36
36
0
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
0
0
0
I left after 4 years even though I would have loved to stay in. I never had a problem with passing my PT test but the Army feels everyone is suppose to meet an image and not be over weight according to their standards. I went through an experimental "fat boy camp" for 30 days where we were locked into a hospital. I dropped over 45 lbs in 30 days. But even the military Dr's we met with 2X a week said it was very unhealthy and they did not agree with what was going on. they told me every person's body has a "comfort weight" and mine just was not meant to meet the standards the military wanted. So instead of fighting it and being unhealthy by starving myself and being mentally unhappy all the time I chose to get out at the end of my enlistment. It is a shame skinny guys that could not pass the PT test were not messed with half as much as I was and I passed my PT test. I guess image was more important than combat readiness at that time. I always passed the Tape Test until they dropped using it and went to another system.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
It simply wasn't for me. I appreciate the chance to serve my country (me being 1 of 2 on both sides of my family) and I loved that it separated me for 99.12% of our nations population. I have a deep seated respect for those who serve or have served because I know what it's about "sacrifice".
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
My reason? I came in with the goal of 20 years minimum. Problem was, I came in at 30 and while the spirit was willing, my body had other ideas. It started coming apart at the seams before the halfway mark. Don't regret a second of it though. Most of my experiences were positive.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I left because the military was drawing down in the mid 90s and they were paying people to volunteer to get out... The Army had just sent me full time to graduate school (Syracuse University) and a year later were asking for volunteers go get out (and paying for you to volunteer). Since I had just gotten my MBA and DoD was willing to pay me and waive my remaining service obligation from just having gone to school... I figured it was perfect timing...
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
When I left in 2006 I had a one year old daughter, a five year old stepdaughter, a two year old stepson and I was still in marital bliss. I had a good civillian job & my ex-wife didn't want me called up for another deployment. I regret that decision now.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I was medically discharged needing surgery on both of my feet. Got 40% disability and was able to go back to school and get my AS is Computer Science and got the surgery needed for my feet.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I got of the Army so I didn't have to keep,deploying and also PTSD wasn't delt with properly while In was in
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
SFC Scott Parkhurst
I suffered a TBI and would still be in if I could be! I did get to put in 20 though. I went in 1990 for Desert Storm and had to be forced retired out for head injuries in 2010. Bummer...I really miss it! I was a combat medic.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Dang! I'm sorry so many of you got hosed. I was in 1978 through 1986, Infantry. I had good leadership, had outstanding troops working for me, and after almost 29 years, sometimes I miss the hell out of the brotherhood.
To fill in that void, I ride with a number of groups, Patriot Guard Riders, 2 Million Bikers to D.C., Tribute To The Troops, and that helps after almost 29 years. I wish everyone had the same story to share and feel badly so many of you don't. That sucks!
Be strong brothers and sisters! Just a dumb old 11B, but I appreciate your service.
To fill in that void, I ride with a number of groups, Patriot Guard Riders, 2 Million Bikers to D.C., Tribute To The Troops, and that helps after almost 29 years. I wish everyone had the same story to share and feel badly so many of you don't. That sucks!
Be strong brothers and sisters! Just a dumb old 11B, but I appreciate your service.
(0)
(0)
CPL Gregory Witham
Thank you for your service, Scott. TBI is some bad shit and wish you the best. I want to make sure I'm clear on this. I read my earlier post and don't want anyone to misunderstand, I was in uniform 8 years and have been out nearly 29 years. Drinking and typing don't mix. Combat Medics rock. If we ever have a chance to talk, I'll share some favorite medic stories with you. One involved ECBU, as the medic called it. Funny guy, down in Panama. Echo Charlie Bravo Uniform in his wise estimation had everything to do with a young troop who hadn't been laid in too long and absolutely nothing to do with combat. Like I said, he was hilarious! Ride on, brother!
(1)
(0)
(2)
(0)
SFC Scott Parkhurst
I take that as a compliment! Although I was a "super Trooper" as my Unit called me...high maintenance and they promoted me all the time (with HARD work of course!) But your right, we medic's are a different breed....we have to be. We see a lot and so we have to be somewhat "funny" in order to survive. We have the heart of gold though and stronger then most....I've had guys die in my arms both as a police officer and of course in a war zone and even off the field and I'm not ashamed to tell you....I've given a kiss on the forehead to those to bid them farewell and good luck and held many a hand(s) so they weren't alone....Some medics will turn sour through their career's...some will just move on, and will not talk about their experiences ever and never will. For me, I find myself every so often thinking about those who lost their lives and hoping their families are doing OK....I wonder if I did everything in my power, which I know I did...as I was also a flight medic and that can be rather hairy! But you just move on and thank God you made it. I'm so thankful for the skills that I have as they have come in handy big time many times!
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google