Quote:
Originally Posted by Coyote
Several points:
1) Thank you for your service. You have and are doing what most Americans don't have the stomach for. Never forget who you are regardless of what you decide.
2) Assuming this is the end of your first enlistment approaching, a lot can change in 2 years. It seems today you have decided to leave the Army. The new GI bill starting in Aug in 2009 is a great counter to re-enlisting that you earned. It makes the decisions concerning any re-enlistment bonuses/ incentives you may be offerred tougher. I have a suspicion those bonuses are going to start being reduced-they are in the USMC. Makes the decision tougher, particularly with the transferrability for continued service clause of the new GI bill for your family.
3) K.C. area. You hit most of the fan favorite locations. Schools drive many decisions for parents. I returned here after 30+ years (promise to my wife) and came back to visit for many of those in between deployments but was a west coast Marine most of the time. Screw Denver. Choose a career/school/geography with equal weight for you and your family.
4) Tough call but it's yours alone. KC Johnny has great points and I've commanded many marines and a few soldiers that I've seen again after they left once. It's an individidual decision. You likely have an IRR committment past your active obligation. Look at it carefully and remember you have reserve options as well. Most hard core guys I've served with either stayed or walked and did not half-step in the reserves. I have known many however that really appreciated the flexibility of the reserves. I am very familiar with USMC IRR involuntary re-calls, don't know much about the ARMY's. I recently commanded several marines deployed OCUNUS that were involled back to active duty. All were not pleased but were doing their duty as they voluntarily signed the contract to do. Ironically about 1/2 of those guys wanted to re-enlist back into the active component. That was tougher to do while deployed then it should have been due to law/policy and we worked through that. About 1/2 just wanted to complete their tour and get back to school, HVAC business, life, etc. All did their duty and are appreciated regrdless of their personal decision. Good luck with yours and Thank you
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Wow, I really appreciate the time it took for you to write this. Fortunately I have given the Army 6 years and will have served the entire 8 by the time I get out so they can't (fingers crossed they don't come up with some crazy law) call me back in. I'm just ready to live my life on my own terms. All you vets out there understand this.... simple stupid stuff like, getting called in on Thanksgiving morning for staff duty cuz some idiot went awol and not being able to say... Sorry 1SG my wife has big plans and I didnt get to see my kids last year so I am gonna have to stay home...
Just ready to grow a beard and let my hair touch my ears for a bit... I know this sounds stupid to you non-mil personnel but do not take it for granted
