hall that includes civilians. I don't miss the mandatory medical appointments because I still have them. I don't miss the BX as I can still go as well as the Commissary. Yep! Just the steady work and a solid paycheck every 2 weeks without fail.

Response by SFC Keith Madden made Aug 11 at 2015 7:34 AM

SFC Keith Madden — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 07:34:29 -0400

I miss the clowns, but I don't miss the circus.

Response by SFC Jenaro Arjemi made Aug 11 at 2015 8:29 AM

SFC Jenaro Arjemi — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:29:00 -0400

Miss the camaraderie, the sense of purpose, the team. I don't miss 2LT's, they should never be in charge of people when they don't know basically anything. I saw lots of immature, childish, NCO hating 2LT's that were more of a liability than an asset to the team.

Response by MAJ Bill Maynard made Aug 11 at 2015 2:37 PM

MAJ Bill Maynard — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 14:37:50 -0400

I really miss the camaraderie. I really don't miss the BS.

Response by MAJ Lapuagurl78 . made Aug 11 at 2015 6:28 PM

MAJ Lapuagurl78 . — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 18:28:28 -0400

I miss everything about the Army. I miss leading, I miss being and Officer. I was promoted to Major before I got out( I don't miss that) but I really miss being a Captain. and being with my people. I hate working in the civilian sector more than anything. I just quit my civilian job today. If I was allowed back in i would rejoin in a heart beat. However being transgender prevents me from going back in.

Response by CPT Maria Burns made Aug 12 at 2015 2:14 AM

CPT Maria Burns — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 02:14:39 -0400

I miss intel analysis. Most civvy jobs don't work your brain like that, and the payback (i.e. nabbing a bad guy) isn't as great. I also miss the camaraderie, and the sense that no matter where you went, your friends were your friends.
However, I don't miss the politics.

Response by SFC Ronald Burris made Aug 12 at 2015 5:31 AM

SFC Ronald Burris — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 05:31:55 -0400

I miss being around the Soldiers and seeing their faces when they came into my office needing assistance and leaving feeling like they know they were helped out. I don't miss some of the Officers I served under. They were pretty unprofessional and harassing at times towards Senior NCO's.

Response by SrA Erin Hood made Aug 12 at 2015 4:45 PM

SrA Erin Hood — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 16:45:25 -0400

I miss being in a resource rich environment, having esprit de corps in my daily life, being surrounded by other upwardly mobile people.

I do NOT miss the continual lack of sleep or the sometimes harsh treatment that was handed down as military bearing.

Response by Sgt William Biggs made Aug 12 at 2015 10:55 PM

Sgt William Biggs — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 22:55:59 -0400

I mostly miss knowing that I will never be as badass as I was when I was kicking down doors in Ramadi. My last deployment, I told everyone to cherish everything about what was going on. Cold, angry, hungry, shot at, shooting at, or a combination thereof . . . the things you do in country will not be replicated elsewhere. Serving in the military, and in war, is strangely a very fortunate life experience. You get to say that you truly lived in a sense most can't understand. Nothing mattered except life, death, chow, and mail. I wish more people understood how primal and liberating that experience is.

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Aug 13 at 2015 1:30 AM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 01:30:51 -0400

I miss: the camaraderie, the tradition, sense of history and being part of something bigger than myself, friendships with troops (and civvies) from all walks of life and parts of the country, formation runs with cadence, getting to work with all kinds of cool weaponry, having my healthcare costs completely covered, my chapel choir.

I don't miss: not being paid overtime for the extra hours worked, having to salute and say "Sir/Ma'am" to stuck-up prima donnas whom I personally disliked, not being able to grow a beard, having to get out of bed to go to Sick Call just to get certified that I was too sick to get out of bed in the first place, "leaders" with a do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do attitude (i.e. you guys show up 15 minutes early to my Commander's Call while I stroll in 15 minutes late), death-by-PowerPoint, the head games, the Political Correctness.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 13 at 2015 3:45 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 03:45:12 -0400

I miss my Shipmates
Taking care of Sailors
Team work
Being an invaluable member of the team

I don't miss:
Politics/the Good Old Boy club
Duty days
PMS (what the Army calls PMCS) and being threatened with Captains Mast/Article 15 because I missed a step on the MRC (Maintenance Requirement Card)

Response by SFC Patricia Tucker made Aug 13 at 2015 2:24 PM

SFC Patricia Tucker — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 14:24:57 -0400

I miss it all! My daughters (now both over 30) say they miss it too. The ties we make; the "uncle, aunties, sisters, brothers". My kids say especially the moving. I don't think they stay in one place more than 2 years at a time-smile.

Response by PFC Michael Crosswhite made Aug 18 at 2015 8:23 AM

PFC Michael Crosswhite — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 08:23:21 -0400

Absolutely miss the comradery. If I fired up the grill I had 20 brothers and sisters in my yard. Now, I'm lucky to get a single coworker to my house. You truly build family in the military, it's unlike anything in the civilian world.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 2 at 2015 1:19 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 13:19:42 -0400

I miss the purpose which use to drive me to a finished state.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 11 at 2015 9:02 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 21:02:32 -0400

I was discharged from the Marines on 12/27/1961....and 6 days later 42 members of my unit landed in Pleiku Vietnam. This is something I have thought about a lot lately. But I enjoyed the Schools I attended and the time I spent as a Plt Sgt & learned a lot about leadership that helped when I became a manager at Rockwell International ... And I miss being a guard at the Boston Navy Yard in Charlestown MA. That was the best duty I ever had in the Marine Corps...I met guys who had been at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea, I stood watch over the USS Constitution, I was in the drill team. And hated to leave this old historic base.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Oct 11 at 2015 9:26 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 21:26:26 -0400

I miss being part of the crew of a submarine. We were brothers-in-arms (although we never carried them) doing something that no one else could / would do.
I miss operating the reactor's Electric Plant. I loved that job...
I miss being unconditionally trusted to operate one of the most complicated devices ever engineered by man.
I do NOT miss NOT being trusted with four extra hours of free-time on the beach.
I do NOT miss E-7's and O-3's telling us that we had to dive the bilges to chip 5-month old paint because the XO asked when was the last time it was done.
I do NOT miss E-7's telling us we couldn't hit the beach... BECAUSE...

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Oct 11 at 2015 9:52 PM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 21:52:09 -0400

I miss the smell of jet fuel in the morning...I miss the f14 in zone 5 afterburner going off the waist cat at night....I miss being aft on the flight deck when the fighters start taxing to the cats...I don't miss the A3 coming aboard(you have to be there to understand)...I'm glad I don't have to leave my family anymore..I miss the chief's mess...I don't miss FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! FIRE ON THE FLIGHT DECK I'm glad i"m retired and can let the young guys run up and down the flight deck.

Response by SFC Thomas Sierra made Oct 11 at 2015 9:52 PM

SFC Thomas Sierra — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 21:52:37 -0400

I do miss the Team Work and great leaders I met while in. I really did not care for all the Field Exercises, but do understand training was needed so that in the heat of battle you would do you job. I hated when I had to PCS because you had to prove yourself all over again.

Response by SPC George Long made Oct 11 at 2015 10:09 PM

SPC George Long — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 22:09:48 -0400

Being given responsibilities a 19 year old would never get anywhere else. And doing a job most of my Generation would not do. But what I miss most are my brothers. What I could do for them and all they did for me. What I don't miss............... Death.

Response by SP5 R D Barnett made Oct 11 at 2015 10:24 PM

SP5 R D Barnett — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 22:24:38 -0400

Being Part of a bigger mission is what I would say also.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 11 at 2015 11:17 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 23:17:10 -0400

So many great answers on here SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL. I will also add that I miss the free ammo, but hate having to clear the range....lol

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Oct 11 at 2015 11:33 PM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 23:33:36 -0400

This may seem trivial or frivolous to some, but...
In addition to a great number of the things offered so far, in later years I have come to appreciate an environment in which everyone has a name tag.

I did not understand until long after ETS that I suffer from a condition called Prosopagnosia (Face Blindness). We may work together regularly, but it is entirely possible that I won't recognize you the next time I encounter you, especially if it is outside of the work environment (out shopping, for example). Mine is not as debilitating as that experienced by others, who may not be able reliably to recognize their own children, or, in the case of the late Dr Oliver Sacks, to recognize one's own face in a mirror. I do have to memorize the clothing my wife is wearing if we go to Costco and get separated and I need to recognize her across a crowded retail floor. Then there's the potentially comical episode when I would have been absolutely certain that the guy at another table in a restaurant was my son, had it not been for the fact that this was Canada and he is in Austin,TX, and doesn't have a family with two children.

In my last assignment (RVN tour) there was a near-perfect convergence of factors that put me in missions that took advantages of my strengths and didn't collide with my weaknesses, enough that I declined my Early Out orders and served the full year to get as much of the job done as possible. Considering the trajectory the US Military was on in the early '70s, though, I doubt seriously that this experience would have happened with any regularity had I not left active duty.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Oct 12 at 2015 1:06 AM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 01:06:34 -0400

Response by MSG Tim Gray made Oct 12 at 2015 1:12 AM

MSG Tim Gray — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 01:12:15 -0400

Lots of things, things which made me feel like even though I was only a cog in the wheel, I felt continual purpose- may sound silly, but I miss putting on that uniform!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 1:48 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 01:48:50 -0400

I miss being part of a team to accomplish missions. I miss the training that I received. I miss some of the intense stressful conditions that I was exposed to. I do not miss waking up at O dark 30, or having Sgt of the Guard, or some other duty on most weekends.

Response by SFC Michael MacLuskie made Oct 12 at 2015 8:04 PM

SFC Michael MacLuskie — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 20:04:46 -0400

I miss most everything to do with soldiering the "Old School" way but what I don't miss is the new PC way (or what the Army has turned into), nor the cowardly backstabbers, or the politics or the Good Old Boys Club where someone can be over weight, never pass a PT test and still get promoted over people who are infinitely more qualified and deserving of said promotions. The military in general is in peril with its leadership from the top down when they bought into the PC thing and when officers decided there was no such thing as NCO Business anymore. Officers micro-managing soldiers doesn't work well and that is why America's founding fathers agreed to bring over Baron Von Steuben a Prussian-German Soldier who created the NCO Corps for America's military. The military as a whole needs to go back to the old school discipline and return NCO business back to the NCOs and we need a commander In Chief who leads from the front not from behind or from golf course on his iPhone...

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Oct 13 at 2015 10:22 AM

SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 10:22:22 -0400

I miss the camaraderie, the hilarious joking while doing tedious ( but necessary) tasks,
I miss the joy of teaching Soldiers and learning from them in turn
I miss having others motivate me, and I to them as well.
I miss deployments, but I try to find other ways to help people in need within my community not just overseas
I miss the respect that people shown me, or at least my rank
I miss the biscuit, sausage and gravy and those omelets while deployed
I miss not having to pay for gyms and other services
I miss learning how to be a better leader from my leaders, the mentor-ship
I miss being able to relieve oneself anywhere lol
i miss the smells, even though they were terrible (Iraq and Afghanistan)
I miss the military cadences, and leadership courses
I regret not going to Ranger School, or taking my BC up on West Point with his recommendation
I regret losing my cool at times
I regret making poor choices that might have cause someone to develop angst against the military
I regret not reaching out to others in my units before their untimely deaths
I miss not being able to address/come in contact with some Soldiers
I miss the military.....

Response by PO1 Ken Johnson made Oct 13 at 2015 12:30 PM

PO1 Ken Johnson — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 12:30:27 -0400

One thing is abundandly clear in the military, rank structure. In the civilian world, you never know if someone is an E-4 or E-9 or even O-5 because everyone has a title that sounds like someone important.... until you see what they actually do for a living. Senior Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director/General Manager of Quality Management Systems.... they file the paperwork associated with the product after it ships to the customer.
Another thing, we may be sitting at the Bar... excuse me, at the refreshment center, talking about the USS BELLEAU WOOD where we are currently stationed. We said that rust bucket should be sold as scrap metal, I don't know how it still floats! Sorriest ship in the San Diego 32nd Street station!!!! No Doubts! Then old Schmuckatelly from the USS TARAWA comes in, sees our BELLEAU WOOD hats and says "that rust bucket should be sold as scrap metal, I don't know how it still floats! Sorriest ship in the San Diego 32nd Street station!!!!" Well, someone is about to get a butt whipping, either me or Schmuckatelly one! I know we just said the same thing, the same EXACT words to be more accurate... but we can say it, Schmucatelly is getting whoopped because he said it.
It was the same with our shihpmates.... Man, anyone want to take Petty Officer Smith? He's worthless as a screen door on a submarine! and before you finish the sentence, Chief walks in the compartment and says, 'Smith will be going on Emergency Leave, he just got a Red Cross message!' and wihout any hesitation, you grab your wallet and donate $5 to help him get a plane ticket home! He may be worthless, but he's family!
I've been out now longer than most of you have been in.... but some things remain consistent and serving on Active Duty takes a special kind of person. The one thing I don't miss.... saying goodbye in January knowing good and well that IF YOU ARE LUCKY, you get to hug those same folks in October or November, or maybe even longer than that....
SHIPMATES & even you Jarheads, GI's and even the fly boys.... you men and women are in my thoughts and prayers on a daily basis

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Oct 13 at 2015 6:27 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 18:27:46 -0400

The only thing I really miss is the travel, the ability to spent several years in a new place and explore it. I don't miss, office politics, poor leadership and that one or two people in the shop that made everyone's life miserable.
I also don't miss the single guys acting like dogs under a banquet table when a new female was assigned to the base. I really really don't miss that.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Oct 14 at 2015 12:44 AM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 00:44:01 -0400

Mad Minutes

Response by SSG Clyde Rainey made Oct 14 at 2015 2:46 PM

SSG Clyde Rainey — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 14:46:17 -0400

The team work, the planning for training, shooting range training, and the ability to get help with different projects.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 14 at 2015 6:29 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 18:29:03 -0400

I miss being part of the history of the Army, something greater than me, something that has changed history. (AF, Marines, Navy included)

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 15 at 2015 6:24 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 18:24:51 -0400

The military is strategically lost in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. Not beating them will be our defeat.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Oct 19 at 2015 4:04 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 16:04:35 -0400

I will revisit this in about five years when the bad taste leaves my mouth, and can speak without bias.

Response by PO1 Steve Holt made Apr 22 at 2016 3:26 PM

PO1 Steve Holt — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 15:26:41 -0400

Well I liked the closeness of all the guys on the ship while on deployment. It was like a big family. I really miss being able to talk to someone that know what you are talking about and had done the same things you have. Knowing that you have a buddy watching your back and him knowing you have his. Show me that in the civilian world and I'll be happy again.

Response by MSgt Jason McClish made Jul 23 at 2017 11:14 AM

MSgt Jason McClish — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 11:14:44 -0400

Nothing, I haven't retired or separated yet!

Response by SSG Diane R. made Jul 23 at 2017 12:04 PM

SSG Diane R. — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 12:04:48 -0400

As a old cold warrior, we knew who the enemy was and what they stood for, today that isn't so clear any longer.

Often I think of Pogo's, "we have met the enemy and they are us".

I miss the camaraderie and sense of common purpose. Flying is a great love of mine, and it is very expensive for a civilian to log the kind of hours I did in the military, plus nearly unlimited range practice as I would often volunteer as range NCO.

I watched over my troops like a mother hen, helping them develop into soldiers and leaders filled me with a sense of pride.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 23 at 2017 12:28 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 12:28:59 -0400

The list pretty much covers everything.

Response by SGT Charles H. Hawes made Sep 14 at 2017 11:25 PM

SGT Charles H. Hawes — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 23:25:23 -0400

I miss doing a preflight on my aicraft and flying. My fellow crewchiefs and door gunners. Absolutely the comeradery. Funny thing is how bad i miss pt. Or at least being able to do it. What i don't miss is being on alert and not getting the go. Don't miss chem. Training in 115 degree weather. The usual stuff.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Sep 14 at 2017 11:28 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 23:28:54 -0400

If I had to pick one thing it would be the brotherhood and camaraderie ... OK, I miss being at sea as well ...

Response by SPC Westly Burgos made Jan 11 at 2020 11:37 AM

SPC Westly Burgos — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 11:37:47 -0500

The brotherhood, and knowing I can count on them if needed, job security, didn’t have to pick out work clothes. Experiencing different cultures first hand, that was amazing. Having a drinking buddy is nice. I don’t miss being away from my family.