Originally posted by Hornet33
Commitment is the differance. Most of the people I know that did the 4 years in and out were the problem kids. They didn't want anyone telling them what to do, half assed their jobs, yadda yadda yadda. They just couldn't hack it.
Now I also know a few people that got out after their first enlistment after having served in combat. The reasons vary but most of it comes down to the fact that getting shot at sucks. They took their chances and came out of it on the other side alive and wanted to keep it that way. OK fine. I have no problem with that. They're combat vets and have my respect.
20 years of peace time service. That's a career. That's commitment. That has my respect.
4 year peace time in and outers who's last words are, "My recruiter lied to me and this stuff sucks. I'm tired of dealing with all the bull****, so I'm outa here." Well see ya, and don't let the door hit you in the bellybutton on the way out. In my opinion they aren't vets. Just ex service members.
Again this is my opinion as a combat vet that was medically retired at 18 years of service. I would have done 30 if I could have but it wasn't my decision to leave. The medical board over ruled my appeal to stay on active duty. Such is life. All I can say is the civilian world sucks and I wish I could quit and go back home to the military. At least there I knew where I stood.
A military career is a personal choice. I saw plenty of "career" soldiers that stayed in because they couldn't "hack it' on the outside. I did 18 months active Air National Guard prior to four years Regular Army. My recruiter DID lie to me and I hated the Army. Happiest day of my life was when I got out.
BTW, I think I qualify as a vet since I spent a year in Viet Nam hanging onto an M60 in the door of a helicopter. And yes, "getting shot at sucks."
DJ229 -AIR MAFIA
