Leaving the Marines

he's an expert at everything

 

He was demanding to keep the old steam catapults over the new electromagnetic launch system even during his first term. Apparently the reports of how the new system is better haven't sunk in to him.

Appearances and visuals are very important to him. So is the display of raw brutal power or strength. Steam puts on a much better show for him.

In this sense, yes, the toddler side of his personality is showing.

 

Not sure how you fired the Marines especially when an offense may get you brig time which does not count on your enlistment. Plus a demotion to private when they let you out and the enlistment resumes.

A smart salute and crisp shirts would sometimes lead to a meritorious promotion (and more money).

However typing skills alone were often enough to save some of us from West Pacific (Westpac) orders which in turn saved more than a few of our lives.

We ended up supporting Harrier jump jets at MCAS Beaufort and on an aircraft carrier.

 

Hard to convince combat arms MOSes that being a 74F10/20 in the Army, in the most decorated division in the Army, wasn't sitting in A/C'd offices sipping mai-tais whilst they hugged dirt and blocked bullets. Certainly didn't do much for taking advantage of the programming training I'd spent 6 mos absorbing (costing a mandatory 6y initial enlistment, non-deferrable).

Not going to get into how the division juggled a programmer / operator they'd no use for (well, no position those in them wanted to give up), so had me do crap operator jobs 3y, eventually moved to a permanent operator-only shop with no possible means to progress to E-5, as all slots were filled (with some of the most worthless NCOs I'd ever have the misfortune to serve under). So bided my time, and got orders for echelon above Corps.

Better... but same game, different board. And yep -- about a year into this second duty station (which tbh, was much nicer than 3ID... had a Five Guys a mile from the post exit, and Georgetown and the non-green Mall to rollerblade at, ten mins further), this post only reinforced how terribly the US Army (of that time, anyway) utilised its talent.

Had I served in AF or Navy 6y, would've had much better training and much stronger skills applicable to civ life. Nope -- joined the Army because dad was in Vietnam. And whilst not sorry I'd served in mil, not even close... wish had done time in a svc that actually prepped me for post-svc career success, rather than half-arse single-serving counseling sessions for appearances, don't let the door hit you in the arse. Oh sure, I'll re-up, sergeant major See ya

 

I had two 'last days' in the Navy.
I left active duty with eleven years on the clock, throwing my "dixie cup" at the gate guard on my way out and vowing never EVER to serve an active day in the canoe club again.
HOWEVER!!!!!! (comma)
I cannot say that I was mistreated in any way by my last command.
In fact, the skipper deliberately ignored squadron policy and kept me "on the boat" (in the off-crew office) right up until my first last day, saving my from a two-week week-long, mind numbing task of 'clearing post' and extra duty with Navy Base to which we were assigned. They also kept me in the USN a week longer than they had to, giving me credit for an 11th year.
It was a very short day.
I had a cup of coffee with the XO in his office, signed my DD-214 and was out the door before nine.
I was as close to being a civilian at that point as one CAN be opting to serve in the IRR for a period of time.
No drills.
No uniform.
No Duty.
Just an ID with a clock ticking away towards a final retirement date......or.........


My second-last day occurred roughly 21 years, two deployments, one promotion and another Warfare Designator pin after my first last day.
My younger brother was a submarine qualified, E6, Electronics Technician and we shared a house briefly.
He had a dalliance with the USN reserves resulting in a comical phone call ending with a frustrated Ensign asking me just how many ET1(SS) sailors with my last name LIVED in my town?
I told him that I didn't know but that TWO of them lived in the house that he was calling!
Ensigns.
GOD bless 'em!
This resulted in a 'family meeting' whereupon I agreed to serve as an active reservist.
After the towers fell - I was a MORE active reservist!

My second, 'last day' WAS my last day, and it was a near carbon copy of my first last day - with the exception that it was the skipper's office instead of the second in command - or Executive Officer (XO.)
I had previously informed my skipper that I came into the USN quietly, and I'd like to go out the same way - relieving them of the burden of arranging a formal retirement ceremony.
My CFO and I enjoyed a quiet celebratory dinner afterwards and we each reflected on the fact that I now had had only one employer but I still had several 'bosses' including my new granddaughter.
I didn't throw my hat at anyone and I did not have to worry with vows to never serve another active day in the USN.
It was my LAST last day as a squid.

The USN DID INDEED pave the way for my present job, and I'm thankful that despite my best efforts I didn't mess it up too badly along the way.
I even have the same JOB TITLE (Electronics Tech) - but we sailors are hardly unique in doing that.
The Air National Guard are the world champs.
Some of THEIR people do the exact same thing, on the exact same planes during their drill weekends and deployments that they do in civilian life - with a simple change of clothing.

Militaries are pretty good at taking young men - and, now women and GROWING them up.
I've served with people who were offered the proverbial 'two choices" (military or incarceration.)
Some of these changed the trajectory of their lives, while others only delayed the other option.

The great philosopher and thinker Forest Gump resolves that life is both chance and destiny - lending credence to his first drill sergeant's estimation of his intelligence........