I am 20 years old and currently in college, I do not plan to stay I just don't think it is my cup of tea. I am prior service U.S. Army, I was a 91D (surgical technologist) however I did not complete my training. Reason being was about day 2 of training after reception I wanted out, I did not want to be there and spoke up to a Drill instructor about it. I ended up about 5 weeks into BCT before I was called into the DS office along with other members of the platoon that desperately wanted out and I was informed of my possible separation from the United States Army. I was fine and glad to be where I was as of day 3 and had continued with my training until that point where they furthered proceedings of my discharge with a meeting with a U.S. Army liaison. I spoke with him and to make a long story short I signed on the dotted line that I indeed concured to stay in training. I returned to my company and requested I return to training, my 1st SGT insisted they had gone through too much paperwork and I was going home. I a few days later was placed in a discharge company for about a week and caught the flight home.

As difficult as it had been at times my departure was bitter sweet, very. I was relieved to go home in a sense that I had experienced something I may not have been ready for, I was 17 and had NO life experience til that point. I had told myself I was going to make something of myself and really start appreciating things but since then I have just failed to complete any large tasks in my life, I have been in school since the fall and have truly come to realize that I am not a book smart person. I am very smart, bright, cleaver however I can't sit down and study, I don't think I ever will. While in my discharge company, I was assigned to detail, and one day it was to assist the color guard at another company's graduation, now that was hard... knowing they all did it and I was in a discharge company, that wasn't going to be me... I saw the others around me that were SO happy to get out and I just put my head down and really felt like I was an innocent man in a jail cell, I was not like those other jackasses who couldn't cut it but at the time I just didn't have that extra ounce of drive. I came home to a father that refused to be proud of me for anything I did, my name was tarnished amongst the family and I felt like a sell out.

Ever since then I have wondered about going back to the Army, is it all worth it or should I just focus on a branch that can simply get me a good job and be a solid foundation to my life without all the kill or be killed proud to be a warrior stuff. In all honesty though I don't think I could be half as proud to wear those Air Force blues and wearing the Army greens dress uniform I never got to put on. Is pride worth that much? Is the possability of death worth that much? I have spoken to many and of all branches, they insist any branch you should be proud of, because you are bettering yourself. I in fact spoke with a E-5 in the Air Force about my matters and he told me of a story about his uncle, a just retired Cheif Warrant Officer in the Army, he told me about HIS journey of Air Force or the Army... he told me his uncle simply said, go Air Force... Huah only gets you so far.

In ways and by all means no disrespect to any Airman on the forums but I just don't feel as proud with the thought of being in the Air Force, and that is where a good job and making a living comes into play, I could re-enlist in the Army and by all means they would LOVE to have me... or I could get into the Air National guard, either way I will be getting a good job. The Army I would be looking into Xray Tech, the Air National Guard there are all kinds of good paying spots from Fuel Handler, Tech jobs, Medical etc etc... Is my Army pride and unfinished business crap really worth possibly shipping out to the sand box for? Am I a pussy for being in the Air Force because of money or is there a greater purpose to life than just that and should I go back to the Army. I as said above have spoken to a few people, even a friend of mine from the 133rd who came home from Iraq this fall, he said if he could do it all over again it'd be college or the Air Force... One thing that stuck to me was when I heard, Huah only gets you so far. What do you think?

 

life is about actions and their consequences. You are finding that out. Another aspect ot life is sometimes you have to do what you have to do. If you can't be happy doing what you are doing, you will never be happy. Make the best of where you are, and keep in mind that as hard as college may be for you, it is the easiest life you will know from this point forward.

Damn, man, tons of people would kill to have the opportunity for an education, don't give it up just because you have some "feeling" the next few years are gonna be tough. Of course they are. But once you are done, you'll have something to be proud of, no matter what happens next. And you can always go into the service at that point, and get a better position. College may not be for you, but it'll only last as long as it takes to get your degree. Enjoy the time surrounded by hot young women just dying to meet some guy - for the rest of your life you'll be driving by a university and popping your eyes at all the hot chicks walking around. Enjoy it while you are there.

Everybody questions what they are doing in life, but it takes will and character to finish what you started. The pay-offs are far greater than the difficulties.

 

SRT,

I'd suggest that you sit down with your parents and talk about your future - if that's not an option, then an adult that you trust.

I'd read a few of your other posts...rather than dump $15k into an automobile of any type, I'd suggest that you put in into your education.
I speak from experience, as I was on the "seven year plan" for a four-year degree. Dude, I don't know of anyone that went to college that really enjoyed studying on typical freshman courses. You've got to suck it up and do it. It just requires a little self-discipline.

I sucked it up, put off buying "wants," concentrated on "needs," and got through school. I drove a used Jetta, a used Cavalier, and a Dodge Colt until I got a decent job. I now have a great career (I'm an Army officer), and an even greater family. And financial security.

Go back to the Army? If that's the route that you choose, then by all means go. Or go to the Air Force. If you're concerned about getting deployed, one's no better than the other. USAF guys usually do six month tours. I just got back from a year in Iraq. Some friends of mine are on their second tour, and a few are on their third year in a combat zone.

There are many options out there. You need to explore them to the utmost, and then make a plan. And stick to it.

 

^ I agree.

It seems to me that you just got to finish what you set out to do and stick it out. If you say you are going to do something then finish it.

What you have done in the past is past. Look ahead and just dont make same mistake again. You become a better man each day if you learn from your experience.

I went to the military college so I didnt have any privilages so it kept me in the right path. I am also an Army Officer and I have been to Iraq 2 times.

Everything comes with little sacrifice.

 

Hmmmm Air Force or Army? Is that a joke? Army all the way. I guess I'm just biased b/c I make fun of them on an almost daily basis.

Young R, what unit are you with and what college did you go to?

 

I hear ya about the air force, we made fun of them more than any other branch... it must be one of the two, how is Iraq? I'd see it as more of a pain in the ass to go than dangerous but I may not even have to, Xray tech is not a highly deployable position considering the lack of need. I'd assume being in the Army over there would be much safer considering your support however I know first hand alot of dumb asses in the Army, a buddy of mine got fragged he was a 68 Bravo, light wheel mechanic, sent to assist a Marine Infantry convoy that was broken down and on came blazing nissan trucks with a ghetto roof mount machine gun... Marines couldnt hit shit, the Army guys just started heaving grenades and it was ruled friendly fire that almost took his knee off. It seems as if Iraq is not THAT bad but it is all in the experience you have over there I guess, a point of view from O's could be valueble, what do you think? I have alot of pride in the Army but is that something that should make my decision or should I just go for quality of life and a good job?

 

My buddy stuck it out with the Air Force and became a PJ...damn crazy commandos (no offense Young R) He was in a similar situation as you. He wanted to switch over to the marines, but when he was going through PJ school, he realized...hell I've gotten this far, I might as well finish.

 

God, shut up. Do you want us to change your underware and wipe your ass for you to?

It has been a long time since this forum has seen such a whiney little attention whore faggot.

 

No offense taken

PJs can secure the LZ (landing zone) so that I can jump out of airplane and land and go do the real fighting.

 

If you decide to say something like this about yourself, it pays to go through your post and correcting your grammar before hitting the submit button...