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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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My feet were killing me and the Soldiers kept getting younger while I got older.
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Because it was time... Enlisted... then reenlisted... then OCS... then 20, then .... well... it was time and MRD was just around the corner...
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SrA Edward Vong
Enlist then reenlist then made Co in 20 yearsl? Wow, you're awesome! And I sincerely mean that. Usually enlisted to officer only make it up to Major maybe LTC. *renders salute*
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COL Charles Williams
SrA Edward Vong - Let me clarify... Enlisted in 80... reenlisted in 83, then OCS 84/85, then 20 in 2000... and my wife thought we were gone, then 25, then 30, then after Brigade Command I was looking at MRD in less then 2 years, and the actual plan was to leave at 30... Until I had a great command opportunity... There were many times, I considered leaving...
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I would have to tell two stories. I left the Army twice and joined a third time. I promise the next time I get out will be the last time.
I got out in June 2004. I returned from Iraq in Jan 2004. I saw a lot and didn't want to return to such a place. I thought I would take my chances in the civilian world
Then I joined again and deployed back to Iraq. I got out right after I got back. I was stop lossed while I was there. The deployment wasn't bad really but I dealt with a lot issues in the unit I was in. I was done and didn't want to deal with it any. I had aspirations of joining the AF to be a CCT but that didn't work out so I went back into the Army NG.
I got out in June 2004. I returned from Iraq in Jan 2004. I saw a lot and didn't want to return to such a place. I thought I would take my chances in the civilian world
Then I joined again and deployed back to Iraq. I got out right after I got back. I was stop lossed while I was there. The deployment wasn't bad really but I dealt with a lot issues in the unit I was in. I was done and didn't want to deal with it any. I had aspirations of joining the AF to be a CCT but that didn't work out so I went back into the Army NG.
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LTC John Mohor
LT,
This time you might want to get your credit for 20 years before you get out the last time. Currently just waiting my 10 years before the checks start rolling in after 26 years service. I miss the people not the paperwork!
This time you might want to get your credit for 20 years before you get out the last time. Currently just waiting my 10 years before the checks start rolling in after 26 years service. I miss the people not the paperwork!
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CPT (Join to see)
LTC John Mohor - I can retire in 8. I would like to keep going to be honest. I don't mind saying till they kick me out. I may jump to the Reserve side possible in favor of rebranching or promotion potential.
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Suspended Profile
Before 911, Junior Officers either had to move up with promotions or were forced out. If you missed the first time with submitting your package, the second round chances were very slim. At the time, I was in a unit that lacked supporting Junior Officers unfortately. My position was BN S4, with a top notch E7 Supply NCO. I had been in several other staff positions in the Battalion before accepting this position, and like most officers, this was my primary job, with many secondaries. A year passed and a new XO came onboard. From the beginning, he didn't like me and it was never known why. The first meeting with him, he told me that I had no business being in an O-3 slot as an O-2. He said he was looking forward to seeing the day I fail. Huh? The guy didn't even know me and apparently didn't read my outstanding military record with awards, commendations, etc. He was just the biggest jerk I was ever associated with in a Staff position. My mission was to take care of the soldiers first. The XO was a disrespectful man as well, disrespected woman and people of other races. He'd constantly berate my E7 and women in the unit; I always addressed him respectfully about the comments. In an attempt to report him to the IG, I discovered the IG was a classmate of his and had no success there. The XO also held up my promotion packet without my knowledge, which ultimately ended my career when the promotion opportunity had passed. A greated than 10 year of which I enjoyed all of it except the end, with exemplary service and performance, receiving several AAMs, ARCOMs, and such from as high as Lieutenant General, I was disappointed that it ended due to the worst officer and human being I had ever worked with. If I hadn't met him or were in a different unit, things would have been much different. I don't regret my service, I only regret having stayed in this unit and allowing this jerk officer to ruin all that I had built.
SSG Ronald Rollins
That just goes to show what I spoke of earlier. Senior people using their rank and position for presonal reasons. Just another example of toxic leadership that is all over the military. And the IG was a fool to go along with it. But what else can you do? Too bad you could not go th the CO. I started carrying a mini tape recorder. And I used it a lot! You would be surprised at what you can capture when they dont think anyone knows! I was basically forced to retire so I had nothing to lose. My commander and 1SG were not very nice. I started bringing the complaints to them. I was told I will be in jail if i did it again. So I went direct to the XO who I served with in germany and Iraq. He was very receptive. A lot of people wound up relieved, moved, and just gone. Before I left I had about 19 senior nco's and some officers put in their place. I loved it.
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1SG Thomas Ross
Ronald,
The reason I left the military is because I retired. I had twenty and half years in as a Air Assault First Sergeant, Drill Sergeant and as a Battle Staffer.
The reason I left the military is because I retired. I had twenty and half years in as a Air Assault First Sergeant, Drill Sergeant and as a Battle Staffer.
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SSG Ronald Rollins
1SG Ross,
Thank you for your service. And I by no means meant that all were not good leaders. I will admit I had some great leaders that did a great job and really cared for the Soldiers. But there is always that 10%. I know I made some mistakes and some real doozies!! But I am glad that when I made those mistakes I had a great NCO or officer there to correct me. And for that I will always be grateful. I see you said you were a Drill Sergeant. That is one job I can see tht will just grind you down. I dont think I could do that. I was an instructor at a basic training post and that was bad enough!!
Thank you for your service. And I by no means meant that all were not good leaders. I will admit I had some great leaders that did a great job and really cared for the Soldiers. But there is always that 10%. I know I made some mistakes and some real doozies!! But I am glad that when I made those mistakes I had a great NCO or officer there to correct me. And for that I will always be grateful. I see you said you were a Drill Sergeant. That is one job I can see tht will just grind you down. I dont think I could do that. I was an instructor at a basic training post and that was bad enough!!
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I wanted to AT LEAST, go 20, but,..... I have Gulf War Illness, so I am100% disabled, and unemployable.
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For me, it was a culture change. The Air Force I joined was no longer the Air Force I was serving in.
I have been blessed by four children. My fourth child came while I was in the midst of medical issues.
My fourth child was born prematurely and had to spend two weeks in the NICU. The same day she was born and we found out that she was having breathing issues my supervisor called me and told me I had to go to a PT test that week. I told him what was going on and his response was "I'm trying to save your F*ing career". To which I responded that my family needed me and they took priority. My daughter was on a breathing machine and that was the response he gave me. My Supervisor claimed that he could not discuss my child's situation with my first shirt because of privacy concerns (which I know to be largely BS primarily because I TOLD him everything that was going on). He said that he would discuss the issues with him but I was able to glean from subsequent conversations that he never did. There were some other unsavory things that I discovered about him foremost amongst them was his blatant hypocrisy. The first shirt wasn't exactly full of integrity either.
Anyways, the response that I got from my supervisor was that the values I had been taught about the whole person concept and taking care of your people no longer held true. It was that point where I decided that my commitment to my family was no longer compatible with service to my country. I had to separate.
In recent years, I feel that what I went through was finally validated by the VA when they gave me a disability rating that proved exactly what my doctor and I had been telling them all along.
I absolutely loved being in the Air Force. I loved my job and I felt that the work I was doing was meaningful and important. I often miss what I was doing. But I feel that the decision to separate was sound and smart decision.
I have been blessed by four children. My fourth child came while I was in the midst of medical issues.
My fourth child was born prematurely and had to spend two weeks in the NICU. The same day she was born and we found out that she was having breathing issues my supervisor called me and told me I had to go to a PT test that week. I told him what was going on and his response was "I'm trying to save your F*ing career". To which I responded that my family needed me and they took priority. My daughter was on a breathing machine and that was the response he gave me. My Supervisor claimed that he could not discuss my child's situation with my first shirt because of privacy concerns (which I know to be largely BS primarily because I TOLD him everything that was going on). He said that he would discuss the issues with him but I was able to glean from subsequent conversations that he never did. There were some other unsavory things that I discovered about him foremost amongst them was his blatant hypocrisy. The first shirt wasn't exactly full of integrity either.
Anyways, the response that I got from my supervisor was that the values I had been taught about the whole person concept and taking care of your people no longer held true. It was that point where I decided that my commitment to my family was no longer compatible with service to my country. I had to separate.
In recent years, I feel that what I went through was finally validated by the VA when they gave me a disability rating that proved exactly what my doctor and I had been telling them all along.
I absolutely loved being in the Air Force. I loved my job and I felt that the work I was doing was meaningful and important. I often miss what I was doing. But I feel that the decision to separate was sound and smart decision.
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SFC Boots Attaway
One of the best reasons to leave Sgt Jesse Bergeron, I pray you raise them right and teach them what is important in life.
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Because the military is on a new "politically correct" binge, when what we really need is young men that are willing to do things that most people couldn't to protect our freedoms. Instead of training us infantrymen, they feel it's more important to have us wear service uniforms, and discuss uniform regulations several times a week.
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SSG Charles Langlois
You should have seen the changes some of old guys saw LCpl. I entered service in 1989. Back then it was all about doing your job, take care of the troops and after duty unwind.
I was med boarded in 2012 and in retrospect I'm glad. It's too politically correct anymore. Too many classes on common sense issues. Forget about being MOS proficient you better know how not to sexually harass somebody or how to report it if you are harassed. (just using that as example)
Too much time wasted on classes and not enough time spent of MOS or just basic soldier skills. You know, the ones that truly mean something in theater of operations. :-)
Good day LCpl.
I was med boarded in 2012 and in retrospect I'm glad. It's too politically correct anymore. Too many classes on common sense issues. Forget about being MOS proficient you better know how not to sexually harass somebody or how to report it if you are harassed. (just using that as example)
Too much time wasted on classes and not enough time spent of MOS or just basic soldier skills. You know, the ones that truly mean something in theater of operations. :-)
Good day LCpl.
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After six years in the service my wife was due to have a baby. She actually had him while I was on terminal leave. I was due for promotion to E-6 and they were going to send me back out on a ship. It is a tough life away from your family. I had already done it 4-6 weeks underway and 3-4 back in while you work every day. Honestly I just didn't want to be away from my son that much. It is why I respect so much those who have given up even more than me to the service of our country. I also wanted to go back to school and move out of the area we were living in.
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I didnt want to leave the military, but was medically discharged with a re-occurring knee injury in 1993 after approximately 9 years of service. I loved being a Corpsman and working with the Marines who I was attached to. I still have a hard time with that fact to this day. It feels like a Mission that I never got to finish.
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