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I have had this discussion with many of my Army buddies and gotten a variety of interesting responses. For a small number it was their chosen career from the first time they raised their right hand. For others, like me, it was gradual; the Army kept offering something too good to pass up, so you kept signing on the dotted line until you were suddenly a career Soldier and couldn't imagine doing anything else. I have met a few that made the leap after 9/11 and have been in ever since. So what is your story? When did you realize you were in it for the long haul?
Military Career
Retirement
Esprit de Corps
Time in Service
Service
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 23
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End of first enlistment tour, sat down & talked with my chief, I knew I was hooked, I loved being a part of the military
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I envy you guys that figured it out that quick. I could be pushing 28 active right now if I had been that decisive.
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I would say that it was always in the back of my mind that I would be a lifer, that little voice telling me how much more enjoyable this was than Corporate America was before I enlisted. I think I finally realty admitted it around the 7 year mark when I re-enlisted and got married. That was 7 years ago. I did my final re-enlistment 4 years ago and had my father (Vietnam Vet) there for the ceremony, along with my wife and newborn son. The Army has been very good to me and I hope I can repay it over the next 6+ years.
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Glad you could have your dad there for that last one. The repayment happens by just doing your job to the best of your abilities.
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When I renelisted at the 3 year mark. I knew then I wanted to stay in but I wasn't sure if I could handle it. At the 6 year mark I got civilian fever and was ready to ETS. A friend asked me if my civilian job was guaranteed and I said no. He said my Army job was as long as I did what I was supposed to. I re-enlisted and never looked back.
Getting to 10 seemed fast then it slowed down to about 17 now it seems to be speeding up again. LOL.
Getting to 10 seemed fast then it slowed down to about 17 now it seems to be speeding up again. LOL.
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I hear you 1SG. Given the OpTempo over the last decade, it isn't surprising that 10 to 17 seemed slow. LOL
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I enlisted with the full intention of spending at least the next two decades wearing this uniform, but when it really hit home for me was raising my hand for the third time at 11 years. Prior to that we had a "lottery" of sorts to see who was going to get one of the three carreerist slots for re-enlistment. I was nervous because I couldnt see myself doing anything but wear this uniform. When they finally announced that I indeed would be allowed to re-enlist, I was extremely excited and relieved that I would be allowed to stay in.
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My first couple years in the Army were filled with peers and leaders telling me that I was a "lifer". Every time I was asked how long I planned to stay in, my uncertainties with continuing service were met with, "Nah. You're a lifer". While the idea of staying was always an option for me, I'd have to say that it became concrete after reclassing, and coming to the realization that I have almost 9 years time in service. I love what I do, and I have so many opportunities available right now that getting out seems almost foolish.
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Sounds familiar, SSG Perry. My wife still laughs about the number of times I was approaching my reenlistment window and said "That's it! I'm done!" only to have re-up offer me something that sounded like it would be too much fun. They are sneaky like that!
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When I made E5. I realized then that I had crossed over to the lifetime career track and there was no going back. I hit the ten year mark about the same time so it all fell into place pretty nicely.
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Even though I only have 2 years TIS and no one really knows what the future has in store I feel like I am a "Lifer". When I look back at my life my only real regret is not enlisting when I was 18 and joining the Reserves. Even during basic I fell in love with the structure and professionalism this great organization has taught me. I even have my battles telling me "Edmond why did you join the Reserves you should be on active duty" and me telling myself "Civilian life sucks". I listen to my battles every Battle Assembly talking about how they can't wait to ETS. In the back of my mind I'm like who in their right mind voluntarily leaves. Sure things can get real dumb at times, but overall its all worth it.
TL:DR So yea as naïve as it may sound to others despite only 2 years in I can say I realized I wanted to be a "Lifer" sometime during basic.
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SPC Edmond,
You are what my recruiter acquaintances call "an easy sell". :)
Enjoy your career and get everything you can out of it; it's a hell of a ride.
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I came in right out of high school for the college money, re-enlisted once and got out in 99. I came back in immediately after Sep 11th and knew when I raised my hand again I was in it for the long hall. I'm now at 17 years in service and know I'm staying in as long as I can. Not because of the money or benifit's (which don't hurt) but because this is my career. This is what I do for a living I am a professional Soldier and I love my job.
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Most days I feel the same way, SFC Campbell. Occassionally, someone will ask me what I would have done if I hadn't gone career military and I honestly can't answer that question.
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