Retired USN.
12 years active 8 reserves. Retired 08/11.
Every time I think I should have retired from active duty, I remind myself that my sons were born after I went into the reserves and I was fortunate to not miss a single birthday or life event.
I do miss the camaraderie, but I do not miss the 6 month deployments. I got out before the last two wars started so those six month deployments would have turned to 1 year deployments.
9 and a half years United States Army, Active Duty, Infantry. What I would have changed? Wouldn't have got married while I was in. Loved my job, loved the people (for the most part), would have done 20 probably except my right knee wouldn't have it...
U.S.Army. 5 years active duty. 1967-72. Infantry Officer, Aviator. D Troop 3/5 Air Cav. RVN 06/69-02/71. I would not change a thing. It gave me a thirty year career in aviation and lifelong friends.
US Army 6 years 1999-2005
Second Cavalry 2000-2004
1/509 Parachute Infantry 2004-2005
Baghdad March 2003-2004
Airborne, Air Assault, President's Hundred, Armorers School
USMC, '91-'97, 0352, 8541,0326,2111. Operation Restore Hope, 1st Force Recon Company, Sniper Platoon. Kosovo, 1995, UN Humanitarian Aid 26th MEU. CADIF/DEA Jungletamers '93-'95.
Yup, I would change the whole testicular cancer thing. I really didn't want to get seperated from my Beloved Marine Corps and lose my ex wife at the same time, but I guess what doesn't kill you does make you stronger.