To those of us that served...

[The Heretic]

Are you glad you served when you did, or would you have preferred serving at an earlier, (or later) time? What outfit? Why did you enlist, or were you inducted (drafted)?

Please share and let us know how it shaped/changed your life.

To answer simply, no and yes, to a point.

I served 4 years, active, in the USCG from 1977 to 1981

Most of that time was in SAR at Yaquina Bay (Newport).

At the time there were multiple reasons why I enlisted:

I could not seem to find a job that I could keep for more than a few months. Without a college degree and no long term experience at any skilled job, no one would hire me for anything except temp labor jobs and mostly none of those paid much above minimum wage (about $3/hr IIRC). I had a family to support and I just wasn't making it. I figured that at least in the military I could get on my feet financially and have a steady job for 4 years. Once out I could also show that I had training and experience and then employers would hire me (yeah, right - it took a college degree to do that).

I also hoped for a job where hard work and merit would count for something. At first it seemed like that may be true, but when slowly came to understand that this wasn't true - at least not in my experience. That there was a lot of politics, and a lot of hypocrisy, and a lot of people who played mind games. There seemed to me to be three types of people: immature kids who enlisted on a whim, lifers who screwed with the people under them because they had power over them, and a few people who were serious about doing the best they could.

After about 2.5 years I had enough and could not wait to get out - counting down the days - I saved up my leave and at the end I took the full 90 days terminal leave to get out 3 months early, dreading that they would call me back off leave in an emergency (they never did) and then for years dreading they would call me back while I was inactive reserve (never did).

Towards the end the senior enlisted more or less avoided me because I could give as good as I got verbally and I was not afraid to point out their stupidity and hypocrisy. I had a bad attitude - they had soured me and I let everyone I served with know who had soured me and why I was that way.

Even without that experience, the military just wasn't for me - I hated being in a position of not being able to walk away from it. I don't quit things easily - been at the same job now for 7 years (a record for me) and sometimes my mouth gets me in trouble, but as long as I see that I can walk away from it all if I really feel I need to, then that takes some of the pressure off.

After the military I learned that most employers don't give a hoot about your military experience, even if it is relevant to the job. So I got my degrees and stumbled into the tech sector and I have been there ever since. If there is any place that gives a **** about skill and ability, it seems to be the tech sector - to a point. People don't always listen, and that often frustrates me - after all, they supposedly hire me for my experience and knowledge and then often ignore what I say (only to be proven right later), but at least they don't jerk me around too much and it pays well enough...

The other reason I went into the USCG was that I hoped I would be able to help people in SAR, and for about 2.5 years I occasionally would, but then the "war on drugs" became their primary mission instead of SAR, and I saw the writing on the wall.

Even if I had wanted to stay in, I had injured my ears in training and got to the point where I would get seasick before we were a few hours into a mission - especially on the 52' MLB. Having been on a shore station my first 4 years, I knew they would eventually put me on a ship and that I would not make it thru the first week at sea.

So between that and being soured on the military in general, I went back to being a civilian and did not look back.

To me, the good things I got out of that experience was a spark of confidence in myself (not given - I earned it despite them trying to drag me down) and the GI Bill which put me thru college. From there on I just kept pushing my way thru life despite having people in the military and my ex-wife's family saying I would fail. **** them! They failed, I went on and did okay despite their BS (two of the people who tried to pull me down have since committed suicide).

Yes, I am a bit bitter about it - in part because of the way they unfairly treated me sometimes despite my playing by their rules and trying to do the best I could (even after I saw thru their BS). I do have good memories and I am proud of the good I did, and that the USCG still does and I cheer them on when I see them rescue someone - but no, if I had it to do over again, I would not do it. It wasn't for me at all. I respect others who have served, and I am glad that many seemed to have gotten more out of it than I did, but I have seen the bad side of the military too.

 

[The Heretic]

I'm not trying to "beat a dead horse" but civilians cannot possibly comprehend the unity that comes from military service. It is something drilled into your head and permeates every fiber of your being. It is a part of your soul until your dying breath. You take it to your grave.

Agreed?

I did not see that.

I did not see it in boot camp.

I did not see it where I was stationed.

I saw all different kinds of attitudes.

I saw people literally fight amongst themselves - 50% of which were 18-20 year old immature kids. I saw a lot of back stabbing. One kid cut the brake lines of his senior enlisted. I saw one guy who was screwing the wife of one his crew mates. I saw cliques. I saw hypocrisy among the senior enlisted who did not play by the rules they laid down for us. I saw people drunk and stoned on duty and nobody doing anything about it. The really bad ones were eventually moved to HQ where they just laid around.

I would have liked to have seen it, but for the most part, no I did not.

I have heard from others that it was there, but no, I never really saw it. Maybe I was just not lucky enough to ever be stationed where there was unit cohesion and true leadership, but I can't say that it was any different than any civilian job I have had before or since - except it was worse because we were stuck together, a captive audience to the circus.

 

[Captain O]

VAQ-129 was rather boring. We were never going anywhere. And people wonder why I was dying to go to Special Services. Sadly, they wouldn't use my talents. While I could safety wire a jet engine closed, I would have been better behind a microphone in a radio or television studio.

While I understand the frustration, I was still committed to my serving my country.

 

[Ura-Ki]

I enlisted in the Air Force in 1988 and did all but the last two weeks of basic when I was pulled and volintold to report for CSAR trials. After I completed the 10 week trials, I was then offerd the opportunity to train for 24 months to become a P.J!
Those days were some of the greatest and also heart breaking. The Air Force ( like all the other branches) was in the depts of a depression, senior officers and enlisted were coasting through to retirement, moral was at an all time low, budgets were non existent, and drug use was at an all time high, pun intended! We were still operating basically the same way as we had done in Nam, and we despratly needed new every thing. We also got handed an expanded mission which would serve all the other branches as THE premiere CSAR service. Those were heady days, we literally re wrote the book on Spec. Ops Combat Rescue, and we got the budgets to acquire new tools, equipement, and enhanced training in both the medical trauma field, and in our nearly expanded combat operations commitment!
I did 11 combat tours through my 20 years enlisted, saw wholesale changes throughout the Military, and my own Group, part of the 24th A.F. combined Spec Ops forces, and usually attached to one of the hot shot F-15 Squadrons, usually the 354th or the 580th Bitburg Germany, but would rotate to which ever Squadron got the alert and was sent down range. We were generally QRFed where ever American Airmen went and we were always the first forces sent right behind those first squadrons. In 2003, we were switched over to the 518th ( provisional) and sent to A-Stan to support operations, and then split off to take on the full Combat Rescue mission as the ground war expanded, and we were handed the full mission above the Army and U.S.M.C, with full support as needed. I retired in 2008 and never looked back, though I have been called back to provide training expertise in combat operations and rescue specialities, as well as training for new equipment and airframe, including the full adoption of the specialist MC-17B and the MV-M-22 Osprey Dark PaveWing, and newer expanded operations MC-130J! During all those years, I earned degrees in Airframe mechanical engineering, and power train maintenance, repair, and overhaul!
I don't have any regrets, but lots of emotions, there were many achievements, and a whole lot of heart aches and pains, but it made me who I am, for good or I'll! I miss the rush of adrenalin and danger, I miss the crazy we are known for, but I also realise if I had to do those things now, it would kill me. I think I was chosen at just the right time to do what I did, and to be a part of something amazing and aweful at the same time. I have seen some of the most beautiful things and places in this world, and I have seen some of the most horrible things as well. The lack of value many place on life, the willingness to cause great harm and suffering, and the utter willingness to destroy every thing in the name of something so trivil and stupid is proof enough to me at how great America really is, but that it takes constant work and care to maintain what we have here in this great country!

 

[Diamondback]

@Ura-Ki "That Others May Live," indeed. *hand salute*

 

[GOG]

Well done, well said @Ura-Ki.

 

[USMC-03]

My turn I guess.

Signed the dotted line at 17 and was just out of high school, barely 18, when I went off in 1984. Had a couple year break between hitches and got off active duty in 1994, when into the reserve for and on and off again deal while I was going to college. Did a a few years activated after September 11; made in over seas several times but never in country.

I spent the most significant time in fleet infantry units, 1st BN/3rd MAR was the last. Also did some time with military police, fleet security forces and even artillery. One great experience was being assigned to Marine Barracks
Pearl Harbor for the 50th anniversary of the attack. I also spent a lot of time on shooting teams and as a marksmanship instructor.

1994 was in the middle of the lean years, there was nothing going on and no action on the horizon. I should have stayed on active duty though; if I had my head together I would have gone to the drill field for a couple of years and then applied for a warrant.

I do miss it; lament that I didn't stow away on the Portland before it left town a few days ago.

 

[Ruger Rich]

I was drafted in Dec of 65. Shortly after I got to basic I re-enlisted for a specific military school. I ended up in Vietnam. I've never regretted one single moment of my Army time. And if it comes up in a conversation, I'm always proud to say "I served".

 

[Ura-Ki]

I just want to add some personal thoughts here. To all who served in Nam, thank you for all you have done, many didn't get a choice to serve or not, and many paid the ultimate price, to all I salute, and say job well done! I know your country let you down, wanted to forget about you, cast you out and abused you in ways that cause hurts that may never heal, many of these things I saw with my own young eyes and those memories have endured with me, my heart felt thanks and utmost respect to those of you who never got a welcome home or a simple thank you, it's long over due, But; THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, AND WELCOME HOME!

 

[Andy54Hawken]

I just want to add some personal thoughts here. To all who served in Nam, thank you for all you have done, many didn't get a choice to serve or not, and many paid the ultimate price, to all I salute, and say job well done! I know your country let you down, wanted to forget about you, cast you out and abused you in ways that cause hurts that may never heal, many of these things I saw with my own young eyes and those memories have endured with me, my heart felt thanks and utmost respect to those of you who never got a welcome home or a simple thank you, it's long over due, But; THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, AND WELCOME HOME!

This x100 !
Many of my NCO's and Officers that I learned from , worked with , respected and shaped me into the soldier that I was , served in Vietnam....a Thank you is small words , but heartfelt.
I and maybe a few others might not be alive , because of what we learned from you....
Andy

 

[Cummins Diesel]

My turn I guess.

Signed the dotted line at 17 and was just out of high school, barely 18, when I went off in 1984. Had a couple year break between hitches and got off active duty in 1994, when into the reserve for and on and off again deal while I was going to college. Did a a few years activated after September 11; made in over seas several times but never in country.

I spent the most significant time in fleet infantry units, 1st BN/3rd MAR was the last. Also did some time with military police, fleet security forces and even artillery. One great experience was being assigned to Marine Barracks
Pearl Harbor for the 50th anniversary of the attack. I also spent a lot of time on shooting teams and as a marksmanship instructor.

1994 was in the middle of the lean years, there was nothing going on and no action on the horizon. I should have stayed on active duty though; if I had my head together I would have gone to the drill field for a couple of years and then applied for a warrant.

I do miss it; lament that I didn't stow away on the Portland before it left town a few days ago.

K-Bay. I know it well. My son is with 3/4. Oorah devil dog

 

[USMC-03]

K-Bay. I know it well. My son is with 3/4. Oorah devil dog

Yep, back when it was K-Bay...

 

[USMC-03]

I just want to add some personal thoughts here. To all who served in Nam, thank you for all you have done, many didn't get a choice to serve or not, and many paid the ultimate price, to all I salute, and say job well done! I know your country let you down, wanted to forget about you, cast you out and abused you in ways that cause hurts that may never heal, many of these things I saw with my own young eyes and those memories have endured with me, my heart felt thanks and utmost respect to those of you who never got a welcome home or a simple thank you, it's long over due, But; THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, AND WELCOME HOME!

When I first went in the service was still pretty flush with Vietnam veterans, they were the ones who trained me.

 

[Captain O]

Lots of us were bitter about how the 94th Congress reneged on Nixon's promise to the Republic of South Vietnam. I wasn't angry with President Nixon, (but I never had a kind thought about Jimmy Carter). No, I was far more upset with the 94th Democrat-controlled Congress stopped funding the Republic of South Vietnam's Army. That's why the NVA. VC, and Viet Minh ran roughshod over South Vietnam.

 

[Ruger Rich]

I just want to add some personal thoughts here. To all who served in Nam, thank you for all you have done, many didn't get a choice to serve or not, and many paid the ultimate price, to all I salute, and say job well done! I know your country let you down, wanted to forget about you, cast you out and abused you in ways that cause hurts that may never heal, many of these things I saw with my own young eyes and those memories have endured with me, my heart felt thanks and utmost respect to those of you who never got a welcome home or a simple thank you, it's long over due, But; THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, AND WELCOME HOME!

Thank you, thank you very much. It's not too beneficial to me to talk about some things, they are probably better buried in my mind. This is one of the few places where I can occasionally bring some of this stuff up. And maybe it's comfortable because we're not face to face. I accompanied a flight of dead soldiers home, dressed in my class A's. We landed not too far from my home and my Dad and sister picked me up. I had 3 days leave. It was obvious I was in the military, haircut and all. I was dis-respected and some tried to shame me in my own home town. It was just plain ugly. I got through it obviously, but I've never forgot. Sometimes it's good to just talk on here without worry. Just another reason I like this place.

 

[Captain O]

Thank you, thank you very much. It's not too beneficial to me to talk about some things, they are probably better buried in my mind. This is one of the few places where I can occasionally bring some of this stuff up. And maybe it's comfortable because we're not face to face. I accompanied a flight of dead soldiers home, dressed in my class A's. We landed not too far from my home and my Dad and sister picked me up. I had 3 days leave. It was obvious I was in the military, haircut and all. I was dis-respected and some tried to shame me in my own home town. It was just plain ugly. I got through it obviously, but I've never forgot. Sometimes it's good to just talk on here without worry. Just another reason I like this place.

Welcome home, brother. I will always lend an ear. This is what we do. We are blood. Don't ever forget it.

 

[Ura-Ki]

I second Captain O, always ready to lend an ear, shoulder, what ever, and always ready to buy the first round! You need, you ask!

 

[Diamondback]

Though it was not my privilege to serve, I'll third with whatever support this humble desk-wonk Pogue can offer.

 

[Cummins Diesel]

It was bitter sweet when we came back from the 1st gulf war for my pop. He was happy for us that we were welcomed home. Years later we talked about it and he said "Where was ours?"
Utmost respect for those who served during that time.

 

[Captain O]

It was bitter sweet when we came back from the 1st gulf war for my pop. He was happy for us that we were welcomed home. Years later we talked about it and he said "Where was ours?"
Utmost respect for those who served during that time.

We had shed our tears. I did it as I watched us pull out of the American Embassy in Saigon. I cried openly in the Globe and Anchor Bar at Ault Field. I am not ashamed to say so.