What is the one thing you would redo if you could with your military self?

PFC Donnie Harold Harris — Tue, 28 May 2019 19:28:19 -0400

While you served.

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made May 28 at 2019 7:31 PM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Tue, 28 May 2019 19:31:19 -0400

Tell the USAF guy to get lost and join another branch...

Response by SFC Stephen P. made May 28 at 2019 8:01 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Tue, 28 May 2019 20:01:04 -0400

Re-classed to 33W (now 35T) when I had the chance.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 28 at 2019 8:45 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 28 May 2019 20:45:00 -0400

That is an interesting question. There are many things that I might be tempted to redo given the chance, but I'm very happy with my life today. Any change of any kind might prevent the ultimate conclusions that I've reached. Even marrying the bride from hell had its purpose. I accomplished much in my brief military career (just 5.5 years active duty) and I wanted more. But my path to those accomplishments left many bruised egos in my wake and I was sent back to civilian life. Again, I might be tempted to make different decisions, avoided bruising those egos, but then I might not have accomplished what I did and still be sent packing. Who knows? Why take the chance? No, I made my bed. I'll lie in it...

Response by SGT Matthew S. made May 28 at 2019 9:40 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Tue, 28 May 2019 21:40:39 -0400

Nothing as a whole, but with the benefit of hindsight and more years of experience behind me, there were a number of items that I could have done better at - especially as an NCO.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 29 at 2019 12:01 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 29 May 2019 00:01:25 -0400

Many things come after you really needed them. The most tragic for me was the suicide prevention skills were pushed out many years after I really needed them. Back in the day, we'd walk away because we didn't know what else to do. At some point, people figured out people were worth saving. Based on current trends, we still have a long way to go. Second place goes to Title VII Law stuff that was years too late again, hence I had to live through periods of helplessness in the face of people suffering. If there is a trend, it's my nature of taking care of people and being most profoundly ripped when I couldn't. I don't play that woulda, coulda, shoulda game as it'd be destructive. I'm just glad there's a better grip on this stuff nowadays.

Response by MSgt Lawrence Daley made May 29 at 2019 4:27 AM

MSgt Lawrence Daley — Wed, 29 May 2019 04:27:30 -0400

I would have pushed to deploy more as I think that is where you get the experience not in the rear. I also would have looked more into commissioning opportunities. The military in general is always looking for sharp enlisted personnel who are career oriented and have or want to get an education. it takes those who have found their niche in the military and want to make a difference. I am very proud of my time as an enlisted person but I sometimes thought I should have looked into commissioning programs.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2019 7:07 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 May 2019 19:07:32 -0400

I’d probably do mostly the same things. Approximately the same career path. Except I believe I should have joined the Navy. The Marine Corps and I never really saw eye to eye on a lot of things. After spending so many years at Navy schools, I think I’d have been more suited there.

Response by MSgt Brian Williams made May 30 at 2019 1:17 PM

MSgt Brian Williams — Thu, 30 May 2019 13:17:11 -0400

Taken an assignment to The Netherlands sooner and never left.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jun 5 at 2019 11:43 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 11:43:47 -0400

Gone to Ranger school.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Apr 11 at 2022 2:21 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:21:42 -0400

What Would I Change.?
Holy Shit Dude,...... I Was In The AIR FORCE...
CHANGE,?... Ya Gotta Be Kidd'In...
We're ALREADY At The Top Of The Food Chain;
And Perfection Is Hard To Beat,
Go Away,: I'm Eating Air Force FILET MIGNON
LEAVE ! !

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 11 at 2022 9:00 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 21:00:39 -0400

I should have had more empathy for soldiers who had mental and emotional issues.