Sound Off!!

[NavCad88]

Proud U.S. Navy veteran! Enlisted in 1983: U.S. Naval Academy from 1984-88; Surface Warfare Officer 1988-1993 (which included the 1st Gulf War); Public Affairs Officer 1993-98. Very thankful to the Navy for allowing me to spend at least one day in 46 countries. As a vet, I am forever proud of our men and women who have served or are currently serving. We get to camp with our families and live enjoyable and fulfilling lives because of their sacrifices. God Bless America!

[rotorhead1250]

Superchief, how true those words are. Looking at your time frame, I was wondering if you ran across Demo Dick Marcinko. I’ve read all his novels and love em.

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by Superchief

Retired Navy Submariner (E-9) & Spec War. (1965-2007) - thought you all might enjoy this:

YOU CAN LEAVE THE MILITARY -- BUT IT NEVER REALLY LEAVES YOU.

This article sums it up quite well.
Col. Robert Whitener, USMC, ret.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Occasionally, I venture back to one or another military post, where I'm greeted by an imposing security guard who looks carefully at my identification card, hands it back and says, "Have a good day, Sir!" Every time I go back to any Military Base it feels good to be called by my previous rank, but odd to be in civilian clothes, walking among the servicemen and servicewomen going about their duties as I once did, many years ago.

The military is a comfort zone for anyone who has ever worn the uniform. It's a place where you know the rules and know they are enforced -- a place where everybody is busy, but not too busy to take care of business.

Because there exists behind the gates of every military facility an institutional understanding of respect, order, uniformity, accountability and dedication that becomes part of your marrow and never, ever leaves you.

Personally, I miss the fact that you always knew where you stood in the military, and who you were dealing with. That's because you could read somebody's uniform from 20 feet away and know the score.

Service personnel wear their careers on their uniforms, so to speak. When you approach each other, you can read their name tag, examine their rank and, if they are in dress uniform, read their ribbons and know where they've served.

I miss all those little things you take for granted when you're in the ranks, like breaking starch on a set of fatigues fresh from the laundry and standing in a perfectly straight line military formation that looks like a mirror as it stretches to the endless horizon.

I miss the sight of troops marching in the early morning mist, the sound of boot heels thumping in unison on the tarmac, the bark of drill instructors and the sing-song answers from the squads as they pass by in review.

To romanticize military service is to be far removed from its reality, because it's very serious business -- especially in times of war. But I miss the salutes I'd throw at senior officers and the crisp returns as we criss-crossed with a “Good Morning Sir” or "By Your Leave sir".

I miss the smell of jet fuel hanging heavily on the night air and the sound of engines roaring down runways and disappearing into the clouds.

I even miss the hurry-up-and-wait mentality that enlisted men gripe about constantly, a masterful invention that bonded people more than they'll ever know or admit.

I miss people taking off their hats when they enter a building, speaking directly and clearly to others and never showing disrespect for rank, race, religion or gender.

Mostly, I miss being a small cog in a machine so complex it constantly circumnavigates the Earth and so simple it feeds everyone on time, three times a day, on the ground, in the air or at sea.

Mostly, I don't know anyone who has served who regrets it, and doesn't feel a sense of pride when they pass through those gates and re-enter the world they left behind with their youth.

Face it guys and gals who have worn the uniform - we all miss it............Whether you had one tour or a career, it shaped your life.

Great post Chief... Ain't it the truth...

[Top B]

22 years in the Marine Corps. Ooh Rah!

[Top B]

[QUOTE=handbuilder;258286]Awwww Sunwalker, why'd you go there? haha... dont overlook the fact that the Marine Corp is a Dept of the Navy... ;-) LOL
/QUOTE]

Yes, it's called the MENS Department! lol

[Rcandvicki]

US Navy-74-82,,,served on a DDG,CG,AFS,and a LHA.Also did a year as a recruiter.E6.Lived in Japan for 4 years,and have visited Hawaii,Pakistan,Iran,HongKong,Singapore,Phillipine s,Thailand,St.Petersberg Russia,Korea,and Australia.
I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

[BOBFIDY]

Originally Posted by Rcandvicki

US Navy-74-82,,,served on a DDG,CG,AFS,and a LHA.Also did a year as a recruiter.E6.Lived in Japan for 4 years,and have visited Hawaii,Pakistan,Iran,HongKong,Singapore,Phillipine s,Thailand,St.Petersberg Russia,Korea,and Australia.
I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Which AFS? I was on USS MARS AFS 1 in 67 / 68.

[jslager]

US Army 70' 71'
Combat Engineer
Kei Ya

[crushor]

Superchief...Master Chief...well put. I was shooting for 20 but a med retirement showed up first. If it were possible, I too would do it again. I truly miss the Navy.

FC2(SW), USN, Ret

[Pipeman]

Canadian Army, Armoured Corps, 1963-1966. Spent 6 months in the Mediterranean, on an island called Cyprus, all expenses paid, courtesy of the U.N. . Recce Squadron. To the hippie who said we didn't have an Army back then, pull your head out of that dark recess we all have in our bodies.
Audax et Celer

[Rcandvicki]

For any of you Navy Vets,,,there's an app for smart phones called Ships Bells.Its just like hearing them onboard your ship.Some are free,and then some of you may have to pay 99cents.
Sure brings back the old days.Check it out!

[dwaynerz]

air force 79-83. kadena, clark, mcchord, travis, mcdill, ft cambell, nellis and my favorite... norton. kadena and norton were permenant duty, the rest all tdy assignments.

[armye7]

Retired Army 1981 to 2002, loved every minute of it. Would love to go back, it made me who I am today. Air Defense.

[Babygiz]

Served from 1983 until 2005. Loved almost every minute of it!

[jrs_diesel]

12 and a half years and counting in the U.S. Coast Guard.

[Tom and Kat]

U.S. Army. 31 years as an attack helicopter pilot. Hooooah!

[Rogers81]

Originally Posted by TomandKat

U.S. Army. 31 years as an attack helicopter pilot. Hooooah!

32 years ground pounder

[Tom and Kat]

Originally Posted by Rogers81

32 years ground pounder

Man, I wouldn't have any feet left after that!

[Viking]

USAF 69-73, Nam 70-71, Loadmaster crew member C-130 Hercules, Cam Rahn Bay,DaNang,Khe Sahn. Pope AFB Little Rock AFB stateside. TDY Europe.

[grngost1]

U.S. Army retired, 1983-2008