What was a turning point in your career that made you say you love what you do in Service to our country?

MSG Charles Brown — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 18:45:39 -0400

An example for me was seeing the finished product as a Drill SGT after 8 long weeks seeing another group beginning their careers and proud to do it.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Apr 3 at 2014 7:33 PM

LTC Jason Strickland — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 19:33:49 -0400

I think a turning point for me was when my unit responded to the three hurricanes that struck the US in 2008: Hurricanes Gustav, Hannah, and Ike. Our response to help our citizens on our own soil was very fulfilling and made me proud!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 7:56 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 19:56:30 -0400

For me it was after my second Iraq tour on my re-entry into the active army 9 months after I ETS'd. During that tour my PLT to include myself were hit by a suicide bomber and I have never seen the greatness of human beings and the brotherhood that held and still holds a lot of us together. After that I knew that I would make this a career and that I will instill that camaraderie in my subordinates.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 8:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:26:02 -0400

MSG Brown,<div><br></div><div>I have loved being in the Army since day one.  Some of my peers used to tell me that I just hadn't been in long enough to hate the Army, but I hit milestone after milestone and only loved it more.</div><div><br></div><div>A few weeks before my reenlistment window opened, I did a lot of reflecting.  I came to the conclusion that throughout it all, even my worst days as a Soldier were more personally fulfilling than my best days as a civilian.  I knew from that point on that I could never go back to my civilian career because I love my job too much.  I reenlisted for 5 more years and can't wait to reenlist indef!</div>

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Apr 4 at 2014 5:52 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 17:52:39 -0400

Being in the guard anything after the first hitch is for the country because you sacrifice so much. After you start picking up rank and responsibility you soon find out that it is much more than a part time job

Response by MSG Charles Brown made Apr 4 at 2014 7:24 PM

MSG Charles Brown — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 19:24:53 -0400

Another example is when I was part of the color guard for the ceremony of the crossing at Remagen in Germany. It was a touching ceremony and many veterans were in attendance. Sharing with those that came before me was truly an honor and was truly inspired. Especially when one of the retired SGM told us that we were the future of the Army and their achievements and everything they went through lives in all of us and we as young Soldiers inspired them as vets.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 4 at 2014 7:28 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 19:28:50 -0400

Love, Hate relationship for all 21 years. Plenty to love, being in the know about everything. From day one assigned to the Big Boys (Admirals Staffs) Plenty to Hate, Screw up with Classified Material, Codes, $10K and 10 years in jail. I was good at what I did though so I liked it.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 8:26 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 20:26:02 -0400

After I became an nco

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 10:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 22:16:19 -0400

I would have to say, that at no matter what rank a SM is, it is learning a new career path. I have been in 17 years and went from Artillery (miss it soo much) to MP. Though I have been in law enforcement for 15 years and a MP for 8, there is always something to fall back on. For those who are in the Guard and Reserve, there is double to opportunity to fall on something within or out of the military.

Advancing by taking the opportunity to take advantage of the school benefits is what I express to my Soldiers, take it while its still there and available. Even the correspondence courses on ALMS to help with promotion points.

For me it is the travel... when can you travel to other places, besides a deployment and see and interact with other cultures? So far I have been to Italy, Germany, Turkey, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Ireland. Plus not to mention different states for training.