You have problems deciding whether or not it would be a good idea to make the transition from military life to civilian life but don't know which is better please help?

Answer 1

Note: The category supervisor for this question has reviewed it and has approved it to remain as it is, with the additional information the question contributor posted. If you wish to post additional answers to the question, please do so in the discussion area. Your contributions will be reviewed and posted to the answer on a case by case basis. ---- Hi, my name is Paul and I'm the one who posted this question. There isn't enough space availiable for me to post a more detailed question so I had to post it here. Here's my problem. Cons: I'm currently serving in the U.S. Army but I find that life is so controlling and depressing. The biggest problem I have is how everyone has some kind of authority over me, seeing as how I'm the lowest ranking person in my unit and I hate having to constantly answer to everyone. I really dislike how I can't think for myself and that I have to put up with nonsense from those above me and it's difficult to say anything or to express myself because some of them will probably interpret me explaining myself as disrespect and in turn turn me in to get in trouble. I'm an independent person and I like to be able to think for myself and do things without having to answer to everyone. Another problem is my homesickness. I'm in SC and my family and friends live in CA and I think about my family constantly. It's a difficult thing to do to let go of family time and to be totally on your own without the help of anyone and everyone you know and love. I find that this separation gives me a sense of loneliness and isolation. Another problem is a certain discriminative military policy that hinders me in my growth as an individual. I want to be able to explore and to grow, but I find it hard when this certain policy is still in effect. Also, my eating habits have become bad and sometimes personal hygiene is a problem. Pros: Even though I dislike being in the military I will admit that being in had it's benefits. I have an easy job as a Dental Assistant and it will probably be the most easiest job I will ever have. The good thing about being in the military is that no matter what as long as you're in you will get paid and you will receive health and medical benefits. I can miss work for a month and be late as heck to work and still get paid and receive the same benefits. Another good thing is that I have a golden opportunity to progress in the workings of my future and utilize the edcuational benefits that the Army has to offer. I can easily get certified as a Dental assistant although it will take time and I also have the opportunity to go back to school in Texas and learn to be a Dental Hygienist, but, all of this will take some time. Also, I do realize that time in the military can have a significant effect on one's chances to be hired for work and along with that a slew of other benefits when going back to civilian life. Sometimes I think really hard to myself. Sometimes I come to the conclusion that you have to do the things you hate to accomplish a goal and other times I think to myself when enough is enough and whether or not it's worth it to deal with this kind of headache to get ahead in life. I'm still thinking and I'm not totally considering anything yet. Any advice, any thoughts on this issue, any considerations I should probably take on this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you kindly. - Paul Paul, it sounds like you need to ETS, or get chaptered out of the Army. Obviously the military is not right for you. Yes, you can just sit back and get free money for being lazy, but try a real job for awhile. Get out, and go to work where you'll actually have to perform your job to EARN your living. The Army already has too many useless bodies just taking up space. IMHO Paul, before you get out of the service make it a point of mastering a profession while you're in because it's alot easier than doing it out here where you don't have free dental, medical, rent, food,etc,etc,etc. Get my meaning? Make the best of it while you can and come out fully armed to face what's out here. P.S. Do not misconstrue my meaning of "armed" Do not give up on the Army before it gives up on you. The economy here in the civilian sector is not currently condusive to emplyment for anyone, and regarless of the fact that you are prior service, this will not be a factor in you getting a job right now. There are thousands of qualified people ahead of you in the search. Regardless of what you think of your position right now, you have to consider that it is not typical for all Army personnel. As a (I'm guessing here) 68E, you are currently surrounded by officers and higher ranking NCO's. This is not Army life. This the rarified air of Officer country, and it is stateside. From your own description, and I do not mean this to be offensive, you illustrate what was called while I served, a "slacker." Only you can discipline yourself, make yourself mentally and morally stronger. It is not easy, but the Army can help. First, you need to cross-train. Find a different MOS, one that might be a bit understrength, that you can easily transfer too. It might be dangerous, but EOD and Sniper schools were always voluntary. Apply for additional training, Jump School, Air Assault, Jungle Training, Survival Training, anything that you think might work for you, but do not let fear discourage you. Consider training as a forward observer for Field Artillery. Consider MLRS School (13P not 13M)or Patriot (14E). The more training you receive, the more marketable you make yourself. Remember, everyone in the Army is infantry. Maybe it is time for you to go live that. It will make you stronger, if you let it. Concentrate on becoming the best possible soldier you can. If you don't, you will regret it later in life.