military service: regrets and joys?

Question

if you have or are serving in the military, what do you regret? What do you love most?

Answer 1

I served in the Air Force. I enjoyed my four years. Traveled all over Europe and Asia. I have no regrets serving my country. I don't say that lightly because I'm not ignorant to the fallacy's of our government now or then. I learned a great deal and when I was honorably discharged I used the GI Bill to complete college. A means to an end so to speak.

I loved seeing places that I would never have seen if I hadn't joined the Air Force.

Answer 2

I was in the AF as a Security Force Member. I loved the AF but was not thrilled with my job. I loved the loyal friends that I made, the places I visited and the opportunities I had. My only regret is that I took the advice of my AF recruiter and signed the "Open General" contract without knowing what would really happen. I wanted a career in intelligence but wound up being assigned the job of Military Police (Called "Security Forces" at the time in the AF). If your thinking about joining the military, make sure you sign what's called a "Guaranteed Job" contract. That way, you will be trained in the career you want.

Answer 3

Been serving in the Air Force for 16 years -- 11 years active, 5 years reserve -- and still going strong. The number one joy is all the great people I met and worked with, but I would also rank the sense of working for and believing in something bigger than myself is right up there too. My only regret is that I didn't finish my degree in time to apply for a commission to become an officer.

Answer 4

I had a blast when visiting other countries. I loved playing with large pieces of artillery. It was awesome to watch carriers during there flight ops. I miss the camaraderie and visiting other countries and the broadening of my horizons. I don't miss the conformity or the nuisance inspections or grueling hours. I wasn't too keen on keeping our ancient equipment running on just as ancient spare parts when we could get them, stupid 3" 50 cal guns in 1989 and I get a 1957 breach block! what the hell !!! I learned alot in the navy and made many friends but I hated the obsession over body fat that was a real turn off. If I could have kept the pounds off I would be a Chief by now thats a big regret I would of liked being a chief even if it is a babysitting job. I would of liked the respect it brings.

Answer 5

the only regret I have is that there are so many people who look upon us (the military) as "keystone cops" as one other yahoo answerer so wonderfully labelled us in his question. I love the guys quote about freedom above me, I had never heard that before, but it rings incredibly true. I've been in the Air Force for over 8 years, I joined before 9-11 and I re-enlisted 5 months after while deployed to the middle east. I have so many joys, great friends, great job, great training, and I have developed so much respect for veterans of previous wars, as well as the current fellow servicemember, a camraderie that you will never know until you've experienced it. I have travelled to countries I hadn't heard of before, and learned incredible lessons from the citizens of those countries. I would never in a million years take back the 8 + years of service that I have and am serving.

Answer 6

I was in the Air Force for 10 years. It had its ups and downs but I don't regret any of it. What I loved most about it was all the people I met. The people you work with and hang out with can make or break an assignment. I also loved living in Germany for a few years. Beautiful country.

Answer 7

I have 20 years of service, I have to opportunity to retire or continue on for another 16 years. I am not sure what I will do, but I know what I would like to do and that is to continue serving. Many things will contribute to my decision.

I spent 13 years active duty Air Force. I met tons of great people, and accomplished tons of great missions. I also met tons of a.ss holes and participated in a crap load of shi.tty missions, such is life.

I have been in the National Guard for the past 7 years and the same holds true as with my active years. I think job satisfaction rates a little higher in the Guard because I am helping people I know. When I am called to participate in emergency relief efforts, or security training, I feel like I am doing something for my own community.

Military service is like most any other form of employement, just sometimes carries larger risks.

I wouldn't trade my service for anything in the world........

Answer 8

I was in the USaF for 3 years, then I got pregnant and had a baby. The only thing I regret is not being able to stay in longer. I loved it, and if anyone is looking to join, I highly recommend it. My husband has been in for 13 years now. We both like it a lot. The travel opportunities are wonderful. got to live in England and visit places like France, Italy, Greece, Crete, Turkey, Germany......the list goes on. I would never have had te chance to go to those places had I not been in the military.

Answer 9

No Regrets!
http://www.SoldierNow.com

Answer 10

I didn't like a lot of it while I was in but I think it had more to do with my unit than the actual Army. I reevaluated what I wanted out of the experience after I got out and after college I am headed back for more. Overall, I don't think there is anything than can beat military service.