What was your “grass is greener on the other side” realization when you switched branches or MOS?

There was always something I saw in others the whole time I was in. People stationed somewhere they didn't like would always say if I got my orders to "some place" approved things would be better. I was stationed in Washington DC from 2001-2003 and people would complain that being at a fleet unit would be so much better. I get to a fleet unit and people complain that another Regiment would be better than where we were. People apply for Special Duty assignments saying it would be better there. Then you get there and somebody is complaining about going to the fleet again. Then you have people complaining that they wanted Aviation but got orders to a Ground unit. Or vice versa. It's a circular debate that never ends because some people are never gonna be happy. Usually the same people who are dirtbags that complain everyday while in Uniform but you see them complaining at the American legion canteen "I never should have got out". Same dude that as a veteran irons his jeans and wears a vet hat and maybe some other piece of random military bling like Calvary spurs, alice clip utility pouches or a web belt while in civilian attire.

I served 11 1/2 years before being medically retired and I served at 6 different duty stations and several schools in that time. Duty stations are what you make of them and generally the only thing that makes it good/bad is the command team and their influence. Everything else is pretty much the same.

The Air Force is a 180 degree difference from the Marine Corps.

Air Force - Better chow, living quarters, more lenient on regulations (uniform, boots, hair etc.) and the hours are more like business hours. Not a lot of military bearing like formations or drilling. But I did see a lot of dedicated individuals.

Marine Corps - Strict on regulations, more pride in appearance and military bearing. A lot of pride knowing the history of the Corps and maintaining that history throughout the years and generations. Not the best chow unless you are on a Navy base or ship. Earning the Eagle Globe and Anchor instills a great achievement and confidence in self worth.

I have always missed the Corps!

I went from Aviation and Armor to Finance. I tell you this. Some of the support units have their own craziness to deal with. For example, gate guard and funeral details depleted the Finance soldiers, but we still had the mission to support the garrison and the community. The Brigade CO did not like me because I told him that finance operations would suffer if the unit was detailed out. Fortunately, I was able to talk to the garrison SGM who would bring the Finance CO under the command and control of the garrison.