Posted on Feb 26, 2014
Why did you join the military? Why did you leave?
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I sought a commission because I felt called to serve. On 9/11/01 I was in the seventh grade attending class in Northern Virginia. I saw how the attack on the Pentagon affected my community. My friends lost parents. I consider myself a Patriot, and as an able-bodied young man, I joined the Infantry because it is where I thought I could have the most direct impact on the mission, and on Soldiers. <br><br>Having served for a couple of years now, I've learned that the military isn't exactly what I expected. Leading Soldiers is the greatest privilege I've ever known and they humble me every day. <br><br>Our priorities as an institution, however, seem a little off-base, at times. The bureaucratic processes of this organization often seem to take precedence over the mission, and our Soldiers. Power-point slides, CUBs, BUBs and DUBs seem more important than executing tough, realistic training. <br><br>All of this has left me questioning my future in the military. I want nothing more than a simple career, serving this Nation and the honorable young men and women of it's Army. <br><br>I'm too new at this to be jaded. Am I just a young lieutenant who needs to shut up and get with the program? Or have others had these same concerns, and perhaps even left service as a result?<br><br>Please be professional and constructive.<br>
Service
ETS/EAS
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 88
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I joined the Marine Corps because my brother who I looked up to was in. I saw a lot of respect that was aimed towards him, so I left as soon as I could 17 yrs old.
I left the military due to the draw down, seeing the companies in my unit being disbanded I knew it was only going to get worse for promotion. If they cut a battalion that was a couple more MGSgt billets they wouldn't need. I was at nine years and decided, that I am no where near retirement, that I would get out and use my specialties in weapon systems to get a job. So I got out and fell flat on my face, because the defense industry isn't doing so hot either. Still picking myself up from that fall. Haha
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I joined at 17 out of a sense of pride and patriotism. My 5x Great Grandfather was born in Virginia in the 1760's and someone from every generation has served the country. I discharged at 27 due to cut backs in the Clinton administration. I have regretted not serving a full 20 ever since.
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I'm still in. Just hit 10 year mark and will continue momentum. I take a lot of pride in service. I love guaranteed pay and benefits and not being affected by sequestration or shutdown BS. While in service I continuously find more who I am, I give and expect respect not just rank-based, but also human-human. I could not ask God for a better place both physically and spiritually to be at.
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My response is simple...to get away from my ex wife. Then, after a little while, I realized that I was pretty good at it and decided to stick around.
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A lot people will try you I joined for the education benefits, I had no job or in a dead end job, I had to, my parents did, 911 happened, or ect.... Not a lot of people will tell you I joined, because I wanted to service my country. I know no other way noble way to service my country.
The reason I left active duty is, because the US Navy told me to take my blocks and go pay elsewhere. I was not able to Re-Enlist, because of HYT. But that is OK. I joined the US Navy Reserve and now I am able to use my training (millions of dollars spent on me) that I received while on active duty in another role.
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Great question. I joined because I knew I had to do something that wasn't the normal situation that I saw everyone getting lost in and there were 5 kids in our family. In regard to your reasons for contemplating leaving, that's always up to you.
In my experience as a SPC, I was tired of the same boring training and got bored. My 1SG gut checked me (as they tend to do). "If you are unhappy with the way things are going, place yourself in a position to change it," so I stayed and influenced my team and leaders where I could. But the bureaucratic nonsense will always be there.
I left because I accomplished what I wanted to within the military and found a great company and just life changes.
Regardless if you retire at 20+ or resign your commission after your MSO, you will always miss it.
Thanks for your service,
-Arron
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Joined because Sallie Mae was beating my door down, the economy was terrible, and I was working two dead end jobs. Enlisting was always my last chance plan, and I pulled the trigger prematurely. I figured nothing else was working out why not give it a shot.
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1SG Edward Tushar
And how do you feel now? As a recruiter I had many parents tell me that the military was a last ditch option. I took offense to it but I understand the mind set and did my best to show them why it should be a first option. I hope you are doing well now in the military.
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From the time I was 5 years old I wanted to be a Soldier, when I was in high school I wanted to attend West Point and received a nomination but was ultimately not accepted due to a high volume of candidates at the time. So after attending college for a couple of years and treading water I decided to enlist after talking to a recruiter that called the house looking to talk to my brother who had graduated the year before. Had the opportunity to apply for OCS after arriving at my 1st duty station and even took the OSB but ultimately decided to remain as an enlisted Soldier. I retired after 26 years because I hit my RCP, I guess I became too "old" with too much time in to get selected for MSG, so I did my 26 years and reluctantly retired. All in all, very few regrets, many great memories and a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
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I join because I saw my best friend died in front of me, that why I join to protect people
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Retirement. Though in my corps in the Air Force, I might not even be able to reach high year tenure (20 yrs for Maj). They can force separate us if we don't make LTC. I entered with a doctorate degree and because I'm not in the "Medical Corps" I won't automatically promote to LTC. My uncertain future (54% promotion rate) confuses every decision I make. I just want to stay.
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