Change of status

[pecunium]

Barring something odd, (stop loss, involuntary recall) I am, as of today, once again a civilian.

For years (at least 12, probably more like 14+) my answer to, "how long are you going to stay in the Army?", was, "so long as I'm having a fun."

Sometime in the past few years it stopped being fun. So I didn't re-enlist when this contract was up. For other reasons I went into the inactive guard in Sept, so I've been, effectively, on terminal leave for the past few months.

But last night, I suddenly came into possession of a supply of military surplus (boots, hats, uniforms, and various accoutrements). It was a good run. I had some great times (and some shitty ones, though most of those were, "this will make a great story someday," variety).

I met a lot of great people. A short list of you knew me before I joined. The rest, well without the army the odds you'd know who I am, is pretty damned small. The good outweighs the bad, so I've no regrets, for the joining, nor the leaving.

Comments

[pnkrokhockeymom.livejournal.com]

Well, if I wouldn't have known you without the army, then I'm VERY glad you joined. Because every day I go to my office is better because of you, in that every time I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed by something in a manner totally out of proportion to how I should feel about it (in that, you know, this is a JOB, and a BUSINESS, and not brain surgery, war, or world hunger, etc.), I look up at my wall at those blue feet and relax just a bit. And smile.

[wcg.livejournal.com]

How many years total do you have? I'll just remind you that *if* you ever consider going back, all this time counts toward reserve retirement.

Other than that, enjoy!

[pecunium.livejournal.com]

16 good. If I've done the math right, I have 16 years to make up my mind (and maybe a couple more, with waivers and the like.

Since I have about two retirements worth of points (assuming a bog-standard 11 weekends, and two weeks plus membership points), it was a consideration, but not enough to make up for the rest of things.

[firedrake-mor.livejournal.com]

Welcome to the rank of PFC (Proud Free Civilian). I'm glad you have no regrets, after spending that much time and effort in our service. I -have- known you since before the Army (well before *grin*).

As I recall, you came to mine and Susan's wedding reception at LASFS, lo these 27 years ago this March, and I recall you at LASFS since you were, you'll pardon the expression, a "crumb-grabber". I always knew you were intelligent and curious, and so was startled when I first heard you went into the Army. I am glad you did relatively well by it (we won't discuss Reiter's Syndrome . . .)

What do you plan to do now?

[ckd]

Enjoy your new status!

[wcg.livejournal.com]

I hear ya. If I were in right now, I might be doing the same thing. What I'm saying is, things change.

[sunfell.livejournal.com]

Welcome to civilian life, where hats are optional outdoors, you don't have to keep your right hand free to salute, and you have to decide what to wear every day!

:-)

[martyn44.livejournal.com]

Enjoy the rest of your life. My father in law was a 25 year navy man (CPO several times, which should tell you what he was like) I miss the old rogue every day.

[starcat-jewel.livejournal.com]

The only constant in life is change. Welcome to a new life stage.

[silmaril.livejournal.com]

Best of luck with the next step.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Best wishes for the next chapter.

[soon_lee]

"The good outweighs the bad, so I've no regrets"

When all's said & done, that's a good place to be. Best wishes.

[pdx42.livejournal.com]

Congratulations.

If it takes a while to adjust, don't worry about it. The less you worry about adjusting to civilian life, the easier it will be.

[don-fitch.livejournal.com]

Congratulations, Good Luck, and Thanks for the Service that you've given our country (and, unless I miss my guess, that you'll continue to give as an involved Citizen).

[pdlloyd.livejournal.com]

Welcome to the ranks of the civilians. A few of us are even civilized, but figuring out which is which can be tough.

[mesoterica.livejournal.com]

Congratulations, and best wishes, TK! In case I don't say it enough, I honor your service and treasure your friendship here - it's a real treat to be able to read your perspective on all things.