Originally posted by ateuprto Fully loaded rucks and mountainous terrain did hell on my joints and ligaments.
This is where an out of the box team leader can come in handy
I bought some mules and horses - they were invaluable. I convinced Group that growing up on a farm/ranch I could handle and use horses/mules
properly. Got 3 at first, then more then in the end we had almost 30, We used them all the time for patrols.
Originally posted by ateuprto I am glad I enlisted instead of trying to commission. I got what I "wanted" out of my service, which was
to be at the front full-time. Can't tell you how many COs I overheard bitching about not going out as much as they wanted and being stuck with the
planning and oversight as opposed to being used in an operational capacity. I miss those days sometimes, but am happy to finally be finishing up an
undergrad degree and planning for a prosperous future with the family.
When were you in if you don't mind me asking. '99 to '11 here]
I sometimes wish I'd have stayed enlisted primarily because I missed out on the few years I had to do as a basic branch officer in MI. Although I
have to say being double tabbed - CIB MI Lieutenant I didn't have to take much crap from anyone and I got some good choice assignments.
I was able to get a BA while on active duty and always encouraged others to do so. 100% paid with Army tuition assistance. I always encouraged my
team to pursue their education and took great lengths to protect their school time – sometimes against the Senior NCO’s. I was the "proctor"
for numerous of those tests and stuff for the on line schools. While its value of an online degree itself is dubious to some – for the Army it’s
the paper that matters. At least they were more likely to get promoted to the SGM/CSM level if they get their papers. Had a couple go the warrant
route as well. I Always encouraged education. Much to the chagrin of those who view the Army as uneducated brutes – I think 8 of my Soldiers got
their degrees over the time I was in Command of a Team.
I would have liked to be a Team Sergeant but I was an 18C and my chances were probably pretty slim. I'm sure you know the Team Sergeant politics
game as well as I do - probably would have ended up at the school house or as a 1SG/SGM in PSYOPS more likely.
Ended up being an officer worked out for me as I broke my neck on a HALO jump and if I'd have been enlisted I'd have been retired or at least
reclassified. However, as an officer there is always room on special assignments and stuff - staff and other places where you can work while getting
it your mojo back.
I was Active from 1984 to 08 24 - years. That was plenty – my body was worn out to be honest.
