When did you know that you were going to choose the life you have now?

2014-03-05T16:01:58-05:00

There are many different types of members on RP. Service Members, Veterans, Retirees, Officers....etc. When did you know that you were going to choose the life you have now? Whether it be to become a lifer or just stay in for 1 term. Was it something you just felt like it was the only option or did somebody senior to you square you away and made you change your original plan. I would like to know what it was that made all of you choose your path.

Response by 1SG Jeff Finlay made Mar 5 at 2014 4:12 PM

2014-03-05T16:12:54-05:00

I enlisted the first time for four years. I received PCS orders toward the end of it to go to Germany. I wanted to go but I had to extend my contract for 23 months to meet the obligation. Toward the end of that tour I decided I would change military specialties and re-enlisted for school and three more years. At the end of that time I I had 9 years in service and I figured if I re-enlisted again I might as well decide on going for 20. The first 9 went by pretty quick. The next 15 went by quicker.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 4:54 PM

2014-03-05T16:54:13-05:00

During my first 10-1/2 Years I did 2-yr enlistments and evaluated myself at the end of each term. Several different life events kept me in for the 10 + years. At the end of that time though I had earned an Associate of Arts in Accounting and Business. Everything lined up and I left to pursue my Bachelors Degree. I remained connected to the service though through the National Gard. After 2-yrs of getting out this War started and I was working too much on Active orders and trying to do too much so I returned to get my full retirement.

It just depends on your situation and plan. The good thing with the way it has played out so far is that I already own property where I want to retire.

Response by SSG Jason Hoadley made Mar 5 at 2014 4:58 PM

2014-03-05T16:58:06-05:00

I joined the Army in 2000,

Prior to that I was a state certified boiler operator, which is a decent paying job..

But there was a naging desire to do more..

I raised my right hand and shipped off leaving my family behind for the 6 months that was required for training.

It wasnt until I was doing my ETS processing at the Transistion Center in Korea, that it hit me.. .

The military was the life I wanted.
But being divorced and a single parent the only way to continue my service was to enter in to the National Guard...

Here I am, just days before my 14th anniversary, my children are almost grown and I am trying to figure out whats next in my career...