Posted: 2/5/2008 12:54:21 PM EDT
|
So, I enlisted in the ARNG about five months ago and have been drilling with RSP (Recruit Sustainment Program) which is a pre-basic type of unit with the purpose of getting recruits ready for basic. At the ripe old age of 32, I'll be reporting to MEPS tomorrow at 0600 and shipping off to Ft. Benning for OSUT and BAC. I know I'm going to be the old man of the group, but I decided that it was time I pay my dues. Recently married, got a good job, moved back to Alaska, and now I'm heading back to GA where I grew up. It's been over two years since I've seen my family there in GA, and it took enlisting in the Army to go back. I scored a 93% on my ASVAB with a GT score of 132, was offered pretty much any job, but decided that I wanted to go infantry. There are plenty of people who enlist for the benefits, I am not one of those people. We have guys who are doing long and/or multiple tours and I figured what the military needs are more guys willing to pull the trigger and give some other guys some relief. Thus, I have signed a contract as an 11B. My reason behind going into the guard is simple, I don't want to be moved around by the Army. It's not fair to ask my then fiance to marry me, start a life with me, and then uproot. It may work for some people, but this was our compromise. Besides, I moved to Alaska (after having seen all 50 states) because to me it is the greatest state in the nation. There is no other place I would want to build my home and grow old. I've thought about the military many times, and certain things have held me back. It was a fight to get in, but worth it in the long run, I think. I will never have to grow old wishing I had done this, wondering what it was like, or feeling that I was a coward or selfish. I decided that people must make a stand and must contribute, and I had no excuse to not enlist. I love my wife, I love my job, my home, my life, but all of these things are pieces of a greater puzzle. This country has given all of these things to me. I have been a very lucky man in my life, and I would have gone to the grave feeling guilty with debt had I not done this. My wife, the amazing woman she is, has been more than supportive of my decision and though it will be tough as hell being away from her for the next near five months and during any future deployments, we both agree that the sacrifice is worthy of the cause. I may not post here as much as others, but I have enjoyed being a member of this site. Despite all the drama and such, it has been a good source of information and entertainment. Anyway, just thought I'd say goodbye and I'll be back in five months. Adios Amigos! |
Drama? What drama? Good luck, stay safe, let us know when you get back. |
Going in as a PFC. Few college credits short of E4, but I'm okay with it. Thanks everybody! 
|
I'm getting put into a LRS unit when I get back, so eventually (I think it's once I make E4 and with waiver or E5 without) it will be required that I go to Ranger School, assuming you meant tab and not scroll. Thanks! ETA: Sweet, my first page two PNWAGE and on my own thread! Thanks again everybody! |