"I might be crazy" Topic

I got out of the National Guard shortly after my deployment ended in 2005. I had to stop by the unit today to clear up a paperwork screw up that says (5 years later) that I haven't turned everything in. I gave them copies of my paperwork and I should clear supply (again) next week.

But…

I sat around in the admin room shooting the with a couple of the guys and I realized I really missed being a soldier. I thought that was a chapter of my life I had closed but as I was driving home I felt like an old girlfriend had moved into town and I wanted to give her a call.

Sure it sucks most of the time and it's a hassle fitting the rest of your life around weekend drill (if you have kids in sports) but there's something about being part of the team that I miss.

Anyone else gone through this?

Retiring was tough even though I was physicially and mentally done.

I still have dreams of my time in the Navy.
Then again I still dream of smoling too.
Both are unhealthy in my situation.
ymmv.

I've never served in the military, but I can tell you this particular story.

There was once a police officer that once trained me, and he was a veteran of Iraq as a Marine. He told me that, even though he enjoyed being on the force, and enjoyed his family here in the states, there was still "something" that appealed to his desire to go back to Iraq. It wasn't until about a year or so later that I found out that he did indeed return to duty, and as far as I know, he's doing alright.

I don't think you're "crazy" in having that feeling, Cincinnatus, whether that "something" is being a part of a team, duty, feeling like the job needs to be done, or whatever it is. The fact is that we're proud of all of you that served our country, whether it was during peacetime or a time of war.

Thank you, soldiers, sailors, and Marines.

Did 24 years in uniform (USMC, USA). Was medically discharged in August 06. Hated it then, hate it now. Wanted to get my 30. Still talk to folks at the unit at least once a week.

Yeah, I guess it's normal.

Yep. I was out for six years. Got back in for a variety of reasons.

No, you're not crazy.

My Dad did 20 years in the Guard and every June he feels the impulse to start packing a foot locker for his two weeks.

Depends on your experience. I was a lieutenant in the post-Vietnam Army. Went in in 1971 and they pulled the plug that fall, only experienced personnel and West Pointers who volunteered went over. I got to partake in the 'First All Volunteer Division' experience at Ft. Lewis, WA. Dealing with senior officers that would sell their soul and the Army for a promotion, shortage of funds, limited training budgets, NCOs with little experience, and great expectations from above but little support and a few attempted back stabbings when doing what they told you to do despite your objections blew up in everyone's face. Nope, don't miss it a single bit.

Yep, but not the military.

Join an amateur sports team for some male bonding, and fun. The danger there is way less than having someone shooting at you, or worse.

Lots of retired military miss at least some parts of the military life. It's certainly different from civilian life, so it's hard to get the positive parts of it after retirement.

OTOH, it's also full of all sorts of irritating BS, from what I gather.

So, nah, you aren't crazy.
-Kle.

I haven't experienced it yet, but probably will when I finally pull the plug. My military service has been the main constant in my life for over 30 years. Mandatory retirement date is in 2014, and I am looking forward to it. We'll see after I actually retire!

I retired from the Army Reserve in 2000. I do realize that "the game changed" not long after. I did recognize that it is a younger man's game and it was time for me to be on the sidelines.

I don't miss Drill, I do miss AT.

My wife retired as a LTC after too many years. Now she continues to attend drills as a 'family support' volunteer.

We are also signed up as guardians for 3-4 kids of service members in the event that both parents are deployed or killed. Hope that day never arrives -- I am enjoying the no kids thing.

We live exactly 1.5 miles from a military base. Locals call my neighborhood the "Guard Ghetto" because 80% of the people that live within 5 miles of my home are retired military.

Tangentially I am still involved in the military and I suspect I will never 'get out'.

mjc

I usually have a lie down till the feeling passes.

You are not crazy. Or if you are, you are not alone. I still dream of being in uniform, random ranks and duty assignments. I go to Fort Harrison to the commissary and feel depressed that it is now part of the City of Lawrence. I stop by the Reserve Center there (my last military assignment) and wander the halls where once was a two-star command and it is even more depressing. But I maintain contact with soldiers I served with and share memories (good and bad, mostly good). Visit my son's ARNG unit on family days and love to continue associating with soldiers. Miss it something fierce.

I guess if I am crazy, I'm not in bad company.

Thanks for the input.