Posted on Sep 29, 2015
After Taking Care of Soldiers for 22 Years, Who Takes Care of Me?
5.39K
9
11
5
5
0
For the past 18 years as a Non-Commissioned Officer, I have been taking care of Soldiers and their families. From adverse action chapter cases, unplanned pregnancy chapters, routine ETS, and even my senior NCO’s as they ease into their transition period in preparation of exiting the military after years of faithful and unwavering service to start a new life in the civilian world. As I look back on the past 22 years that I’ve been wearing (multiple) this uniform, I have always seen the old crusty senior NCO’s being “taken care of” as they start their downhill slide out of the Army, by way of the Soldier For Life, Transition Assistance Program, formerly ACAP. As a company First Sergeant, I have always looked out for my transitioning seniors, and with the help of the CSM’s, assisted them to be placed into positions of less-responsibility at battalion or brigade. Now it's my turn, and I'm the proverbial "old crusty b**tard". I have always thought that this was the right thing to do, and that eventually it would be my turn to be taken care of.
My question to the masses, and without sounding like I’m ‘whining’ is how do I ask to be taken care of without sounding like I’m “quitting the team” or “checking out”…?
Your input would be welcomed.
My question to the masses, and without sounding like I’m ‘whining’ is how do I ask to be taken care of without sounding like I’m “quitting the team” or “checking out”…?
Your input would be welcomed.
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 10
MSG, Assist, Protect, Defend, and This We'll Defend are hallmarks of the MP Corps and the Army itself. With your transition you won't forget those along with the creed, and you'll meet those like minded as you. Many of whom are on here. There comes a point where YOU have to take care of YOU. Taking care of yourself is still taking care of Soldiers, except that Soldier now is you. It's not whining, bitching, or moaning in doing this, and if you didn't you would be failing the Corps, Army, and yourself. BTW when in doubt look at Household6 and your kids (if you have either) and see the pride in their faces. I think they're going to enjoy having their 1SG home on a more regular basis now.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next