Almost 2 years since ETS. Still having issues.

SPC Anthony Rock — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 01:32:20 -0500

To say my departure from the Army was all my idea isn't true. I had a pretty bad back issue, nerve damage, and my shoulder is a mess to the point where I cannot re-enlist unless I get a good dose of divine intervention and/or cybernetic body parts. They did surgery and now it's worse. So, out I went.

I'm three semesters from completing my Bachelors in CIS, I work weekends, and I am having a hell of a time. I don't necessarily hate school in and of itself, but after doing military service it feels like a joke. There's no real-world impact, it's all about ME and I've never been wired that way.

I think my biggest issue is that I ended up spending all of my 5.5 years in the same duty station, same unit. I was fenced and the only way the BDE would let people go is when they'd PCS after re-enlistment. My first contract was 6 years, and my shoulder did away with that idea before it even started. I feel like I missed so much... Korea, Germany, parts of the US I'd never been to. Hell, I never even got to deploy because I wasn't the right MOS they were looking for, I was needed as a team lead in garrison, or just "NO".

I'm still proud of what I accomplished, even if it was at the cost of my right arm. I just sit back and listen to other peoples stories of going here, going there, while I sat and languished in the same damn place for half a decade, getting nothing but rejections to leave the damn post or even the unit itself. And now I'm out of the Army, pursuing my education, and all of it kind of feels hollow compared to what I used to do.

I don't really know what to do at this point. Maybe things will look up if I can snag a GS spot and I can work with soldiers again out here. Even a contractor spot.

Any advice would be appreciated. Or just tell me to drink water and drive on. Either works.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 9 at 2014 2:37 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 02:37:37 -0500

You have nothing but support here, my brother. Lots of medical retirees cut down before their time, broken bodies, and failed surgeries alike. We have a choice in life. We can remember how good things used to be before x.y.z.....and embrace the misery, sorrow, and depression that we will create for ourslves OR take what is behind door #2. Life is a journey that takes us to the craziest places. We move forward as best as we can with the strength that we have left. Pain may be a limitation, but it isn't a show stopper....unless we give in. Patience. We can be stuck in the same rut for years due to circumstances beyond our control. When we give up, we are saying that we accept the way things are and we are willing to live like that. Never give up.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 9 at 2014 2:39 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 02:39:46 -0500

SPC Anthony Rock, that is a tough position to be in. I may not be the subject matter expert on advice on this, but I would like to share some thoughts to you. I would encourage you to finish off your degree. I am sure that is already part of your plan. What about reaching out to Civilian Personnel Office on Fort Sill for employment opportunities? There is also USA Jobs that provides information on GS positions. CIS is a field and a skill-set that seems to always be in demand. There are several members on this site that may be able to assist you. I would recommend starting with utilizing the Career Corner and also the Advanced search engine on RallyPoint. You can query your location and search for those persons within your location that may be looking for hires. I wish you nothing but good luck in your search and your future.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 5:35 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 05:35:37 -0500

Frankly, while your situation sucks, it's not all bad. There are many ways to serve - and I sense you're just looking for that perfect moment. I sense there's still a lot of potential deep inside you that is waiting to be tapped. You've probably already been thru the process of getting yourself disability rated by the VA - but if not - why not? Next step - find a Veteran Service Organization (VFW, DAV, American Legion, etc... ) and find some fellow veterans to talk to. Staying connected to fellow veterans always keeps me positive. There are lots of organizations that need someone with intelligence, discipline and drive - volunteer what little time you might have to help someone worse off than yourself.

Here's what works for me - every time I start feeling "damn, this sucks dog poop" - I go visit one of many veterans in hospital or hospice. It's odd, even though I may leave with tears in my eyes, I always leave with a much better view of the world after such a visit.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Nov 9 at 2014 7:01 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 07:01:13 -0500

Current reality sometimes sucks pond water rocks. Even with everything you've been through you are still the same person you started out, you've just encountered a few twists and turns. Be positive, be proactive, and take some time to sit down and make a plan that you can stick to. You've proven that you can do that --- served 6 years, working toward completing a BS, & you're proud of your service.

Take those positives and put them to use. You'll find you always have a connection here that helps sooth so many of us no longer on the active side. Keep that point of contact and branch out in your neck of the woods. I'm confident with a little thought and a lot of work you'll find a situation that suits you. Life has a funny way of teaching us sometimes, the crummy part is all we have to go through in order to learn something. When we turn around to look after the light bulb has lit we can see things so much more clearly. Realize you are in the learning curve at the moment so there is more to do and much to learn. Use your military mindset to your advantage. Keep your tenacity and the trust you have in yourself. When you run into a situation you can't quite figure out, ask. There is bound to be someone here who will have the answer or at minimum the foundation for one.

As you say to yourself - stay hydrated, stay focused, and drive on. You've already proved you can do that. With you doing your best it will only be a matter of time for the rest to fall into place. Hang in there.

Response by SPC Anthony Rock made Nov 9 at 2014 7:39 AM

SPC Anthony Rock — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 07:39:07 -0500

Many thanks all around, to all who responded.

Yeah, I plan on finishing up. Yeah, I'm taking full advantage of what the VA has to offer, and I did get rated (though they're looking to review it because my current doc thinks they under-rated my shoulder issue at 10%, since I lost almost 50% of my ROM).

I think my biggest problem now is the same problem I had during my AIT: I just wanted to get to the good stuff, the real work. Get my hands dirty.

I do appreciate everyone who responded and it's nice to hear from folks who know how much transitions can suck. My family will always be with me but my wife and kids don't have this kind of experience in life.

Thanks again.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 8:12 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 08:12:57 -0500

I've counseled over 1k Soldiers in the MEB process and can assure you that you aren't alone. With the current drawdown environment it's only going to get worse. I wish the Army would do more for transitioning SMs, whether they got medical retirement or a severance check. While there are certainly worse ways to separate, hardly anyone in the MEB process is there of their own choice. Fight for that VA rating. If you have 90° or less abduction or flexion your rating should be at least 20% for the shoulder. Check out the American Legion, VFW, DAV, or any of the other great VSOs out there. They can advocate for you and they're good at it. I can always help too, just let me know.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 9 at 2014 5:21 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 17:21:43 -0500

take a knee & drink water....now look into the Soldier for Life Program, your name SPC Anthony Rock is written all over it!

http://soldierforlife.army.mil/

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Nov 9 at 2014 10:01 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 22:01:17 -0500

SPC Anthony Rock,

Your situation is unique and tough. Yet, through your post you show a strong warrior spirit and desire to go forward, to never quit, and do more.

A few years a go a friend of mine asked, "What is your passion?" Then he asked, "How do you plan to get there?".

It can be a tough adjustment when we are forced to change against our will. Reminds me of the book "Who Moved My cheese?"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Moved_My_Cheese%3F
http://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-Amazing/dp/ [login to see]

I wish you the best in your journey towards reaching your passion.

Response by SPC Anthony Rock made Nov 10 at 2014 10:52 AM

SPC Anthony Rock — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 10:52:23 -0500

I do appreciate all the kind words, and it just reminds me why I want to enter the federal workforce and work with soldiers again. The brother/sisterhood of the military is something that cannot be duplicated anywhere else.

I will drink water, take some Motrin, and carry on.

Response by 1SG Brett Austin made Nov 10 at 2014 1:02 PM

1SG Brett Austin — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 13:02:03 -0500

Everyone has provided very valuable input...just remember to keep your chin up and move forward. Things happen for a reason, and though we may not know why at the time...it always seems to turn out for the best.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 22 at 2022 1:05 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 01:05:39 -0400

You need to determine what you want and is it feasible. If it is feasible, then what tasks do you need to accomplish in order to reach your objectives.