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When I joined the Army in August of 1990, I did so for a few reasons:
1. I've always been VERY politically aware about what was happening in the world. I've always striven to learn the facts and not be a knee jerk reactionary.
2. It SERIOUSLY pissed me off to see that Saddam Hussein thought he could just cross a border and take whatever the f*ck he wanted.
3. If I'm honest with you, I was 22 years old and in need of direction in my life. Discipline I had, direction I was lacking.
For those three primary reasons, (of course, there are many more), I spent exactly 7 days in the DEP and shipped out to basic almost as fast as I had signed up.
I was a willing warrior! I was eager to fight for and defend our American way of life. It took me just under 3 years to figure out that my own Government didn't hold the same viewpoint.
The final straw came about 3 years into my enlistment, when the guys and I, (including my E-7 - a helluva guy!) were playing poker in the barracks one night and we started talking about the only thing everyone on post was talking about...the impending visit of Pat Schroeder (D - Colorado) who was a member of the House Armed Services Committee. She was on a tour of all the 3rd ID and was going to make recommendations to President (cough) Clinton about base closures in Germany.
To make a long story short, months later, we, the soldiers of Ferris Barracks, Germany, couldn't even fiscally afford to go on live fire exercise at Grafenwoehr because we couldn't afford the ammunition for our rifles, much less the rounds for the BFV's and the M1A1's. Previously, we had completed this training, without fail, twice a year for about 6 weeks at a time.
To me, that was the writing on the wall. If my own government wasn't going to give us the ammunition needed to train effectively, then I saw no reason to dedicate the next 25 years of my life to that way of thinking...and I got the hell out.
If you didn't serve until retirement, for what reason did you decide to ETS?
PS. Up until the time I actually applied for early release, my E-7 (poker buddy) was CONVINCED that I was going to re-up, because I was a good soldier. For the record, I was a DAMN good soldier; I entered service as an E-1 and in under 3 years made E-4. But my E-7 failed to understand the depth of my conviction on this matter - either give me the tools and training to fight, or f*ck off. I'm no ones political football.
1. I've always been VERY politically aware about what was happening in the world. I've always striven to learn the facts and not be a knee jerk reactionary.
2. It SERIOUSLY pissed me off to see that Saddam Hussein thought he could just cross a border and take whatever the f*ck he wanted.
3. If I'm honest with you, I was 22 years old and in need of direction in my life. Discipline I had, direction I was lacking.
For those three primary reasons, (of course, there are many more), I spent exactly 7 days in the DEP and shipped out to basic almost as fast as I had signed up.
I was a willing warrior! I was eager to fight for and defend our American way of life. It took me just under 3 years to figure out that my own Government didn't hold the same viewpoint.
The final straw came about 3 years into my enlistment, when the guys and I, (including my E-7 - a helluva guy!) were playing poker in the barracks one night and we started talking about the only thing everyone on post was talking about...the impending visit of Pat Schroeder (D - Colorado) who was a member of the House Armed Services Committee. She was on a tour of all the 3rd ID and was going to make recommendations to President (cough) Clinton about base closures in Germany.
To make a long story short, months later, we, the soldiers of Ferris Barracks, Germany, couldn't even fiscally afford to go on live fire exercise at Grafenwoehr because we couldn't afford the ammunition for our rifles, much less the rounds for the BFV's and the M1A1's. Previously, we had completed this training, without fail, twice a year for about 6 weeks at a time.
To me, that was the writing on the wall. If my own government wasn't going to give us the ammunition needed to train effectively, then I saw no reason to dedicate the next 25 years of my life to that way of thinking...and I got the hell out.
If you didn't serve until retirement, for what reason did you decide to ETS?
PS. Up until the time I actually applied for early release, my E-7 (poker buddy) was CONVINCED that I was going to re-up, because I was a good soldier. For the record, I was a DAMN good soldier; I entered service as an E-1 and in under 3 years made E-4. But my E-7 failed to understand the depth of my conviction on this matter - either give me the tools and training to fight, or f*ck off. I'm no ones political football.
Re-enlistment
Transition
ETS/EAS
Training
Politics
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 173
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I strongly had problems with flying into Iraq without so much as firing our rifles and them actually taking our ammo from us for the flight in on the C-130 at 0Dark:Thirty…. one of the three planes took on fire. Lets say one went down…. those who survived the crash (presuming any would and it's very possible)… they wouldn't have any ammo to fight when the "insurgents showed up at the crash site. There were over a dozen instances that really got under my skin.
However I was injured non-combat PT and had a few surgeries after what would equivocate to medical malpractice and eventually separated under medical.
I was under further duress having a family and given no time to work towards my separation and job hunting after 11 years of service as a Sgt with no bad paperwork and several awards and great production within my MOS and collateral duties…. I was still treated like shit by some crappy SNCOs and officers as a broke dick to be used to the last ounce meanwhile LCpl TitsMcGee could leave work almost daily for school, skip PT and fail PFTs. There are a lot of people that stay in the military because they like the job security and to abuse their power. Sadly I watched some top notch truly amazing Marine SNCOs and Officers leave long before retirement with 10-17 years in because they were sick of it. It breaks your heart but you do what you can and you keep trucking and helping your Troops.
Even with some of the shitty things that I witnessed and/or went through I still hold many of the Marines, Sailors and Soldiers deer in my heart. Many of them were truly dedicated and salt of the earth that I would trust my life with.
However I was injured non-combat PT and had a few surgeries after what would equivocate to medical malpractice and eventually separated under medical.
I was under further duress having a family and given no time to work towards my separation and job hunting after 11 years of service as a Sgt with no bad paperwork and several awards and great production within my MOS and collateral duties…. I was still treated like shit by some crappy SNCOs and officers as a broke dick to be used to the last ounce meanwhile LCpl TitsMcGee could leave work almost daily for school, skip PT and fail PFTs. There are a lot of people that stay in the military because they like the job security and to abuse their power. Sadly I watched some top notch truly amazing Marine SNCOs and Officers leave long before retirement with 10-17 years in because they were sick of it. It breaks your heart but you do what you can and you keep trucking and helping your Troops.
Even with some of the shitty things that I witnessed and/or went through I still hold many of the Marines, Sailors and Soldiers deer in my heart. Many of them were truly dedicated and salt of the earth that I would trust my life with.
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The military has lost its way. I could no longer identify with what it has become from what it was in 1982 when I joined. Mission accomplishment at any cost was more important than what is right and morale. We used to have a servant leadership style and now it is a blame down style while maintaining a tight control over their subordinates. Soldiers went from fellow human beings to equipment on a supply line. I still love the Army and miss aspects of the life but after 32 years it was time.
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In my case it was High Year Tenure (HYT). It was time to go and let someone else get my slot. I was instrumental in recommending to the Commander the person I felt was able to perform at my position. I felt good with this person being selected to go into my slot. I retired with my head held high BUT never looked back. It was time to enter into a new era. RallyPoint has given me the opportunity to reflect on past experiences with so many others who shared my experiences in their own branch of service.
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SPC (Join to see) SPC Tousley, you are on point regarding feeling like another pawn in the political game of our government and joining the military for direction.
I joined the Navy with my twin sister after we graduated high school. I really didn't know what to do with my life and since my dad always talked highly of the military, I thought this was a good option.
Just like you, I was a DAMN good Sailor/Airman. In under 3 years I made Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4) as a Launch and Recovery Tech.
The first two years were the BEST two years of my enlistment. After that, it went down hill. I noticed things were starting to become too political and the freedom and fun of the "old school" military life was slowly fading. "Out with the old and in with the New" - new rules, new regulations and new restrictions, not to mention a poor quality of life and poor morale. The Navy doesn't know how to treat their people very well.
What broke the straw on the camel's back was more of a personal occurrence and issue than anything. I was a very angry and bitter woman when I left the USS Carl Vinson. There was NO WAY in HELL I'd re-enlist and go on another Westpac or be stationed on a floating city longer than I had to.
I mean, I would have probably stayed in because I loved being on the flight deck. There was nothing better than be launch aircraft off the catapults. However, things just became very bad at the end of my tour so I left.
Shortly after the events of 9/11, the military bearing flooded back into my soul and I decided to go back in the military. I decided to cross over into the Air Force and went in with many other prior service member from all branches during that time. It was fun being a prior service member and messing with the boots/pipeline students! I had a great transition into the AF and immediately fell in love with the culture and everything the Air Force had to offer.
What made me get out of the AF was due to the fact that I am a Navy vet, first and foremost, and I could not adapt to the culture and Air Force way of life.
People were getting on my DAMN nerves complaining and whining and crying and with a Navy attitude and mentality, I couldn't handle the bitching (still can't handle it today.) I had a hard time adjusting. Sometimes, I still do.
After awhile, I just got tired of it all - the politics, the constant rules and regulations and instability.
I decided to serve in another capacity as a federal employee/government civilian so that is how I still serve our FINE country today.
I joined the Navy with my twin sister after we graduated high school. I really didn't know what to do with my life and since my dad always talked highly of the military, I thought this was a good option.
Just like you, I was a DAMN good Sailor/Airman. In under 3 years I made Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4) as a Launch and Recovery Tech.
The first two years were the BEST two years of my enlistment. After that, it went down hill. I noticed things were starting to become too political and the freedom and fun of the "old school" military life was slowly fading. "Out with the old and in with the New" - new rules, new regulations and new restrictions, not to mention a poor quality of life and poor morale. The Navy doesn't know how to treat their people very well.
What broke the straw on the camel's back was more of a personal occurrence and issue than anything. I was a very angry and bitter woman when I left the USS Carl Vinson. There was NO WAY in HELL I'd re-enlist and go on another Westpac or be stationed on a floating city longer than I had to.
I mean, I would have probably stayed in because I loved being on the flight deck. There was nothing better than be launch aircraft off the catapults. However, things just became very bad at the end of my tour so I left.
Shortly after the events of 9/11, the military bearing flooded back into my soul and I decided to go back in the military. I decided to cross over into the Air Force and went in with many other prior service member from all branches during that time. It was fun being a prior service member and messing with the boots/pipeline students! I had a great transition into the AF and immediately fell in love with the culture and everything the Air Force had to offer.
What made me get out of the AF was due to the fact that I am a Navy vet, first and foremost, and I could not adapt to the culture and Air Force way of life.
People were getting on my DAMN nerves complaining and whining and crying and with a Navy attitude and mentality, I couldn't handle the bitching (still can't handle it today.) I had a hard time adjusting. Sometimes, I still do.
After awhile, I just got tired of it all - the politics, the constant rules and regulations and instability.
I decided to serve in another capacity as a federal employee/government civilian so that is how I still serve our FINE country today.
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SPC (Join to see) SPC Tousley, you are on point regarding feeling like another pawn in the political game of our government and joining the military for direction.
I joined the Navy with my twin sister after we graduated high school. I really didn't know what to do with my life and since my dad always talked highly of the military, I thought this was a good option.
Just like you, I was a DAMN good Sailor/Airman. In under 3 years I made Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4) as a Launch and Recovery Tech.
The first two years were the BEST two years of my enlistment. After that, it went down hill. I noticed things were starting to become too political and the freedom and fun of the "old school" military life was slowly fading. "Out with the old and in with the New" - new rules, new regulations and new restrictions, not to mention a poor quality of life and poor morale. The Navy doesn't know how to treat their people very well.
What broke the straw on the camel's back was more of a personal occurrence and issue than anything. I was a very angry and bitter woman when I left the USS Carl Vinson. There was NO WAY in HELL I'd re-enlist and go on another Westpac or be stationed on a floating city longer than I had to.
I mean, I would have probably stayed in because I loved being on the flight deck. There was nothing better than to launch aircraft off the catapults. However, things just became very bad at the end of my tour so I left.
Shortly after the events of 9/11, the military bearing flooded back into my soul and I decided to go back in the military. I decided to cross over into the Air Force and went in with many other prior service members from all branches during that time. It was fun being a prior service member and messing with the boots/pipeline students! I had a great transition into the AF and immediately fell in love with the culture and everything the Air Force had to offer.
What made me get out of the AF was due to the fact that I am a Navy vet, first and foremost, and I could not adapt to the culture and Air Force way of life.
People were getting on my DAMN nerves complaining and whining and crying and with a Navy attitude and mentality, I couldn't handle the bitching (still can't handle it today.) I had a hard time adjusting. Sometimes, I still do.
After awhile, I just got tired of it all - the politics, the constant rules and regulations and instability.
I decided to serve in another capacity as a federal employee/government civilian so that is how I still serve our FINE country today.
I joined the Navy with my twin sister after we graduated high school. I really didn't know what to do with my life and since my dad always talked highly of the military, I thought this was a good option.
Just like you, I was a DAMN good Sailor/Airman. In under 3 years I made Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4) as a Launch and Recovery Tech.
The first two years were the BEST two years of my enlistment. After that, it went down hill. I noticed things were starting to become too political and the freedom and fun of the "old school" military life was slowly fading. "Out with the old and in with the New" - new rules, new regulations and new restrictions, not to mention a poor quality of life and poor morale. The Navy doesn't know how to treat their people very well.
What broke the straw on the camel's back was more of a personal occurrence and issue than anything. I was a very angry and bitter woman when I left the USS Carl Vinson. There was NO WAY in HELL I'd re-enlist and go on another Westpac or be stationed on a floating city longer than I had to.
I mean, I would have probably stayed in because I loved being on the flight deck. There was nothing better than to launch aircraft off the catapults. However, things just became very bad at the end of my tour so I left.
Shortly after the events of 9/11, the military bearing flooded back into my soul and I decided to go back in the military. I decided to cross over into the Air Force and went in with many other prior service members from all branches during that time. It was fun being a prior service member and messing with the boots/pipeline students! I had a great transition into the AF and immediately fell in love with the culture and everything the Air Force had to offer.
What made me get out of the AF was due to the fact that I am a Navy vet, first and foremost, and I could not adapt to the culture and Air Force way of life.
People were getting on my DAMN nerves complaining and whining and crying and with a Navy attitude and mentality, I couldn't handle the bitching (still can't handle it today.) I had a hard time adjusting. Sometimes, I still do.
After awhile, I just got tired of it all - the politics, the constant rules and regulations and instability.
I decided to serve in another capacity as a federal employee/government civilian so that is how I still serve our FINE country today.
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I had been in the Air Force during Viet Nam. I helped build Phu Cat AFB there, with the 819th Civil Engineering Squadron, 678-68. Later, I joined the army and I served as a 19EB8 tanker, back and forth from the US to Germany; 9 years in Germany all together. Those were long years. After 20, I decided to retire.
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SFC Walter Brazelton, Newcastle, WA
To excel in the Boeing after retiring from the Army with 21 years, one month one day. Now I have retired from the Boeing Co with 21 years.Now I am enjoying life in Newcastle, WA. Traveling to Germay, Hawaii and places in between.
To excel in the Boeing after retiring from the Army with 21 years, one month one day. Now I have retired from the Boeing Co with 21 years.Now I am enjoying life in Newcastle, WA. Traveling to Germay, Hawaii and places in between.
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Sadly for my self it was not my choice. I joined in June of 05 basic, t-school, then off to the 10th MTN at Drum. In febuary of 06 shortly after my arrival we were sent to Afghanistan. While in Afghanistan I slipped out of a foothold on the aft pilon on a ch-47D and fell. I crushed my L-5, twisted my hips, and gained nerve damage down the left side of my body. To this day I miss " the suck" and wish I could return.
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following Desert Storm the downsizing of the military with forced retirement/ETS made career NCOs back stab one another to get ahead. Treatment of the troops was deplorable to help them advance or just keep their jobs. I wasn't accepting of this behavior by my fellow NCOs. Mission First, People Always! I took care of my troops and they took care of me. When i could no longer be a barrier between them and the politicking going on i had to go. Of course a much longer story, but all the same, i left and everyday wish it had been different.
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I was thrown out. I was only 25 lbs. over weight. I was BFV driver and loved it was learning the weapons system when they booted me, and it was my Plt. Sgt. that set me up for failer. they were told find the ones that were problems or trouble makers. So their solution was to get rid of the "fat" guy who wanted to be their and keep the ones who were drug users and alcoholics (several of them got busted several times for DUI) and did not want to be their. When i got out they were bringing 3rd ID back from Germany and disbanding the 24th.
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