Who has had a career with no regrets, is that even possible? Can you make up for a decision that you made in the past?

2015-06-18T11:42:01-04:00

Response by SGT Darryl Allen made Jun 18 at 2015 11:43 AM

2015-06-18T11:43:56-04:00

I think this quote right here is a good indication of why so many people lie and embellish their service records.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 12:03 PM

2015-06-18T12:03:17-04:00

Hi Sir!
No regrets! I would not have the wonderful opportunities that I have, right here, right now in time. All my decisions, good or bad--all my experiences, good or bad, brings me to this very point in time. And life is good. :)

Response by MSgt David Haupt made Jun 18 at 2015 12:05 PM

2015-06-18T12:05:17-04:00

To put it this way. Everyone has regrets either by their career or personal choices. I know I have some regrets on what I should have done in the military. All of this is hind sight. Look at it this way. I wanted to go to jump school but with my knees I knew I would not have made it. Knowing now I should of went for and at least tried. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed and am thankful of what I did in my military career but I still have regrets.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 18 at 2015 12:08 PM

2015-06-18T12:08:28-04:00

Every job/career is a life/learning experience. No regrets here.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 18 at 2015 12:23 PM

2015-06-18T12:23:25-04:00

I think it is only possible if your standards were so low you would not even trip trying to skip over them.

Not only can we make up, but you can use your failures to drive forward and becomes part of raising the bar to higher standard and more epic failure.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 18 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-06-18T12:28:26-04:00

The big regret I have is the toll it took on the body and mind. That's the battle you can't leave behind. It's hard to regret doing stuff that most people won't understand but you do and seen the difference you've made.

I regret some of the things I've said, some of the things I've done, and some of the things I left undone. But overall, not bad for a mere human. We have to accept what and where we are before we can move forward.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-06-18T13:13:10-04:00

My biggest regret for both my civilian and military careers are that I had not studied STEM subjects in college. I've always loved math and science; I would have had a more enjoyable career and perhaps made a bit more money. I have been in social work and education. I taught lower levels of math in middle and high school--at least I can relate to students who struggle with it. Now that I'm a retired reserve officer and retired education I have a decent retirement and now enjoy following my passions of continuing to serve my country, support youth and veterans thru various volunteer
activities.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 18 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-06-18T13:54:30-04:00

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member great thought provoking question! I firmly believe that I had a wonderful career and I have no regrets that I spent that part of my life in the military. I believe the statement, “is that even possible?" is what everyone else is avoiding by his or her remarks. Don't shoot the messenger, but f you are truly honest about this particular question and you spent 30 plus years or even 20 plus years in the military, and you sole search deeply, we have all made decisions that we may not regret, but that we could have handled or made in a different way. I can honestly say that none of my decisions or choices ever cost a soldier his life or limb! Regrets can be career choices as well. I regret not applying for General Officer, but I'm still happy where I finished! Just an example!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 1:58 PM

2015-06-18T13:58:26-04:00

In my short two years, I've yet to experience anything truly regretful, and I plan on keeping it that way by doing my best to experience all the Navy has to offer, including Squadron and ship life. Also, in my opinion, everything happens for a reason. So for that reason as well, I've yet to have any regrets in the Navy.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 18 at 2015 4:44 PM

2015-06-18T16:44:30-04:00

I don't have "regrets," in that I don't dwell about the decisions. You can't unmake a decision. There are things I would have loved to have done, places I would have liked to have seen, sure, but I don't "regret" not doing or seeing them. I just look at them as goals that changed.