One thing you would change about your military career?

SPC Jeffrey Jones Sr — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 12:02:59 -0500

If you could go back and talk to your younger self and change one thing you did in your military life, how long ago and what would it be? It could be one event, one day or even one duty assignment (if one was that bad). Share with us a little bit into your life and how you would make it better and maybe it will help someone else become better or not make a bad decision.

Response by SFC James Baber made Feb 13 at 2014 1:03 PM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 13:03:22 -0500

I answered a similar post a few months back, and the answer is still the same, I would have pursued my college degree much earlier in my career instead of waiting until a year before I retired to begin taking classes. I would have possibly been further along in my career than I was and also been better prepared for life after retirement from the Army as well.

I enjoyed most of my military assignments, as I have always learned and been mentored throughout my career, each assignment is what you make of it, good, bad, or indifferent, it is up to you to make the difference for you and your comrades.

Response by SrA Lee G. made Mar 9 at 2014 12:02 PM

SrA Lee G. — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 12:02:33 -0400

I started my career in the Air Force Air National Guard before switching to the Army. I would of gone back to before I signed the dotted line and told myself to join an active branch of the military. Also, to take college classes as soon as possible. Now that I'm out of the military I could really use that degree right now.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2014 8:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 08:08:26 -0400

I would have started college at the very beginning.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Sep 11 at 2014 10:25 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 10:25:31 -0400

I would have finished my master's degree and not made excuses for it due to 9-11.

Response by MSgt Dennis Dudley made Sep 24 at 2014 4:44 PM

MSgt Dennis Dudley — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 16:44:25 -0400

The one thing I would change is my attitude toward the ASVAB test. Didn't give a damn when I took it, and my scores showed it. Had the good fortune of being able to take it again (unfortunately I was in a AFSC that I didn't want), and get into something more to my liking. Now I tell anyone to be prepared for it and take it serious. It makes a lot of difference in where you go.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jan 8 at 2015 7:13 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 19:13:11 -0500

I would have changed where I wound up after my 2nd tour to Korea.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 12:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 12:18:35 -0400

Join sooner that 36y/o...Try not to let my Civilian life interfere with my career.

Response by PO2 Gerry Roberson Sr. made May 19 at 2016 4:20 PM

PO2 Gerry Roberson Sr. — Thu, 19 May 2016 16:20:22 -0400

I would've insisted I stick out the remaining 9 and 6, retiring at 38 y.o. Also, I would have jumped on the Boost program offered in '75 when I was in boot camp GLakes. Probably would have been commissioned at service's end.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 18 at 2019 5:31 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 18 May 2019 17:31:48 -0400

I would not change a thing. I started in maintenance, aviation, armor, finance, DSCA, DFAS, and budget. I was a heavy proponent of taking care of soldiers and NCOs and never pretended to be too good to get in the mud with them.

Response by Maj John Bell made May 18 at 2019 5:41 PM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 18 May 2019 17:41:46 -0400

I would be the eternal 1stLt and rifle platoon leader until my body could take no more.

Response by SSgt William (Bill) Pangrass made Sep 15 at 2021 7:56 PM

SSgt William (Bill) Pangrass — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 19:56:36 -0400

Would have stayed in (did 12 yrs)

Response by SPC John Tsutsui made Sep 23 at 2021 3:53 PM

SPC John Tsutsui — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:53:12 -0400

I would have been a more dedicated soldier.