What is one thing you wish you would have known before you retired or separated?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 15:13:38 -0500

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2020 3:33 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 15:33:37 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Captain, I had a plan with goals and followed them. My plan was to complete my enlistment, find a good job, go to school, obtain my degree, and work at my dream job. I followed my plan and retired after 33 years.

A factor in my decision to leave active duty after four years was the bad drug problem. I was disgusted that the Marine Corps was not doing enough to clean up the drug problem. On July, 1, 1975, the Twenty-sixth Commandant, General Lewis H. Wilson, took office. He proceeded to clean up the drug problem.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Nov 3 at 2020 3:48 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 15:48:26 -0500

I wish I had known more about educational benefits for veterans. Although most people are aware of the GI Bill, additional programs also exist

https://www.va.gov/education/

VA education and training benefits | Veterans Affairs

Find out if you're eligible and how to apply for VA education benefits for Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members. VA education and training benefits can help you pay for college tuition, find the right school or training program, get career counseling, and more.

Response by Maj John Bell made Nov 3 at 2020 4:23 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 16:23:08 -0500

Powerball Numbers

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Nov 3 at 2020 7:12 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 19:12:05 -0500

That in a few years I would actually miss the military! All I cared about when I finished my four year hitch was getting out and going to school for my degree. The few years turned into many with a family and not enough time as it was much less the military and continuous transfers over time. But, I believe everything works out for a reason however, most of the time we will never know the reason why things happened.

Response by SSG Greg Miech made Nov 4 at 2020 10:28 AM

SSG Greg Miech — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 10:28:25 -0500

Your infantry and leadership skills will not necessary transfer to the civilian side. List all benefits in place for afterwards you are dropped. A lot of VA help was just worthless.

Response by SMSgt Henry Kiester made Nov 4 at 2020 10:44 AM

SMSgt Henry Kiester — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 10:44:31 -0500

I was a Texas resident, but retired (and remained in) Utah. Texas does not have state income taxes, Utah does - I forgot to change my income withholding, and got an unwelcome $$$ surprise when I filed taxes for the first time as a civilian (again) the following year. I knew, but wish I had been reminded, about state taxes.

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Nov 4 at 2020 11:24 AM

1SG Bill Farmerie — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 11:24:30 -0500

How idiotic the civilian world was!