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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 was medically retired June 2012 after 23 years in the Guard. (I was also a title 32 dual status tech of 20 yrs service)
My unit had to have a updated PRL (last one on record was from 2004, just before we deployed) I knew my doctor wasn't going to let things slide this time. I had already had two surgery's on my left knee (pre-deployment) had to have my left shoulder rebuilt (post deployment. My gun truck was a cruel mistress lol) and was having severe back problems. (just never said anything about it)
Needless to say, doc did the PRL and I knew it was the end. I took the PRL to the unit and within six weeks I had my separation orders. I didn't want to go, it's all I ever wanted to do, but all things must come to a end. I still miss it. I would still be in if I could.
Admittedly though I am to tore up to do it. There's days I have a hard time getting out of a chair and walking let alone do a pt test or keep climbing up and down on trucks and repairing them. (blown/torn discs was the major cause of separation.)
My unit had to have a updated PRL (last one on record was from 2004, just before we deployed) I knew my doctor wasn't going to let things slide this time. I had already had two surgery's on my left knee (pre-deployment) had to have my left shoulder rebuilt (post deployment. My gun truck was a cruel mistress lol) and was having severe back problems. (just never said anything about it)
Needless to say, doc did the PRL and I knew it was the end. I took the PRL to the unit and within six weeks I had my separation orders. I didn't want to go, it's all I ever wanted to do, but all things must come to a end. I still miss it. I would still be in if I could.
Admittedly though I am to tore up to do it. There's days I have a hard time getting out of a chair and walking let alone do a pt test or keep climbing up and down on trucks and repairing them. (blown/torn discs was the major cause of separation.)
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PO3 Stephanie Veselka
I hear you on the back problems. No one really believes you anyway it seemed for me anyway. I ended up with degenerative disc disease that matched the wear and tear of a 50 year old when I was 24. Nothing else notable in my medical record, but I had to be lying about it. I probably would have kept that wicked pain back then to myself had I had anything substantial enough to fall back on.
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SSG Charles Langlois
Well that's just it Stephanie, other than my knee surgeries there was nothing in my record because while we were deployed I never went to sick call for anything. I just figured that being "older" (was 34 when we deployed) and running the number of convoy escort missions that I was that it was just "aches and pains". No need to go to sick call for that all they will do is give you some ibuprofen and tell you to drink more water. Once we got back and I was having more and more problems that's when I found out my left shoulder needed to be fixed (torn labrum but according to the specialist it was the worst one he ever saw) but the VA said nothing was wrong with my back. Finally late 2011 I went to my family doctor and he sent me in for MRI and nerve testing. nerve tests came back that yup, have nerve damage causing the numbness in my legs. MRI showed the blown/torn discs. (oh, and the degenerative disc disease but considering being a heavy truck mechanic for over 20 years it wasn't a surprise)
Now mind you, none of this was in my med records. Besides, reserve component has a way of losing records at the unit sometimes. After all the MRI's and testing that's when the unit decides it wants a current PRL. After all of that testing and such then people believed nope, you're not trying to pull a fast one, you're legit. I love how the military always looks at someone as guilty until proven innocent but, when so many have pulled fast ones can't blame the military for being skeptical either. (not saying you are/was trying to pull a fast one...)
Now mind you, none of this was in my med records. Besides, reserve component has a way of losing records at the unit sometimes. After all the MRI's and testing that's when the unit decides it wants a current PRL. After all of that testing and such then people believed nope, you're not trying to pull a fast one, you're legit. I love how the military always looks at someone as guilty until proven innocent but, when so many have pulled fast ones can't blame the military for being skeptical either. (not saying you are/was trying to pull a fast one...)
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1. I joined the Navy to see the world (That I did) 2 Westpac's 2 Med cruises
2. After I left active duty and joined the Reserves, I knew that I was a dinosaur in this new
PC Orwellian Navy!
3. Some of the people who were fast-tracked promoted were blooming idiots who had
no intention of making the Navy better by doing their fair share or helping their juniors
during their struggles were put in charge.
4. An last when I became an Leading Petty Officer of my department, In my day if a sailor had to miss a drill, he would let his LPO know first not try to do an end-run to the CO or not call at all and be excused by the CO, that's when I left the apple orchard. Lol!
I decided
2. After I left active duty and joined the Reserves, I knew that I was a dinosaur in this new
PC Orwellian Navy!
3. Some of the people who were fast-tracked promoted were blooming idiots who had
no intention of making the Navy better by doing their fair share or helping their juniors
during their struggles were put in charge.
4. An last when I became an Leading Petty Officer of my department, In my day if a sailor had to miss a drill, he would let his LPO know first not try to do an end-run to the CO or not call at all and be excused by the CO, that's when I left the apple orchard. Lol!
I decided
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Besides being a few years out from my HYT, I have to admit, GDIT made me an offer I couldn't refuse... So? I became a Contracted Instructor for a couple of years, and took the opportunity (and pay cut) to be a DA Civilian Instructor when the opportunity came... Looking back, I'm glad of the decisions I made that got me to the here and now, especially with the economy being the way it is, Contractor cuts (we lost about 100+ over the past 3 years), and the current and upcoming Military and DAC cuts... I figure I'll probably be employed (safe) for another couple years here before my position gets downsized (Retiree's go first)... And yes... I do miss the military, but don't regret the decision to leave when I did.. But had I stayed in those final 2 - 3 years, I'm unsure where I would be employment wise or financially right now, but the Military was an awesome vehicle that got me to where I needed to where I am, and gave me the opportunity to meet some of the greatest Comrades over 5 branches of service that I have ever known! And I wouldn't have traded that experience for anything!!!
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Yeah I hear you. I signed up in 1988 for Airborne Infantry. This was before the Berlin Wall fell. Short before it fell I had broken my ankle and by the time I got off profile for that, I still had issues with that. At Company-level we all knew military cuts were coming so no one was listen to little old E-2 me when I went on Sick call to complain about problems with my foot and ankle afterwards. So I got chaptered, but at the time the cut from dramatic of the Cold War were already felt in the on Fort Bragg. Several people were let go and by the time I was chaptered I was done fighting to be honest. It seemed politically people were looking for ways to get rid of the 6th, 7th, and 9th Infantry Divisions at the time. There talks of more troop cuts, but they were put on hold. Who knew in couple months someone in Middle East would attempt to acquire some more oil.
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I joined for different reasons, and stayed for different reasons. I wound up retiring with 29 years, 2 months, and 5 days of total service, of which 25 was on active duty. I was commissioned in 1986, but in the late 1990s, I was pretty much where you were in my frustration level. I found myself in the position of either having to become the kind of political animal I despised, or just let sh*t happen. Fortunately , I was in an occupational field (IT) that enabled me to exercise influence in ways not many could and contribute in ways that didn't require ammo (actually, I'll admit that as an officer I was in a better position to get mad and say "Oh, hell no. They're not going to do this to my Army"). While I somewhat regret how the leadership at my last assignment chose to handle informing me that I was no longer needed, at the end of it all, I feel that I did my duty (as I'm sure do), I did it professionally, and faded away on my own terms.
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I spent a year in college, had no idea why I was there, what I wanted to do, and some how ended up in an Army recruit office. The few MOS I liked, intelligence for one, were six year commitments, but infantry, with 36 months guaranteed in Hawaii, drew me in. I loved the idea of serving my country in the army as i tried to figure out the big picture for myself in life. Basic and AIT were somewhat of a joke, breezed through, was easy to adapt, loved my time in Hawaii, especially training deployments to Thailand for Cobra Gold, S. Korea for Team Spirit, and Japan for Orient Shield. Tried to get back into college, but realized I still was clueless still, so I changed my MOS to the medical side, literally for the ability to live in coed barracks, yeah was directionless still, but luckily I was a good soldier and better leader, and took my responsibilities and duties of the job seriously. When the BDUs were off, that's another story. 9 more years, and some pretty extensive wear and tear on my spine, and I was medically discharged for degenerative disc disease. wasn't prepared for that, but it was the right thing to do, no way I'd lasted leading from a desk, which is what I was looking at, though I was out of combat arms, I was in field units 7 of my 9 years in on the medical side, Med Bn, MASH, CSH, etc....NBC NCO, PLT SGT, Sqd ldr, Ops NCO, Training NCO, movement NCO, and my fav forced protection NCO, which was challenging at JRTC for my little unit at the time. 25 countries in 12 years, duty stations in 25th ID, 101st Airborne (twice), 93rd Med Bde Germany...what a great experience, took so much pride, and still do, in my time in the Army, still in touch with quite a few friends, though I've been out for 15 yrs. Never did find my direction until about 3 years out of the military, would have never found it if I wouldn't have had that time in the army.
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I retired after 22years, 14+ as a Special Operations flyer. For me it came down to a choice between family and work...this time family won.
I was stationed at Cannon AFB, in Eastern New Mexico. I helped stand up the AFOSC presence in the new location, and after four and a half years (3 Wing Commanders, 3 Group Commanders, and 3 Squadron commanders later), returned from my 4th deployment from that location and asked my squadron commander to approve my PCS to one of three locations. He said no, and I said goodbye.
For those who know nothing about Cannon AFB, I recommend you Google it. It is approximately 120 miles from anywhere. The nearest town of any size is either Lubbock TX or Amarillo TX. Roswell is 90 miles away, but it is little more than a bump in the road. The schools are horrific, the locals only care about sticking their hands in your pocket, and your shopping choices boil down to Walmart, Walmart, or the commisary (if you can find anything after the retirees get finished with the shelves).
I saw the writing on the wall politically, and decided that it was time to get my family to someplace where my son would have a fighting chance of getting into a decent college, and my wife would be able to pursue her art career.
Cheers
Wayne
I was stationed at Cannon AFB, in Eastern New Mexico. I helped stand up the AFOSC presence in the new location, and after four and a half years (3 Wing Commanders, 3 Group Commanders, and 3 Squadron commanders later), returned from my 4th deployment from that location and asked my squadron commander to approve my PCS to one of three locations. He said no, and I said goodbye.
For those who know nothing about Cannon AFB, I recommend you Google it. It is approximately 120 miles from anywhere. The nearest town of any size is either Lubbock TX or Amarillo TX. Roswell is 90 miles away, but it is little more than a bump in the road. The schools are horrific, the locals only care about sticking their hands in your pocket, and your shopping choices boil down to Walmart, Walmart, or the commisary (if you can find anything after the retirees get finished with the shelves).
I saw the writing on the wall politically, and decided that it was time to get my family to someplace where my son would have a fighting chance of getting into a decent college, and my wife would be able to pursue her art career.
Cheers
Wayne
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I was a frocked E4 active Navy in 86.
All set for my next 3 years in a gravy shore duty.
1. "I want to move back home to be closer to my parents." We were divorced 6 months later.
2. The Navy took away beards. I was really looking forward to a beard now that I'd made PO3. Boy, what an important reason that was.
Finally got off my @$$ and went back in the reserves nearly 20 years later.
Best decision I made in 2005. 8 years later I still think so.
All set for my next 3 years in a gravy shore duty.
1. "I want to move back home to be closer to my parents." We were divorced 6 months later.
2. The Navy took away beards. I was really looking forward to a beard now that I'd made PO3. Boy, what an important reason that was.
Finally got off my @$$ and went back in the reserves nearly 20 years later.
Best decision I made in 2005. 8 years later I still think so.
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PO1 (Join to see)
10 years in the reserves. Still the best decision ever.
I only wish I could go Active Duty but that's a hell of a sticky hoop to jump through.
I only wish I could go Active Duty but that's a hell of a sticky hoop to jump through.
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I spent almost 8 years, doing construction, in the Navy Sea Bees and loved it.
I was single most of that time. I served in combat twice and I have seen much of the world.
After a few years of marriage my wife and I were talking about starting a family and I didn't want to leave them every time I had to deploy. It wasn't a tough choice for me.
The military gave my life stucture, direction and a strong sence of leadership.
I was single most of that time. I served in combat twice and I have seen much of the world.
After a few years of marriage my wife and I were talking about starting a family and I didn't want to leave them every time I had to deploy. It wasn't a tough choice for me.
The military gave my life stucture, direction and a strong sence of leadership.
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Retired after 30 years and 1 day. Would have done 2 more years, but after a 3 1/2 year tour of flying to see the family on holidays and every 3-4 months, I wanted to get closer to home. Head shed wanted me to go to one of two places more distant from my family. He wasn't even aware that I would retire because I could, he should have looked at my OMPF. Miss the Soldiers and Families but not political leaders like him. Happy now employing veterans daily.
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