re: Regret not joining the military

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The free school was awesome, but, now that I'm older,it's the travel that I appreciate the most. I'd been to 5 continents and lived on 3 before I was 25. That just wouldn't have happened for me otherwise as I was the typical dropout "with nowhere else to go" stereotype when I joined.

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If I'd joined right out of HS and served 4 years I'd have fallen in the sweet spot after the first Gulf War but before 9/11 or Afghanistan. I did consider it at one point but I don't think ever too seriously.

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Nope. They are pawns in a bigger game. I hate to say it but it’s the truth. I won’t allow my kids to join.

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Sadly, I agree. I learned quickly we were all a number. Happy to have served but I haven't missed it a single minute.

No, I graduated college in May of 2001, was on a bus to Benning on Sept 28, 2001.

I feel this way mostly because I hate my career

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That's exactly the period when I joined. Then I reenlisted for 6 years in August of 2001

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Nailed the timing

Got a sweet 30k tax free bonus, though. Seemed like a no-brainer at the time.

I did at one point. Now, I’m glad that I didn’t.

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.