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

Taken an assignment to The Netherlands sooner and never left.

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...

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 ! !

Gone to Ranger school.