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<p>There are more and more stories and articles out there on the Army, or military in general, bleeding young talent. We'll save everyone's theoretical why's for another day but here's the question(s) to ponder. For those who stayed in or are staying in for the long haul, what's the reasoning for doing so? What kept you going even when times were rough? For those who are on the fence on whether or not you'll get out or stay in, what would have to change in the Army as far as benefits, culture, etc for you to decide to stick it out?</p>
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 8
I know I am not a Soldier but honestly we are experiencing the same thing across the fence over in the Air Force. I have even found myself to be bleed dry by a senior leader only to be thrown under the bus so they could look good and take credit for my actions which they had nothing to do with. I don't know what the solution it is but perhaps it is for good leaders to listen to their subordinates and keep their eyes open for these types of abuse. Then have the integrity and fortitude to stand up for what is right for their people. I myself right now am actually on the fence about staying in but my primary motivator are three things.
1. I have 7 years till retirement and I need to put the well being of my family first
2. Maybe if I stick it out I can make a difference; if not at least I tried
3. I still have a little fight left in me and a job that needs to get done.
1. I have 7 years till retirement and I need to put the well being of my family first
2. Maybe if I stick it out I can make a difference; if not at least I tried
3. I still have a little fight left in me and a job that needs to get done.
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CPT Mike M.
I'm totally with you, particularly in bullet 2. I was dead set on getting out for a while because of frustrations with the Army. Somehow I guess I matured and now have a different outlook. If every good person gets out when they see good people get thrown under the bus, when common sense goes out the window, when OPTEMPO goes through the roof then it's a self perpetuating cycle. I now want to stick around long enough so that someday, when junior enlisted, NCOs, officers, etc look around at all the jacked up people around them (and we all know they're there), maybe they'll look at me and think there's still some hope.
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Sir my reason for staying is because I take ownership in MY Army. Its like my kids, my home...... its foundation and something I've sown ownership into. Its provided great, great resources-physically and financially. In the past when I ran into and had to work in crappy situations, there was always a silver lining (a great Soldier, NCO, or Officer) who told me I motivated them and encouraged them to keep going amidst whatever I was going through. I've continued to stay in because I realize I need MY Army and for truth, MY Army needs me.
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I have served thirty years, and I believe in paying forward. I believe in the sacred oath of protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States.
I remember those that have mentored and poured their heart and soul in mentoring me when I was an E-1. I believe in preserving the sacred military traditions and I believe in our future.
The old saying that cream rises to the top, and the waste gets flushed away!
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
Adversity such as times as this create the next generation of General Patton's! It is not in comfort and stability, when cream rises to the top. It is in turmoil and conflict, when one stands up for what is right and does not back down!
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