re: Regret not joining the military

I had a rough childhood but looked up to my grandfathers who were both WWII vets. I tried to join the marines and the army but back then high school dropouts were not allowed to join.

I wish I could’ve joined.

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As I get older the regret grows. I did not get married until I was in my early 30’s. I wished I would have joined the military right out of high school and then went to college or made a career out of it. Anybody else feel the same way?

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I am very thankful for the military, but fighting for what causes? We guard oil reserves. A buddy of mine got shot in the chest guarding a tanker.

I mean no offense, but I question what our politicians dub as what’s best for Americas interests.

I went in and served 5 years and I have no regrets serving or getting out when I did. Last month would have put me at 18 years had I stayed in and though the retirement would be nice my path post military allowed me to make more money than retirement ever could have. I certainly have a deep appreciation for my freedom and time after my service ,because sometimes you have neither on active duty whether in the field or you are on or preparing for a deployment. It has its pros and cons like everything else. Many people I served with that have stayed in are coming up on or have surpassed 20 years. Quick question how old are you? It may not be too late for you to join. I went to basic training with 2 guys who were 35 ,but then again this was in 2004 when they were accepting just about anyone. I am not sure what the age cutoff is now.

To each their own


I'd rather not give my life so the American Government and our corporations get a more favorable price on oil

I know a guy who gave up a BigLaw job to join the military.

He regrets it every day

Joined in 2002 shortly after 9-11 on a two year contract thinking I’d go back to LSU afterwards, after not really being into school at the time. However, I spent 10 years active duty in the the Army and re-enlisted.

Spent 2 tours during OEF. Route clearance hooah!!

Made a lot of good friends while in. Lost many while deployed with the 25 ID and 2nd ID, and some to suicide years later. Saw a lot of death and destruction, but I don’t regret my decision to serve.

10 years ago I did. I would've liked to be a Naval Aviator - Either a Pilot or an NFO, don't really care.

It's pretty competitive, so there are no guarantees that would've happened.

Last 8 years or so of my time sucked balls. After years of deployments, I found I had a short fuse when it came to all the BS that has nothing to do with doing your job. Toughed it out, though, and getting that check every month in retirement is sweet and the cheap TRICARE & FEDVIP is great.

Wouldn’t recommend service now. Too woke. Spend more time diversity training than real training. Too many managers and not enough leaders. Politicians and weak-kneed citizens have all but guaranteed we’ll never properly “win” another war.

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Regret not joining the military

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Pension and retirement at 40? Yes.