Question:
How well did or did you not adapt to driving. Is life better or worse. Are any of you saying or wishing you had stayed in the military.
I m very close to getting out myself and just wanted some views from other people that have walked the path Im about to.........
Thanks for serving!!!!!!!!!!

Answer:
Change is inevitable. The most you can serve is what 35 years? I served 10 years – 06/73 to 08/74 and 10/76 to 09/85 - and basically received a medical discharge after I fractured my right tibia and fibula (the two bones in your lower leg).
The fracture is right where stress fractures develop so I wasn’t supposed to run in combat boots. Oh well.
The military taught me the basics such as maintenance and how to drive a truck tractor but it was nothing like OTR.
I drove OTR from 09/1992 – 07/1996 and then used my benefits to tough it out and go back to school.
Drivers are like Rodney Dangerfield...They don’t get any respect.
I believe I would explore other avenues. Your military experience can be applied to a great deal of work when properly worded in a resume’.
Here's a starting point: www.usajobs.opm.gov
Best of luck.
John Q.
"If men were angels...No government would be necessary."
51st Federalist Papers
[This message was edited by John Q. Public on November 06, 2003 at 23:06.]
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John Q.
"If men were angels...No government would be necessary."
51st Federalist Papers
"Nichols' Fourth Law says, "Avoid any action with an unacceptable outcome"

Answer:
A englisted person staying in for 35 years ain't going to happen any more. You may have a chance if you are a E-9 and are granted mulitple stays. I think 28 years is about it now. A officer may get to stay in that long with lots of luck.
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Wood's Country Store
202 N Main Street
Summerfield Il 62289
TRUCK PARKING AVAILABLE!

Answer:
After 22 years of managing various AF offices I opted for a corner window office on the top floor where the view constantly changes.
Now, instead of a consistent 0700-1730 duty day with weekends and holidays off as well as paid vacation days, I'm never quite sure when the day will start or end and work most holidays.
It took a fair amount of research (much of it on Trucknet), soul-searching, and talking with my wife before we decided on a driving career.
It also came quite clear that this profession requires tremendous amounts of flexibility, patience, and perhaps most important a large sense of humor. As long as I treat every day as a challenging adventure it turns out all right.
All things considered I'm quite pleased with this line of work. The autonomy and having a focused mission make up for the additional duties, second guessing, and responsibility without authority.
I really enjoyed being a Senior NCO, but like driving a truck better.
Good luck and however many tires on your vehicle, drive safe.
Trudging the path of happy destiny.

Answer:
And have found that trucking is the only way I can satiate my endless need to wander(much like the military did) The military also taught me PATIENCE and how to deal with "hurry up and wait scenarios"
CD -->
"I dont like small cars or real big women,but somehow I always find my self in 'em" (Kid Rock)
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CD
recovering dweller..........oilfield trash division

Answer:
Originally posted by chilidawg:
And have found that trucking is the only way I can satiate my endless need to wander(much like the military did) The military also taught me PATIENCE and how to deal with "hurry up and wait scenarios"
I did 9 1/2 years in the Army. I gotta agree with Chilidawg. I also have the 'urge' to wander. I hate punching a time clock. Can't stand to work in a factory or some building with no windows. Drives me nuts I tell ya. -->
My office is 5' off the ground and I like it that way. --> Besides, some people have a corner office with windows, I have an office with windows that also corners! -->
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"Got the bird dog on...
Dodgin' the scales...
80 miles an hour and a step outta jail..." --> From "Rollin' Home, Pirates of the Mississippi)
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"I've always been different with one foot over the line.
Winding up somewhere, one step ahead or behind.
It ain't been so easy, but I guess I shouldn't complain.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane." (from Waylon Jennings)
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Member: Happy Dweller Society
Owner Operator Division


Answer:
I also agree with Chilidog,
I did 20 in the Navy and retired, I think the military not only helped me mature and have patients, but how to deal with people and the many different types of personalities they have.
Ike -->
"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
Albert Einstein

Answer:
I axed you a question in another post about your affiliation to the "pukindogs"...are you an alumnus?? I am an ex "Blacklion and Gunfighter"
NEC 8108- F-14 Structures
CD -->
"I dont like small cars or real big women,but somehow I always find my self in 'em" (Kid Rock)
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CD
recovering dweller..........oilfield trash division

Answer:
Chilidog,
Pukindog 1982 - 1986. Med Cruise '83 and '84. "How ya like me now?" Toby Kieth.
Ike -->
"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
Albert Einstein

Answer:
I did my tour with the tomcats, VF-84 the jolly rogers way back in the day . Ended my career with the hornets after 23 years and yes I like to wonder lol
Michael Jorzyk

Answer:
--> --> --> Heard a news story the other day ,that they were retiring the last squadron out of Yokuska(sigh) I kinda miss workin on em....although I miss being on the flightdeck even more --> -->
CD -->
"I dont like small cars or real big women,but somehow I always find my self in 'em" (Kid Rock)
_________________
CD
recovering dweller..........oilfield trash division

Answer:
Tomcats? Hell, I was sorry to see the Crusaders go.
Pukin' Dogs? Think they were on the Enterprise back in '71-'72 when they still had Phantoms. We also had a squadron of A-3 Skyraiders (Whale) and heavy 5 (RVAH-5) with Vigilantes. I worked the flight deck then, ship's company.
I spent a number of years in the boat club myself but I must have missed out on the part about it teaching patience.

Answer:
I was on the deck of the USS America the day the CNO decided,"No more whales on my carriers" and from that day on we just followed the ship around the Med on land detachments(I kinda liked it)
CD -->
"I dont like small cars or real big women,but somehow I always find my self in 'em" (Kid Rock)
_________________
CD
recovering dweller..........oilfield trash division

Answer:
hey chilidawg I was in VQ-2 out of rota in the mid 70's stil had to do the boat thing back then LOL
Michael Jorzyk

Answer:
I was there from 87-90.........lots of VQ ppl on that "classmates" website in the military section
CD -->
"I dont like small cars or real big women,but somehow I always find my self in 'em" (Kid Rock)
_________________
CD
recovering dweller..........oilfield trash division