Are you fulfilled in your military career?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 21:36:36 -0400

It's so hard to see the big picture sometimes. After I hear what so many have done in this uniform before me, I question what I'm doing.

I signed up as an Army Reservist. I realized after joining, I couldn't do this job part-time. So, I got experience at a company level and now work full-time at a division level on orders. I'm doing things at a level I never thought I would. I work along side of majors, COL's and upper enlisted. I'm working in operations , which I truly love. I've also been selected to attend airborne school and moving along in rank. It's not that I'm not fulfilled in my own personal goals. I'm so blessed, but I worked my ass off to get there.

I really want to "get in the fight." I can't be the only one who felt this way. Do you wait for your time? What if it never comes? I just want to dirty my boots and feel like what I did was worth it.The cause is so much bigger than myself. I want to make those vets proud that gave all, so I could have the right to wear this uniform.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 9:44 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 21:44:25 -0400

Just know that you are not the only one.

I hated....HATED....seeing my uniforms hanging between BTAs. I was lucky and was picked up for AGR (after over 4 years in the service). Now I can not believe how much I do compared to my AD counterparts. I love my career.

As far as "getting in the fight," LTC Private RallyPoint Member can attest to the fact that I tried EVERYTHING to get deployed. He was amazing and backed me. In two months, I had been on two battle rosters that were off-ramped. I am very fortunate to have been picked up for a tasker to CJTF-HOA since branch was aware that I was trying to deploy and I already had contact with USARAF. I got lucky. Deployments are dwindling, but the opportunity to volunteer still exists if you use your resources and network a little bit (responsibly). I would recommend using MOBCOP, PFI, and maybe even HRC to see if there are any options for you. Waiting may mean you never get your shot, but make sure your CoC is fully supportive and offers guidance. It makes it go much easier on both sides.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 10:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:15:17 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I too signed up as a reserve component Soldier. Albeit in the National Guard. After a few years and multiple mobilizations and deployments, I was able to get onboard with a full time task force in the Guard. I will tell you that I have had exponentially more career satisfaction wearing the uniform every day than I did just lacing up the boots once a month. Good luck to you and I pray that you get into a position where you can feel you make a difference.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 16 at 2014 10:59 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:59:54 -0400

You don't do something for 21 years if you don't enjoy something about it! I had a Blast on the Taxpayers Dime. There was Plenty to Bitch about but I sure miss reading the Daily Intell Brief from the CIA, DIA NRO. I miss having all those Radios that let me listen into anything I wanted to. I miss the Wind in my Face Underway. I miss all the Foreign Cities I hung out in.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2014 1:11 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 01:11:59 -0400

I feel like the question itself is not adequate. Fulfillment comes largely from a person's perspective. Have I done everything I set out to do? I have not. If I want to do more I put myself in a position to do more, and I ensure that I am prepared to meet the performance that it will ask of me. It is what you make of it, and what you are permitted to make of it.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2014 7:16 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 19:16:11 -0400

6 months ago I transferred to the reserves after 9 years of active duty, 4.5 of those years having spent in Iraq and Afghanistan and a little bit in other countries in support of OEF/OIF. Now being in the reserves surrounded by a bunch of Marines who have never deployed but have this dire need to and kill bodies, I understand where you are coming from. I tell my Marines that your time will come and that it's not based off your timing. There are things you can do to help you get where you want like joining units and filling billets that are more prone to deploy. You just have to wait until you're called upon.
I figure I will not deploy again until we invade another country, and I am okay with waiting a decade (prediction ;) ) for that.

In the mean time, be proud of your service and continue to prepare yourself and your men for battle because it will come.