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So it was coincidence that you're retiring right around the same date that DADT is repealed? Or is there something with the calendar year in the military that makes this week a “transitional” week? Anyway, congrats on your retirement! I mean, it's a big step after serving for so many years - so much to miss I am sure, but much to look forward to as well. I am guessing you put in your 20+ years. Now it's time to enter into your "second" career. I wish you well going forward.
The day has come, yesterday the repeal of DADT became official and today I final out of the army and sign out on terminal leave. It has been a good run and rewarding, but I am glad to put that chapter of my life behind me. ;D Today is the last day I will ever wear my ACU's again. ;D
Thanks for your service Patrick. Good luck on the next chapter!
It is coincidence that DADT gets repealed and I retire, luck too. Yes, I have 23 years and it is time to move on, I think the US is looking at something like the hollow army of the '70s or the drawdown army of the late '90s in the next ten years or so depending on the decisions made about spending and mission in the next 12-18 months. It will be an interesting spectacle. I also think that the middle NCO ranks are in horrible shape because of the rapidity with which people have been promoted in recent years. It is definitely not the same army I joined in 1989.
I remember when I joined in 1985…still had some holdover Vietnam sergeants that were still E6's, very poor leadership at the company level and you really only excelled if you had a platoon sergeant, top or CO who gave a crap and forced you to excel. When I was in basic if I looked at a DI wrong he was on me like white on rice… and while he legally couldn't hit me, he found “creative” ways to ensure I got the point. That doesn't happen now and the respect level is gone…It's a younger Army today. CO's that are barely mid-20s... E6's that haven't been in the Army very long, and a LOT of senior NCO's who just don't give a crap anymore because of various policies and no real ability to lead any longer (follow the play-by-play book and be sure to be PC about it).Granted, these guys come out of AIT and head to combat... that most certainly speaks volumes.. but I think that PC has creeped in enough that it is as you say, hollow.
We will see what happens. I am guessing that between future fiscal austerity and generally weak leadership, the military as a whole is in for a tough time. It will probably take another Abrams and Dupuy to fix it too.
More wood for the fire from Drudge today.Report: Budget cuts would hollow military, Personally, I look for politicians to declare a "Peace Dividend" after we leave Afghanistan and gut the military anyway like Bush Senior did with the drawdown of 90's.After demise of ‘don’t ask,’ activists call for end to military ban on transgenders This one is the best I have seen so far and bolsters the argument that the left and their deviant, atheist friends hate America and all it stands for. We should have seen this one coming though, shouldn't we?
