I quit the military

[BFlurie]

You're not the only one. If somebody got in my face yelling, I'd spit in his/her face. Ask my Ex. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Thud]

If I'd had the option, I might have punched out, too!! But, going in enlisted, they make the seperation process so long and drawn out that sticking with it is the less painful option. Having gone in at 18, I had many of the same reservations as you, and I was terrified at the prospect of being brow beaten and having many choices many people take for granted dictated to me.
Now, 7 years, 3 assignments, many worldwide "temporary duty" assignments later, I've come to enjoy the sense of adventure. Matter of fact, I'm about to embark on my 4th assignment-- Japan, baby!
I came in because I needed the work and wanted the educational benefits. I've stayed because of the great people, the travel, the challenge, and pride I get out of it. I'm probably also a bit masochistic! http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif
I'll admit, there are days when I don't know why I even put up with the BS, but there are also days when I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Like you said, it's not that bad, but it's not for everyone.


[This message has been edited by Thud (edited 11-08-2000).]

[Fingers]

I never served, but my feeling is that military service probably builds character and provides much needed discipline for young men and women. The physical training and basic knowledge of the military issues can't hurt either.

[bell1]

Hey all
Just remember what Dick Cheney said about the military, " Help's on the way. "

[Ptrper]

I must say that the military isn't for everyone. I also agree with Thud about putting up with the BS some days, and others loving it. I looked at it this way. Nobody would pay for me to go camping out in the civilian sector, they wouldn't pay me to go shoot some really fun weapons, and they sure as heck would not pay for me to jump out of airplanes(talk about masochism). But I got through it and endured. Although there is nothing like the feeling of having done your time and getting out. You would be surprised at what you think you can't do and what your body actually can do. It's all a mental game. If you think someone screaming and yelling at you will hurt your feelings, then suck it up and drive on.

Like I told my boys, if they were working for me and getting the job done, I didn't mind eating a ***** sandwich now and then for them...

[ablang]

I guess you guys know I'm back now. Does anyone else want to share what they got out if it in their short time?

The beauty of OTS (Officer Training School) is that unlike enlisted boot, if you don't like it during the 13 weeks, you can totally quit. I did that just 15 days after I got there. I finally out-processed about 18 days after that.

I've probably bonded with people the most while I was there and intend to keep in touch with many of them. I have photos I need to develop which I consider priceless.

My primary reason was that it just wasn't for me. I know the operational AF isn't so strict and doesn't have as much yelling, but I couldn't stand the thought of some Captain dictating with I live and what I do w/ my free time. So I tapped out.

[ablang]

I would recommend USAF OTS to just about anyone. Unfortunately, it costs about $1800 up front plus a laptop & printer if you don't already have one. The camaraderie and friends you get out of it is priceless!

While I (29 YOA) was there, I met a woman who was 23 & married w/ two kids. I learned a lot about myself being around her. I realized that previous qualities I wanted in a future wife were no longer that important. I learned a woman with a great personality was the most important feature of a woman. I was extremely fond of this woman, and she knew it. She knows I would've done anything for her too (except stay in the military), even though she said she didn't want me to go (I thought she was just being real nice).

I didn't necessarily have problems getting screamed at constantly, although either that and/or the Saltpeter could've been responsible for my apparent 33 day impotence. I had written down about 14 reasons why the AF wasn't right for me. It wasn't that i couldn't pass it, but i didn't want to. But then again, maybe my sore knees wouldn't less me pass the 2 mile run in 17:15.

[ablang]

Email wasn't as prevalent then as it was now, but somehow, even getting emails from them just won't be the same.

I'm thinking of seeking mental counseling (maybe some social worker will do it for free) on Post Traumatic People Separation...

[jman01pa]

I spent 4 years in the Air Force and loved it. I only got out because I got married and wanted a stable family life. Sometimes I wish I had stayed in. The wife only lasted 2 years afterwards.

I agree it is not for everyone.


J http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[BBA]

I spent 9 years in the Navy.

I liked the first 3 or 4. Ther rest were BS because of budget cuts after clinton got in office.

I ended up haveing to work 14-16 hour days for 6 and 7 days straight, because they would not approve shipyard workers contracts to do the work we were not equiped to do ( but did anyway ). I actually lost some leave time because 'operational need' precluded me from taking much of it.

I was advanced to Chief Petty Officer, but not promoted due to the fact I had less than 6 months left in before my enlistment expired, and I could not get any shore duty billet after almost 7 years straight ship duty..like hell was I going to re-enlist without the duty I wanted.

In short...If Clinton was never elected, our Navy would still have me.

Oh well...now I have a plush job with all the free time I want... I make a heck of a lot more money now than I ever would have in the military.




[This message has been edited by BBA (edited 11-15-2000).]

[randy48]

I did 20 and retired from the army, hey retire at 38 with a grand a month, it was worth it. Plus! an associates in logistics, a BS in Computer Info Systems, and a BS in Business Admin, permanently trashed knees, and seeing the world from the cab of a truck! PRICELESS http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Now @43, still working for the Department of the Army, taking care of 100 + computers running VMS, HP-Unix, NT and Linux, working on my MCSE, building and servicing PCs on the side. And now I've got a new toy to play with! A 1964 Williams Soccer Pinball machine http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif Wanted a machine for years and a friend gave it to me. Now I've got to learn how to fix electro-mechanical pinballs and find obsolete parts http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif Life is to good!

[evenorel]

I just took several workshops with David Morehouse "psychic Warrior" on remote viewing as taught by the military and cia, nothing taken from manuals. and that was a whole lot like being in the army now. He doesn't like me because I asked if onery people were attracted to army or it made them that way.