Posted on Aug 6, 2017
They say the grass isn't always greener...but if you could pick a different MOS, Service, or duty assignment what would it be?
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I have no regrets as a Marine ..but we all have a "road never traveled". As a Marine I wish I had become a Marine Security Guard at one of our Embassies. But if I had chosen another branch, I would have worn the red beret of the 82nd Airborne, became a SERE instructor in the Air Force, or a Corpsman in the Navy. If you could have chosen a different path, what would it be? One Team, One Fight!!
Military Career
MOS
Team Building
Teamwork
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 39
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My original plan was to become a medic, but when I got to MEPS they offered me a bonus and the chance to ship out earlier about a month earlier if I chose another MOS. I was young, impulsive, and impatient so I chose the other MOS. In retrospect I should have waited to become a medic. That summer they pretty much "overbooked" our basic training site so I ended up being a holdover for about 3 weeks after I arrived at reception before beginning basic so I still ended up starting basic about the same time I would have if I would have waited. Another regret I have is waiting so long to commission. I wouldn't give up my enlisted time for anything but I do wish I would have made the jump 10 or so years ago. I'd me a Major like most of my age peers instead of a butter bar right now. I'd be retiring as a LTC or even COL instead of a CPT or MAJ.
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SPC (Join to see)
I think you'll get more respect being a mustang Sir. The Enlisted who have time in are going to recognize you off the bat as not being a typical butter bar.
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GySgt John O'Donnell
I believe everything happens for a reason, but I understand you thoughts. Hopefully you can pass lessons learned about goals and patience to a new generation. Thanks for your post brother!!
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Sarah Zayas
At what age did you commission? I'm asking because I'm wondering if I go enlisted is there an age waiver for those in active duty who want to go to OCS?
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CPT (Join to see)
I was 34. I direct commissioned into a medical AOC though and the age limit for us is higher than those applying to OCS.
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I always wanted to go through SFAS. Truthfully, my only regret is that I never got the chance.
If I could do it all again, I might would have gone to college and grown up a little and enlisted with an 18x.
I don't regret my time in the 82nd, only the way it ended.
If I could do it all again, I might would have gone to college and grown up a little and enlisted with an 18x.
I don't regret my time in the 82nd, only the way it ended.
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GySgt John O'Donnell There is no turning back from the decisions that I made and I do not regret joining the Marine Corps. An alternative path would have been to try and obtain a nomination to the Air Force Academy.
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