Was/Is/Will It Worth It?

Sgt Jay Jones — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 13:28:04 -0500

I spent five years in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1969-1974. I served in the Republic of Vietnam from 1970-1971. I wanted to make a career in the Marine Corps, but the Vietnam war was drawing down and promotions were getting to be very difficult. I made the choice to get out of the Marine Corps and I was fortunate to find a true career in aviation that was not only financially rewarding, but also what some people would consider a dream job. However, parts of me still wishes I could have stayed in the Marine Corps. So, here is my question:

1) If you are a veteran, do you regret not staying in and making the military a career and then retiring.

2) For those who did stay in and retire. Do you feel it was worth the sacrifices you made with friends and family was worth a minimum of twenty years of your life.

3)For those who are still on active duty. Do you plan to stay in and make it a career, or do you plan to get out when your enlistment is up or your obligation as a commissioned officer is met?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 2:11 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:11:26 -0500

Sgt Jay Jones, this is an excellent question, and I'll bet every veteran on RallyPoiint has an opinion.

For me, it was 30 years of active duty. The years just kept rolling on by, and I just kept soldiering on through. I am very glad I did that. I do have some regrets regarding my personal life and how it was impacted, but overall, I think joining and staying in the Army were two of the best decisions of my life.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 2:14 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:14:37 -0500

I can answer question 1). And it is both Yes and No.

Yes sometimes I regret not making a career out of the Navy, much like you I got out in the face of Clinton's RIF's ect. However, I have a family that I wouldn't have (at least not the same family) if I had stayed in. I wouldn't have met my wife, nor had my 4 kiddos...so yeah, it's Yes and No.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jan 28 at 2015 3:58 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:58:50 -0500

I retired and feel it was worth the price. I have met many veterans that say if they had it to do over again, they would have stayed in rather be discharged. We all stay in for various reasons and like anything you must weigh the cost prior to your decision.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jan 28 at 2015 10:47 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 22:47:49 -0500

Staying in for a career was, without a doubt, the best thing I ever did. I loved my duties, my assignments, and loved my soldiers (well, most of them). It prepared me for a very successful career following my retirement.

I can honestly say that, even after several years since my retirement, there is not a day that goes by that I don't wish I was still on active duty.

Would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat and without a doubt.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 10:56 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 22:56:26 -0500

I just was asking myself this question yesterday.
As I reflect on the impending end of my First Sergeant tour with my company, I've been giving my "final thoughts" speech some attention.

I regret to say, the answer is no, it was not worth it. The damage that the demands of military service have inflicted on my family make it unequivicably no, even though this has been by far my most fulfilling assignment.

Over the years, I know I have made an impact on many of my peers, superiors, and subordinates. I know that I have made a real impact on the missions I've been given and made a difference that mattered - even if Afghanistan is in doubt and Iraq is a mess.

But my family means more to me than any of that, and there is no doubt that they paid a high price for me to serve.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 29 at 2015 4:34 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 04:34:41 -0500

Yea, it was worth it. If I had it to do all over again, I would. Yes I missed a lot, even though I was only Reserve the whole time. I remember one time I was going with this gal. She wanted to go somewhere the weekend, but I told her I had Reserve Duty. She said, "Can't you just call in sick or something?", and continued to comment on she thought it was dumb for me to not go with her the weekend and such. I replied to her, "This is a job just like any other job and someone's got to do it. And if it wasn't for guys like me doing a job like this, people like you wouldn't have the right to b!tch about it!" If I had reserve duty after that she never said a word about it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 5:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 05:57:44 -0500

Good question, Sgt Jay Jones,

I'm staying in for 17 more years, Lord willing and the wheels don't fly off. I love the Army and can't fathom why anyone would voluntarily resign or retire. I won't be allowed to do more than 20 years due to my age, but I'd stay longer if I could.

Employees have the most job satisfaction when they make progress in meaningful work. Therefore, if you have a good work ethic, you'll always find satisfaction in the Army.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 7:12 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 07:12:35 -0500

Right now I don't plan to stay in but that could change. Right now there's a few too many "fuck fuck" games.