When I retired, my unit was closing down. I was the last person there. I literally shut the lights out, locked the doors and drove off into the sunset. There was no fanfare or tearful goodbyes. Thinking back on it now makes me kind of sad.
Cover on outside, cover off inside...oh yeah, I'm a civilian again. You tell yourself, I'm gonna sleep late, grow out my hair, and dress casual and comfy. Then not long after you're out, you shave clean, cut your hair, and tuck your shirt and adjust your gigline. That's when you realize that servce changed you inside for the better. I got out in 1990, and still feel this way.
i grew my beard out instantly but there are other aspects catch myself doing like hands in pockets or crossing my arms as of late i have been struggling to find where to keep my arms when i was in i used hanf my hands off my belt or hang my thumb in my pockets. swearing every sentence, luckily i shut that off at home
@@caldarilogi The "power stance" that we all adopt in the military at some point is a dead giveaway. Ten toes down, wide base, eye contact, arms either crossed or in pockets, head up, shoulders back. It's a stance that projects authority and confidence, and in a day and age where people are generally more reserved and less sure of themselves, we stick out.
I threw my razor in the trash of the hotel at on Columbus barracks in Mannheim at 620am on Thanksgiving day 2010. I only shaved that day bc my ops nco told me he wouldn't drive me to Frankfurt if I didn't. I have not been clean shaven since. Your problem is you let them dictate your entire identity and never found your real identity. You've been living the brainwashing. Gtfo of it dude. The military didn't care about you then. They certainly don't care about you today.
Social media makes it easier though. I have tons of guys I served with as facebook friends that I haven’t seen with my own eyes in years and a few of them I haven’t seen in person since the 1990s
As I was walking to my car to leave I watched two Sgt's backing out of parking spaces opposite of each other. They backed into each other. I laughed and drove away. It was a great day.
@@chatgptrepliesonyoutube Wow, you just know everything all the time don't you? I wouldn't be caught dead in today's US military, the new recruiting efforts aren't exactly convincing. I take it you fell for the whole "military egirl" psyop though.
The day before, I went to the bank, and got the newest quarter they had. As I was walking out of the last building, DD214 in hand, but still in uniform, I encountered some captain. I saluted him, then stopped him and presented him with the quarter, showing him my DD214 and explaining that he was the last officer I would ever salute. He had a good laugh, and wished me well. It was a good day.
It’s actually supposed to be a silver dollar.. that’s generally what the tradition is called.. silver dollar salute.. but a quarter will do since silver dollars don’t even exist anymore
When i got out i left that same office he is at, got my dd-214 and did one last stop at the platoon sergeants office at the CP in Horno, didnt realize the emotions would hit me like they did. Said my final good byes to every platoon sergeant and then realized i was leaving everything i ever knew behind, and the tears came. One of the Ssgt pulled me outside and told me something id never forget “The good ones get out because they’re smart and will have great opportunities out in the civilian life.”
@@TomASwift been out since 2018, went and got my AA, BA, and masters in I.T. bought a home, and have two beautiful children and a wife. Accomplished the rank of : Happy
About 6 hours in on the drive home, I started to laugh uncontrollably. I had no reason to laugh. Then it hit me. It was all of the stress and suppression of self from the last four years leaving my body. Pure euphoria. Still miss it. Lol
It rained on Fort Hood and I told the formation to enjoy their weekend, and that the ARMY would be just fine without me. I cried as I left the gate and took my uniform off for the last time. That was 9 years ago. I miss the people, but not the bullshit.
Lol we had a guy who was a good Marine on paper but had a serious attitude problem. He had nothing but utter disrespect for authority. Couldn’t wait to get out and joined the Army within a year…..
Damn this hit home for me.... Same way, I miss the homies everyday... Some unfortunately are gone forever..... Best fucking times of our young lives - nothing as ever compared - not even the birth of my children... Yut
I am 48 now, lots of water under the bridge since that day. My advise............ Life is like a book. There are going to be many times when a chapter ends. Get used to it and always LOOK FORWARD to the next chapter. Its sad when people never move on.
Yea. I Retired from the Navy in San Diego. Off a ship that had been decommissioned and was bound for Sinking. I Got on my Harley and Rode for Days. I Saw America. Coast to Coast. All Four Corners. Got a Passport and came to the Philippines and now, I am enjoying the sun and sandy beaches. ❤
I'm retired navy. Been to the PI many times since I was on 2 carriers, the Constellation and Enterprise. Did a world cruise on the big E and ended up on the east coast for reactor refueling. Had relatives in Virginia and Maryland who I reconnected with. Did one heck of a med cruise on a LPD, a couple shore duties along the way and got out. Miss some things but not officers, especially the young ones😊😊😊😊😊
Getting out the Military felt like the loneliest time I’ve ever felt in my entire life. In a matter of final hours I lost my entire identity, 8yrs of friendships, teammates, work, structure & being molded & sharpened into a strict weekly routine just…..Poof Gone….It almost feels like a dream I woke up from, slowly driving off base 2,000+ miles away from “home” not a single soul in sight to help guide me back West. It was truly the best and the worst experience I never want to go through again.
Finishing Medical School felt similar in some way (because I didn’t stay in clinical medicine, or the same city. I moved across the country back “home” where i didn’t know anyone anymore)
@@Sa-lw2vjit is tough ! Hang in there stay strong, stay motivated ! Surround yourself with positive people if you can that will help push you into your next chapter in life 🫡
After i got my papers i went back to the barracks to say my final goodbyes and have one last smoke in the smoke pit. A boot came up to me and said good morning lance corporal. I told him im not a lance corporal anymore and he was like "Oh, good morning....man"😂 Tossing my boots into the battalion tree and driving off was a very bittersweet moment for me.
I got a monotone “congrats” from a PFC and grabbed my paperwork and meandered out to my car. Sat there and wondered what do I do now? I went back to my squadron and rolled up into my shop and asked what do I do now? “Go home, dude. You’re free.”
Yeah man, no idea when your paperwork is coming back, always getting told something different, always someone different to call, no idea who you’re talking to and nobody knows who you are. All of this culminates in a phone call saying hey your ratings are in and you need to do whatever you need to in order to EAS because you leave in seven days😧
@@v8poweredpony hahaha it’s weird as hell when they switch up on you and they’re like hey buddy, you ready to start your next chapter? “Just yesterday, you were an absolute c*ck to me…”
My mates did not want me to go. Got me a great plaque. Laser etched. Brass, faux engraved ivory. I wasn't an officer. But treated like it. Officers and GS did not want me to leave. Actually tried to stop my terminal leave time. My last day was hard. My commander stopped them hard in their tracks. I did alot, for many. Especially cook outs. They all miss that I will bet. 😂
@@flawlesskayjay6106 when you get to your ship, if you ever have any Marines onboard. Bust the biggest one right in the mouth That will get you their respect 🤣
The day before I got out, they made me go out to the field where all my fellow marines were training to get ready to go to Afghanistan. At the time, I was pissed off, thinking to myself "WHY the fuck am I here when my ass is going back to upstate NY tomorrow for good". Looking back, I'm so glad I got to spend one last day with my brothers. Many who are not with us today. Love and miss them all! Semper Fi
I got out and had a needle on my arm and was homeless for two years. Now I’m clean for 5 years and own my own home and have a good job. Jesus showed me the way.
My last day, I signed out and jumped in my truck and hit the gas running. I got a call as I was 30 minutes away from base saying I needed to come back in, that the Commander was throwing me my going away party. Didn't wanna leave on bad terms with everyone so turned around and got a free meal before saying goodbye and by nightfall I was on the road back home.
@@49ersmahsf1 Funny thing is a month before I got out the Company Commander asked me about my award. I straight told him, "Sir you can give me a AAM or a CoA, the paper doesn't matter now that I'm getting out, however, You rarely give the Company coins out, I would be very happy and more appreciative with just that." No lie. They had Company coins, but they only gave them to maybe 1-2 people a year. One of my friends who got medically released a few months earlier was so jealous when they found out I got a coin lol.
@@ImTatoPotato As far as Commanders go, either Brigade or Battalion, I can honestly say I've never had a bad one. Now 1SG or CSM and XOs....oh damn I can name a bunch POS ones lol.
Spending 25 years in the service, the heartbreaking part was retiring. Regardless how hard military life to some people, it's the best job I ever had where I learned a lot, and appreciate life and people. I missed the people, the camaraderie, and the challenging adventures. Love it!!💪👍❤️🙏🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
When they treat you like a top tier soldier till you get injured overseas . They can gladly kick rocks my main goal is to show the new generation that wants to join the multiple scars from surgery and the mentality of being broken everyday to make sure they choose a different path
@@user-oj5ou8fx9u especially after watching the withdrawal.. seeing them people pound the plane trying to get their babies to safety. Makes dealing with it all that much harder
My plan wasn't solid when I got out. However I found my way and make a hell of a lot more money then I ever would have in the military. Best of luck brother
Once a marine, always a marine, congratulations on a job well done. Whatever you do, you will prosper because you have the heart and soul of a champion, semper fi.😊
When I left active duty I felt completely lost.The day before I was a Battalion XO in charge of hundreds on men-then it’s all over and you’re left to your own devices.What a kicks in the nuts.Took me 6 weeks to figure out what I was going to do,and I went after it.I’m now retiring this Jan from the State Police which I also love.The camaraderie isn’t the same but I have friends I’ll always have and a home I can visit anytime.
One of my saddest days. I took off my uniform thinking how from that moment, my stripes, firefighter badge, and awards and decs no longer showed who and what I was. Regardless, I still keep my Class A’s, BDU’s and Desert uniforms packed in an A3 bag just in case my country and/or constitution calls.
That's one thing people don't understand is how when you're in the military you ARE your rank, last name. Nothing more, nothing less. IT IS your identity. This is something I struggle with in civilian life is finding a new identity. How have you managed to deal with this?
@@scottstonerock8955 I think that for me, I was able to be more of myself as I was Air Force. Yes, we had the same self-discipline as other services, but we could also let our personalities shine without admonishment. Over time, I was able to make the adjustment. The hardest part was being in a supervisory position and realizing that passing out work assignments didn’t guarantee an immediate response from the assignee. I did have to learn to manage expectations as to when I wanted something done.
@@marryson123sure, but it’s not about staying. It’s about losing your brothers (and sisters) and the chapter being over and formally saying goodbye once and for all. Thank you for your service, Shooter. Nothing will ever truly heal what you and your squad went through, but I hope it brings you some comfort knowing you literally protected the freedom and pursuit of happiness of hundreds of millions here at home.
Right out of high school, I enlisted in the Air Force, because most of my family are Air Force as well. I got honorably discharged as a lieutenant, after putting in my years of service. I went around to visit my fellow armed services brothers and sisters, telling them all goodbye for one last time. My major had planned a huge going away party for me, & told everyone to keep it a secret. He told me to go pick something up in the mess hall, a gift he’d left for me. So, I walked over to the mess hall, opened the door. Got hit with a huge, loud “SURPRISE!!”, by everyone there. All my friends I’d made were there. I was grabbed by the arm, & pulled on in. Everyone came up to me, to congratulate me on becoming a civilian again, & to wish me the best. Lots of gifts. I was keeping my tears inside, deep down, because I knew I was going to miss everyone there. When I was told to make a farewell speech, I got up in front of everyone…all my brothers and sisters…started to speak, to tell them all thank you. When I got to the point where I told them I loved them all so much, that’s when the tears started. I tried to keep them inside, but I couldn’t. I was holding onto the podium so tight, and just began sobbing uncontrollably. It felt as if my heart was breaking, &, it hurt so bad!! I told everyone, thru my tears, just how much they all meant to me, and that they were my family. I was shaking, crying so hard. Once I was done speaking, I went and just stood off to the side, watching them all interact with one another, all their beautiful smiles, all these beautiful memories, & I didn’t want to spoil the moment. One by one, they came up to me, giving me the tightest hugs ever. They were crying too. I was beginning to feel the loss of missing them already. A few hours later, my unit dropped me off at the airport. A few of them went inside ahead of me. At the ticket counter, I was still in uniform. My colonel handed me my plane ticket, hugged & saluted me one last time. Then they escorted me over to the first class boarding. I thought it was a mistake; my colonel told me to look at my ticket. First class, it said. I got onboard, kept looking back at my unit, tears rolling down my face. Got in my seat up at the front of the plane. People kept coming up to me to thank me for my service. The pilot got on the intercom, telling everyone who I was, & I heard & saw people clapping for me. I felt like I hadn’t done anything to deserve their attention, & was a bit embarrassed. It felt unfamiliar to me. I cried quietly on the flight home. Got home, picked up by my older brothers who had retired from the armed services, brought home. Got a welcome home party. I still keep in touch with my friends and family from my time in the military.
I was checking out of electronics school heading home to the reserves from active duty. Was given a checklist to have signed by every department on base stating that I did no owe equipment or anything. I was told to report to the platoon office when I was done. When I finished the sheet, the last department told me to leave it with them and they would turn it in. I asked what to do next and they said go home you are done so I let for Texas. I found out from my brother later that the platoon sergeant was pissed because he was going to keep me in the office doing his paper work for a few days.
wasnt a Marine but in the Army and the feeling to wear a hat indoors again was so satisfying and the realization of having freedom again probably one of the best days of my life
Back when, there was no transition classes or assistance - we just turned in everything and processed out. I walked out to the car I bought from a junkyard for a few hundred, drove for days until I reached Phoenix, liked what I saw and stopped at an apartment complex. I called my folks and told them that I was going to give Phoenix a go. Earned my bachelor's degree in night school, had a good time.
My husband just retired after 26 years. He's so relaxed & happy. 🥰 Hangs out with me all day & picks up the kids from school every day. He's really enjoying himself & our family. Congratulations! 🥳
one of the most beautiful days of my life. signed the DD214 and dipped! I often think about my brothers and the Corps but nothing beats the luxury of watching ur kids grow
@@Nando.M1 I’m grateful for it. Especially since I didn’t have a direction after high school. But, the bureaucracy is stifling. If you’re okay being just mindlessly put to work then it’s not so bad. But if you have aspirations you’ll feel like you’re bottlenecked by rank. The base I was stationed at was also absolute dog shit so that didn’t help.
Mine was April 16, 1996. I checked out and was on the road and gone by 13:00! I felt like The New Frontier had just begun. Should have never left and retired!
I got out May 2022. Joined the Marine reserves, started a business, finally finished college. Now going to Marine OCS in 2 months. Reserves after active is a hidden gem.
@@DareToScare98currently national guard here. Its good to do if you have things to do on the civilian side. Just show up for drill weekend and training time or duty orders. Youll still get some benefits
I remember my last day, it was actually a scheduled day off, my Flight Chief (USAF) told me, I couldn't leave base until after midnight. I was walking out of the building and a few minutes later I saw our duty officer, we came from the same hometown. He asked me when I was leaving, and I told him what FC said. He just laughed, shook my hand and said, you aren't scheduled for any more duty, enjoy your day off.
My last few weeks in the Army after being stationed in Europe was funny because there were a bunch of us who were getting out and every few minutes someone would yell out, "SHORT"! It kept happening over and over. We flew back to the states and finished our out-processing at Fort Dix, New Jersey. I remember being in my hotel room dead asleep and being woken up by the bus driver who would take us back to the base. I was so tired that I didn't hear the alarm. To this day I thank that guy for making the effort of waking my tired butt up.
My last day, as a MSGt retiring, I signed 2 pages 11 entries for BS, then the CO signed my checkout sheets. He asked me if I wanted a retirement ceremony, I said “I thought I just had one”.
@@rogoznicafc9672 All depends on the unit but usually involves a lot standing in formation for the junior Marines and a lot of kackzuckr running of the zeros. Typical dog & pony show stuff, walking like automatons like I did in other formations for 21 years. The reason I didn’t care was because I was going to Med school. I do not miss it, ever.
I did two pumps and wanted to make it a career, but God had greater plans for my life.. My last day I was surrounded by all my mentors and my Junior Marines. I had both their respect and that made it all worth it! I always told my Marines “ Gents, be the best Marine you CAN be, because one day you’ll look back with either pride or regret..” God bless!
This is very true. I have a large regret for never pursuing MSG getting engulfed in the times, I did two pumps also and decided to EAS after an NJP even though my CO gave me the “even though we broke you down, I want to build you up from here” speech I look back with regret for never allowing myself to experience at least trying for MSG
In 2009 I got my 214 and a big check for the accumulated leave build up from three back to back deployments. I walked to my truck, drove to my team room and gave all the guys in my ODA a handshake and a hug. The sun set on my drive home and I felt really alone for the first time in 6 years. I talk to all of them about once a week. I recommend the signal app for y'all to stay in touch.
@@Momo-kw8vb A private and secure messaging app kind’ve like your normal messaging app on iPhone / android but it’s more secure / free from mass surveillance.
@@Momo-kw8vban app that is secured and encrypted, it’s a lot more secure then almost every other app that’s free, it’s used by a lot of soliders, especially overseas.
I remember that day 16 years ago like it was yesterday. I drove down to the beach off of PCH and just sat there with all my stuff in the bed of my truck watching the waves roll in. I was finally free.
@doriangray4278 Some people get to have a good experience while they're doing their time. They get to be in good units where the concepts of brotherhood and comraderie are a reality. And some get sent to festering nests of vipers like 2/5 where the chain of command would gladly sell you and your whole family into slavery just to get a commendation. At least that's how it was when I was in. I sometimes wonder if things there have changed. I doubt it.
It was the most lonely and freeing feeling I’ve ever had, the drive home felt surreal like everything was fake. Felt like a piece of me was missing, and it would take a few more months of being out to fully realize what was different about my life. The military has a simplicity about it that makes social interaction and community much more prevalent than normal life. I miss aspects of it, but also know that going back in is just trying to rekindle a part of my life that’s over. In a weird way, while the lack of freedom and many aspects of military life are awful…I was honestly more myself/confident than after getting out. Even after 2 years civilian life still feels foreign to me
On my last day, I was "awarded" my good conduct medal. When the out processing E4 asked me if I ever got my medal. "What medal?" I asked. "Your GCM" he said, and reached over to a stack of boxed medals and handed me one. It was an emotional moment, obviously.
I got an early out 2 months short of 3 years. The Captain tried to get me a Good Conduct Medal but they couldn't swing it. It didn't hurt my feelings one bit.
I didnt join. I did the fire dept instead.. my dad was in for 22 years.. They gave him a defense Meritorious service medal when he got out. Its on his old ribbon rack.. and in one picture. But not on his DD214.. he died in 98. I do remember him saying he didnt two shts about medals though.. he retired a cw3. They offered him cw4 to stay in another 3 or 4 years. Which was the highest warrant officer rank at the time. They have cw5 now. But he got so sick of the army he wanted out lol. I remember them threatning to fine him for some peices of gear he forgot to bring back too.. like a helmut and stuff.. I think just about everyone who gets out.. is awarded some medal by someone. A colonel i know got a legion of merit that hangs around you neck. Just for retiring
Went to finale out and pick up my DD 214, cam out wearing my hat(out of habit) and a SGT saluted and said hello Chief (ARMY Warrant). I thanked him took off the hat and walked to my car.
The day I got my DD-214, I gave my Corporal chevrons to the dude in Admin that helped me out big time throughout the entire shit storm that I went through to get out. Went to my barracks room, got all my stuff out, said goodbye to my Marines, and drove off. It has been nearly seven years, and I miss my Marines every day, but I do not miss the circus we were all a part of. Semper Fi, you beautiful fuckers.
Saddest part is a lot of us leave just to find out we've been dropped off into the desert without any water or food and a whole baggage of mental issues
@@raymond4307 you damn right there's a little truth to it from what I heard there's a whole lot of truth to it Air Force knows how to treat their own!!!
@@careyjones98 I am currently in the Air Force 7th years SSgt and all my supervisors till this day are supercool. One was prior Marine and he is the coolest. Bachelor’s degree, I have little to know work related stress, 1 “deployment”. Now I am deciding if I should reenlist or separate. I am not sure if I am ready to be a civilian again.
MY last day? Long and exhausting and filled with sheer terror! January 1970, flew back from Cam Ranh bay to Seattle Tacoma, landed at sunset. Up all night out processing as dawn broke I walked out and off post for the last time in Class A, seperation money in my pocket, they paid us in cash money in those days and got on the bus for the airport and hour flight home. Never been so scared as I was on that flight locked in a metal tube with strangers, unarmed and so alone! Then get off the plane and have to face American citizens jeering, insulting and spitting on me! Yeah, Hell of a day.
@@ColdBrewLobster he’s most likely a Vietnam vet they were treated like shi for something they couldn’t control my grandfather was a marine in nam went through some of the same stuff ty you for your service sir salute.
Don’t know you but proud of you Mr American stud! The public schools could use you. That’s what I did for 30 years after 6 in the USAF! Thank you for bringing the best of your generation.
Retired from 2nd Marine Division after 22 years 3 months and 12 days active duty. Two weeks later they hired me as a GS employee working in the same office. 😂😅😊
Getting out of the military was so incredibly bitter sweet. I miss all the good times but I remember the points as to why I got out. Ill never regret serving and if I could redo my life Id do it all over again.
You drive out the gate in a state of euphoria thinking this chapter of your life is over. And yet there's a little knot in your stomach because this chapter of your life is over.
That’s exactly how I’d describe what I felt when I left my base to drive back home Then you get home and the first few months is thinking “Damn, civilian life is boring and dull”
After I served in the Mexican Army I felt super lonely…. First day out without my friends was weird, I felt disconnected and alienated from all the people around me. It has been over 20 years and in somehow I still feel lonely. God bless the US Military, you guys have gone through a lot 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🇺🇸
Stay up king! One military vet to another, you’re loved. No matter what country you served in, we’re all brothers and sisters at the end of the day and you did Mexico proud 🙏🏼 and I’m proud of you for staying afloat, 20 years later.
I understand what you mean by feeling disconnected and alienated from those around you. I did 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and I've been out 13 years but still deal with this.
Retired out of Det 15 in Stuttgart - At my (worthless) going away, I was handed some junk presents, said thank you and then for my speech all I said was "I didn't want any of this", then I walked outside the SCIF to the dumpster and threw in all that stuff I had just been given along with my uniform and I got in my car and left - The last boss and most of those I worked with at that place were the most worthless people I had ever worked with in the Army - that was after 27 years, 5 months, and 25 days. They and that unit accomplished nothing in the 3 1/2 years I was there, They had no honor, vision, ethics, and were the most cowardice people I had ever met in my life.
Maybe you need to have someone teach you "reading comprehension" because from your comment, you obviously didn't understand what I wrote. But I can tell you this - you would have fit right in with most of the people at that place. They too were narcissist @@groundhogday7434
I retired on 1 February 2004 after having served 27 years in the Army. It was a day of both joy and mixed emotions and opening the next chapter in my life as I supported my beautiful wife in completing her career as a SeaBee until she retired in 2008 after having served 21 1/2 years. I consider myself to have been blessed throughout my career for having the ability to serve with and lead truly outstanding young men and women as a Senior NCO.
@@MikMoen That wasn't the case for myself and fellow veterans I either served with or worked with in civilian careers that the military trained and prepared us for.
@@coleengoodell7523lol that's all? "Self discipline and confidence" lol anyone can have that, minus the extreme stress, and beat up body of joining the military.
@@jellygorilla-3200Training, experience and maturity that prepares them for life. VA housing loans, VA medical care for life and with an Honorable discharge a good looking resume. Does this young man look anything but the picture of health to you?
@@coleengoodell7523 Training of what? There's so many vets on waiting lists for what you mentioned lol. "Good looking resume" lol, most jobs in the military don't transfer to civilian life anyways.
Getting that DD214 felt so good. Getting my honorable in the mail was an even more happy, humbling, sad, & sobering feeling and experience. It was so strange to feel all four emotions at once.
Taking off my uniform was actually one of the hardest things I could have done. I didn't have much of a plan afterwards, but just like we were trained? I adapted and moved forwards.
@@brocklanders9692 it’s ok to come out of the closet, we are so proud of you telling everyone! Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t suck that dick! Have a great day 😉
I got out back in 2008. House, truck, and a career that pays absurdly well! I loved my time in the Corps but I’m busy and happier now than ever. I still miss it though.
Honestly. I was released on a medical. I was in pain and doped up. I really can't remember how I left the base by flight or family. But it was very scary. But it was definitely a relief that I didn't have to smile through the pain. I could just rest and heal with the support of my family. I'm forever great ful for their love and support. Kudos so all the veterans. Thank for your service.
I stood at parade rest waiting to be interviewed right after ETS. The guy came out and basically said come back when the starch has worn off.. he hired me 18 months later and is still my mentor today.
Remember it well…..feeling of loss , starting over , looking ahead , walking straight and tall with a new purpose…11/8/68….I’m still here and think every day of the ones that are gone .
I can feel his joy. Relief but there’s sadness too. Especially when your buddies start to succumb to their own deep demons and you see more and more obituaries…
A CWO2 shook my hand, looked me in my eyes and told me to never look back. I don't know his name, couldn't recall his face, or probably even what he sounded like. But that one interaction was the most influential thing that helped me transition back to civilian life. Never look back homies.❤
All I kept hearing from the NCOs including the first Sergeant was "you're going to miss it." After 10 years of serving and now being out for 5, I can honestly say, I haven't missed it. My life is better now and so is my pay.
I’ll never forget getting my DD-214 and sitting in my car in utter disbelief realizing I can just go do whatever I want for the first time as an adult. Joy, disbelief, and a tinge of sadness knowing this part of your life is over. Then I went to a dispensary and have smoked weed everyday since.
You can do w.e u want even as military fym lol u can always get out whenever u want the whole u cnt get out is a myth . U can get geberally discharged easily y can gwt disability by having "depression" alot of way out
My man! I got out in March last year and i immediately smoked weed 😂 I just got my 100% rating a few weeks ago too so that back pay was a dream come true
Hell yeah bro! I changed into some fly shit, opened the sunroof, lit a blunt and popped smoke all the way out screaming eagle boulevard… 4 copies of my dd214 and a new job in Colorado
After i left i was dreaming being there with all the people I have known. It went like that for few months. Decades later a part of me is still missing it.
Got out in 2014, was difficult trying to figure out what I wanted to do, heck I still wake up at 0500 every morning. Not a day goes by where I don’t think about my time in the Army.
@@tsipher Thank u for your service and yes I'm thinking about joining the military I know hard times is going to come but if make it and be able to retired I'm definitely going to enjoy myself
@@user-em9xr5se4ithe military doesn’t financially set you up for life to just kick your feet up and enjoy life lol… idk what kind of commercials or google searching you’ve been doing but once you discharge there’s no 100k a year, there’s no sweet monthly bonuses, if you didn’t even retire with a good enough promotion & rank, I wouldn’t even halfway hope for any of that, even when we retire we still have to pick up a side job just to maintain, & if you’re disabled pfttt Good luck! I’ll be more surprised if you don’t end up homeless with $500 a month (IF THAT)
I'm from Germany. When I was in the Bundeswehr I was at that time a draftee. We had back than in 2004 still the mandatory military service. Almost 20 years later watching this kind of video I feel his joy and happiness and also the sadness. I remember my last day. I remember watching all the people who spend time with me in my unit. I was happy going home yet on the other side I didn't want to go. Even if we come from different countries with different backgrounds. Our service might be totally different all the feelings and memories stay the same. The only thing that I'm kind of jealous even if it's the wrong word but I don't know how to call it better is the respect you have for your troops. This thank you for your service stuff. I wished we would have it here too. Not for the benefits, discounts or stuff like that but just a thank you. Edit thank you all for the likes and comments. Really didn't expect that. Thank you all. Like I wrote watching this young man clip here brought lots of memories. And the simple fact that no matter where we are from the feelings stay the same. And because today is the 4th of July enjoy your holiday.
I am an American, I did not serve, though not for lack of trying, however, even though I am an American who was unable to serve, and your country is not mine, I thank you for your service to your country. You did what they called you to do and honorably. You've probably had the backs of some of our American troops 8n bad situations and even if not you did what you did to keep your country safe. So even if you aren't my warrior, you're still a warrior. Thank you.
As an American who didn't serve because I surely as fuck do not trust bureaucrats in office + 20 years of a senseless war in Afghanistan kind of just not any sense of wanting to serve any kind of country out of me I will say congrats to you my friend
Thank you for serving your country and working with your fellows to serve, fight and protect. I'm sorry Germany and Germans didn't give or show respect and gratitude to you back then. If it makes you feel better, we weren't always that magnanimous with our servicemen here in the U.S. A lot of Vietnam War vets will tell of how they were yelled at, spat on, etc. by fellow Americans as they were trying to get back home in uniform. It took a bit for us to get to the place we're at now with our service men and women.
When I retired, my unit was closing down. I was the last person there. I literally shut the lights out, locked the doors and drove off into the sunset. There was no fanfare or tearful goodbyes. Thinking back on it now makes me kind of sad.
That seems like the ending of a movie
The people you mentored and the individuals who helped you get to retirement will never forget you! That’s all we can ask for in our military career.
@@user-uk9ji8hx4zthat's deep
Damn 🫡
You did a great job! Mission Accomplished!
You know what you do? Turn off your 0430 alarm and sleep in.
04:30* do your studying before you make yourself look dumb🤷🏿
@@xxrandmlinksxxbruh2419bro what
@@xxrandmlinksxxbruh2419he said it right moron. It’s 04:30 in the morning
@@xxrandmlinksxxbruh2419you said the same thing bro
@@nikkybear NO I put 04:30 not 0430 kid
Cover on outside, cover off inside...oh yeah, I'm a civilian again. You tell yourself, I'm gonna sleep late, grow out my hair, and dress casual and comfy. Then not long after you're out, you shave clean, cut your hair, and tuck your shirt and adjust your gigline. That's when you realize that servce changed you inside for the better. I got out in 1990, and still feel this way.
I haven't shaved clean since
Real talk.
i grew my beard out instantly but there are other aspects catch myself doing like hands in pockets or crossing my arms as of late i have been struggling to find where to keep my arms when i was in i used hanf my hands off my belt or hang my thumb in my pockets.
swearing every sentence, luckily i shut that off at home
@@caldarilogi The "power stance" that we all adopt in the military at some point is a dead giveaway. Ten toes down, wide base, eye contact, arms either crossed or in pockets, head up, shoulders back.
It's a stance that projects authority and confidence, and in a day and age where people are generally more reserved and less sure of themselves, we stick out.
I threw my razor in the trash of the hotel at on Columbus barracks in Mannheim at 620am on Thanksgiving day 2010. I only shaved that day bc my ops nco told me he wouldn't drive me to Frankfurt if I didn't.
I have not been clean shaven since. Your problem is you let them dictate your entire identity and never found your real identity. You've been living the brainwashing.
Gtfo of it dude. The military didn't care about you then. They certainly don't care about you today.
The goodbyes are the hardest, we all say we'll keep in touch but it usually just a fade into pleasant memories
like most jobs.
That's life in general.. be grateful for those moments you shared with people as its gone in the blink of an eye
Yeah, that part sucks the most
I saw guys at my 20th reunion from West Point who I hadn't seen in 20 years. It was awesome.
Social media makes it easier though. I have tons of guys I served with as facebook friends that I haven’t seen with my own eyes in years and a few of them I haven’t seen in person since the 1990s
As I was walking to my car to leave I watched two Sgt's backing out of parking spaces opposite of each other. They backed into each other. I laughed and drove away. It was a great day.
lmao
@@chatgptrepliesonyoutube Imagine thinking it's impossible to witness a fender bender on your last day in the military 😂
@@chatgptrepliesonyoutube Wow, you just know everything all the time don't you? I wouldn't be caught dead in today's US military, the new recruiting efforts aren't exactly convincing. I take it you fell for the whole "military egirl" psyop though.
@@itachisasku leave tom alone you were his friend once
@@itachisasku we are both getting old have a good day
The day before, I went to the bank, and got the newest quarter they had.
As I was walking out of the last building, DD214 in hand, but still in uniform, I encountered some captain. I saluted him, then stopped him and presented him with the quarter, showing him my DD214 and explaining that he was the last officer I would ever salute.
He had a good laugh, and wished me well.
It was a good day.
Why a quarter?
@@jayoliver3568 it's a tradition
It’s actually supposed to be a silver dollar.. that’s generally what the tradition is called.. silver dollar salute.. but a quarter will do since silver dollars don’t even exist anymore
Never heard anything about a quarter...
If I was that Captain, I would have been honored and got your contact info.
Bro I literally got my DD-214 with this kid. Funniest dude ever.
Awh
What’s his @?
June 2023, right? Remember this dude there
Thank you guys for your service.
Awwww
When i got out i left that same office he is at, got my dd-214 and did one last stop at the platoon sergeants office at the CP in Horno, didnt realize the emotions would hit me like they did. Said my final good byes to every platoon sergeant and then realized i was leaving everything i ever knew behind, and the tears came. One of the Ssgt pulled me outside and told me something id never forget “The good ones get out because they’re smart and will have great opportunities out in the civilian life.”
Damn that hit. Did the same exact thing in Mateo
So what did you end up doing with your life?
@@TomASwift been out since 2018, went and got my AA, BA, and masters in I.T. bought a home, and have two beautiful children and a wife. Accomplished the rank of : Happy
@@MachineGunMikey- Sounds like a success then. Zero reason to regret getting out. 👍 Happy New Year.
@@MachineGunMikey Ooh-rah 🤜🤛
About 6 hours in on the drive home, I started to laugh uncontrollably. I had no reason to laugh. Then it hit me. It was all of the stress and suppression of self from the last four years leaving my body. Pure euphoria. Still miss it. Lol
Yeah I felt like Jesse at the end of breaking bad
Wait. The laugh or the service? 🤣
@@WestCoolyDamn bro. You really felt like a bunch of skinheads tortured you in a pit? 😂
Felt this !
That drive home dude, there nothing like that feeling. Stress free drive home.
They say Disney is the most magical place on earth but they've never received their DD 214.
And that's a fact 👍🏻
Disney doesn't feel magical if you are looking at your bank statement while you are there
@@Propane_Acccessories also when you realize they're grooming your kids.
@@maxymillion7480just like the Catholic Church ⛪️
Truth.
Next stop.. “ the VA has determined your injury is not service related”
File immediately and before 1 year
Everything is appealable at the VA and get to know your patient advocate is my best advice
It rained on Fort Hood and I told the formation to enjoy their weekend, and that the ARMY would be just fine without me. I cried as I left the gate and took my uniform off for the last time. That was 9 years ago. I miss the people, but not the bullshit.
Joins the army next day
Lol we had a guy who was a good Marine on paper but had a serious attitude problem. He had nothing but utter disrespect for authority. Couldn’t wait to get out and joined the Army within a year…..
Very real. Then they see it’s even more disorganized bullshit lol
@@protoman1214 Lmfao
If he was smart he’d join the Coast Guard lol
I can attest to this
The saddest part is losing touch. I only talk to anyone from those days once every few years, and it's usually just a few drunk texts
Damn this hit home for me.... Same way, I miss the homies everyday... Some unfortunately are gone forever..... Best fucking times of our young lives - nothing as ever compared - not even the birth of my children... Yut
Undoubtedly the best and worst days in my life. Marine for a day, Marine for life. The story never ends
Sadly, it’s just like work at some point. Your coworkers rarely ever wanna see you after you retire.
i feel this
That my man is the military way. The fallacy of friends for life is false.
I am 48 now, lots of water under the bridge since that day. My advise............ Life is like a book. There are going to be many times when a chapter ends. Get used to it and always LOOK FORWARD to the next chapter. Its sad when people never move on.
Amen 🙏🏿 I truly agree
Thank you great advice
Yea. I Retired from the Navy in San Diego. Off a ship that had been decommissioned and was bound for Sinking. I Got on my Harley and Rode for Days. I Saw America. Coast to Coast. All Four Corners. Got a Passport and came to the Philippines and now, I am enjoying the sun and sandy beaches. ❤
I'm retired navy. Been to the PI many times since I was on 2 carriers, the Constellation and Enterprise. Did a world cruise on the big E and ended up on the east coast for reactor refueling. Had relatives in Virginia and Maryland who I reconnected with. Did one heck of a med cruise on a LPD, a couple shore duties along the way and got out. Miss some things but not officers, especially the young ones😊😊😊😊😊
Getting out the Military felt like the loneliest time I’ve ever felt in my entire life. In a matter of final hours I lost my entire identity, 8yrs of friendships, teammates, work, structure & being molded & sharpened into a strict weekly routine just…..Poof Gone….It almost feels like a dream I woke up from, slowly driving off base 2,000+ miles away from “home” not a single soul in sight to help guide me back West. It was truly the best and the worst experience I never want to go through again.
You'll miss the good people and memories, but life goes on. Wish you the best!
Finishing Medical School felt similar in some way (because I didn’t stay in clinical medicine, or the same city. I moved across the country back “home” where i didn’t know anyone anymore)
That is seriously the perfect way to describe it
It makes me cry because I'm also at the end of something very similar
@@Sa-lw2vjit is tough ! Hang in there stay strong, stay motivated ! Surround yourself with positive people if you can that will help push you into your next chapter in life 🫡
My last day was the day I retired. Turned in my active duty ID, received my retired ID and was happy as hell.
Lies
@@GODSWORD11the only thing that lies also bleeds every month i can't trust something that bleeds all the time
@@GODSWORD11 ???
No terminal leave?
How did you get your retired id the same day you turned in your cac. That doesnt make sense.....
After 20 years I picked up my DD214, gave the middle finger to the MPs as I rolled out the gate and never looked back.
Hey, I was an MP and would have gave you the middle finger right back with a smile on my face and a hearty salute.
Why does everyone hate us😢
@@LeftBlankIntentionally😭😭😭
After i got my papers i went back to the barracks to say my final goodbyes and have one last smoke in the smoke pit. A boot came up to me and said good morning lance corporal. I told him im not a lance corporal anymore and he was like "Oh, good morning....man"😂
Tossing my boots into the battalion tree and driving off was a very bittersweet moment for me.
I got a monotone “congrats” from a PFC and grabbed my paperwork and meandered out to my car. Sat there and wondered what do I do now? I went back to my squadron and rolled up into my shop and asked what do I do now? “Go home, dude. You’re free.”
I would think those years would teach you how to carry out a plan
@@Johnsonlui7707 haha you’d be surprised. Felt so weird. I also got Med boarded at 5 1/2 years so my end was pretty hectic.
Yeah man, no idea when your paperwork is coming back, always getting told something different, always someone different to call, no idea who you’re talking to and nobody knows who you are. All of this culminates in a phone call saying hey your ratings are in and you need to do whatever you need to in order to EAS because you leave in seven days😧
I had the same experience when I went back to the Squadron smoke pit and SgtMaj. Was like why the fuck you still here, Swan.
@@v8poweredpony hahaha it’s weird as hell when they switch up on you and they’re like hey buddy, you ready to start your next chapter? “Just yesterday, you were an absolute c*ck to me…”
My son get out of the ARMY this week.
I am extremely proud of him.
From one Vet to another.
Thank you all for your service.
My mates did not want me to go. Got me a great plaque. Laser etched. Brass, faux engraved ivory. I wasn't an officer. But treated like it. Officers and GS did not want me to leave. Actually tried to stop my terminal leave time. My last day was hard. My commander stopped them hard in their tracks. I did alot, for many. Especially cook outs. They all miss that I will bet. 😂
I join leave for the navy next Tuesday
@@flawlesskayjay6106Good luck. Bring a Bible!
@@flawlesskayjay6106 good luck
About a year of sea time myself.
Enjoy the world
@@flawlesskayjay6106 when you get to your ship, if you ever have any Marines onboard.
Bust the biggest one right in the mouth
That will get you their respect
🤣
The day before I got out, they made me go out to the field where all my fellow marines were training to get ready to go to Afghanistan. At the time, I was pissed off, thinking to myself "WHY the fuck am I here when my ass is going back to upstate NY tomorrow for good". Looking back, I'm so glad I got to spend one last day with my brothers. Many who are not with us today. Love and miss them all! Semper Fi
Took my ID handed me my dd214 and said "figure out how to get off base" 🤣
I got out and had a needle on my arm and was homeless for two years. Now I’m clean for 5 years and own my own home and have a good job. Jesus showed me the way.
🙏
happy for ya brother, congrats
Keep going brother! God is good and people are here for you!
Jesús is a good guide
@@TheMavosathe way, the truth, and the life my brother🙏🏼❤️
My last day, I signed out and jumped in my truck and hit the gas running. I got a call as I was 30 minutes away from base saying I needed to come back in, that the Commander was throwing me my going away party. Didn't wanna leave on bad terms with everyone so turned around and got a free meal before saying goodbye and by nightfall I was on the road back home.
Damm that was a good Commander if he threw you a going away party . 🫡mad respect for coming back .
@@49ersmahsf1 Funny thing is a month before I got out the Company Commander asked me about my award. I straight told him, "Sir you can give me a AAM or a CoA, the paper doesn't matter now that I'm getting out, however, You rarely give the Company coins out, I would be very happy and more appreciative with just that." No lie. They had Company coins, but they only gave them to maybe 1-2 people a year. One of my friends who got medically released a few months earlier was so jealous when they found out I got a coin lol.
Damn you had a good commander bro. That’s awesome.
@@ImTatoPotato As far as Commanders go, either Brigade or Battalion, I can honestly say I've never had a bad one. Now 1SG or CSM and XOs....oh damn I can name a bunch POS ones lol.
Spending 25 years in the service, the heartbreaking part was retiring. Regardless how hard military life to some people, it's the best job I ever had where I learned a lot, and appreciate life and people. I missed the people, the camaraderie, and the challenging adventures. Love it!!💪👍❤️🙏🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
I forgot about the hat thing!
Walking out of a doorway and feeling like I’m missing something.
Though you may be out, don't give up on the discipline you were taught.
Damn right - it'll get you through anything in the Civ Div...
When they treat you like a top tier soldier till you get injured overseas . They can gladly kick rocks my main goal is to show the new generation that wants to join the multiple scars from surgery and the mentality of being broken everyday to make sure they choose a different path
That should be the top farewell statement when your dismissed of duty.
@@user-oj5ou8fx9u especially after watching the withdrawal.. seeing them people pound the plane trying to get their babies to safety. Makes dealing with it all that much harder
I kept the discipline to wake up a 4:30 and masturbate for 20 mins EVERY DAY
My plan wasn't solid when I got out. However I found my way and make a hell of a lot more money then I ever would have in the military. Best of luck brother
Whatd you start doing ?
If you joined the military thinking you were gonna make great money then you played yourself bro
@ajz562 did they pay your school or what did they do just curious
@@PeterAngles-ks9fplmfao this onlyfans stuff is gettin outta hand.
Currently working as a contractor for DOE
Once a marine, always a marine, congratulations on a job well done. Whatever you do, you will prosper because you have the heart and soul of a champion, semper fi.😊
When I left active duty I felt completely lost.The day before I was a Battalion XO in charge of hundreds on men-then it’s all over and you’re left to your own devices.What a kicks in the nuts.Took me 6 weeks to figure out what I was going to do,and I went after it.I’m now retiring this Jan from the State Police which I also love.The camaraderie isn’t the same but I have friends I’ll always have and a home I can visit anytime.
Battalion XO meaning you were a major right??
One of my saddest days. I took off my uniform thinking how from that moment, my stripes, firefighter badge, and awards and decs no longer showed who and what I was. Regardless, I still keep my Class A’s, BDU’s and Desert uniforms packed in an A3 bag just in case my country and/or constitution calls.
Respect man. Major respect.
Thank you for your service!
That's one thing people don't understand is how when you're in the military you ARE your rank, last name. Nothing more, nothing less. IT IS your identity. This is something I struggle with in civilian life is finding a new identity. How have you managed to deal with this?
@@scottstonerock8955 I think that for me, I was able to be more of myself as I was Air Force. Yes, we had the same self-discipline as other services, but we could also let our personalities shine without admonishment.
Over time, I was able to make the adjustment. The hardest part was being in a supervisory position and realizing that passing out work assignments didn’t guarantee an immediate response from the assignee. I did have to learn to manage expectations as to when I wanted something done.
@@nez1507 Thank you for that!
It was a sad day for me… got my papers, sat in my car and cried like a baby. I had lost so many brothers…. #infantryShit
Don’t you get to choose to stay in?
@@marryson123 you can get med boarded out, as well.
@@marryson123sure, but it’s not about staying. It’s about losing your brothers (and sisters) and the chapter being over and formally saying goodbye once and for all.
Thank you for your service, Shooter. Nothing will ever truly heal what you and your squad went through, but I hope it brings you some comfort knowing you literally protected the freedom and pursuit of happiness of hundreds of millions here at home.
I was medically retired and I'm still pissed off about it.
I leave tomorrow off to fort benning going 11 bang bang I hope I feel the same way you did
Right out of high school, I enlisted in the Air Force, because most of my family are Air Force as well. I got honorably discharged as a lieutenant, after putting in my years of service. I went around to visit my fellow armed services brothers and sisters, telling them all goodbye for one last time. My major had planned a huge going away party for me, & told everyone to keep it a secret. He told me to go pick something up in the mess hall, a gift he’d left for me. So, I walked over to the mess hall, opened the door. Got hit with a huge, loud “SURPRISE!!”, by everyone there. All my friends I’d made were there. I was grabbed by the arm, & pulled on in. Everyone came up to me, to congratulate me on becoming a civilian again, & to wish me the best. Lots of gifts. I was keeping my tears inside, deep down, because I knew I was going to miss everyone there. When I was told to make a farewell speech, I got up in front of everyone…all my brothers and sisters…started to speak, to tell them all thank you. When I got to the point where I told them I loved them all so much, that’s when the tears started. I tried to keep them inside, but I couldn’t. I was holding onto the podium so tight, and just began sobbing uncontrollably. It felt as if my heart was breaking, &, it hurt so bad!! I told everyone, thru my tears, just how much they all meant to me, and that they were my family. I was shaking, crying so hard. Once I was done speaking, I went and just stood off to the side, watching them all interact with one another, all their beautiful smiles, all these beautiful memories, & I didn’t want to spoil the moment. One by one, they came up to me, giving me the tightest hugs ever. They were crying too. I was beginning to feel the loss of missing them already. A few hours later, my unit dropped me off at the airport. A few of them went inside ahead of me. At the ticket counter, I was still in uniform. My colonel handed me my plane ticket, hugged & saluted me one last time. Then they escorted me over to the first class boarding. I thought it was a mistake; my colonel told me to look at my ticket. First class, it said. I got onboard, kept looking back at my unit, tears rolling down my face. Got in my seat up at the front of the plane. People kept coming up to me to thank me for my service. The pilot got on the intercom, telling everyone who I was, & I heard & saw people clapping for me. I felt like I hadn’t done anything to deserve their attention, & was a bit embarrassed. It felt unfamiliar to me. I cried quietly on the flight home. Got home, picked up by my older brothers who had retired from the armed services, brought home. Got a welcome home party. I still keep in touch with my friends and family from my time in the military.
I was checking out of electronics school heading home to the reserves from active duty. Was given a checklist to have signed by every department on base stating that I did no owe equipment or anything. I was told to report to the platoon office when I was done. When I finished the sheet, the last department told me to leave it with them and they would turn it in. I asked what to do next and they said go home you are done so I let for Texas. I found out from my brother later that the platoon sergeant was pissed because he was going to keep me in the office doing his paper work for a few days.
wasnt a Marine but in the Army and the feeling to wear a hat indoors again was so satisfying and the realization of having freedom again probably one of the best days of my life
Welcome home. I love you for what you did. Thank you. Really.
I still can't wear color hair bands or break the habit of carrying things in my left hand
Edit: I've been out for 10 years
@@stephanieoh8189 Color hair bands? Why In the hell would a Marine, a Warfighter wear a hair band??
@@dannystranahan1004 Maybe a Marine named STEPHANIE would wear one.
Fucking detective over here...
@@ThorShreddington 💀💀💀
This lads upbeat attitude is gonna get him far. Best of luck sir(salute)
I don’t think he’s a sir I can’t see a rank so I’m not sure so if he isn’t then I will say this
He’s not a sir he works for a living
@@KoalaTMMI think it was just showing respect for someone who served.
Back when, there was no transition classes or assistance - we just turned in everything and processed out. I walked out to the car I bought from a junkyard for a few hundred, drove for days until I reached Phoenix, liked what I saw and stopped at an apartment complex. I called my folks and told them that I was going to give Phoenix a go. Earned my bachelor's degree in night school, had a good time.
My husband just retired after 26 years. He's so relaxed & happy. 🥰 Hangs out with me all day & picks up the kids from school every day. He's really enjoying himself & our family. Congratulations! 🥳
one of the most beautiful days of my life. signed the DD214 and dipped! I often think about my brothers and the Corps but nothing beats the luxury of watching ur kids grow
Yes! Very rarely i miss embracing the suck with my buddies, but nothing beats having the availability to be a present husband and father!
And not having to report to anybody 😂
Hell yeah brother
ORAH GENTS!
@@CityzenDylon bro I hated 0345 FORMATION!
Last day was unreal. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that relieved in my life even afterwards
The military is that bad?
@@Nando.M1 I’m grateful for it. Especially since I didn’t have a direction after high school. But, the bureaucracy is stifling. If you’re okay being just mindlessly put to work then it’s not so bad. But if you have aspirations you’ll feel like you’re bottlenecked by rank. The base I was stationed at was also absolute dog shit so that didn’t help.
@@Nando.M1If you value things like freedom and individuality , then yeah it's that bad.
I asked my sgt if it was my last day, he said he didn’t know I was getting out of the military 😂
Mine was April 16, 1996. I checked out and was on the road and gone by 13:00! I felt like The New Frontier had just begun. Should have never left and retired!
I got out May 2022. Joined the Marine reserves, started a business, finally finished college. Now going to Marine OCS in 2 months. Reserves after active is a hidden gem.
i been thinking of joining the marine reserves(have never served) to start with to see if its for me, should i start reserves or join fully
@@DareToScare98 Do active first if you don’t have anything else going on like college or a career. Then do Marine reserves after.
@@DareToScare98currently national guard here. Its good to do if you have things to do on the civilian side. Just show up for drill weekend and training time or duty orders. Youll still get some benefits
Good luck at OCS boss, just got out of 6 weeks doing the PLC program
Congrats bro
I remember my last day, it was actually a scheduled day off, my Flight Chief (USAF) told me, I couldn't leave base until after midnight. I was walking out of the building and a few minutes later I saw our duty officer, we came from the same hometown. He asked me when I was leaving, and I told him what FC said. He just laughed, shook my hand and said, you aren't scheduled for any more duty, enjoy your day off.
I got 5 months left am on my last deployment right now,reading this comments makes me wanna cry
Two months 😢
My last few weeks in the Army after being stationed in Europe was funny because there were a bunch of us who were getting out and every few minutes someone would yell out, "SHORT"! It kept happening over and over. We flew back to the states and finished our out-processing at Fort Dix, New Jersey. I remember being in my hotel room dead asleep and being woken up by the bus driver who would take us back to the base. I was so tired that I didn't hear the alarm. To this day I thank that guy for making the effort of waking my tired butt up.
My last day, as a MSGt retiring, I signed 2 pages 11 entries for BS, then the CO signed my checkout sheets. He asked me if I wanted a retirement ceremony, I said “I thought I just had one”.
what wouldve a ceramony for a msgt look like? i know they have them for high ranking officers but high ranking soldiers? i didnt know
@@rogoznicafc9672 All depends on the unit but usually involves a lot standing in formation for the junior Marines and a lot of kackzuckr running of the zeros. Typical dog & pony show stuff, walking like automatons like I did in other formations for 21 years. The reason I didn’t care was because I was going to Med school. I do not miss it, ever.
@@rogoznicafc9672I was in a flying squadron in the Air Force. They did retirement ceremonies for anyone who did 20. Including an e6 lol
@@user-bs5cr1sd2i I went out like Shane.
thank you Msgt for your service! -that one random SF Troop
I did two pumps and wanted to make it a career, but God had greater plans for my life.. My last day I was surrounded by all my mentors and my Junior Marines. I had both their respect and that made it all worth it! I always told my Marines “ Gents, be the best Marine you CAN be, because one day you’ll look back with either pride or regret..” God bless!
This is very true. I have a large regret for never pursuing MSG getting engulfed in the times, I did two pumps also and decided to EAS after an NJP even though my CO gave me the “even though we broke you down, I want to build you up from here” speech I look back with regret for never allowing myself to experience at least trying for MSG
I know that smile!!! Bitter sweet when you get a little older but a great feeling in the moment.
Congratulations to him 🙏🇺🇲💪 Thank you and all veterans and service men and women for their service 🙏🏻
In 2009 I got my 214 and a big check for the accumulated leave build up from three back to back deployments. I walked to my truck, drove to my team room and gave all the guys in my ODA a handshake and a hug. The sun set on my drive home and I felt really alone for the first time in 6 years. I talk to all of them about once a week. I recommend the signal app for y'all to stay in touch.
Honestly wish more people used signal since it's a lot more private and secure
@@commonsense5555what is it
@@Momo-kw8vb A private and secure messaging app kind’ve like your normal messaging app on iPhone / android but it’s more secure / free from mass surveillance.
@@Momo-kw8vban app that is secured and encrypted, it’s a lot more secure then almost every other app that’s free, it’s used by a lot of soliders, especially overseas.
I remember that day 16 years ago like it was yesterday. I drove down to the beach off of PCH and just sat there with all my stuff in the bed of my truck watching the waves roll in. I was finally free.
Ayeee I live by PCH
You should try riding a motorcycle up the pch.. talking about feeling free and alive. Such amazing views esp up by Oregon.🤙🏾🌄🏍
I live in ventura county and had my brother fly down to help with the 22 hour drive from texas and boy I was happy driving through PCH 😅
Bro did you get discharged or escape Shawshank😂
@doriangray4278 Some people get to have a good experience while they're doing their time. They get to be in good units where the concepts of brotherhood and comraderie are a reality. And some get sent to festering nests of vipers like 2/5 where the chain of command would gladly sell you and your whole family into slavery just to get a commendation. At least that's how it was when I was in. I sometimes wonder if things there have changed. I doubt it.
Those last steps leaving the armory were pure bliss. Best job I ever had.
It was the most lonely and freeing feeling I’ve ever had, the drive home felt surreal like everything was fake. Felt like a piece of me was missing, and it would take a few more months of being out to fully realize what was different about my life.
The military has a simplicity about it that makes social interaction and community much more prevalent than normal life. I miss aspects of it, but also know that going back in is just trying to rekindle a part of my life that’s over.
In a weird way, while the lack of freedom and many aspects of military life are awful…I was honestly more myself/confident than after getting out. Even after 2 years civilian life still feels foreign to me
best way i’ve seen it described
Leaving the Corps was the saddest and happiest day of my life. I miss my USMC brothers.
Semper Fidelis fellow Devil Dog brother ❤️☺️
Rah
Reserves is the golden hidden secret.
hundo!
On my last day, I was "awarded" my good conduct medal. When the out processing E4 asked me if I ever got my medal. "What medal?" I asked. "Your GCM" he said, and reached over to a stack of boxed medals and handed me one. It was an emotional moment, obviously.
Good conduct medal is given every 3 years... lol
@@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305 Coulda done a four year stint man. Paperwork is always backed up. I got a rank up two months after I got out.
I got an early out 2 months short of 3 years. The Captain tried to get me a Good Conduct Medal but they couldn't swing it. It didn't hurt my feelings one bit.
I didnt join. I did the fire dept instead.. my dad was in for 22 years.. They gave him a defense Meritorious service medal when he got out. Its on his old ribbon rack.. and in one picture. But not on his DD214.. he died in 98. I do remember him saying he didnt two shts about medals though.. he retired a cw3. They offered him cw4 to stay in another 3 or 4 years. Which was the highest warrant officer rank at the time. They have cw5 now. But he got so sick of the army he wanted out lol.
I remember them threatning to fine him for some peices of gear he forgot to bring back too.. like a helmut and stuff..
I think just about everyone who gets out.. is awarded some medal by someone. A colonel i know got a legion of merit that hangs around you neck. Just for retiring
@@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305Nam alone or other wars too?
Went to finale out and pick up my DD 214, cam out wearing my hat(out of habit) and a SGT saluted and said hello Chief (ARMY Warrant). I thanked him took off the hat and walked to my car.
The day I got my DD-214, I gave my Corporal chevrons to the dude in Admin that helped me out big time throughout the entire shit storm that I went through to get out. Went to my barracks room, got all my stuff out, said goodbye to my Marines, and drove off. It has been nearly seven years, and I miss my Marines every day, but I do not miss the circus we were all a part of. Semper Fi, you beautiful fuckers.
Saddest part is a lot of us leave just to find out we've been dropped off into the desert without any water or food and a whole baggage of mental issues
That's true to an extent. Also, that's why you go Air Force (just joke) 😂😂
@@raymond4307 Lol you say that's a joke but........🤣🤣🤣
@@careyjones98 but there is a little truth to it 🤣🤣🤣
@@raymond4307 you damn right there's a little truth to it from what I heard there's a whole lot of truth to it Air Force knows how to treat their own!!!
@@careyjones98 I am currently in the Air Force 7th years SSgt and all my supervisors till this day are supercool. One was prior Marine and he is the coolest. Bachelor’s degree, I have little to know work related stress, 1 “deployment”. Now I am deciding if I should reenlist or separate. I am not sure if I am ready to be a civilian again.
MY last day? Long and exhausting and filled with sheer terror!
January 1970, flew back from Cam Ranh bay to Seattle Tacoma, landed at sunset. Up all night out processing as dawn broke I walked out and off post for the last time in Class A, seperation money in my pocket, they paid us in cash money in those days and got on the bus for the airport and hour flight home. Never been so scared as I was on that flight locked in a metal tube with strangers, unarmed and so alone!
Then get off the plane and have to face American citizens jeering, insulting and spitting on me!
Yeah, Hell of a day.
Welcome home sir
You. Were spit on?
@@ColdBrewLobster he’s most likely a Vietnam vet they were treated like shi for something they couldn’t control my grandfather was a marine in nam went through some of the same stuff ty you for your service sir salute.
@@notoriousdoner5328 Thank you.
And don't call me 'sir' my parents were married!
Sorry, reflex. 😉
@@ColdBrewLobster Yes.
Don’t know you but proud of you Mr American stud! The public schools could use you. That’s what I did for 30 years after 6 in the USAF! Thank you for bringing the best of your generation.
Retired from 2nd Marine Division after 22 years 3 months and 12 days active duty. Two weeks later they hired me as a GS employee working in the same office. 😂😅😊
your bank account must love you lol
Congratulations, you played yourself.
I bet they are paying more lol.
@@timoanez4668 you’re goddamn right
2-2 Al qaim?
Getting out of the military was so incredibly bitter sweet. I miss all the good times but I remember the points as to why I got out. Ill never regret serving and if I could redo my life Id do it all over again.
well said brother
Carry on, Marine. Good luck and Godspeed.
You drive out the gate in a state of euphoria thinking this chapter of your life is over. And yet there's a little knot in your stomach because this chapter of your life is over.
That’s exactly how I’d describe what I felt when I left my base to drive back home
Then you get home and the first few months is thinking “Damn, civilian life is boring and dull”
After I served in the Mexican Army I felt super lonely….
First day out without my friends was weird, I felt disconnected and alienated from all the people around me.
It has been over 20 years and in somehow I still feel lonely.
God bless the US Military, you guys have gone through a lot 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🇺🇸
Happens too all who had a brotherhood
Stay up king! One military vet to another, you’re loved. No matter what country you served in, we’re all brothers and sisters at the end of the day and you did Mexico proud 🙏🏼 and I’m proud of you for staying afloat, 20 years later.
I understand what you mean by feeling disconnected and alienated from those around you. I did 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and I've been out 13 years but still deal with this.
@@nrcolpzy thank you so much for the encouraging words, I really needed them.
Definitely proud 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻!!
Thank you for your service bro
Retired out of Det 15 in Stuttgart - At my (worthless) going away, I was handed some junk presents, said thank you and then for my speech all I said was "I didn't want any of this", then I walked outside the SCIF to the dumpster and threw in all that stuff I had just been given along with my uniform and I got in my car and left - The last boss and most of those I worked with at that place were the most worthless people I had ever worked with in the Army - that was after 27 years, 5 months, and 25 days. They and that unit accomplished nothing in the 3 1/2 years I was there, They had no honor, vision, ethics, and were the most cowardice people I had ever met in my life.
But hey, they’re heroes! Just ask them.
If after 27 years, you have never worked with a good boss, or with good people, it may be time to look in the mirror.
Maybe you need to have someone teach you "reading comprehension" because from your comment, you obviously didn't understand what I wrote. But I can tell you this - you would have fit right in with most of the people at that place. They too were narcissist @@groundhogday7434
Powerful video !!! Enjoyed my time in, and clocking out was amazing. Thank you, brothers and sisters, for all you've ... well, you know.
My Senior Chief took us all to a pizza restaurant on my last day; he was really a good guy to work for.
Sounds like a navy thing to do lol. In the corps we just grab our dd214 and bounce 😂
@@travisharman8366then regret not reupping 😂😂😂
Legend has it, his hands went into his pockets that day…and they never came back out.
Some say he even started calling weapons…”guns.” 😱
Terrifying
I hear he still calls his 3 day weekends 72's and shows up for work a day early to check back in
😂
I can’t wait for that drive home man 😂
When I got out, I got stoned and ate pizza, played video games. Now I'm back in after 3 year hiatus lol
I retired on 1 February 2004 after having served 27 years in the Army. It was a day of both joy and mixed emotions and opening the next chapter in my life as I supported my beautiful wife in completing her career as a SeaBee until she retired in 2008 after having served 21 1/2 years. I consider myself to have been blessed throughout my career for having the ability to serve with and lead truly outstanding young men and women as a Senior NCO.
2 lifers. Sad ! FTA ! 🤮
Thank you for your service
thank you for your service and sacrifice 🫡
Glad it worked out for you. Anyone who does 20 yrs.. you’ve got some endurance. Hope you’re able to enjoy life✨Don’t forget to smell the roses 🌹
I was born 9 days later
A young man prepared for life. Trained, with self-discipline and confidence. Thank you for your service! Godspeed!
Interesting choice of words, considering so many "prepared for life" often find it difficult adjusting to civilian life.
@@MikMoen That wasn't the case for myself and fellow veterans I either served with or worked with in civilian careers that the military trained and prepared us for.
@@coleengoodell7523lol that's all? "Self discipline and confidence" lol anyone can have that, minus the extreme stress, and beat up body of joining the military.
@@jellygorilla-3200Training, experience and maturity that prepares them for life. VA housing loans, VA medical care for life and with an Honorable discharge a good looking resume. Does this young man look anything but the picture of health to you?
@@coleengoodell7523 Training of what? There's so many vets on waiting lists for what you mentioned lol. "Good looking resume" lol, most jobs in the military don't transfer to civilian life anyways.
Getting that DD214 felt so good. Getting my honorable in the mail was an even more happy, humbling, sad, & sobering feeling and experience. It was so strange to feel all four emotions at once.
I wasn't even fully convinced I was allowed to leave.
😂
Taking off my uniform was actually one of the hardest things I could have done. I didn't have much of a plan afterwards, but just like we were trained? I adapted and moved forwards.
Gay
What did you do? How did you restart?
@@brocklanders9692 Good for you, nothing wrong with that! I’m glad you had the courage to finally tell everyone!
@@brocklanders9692 it’s ok to come out of the closet, we are so proud of you telling everyone! Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t suck that dick! Have a great day 😉
@@BigBrainTime7070😂
I got out back in 2008.
House, truck, and a career that pays absurdly well! I loved my time in the Corps but I’m busy and happier now than ever. I still miss it though.
Which country are you from?
what career pays well?
@@bernabex2 Iron worker!
@@anothernamlesscommenter352
USA
@@Herbymac0811 how can i become an iron worker too? what would i need to learn?
The plane ride home was the best feeling ever.
I still remember driving the long drive out of Lejeune. One of the greatest days of my life.
Honestly. I was released on a medical. I was in pain and doped up. I really can't remember how I left the base by flight or family. But it was very scary. But it was definitely a relief that I didn't have to smile through the pain. I could just rest and heal with the support of my family. I'm forever great ful for their love and support. Kudos so all the veterans. Thank for your service.
How big is your monthly check?
I stood at parade rest waiting to be interviewed right after ETS. The guy came out and basically said come back when the starch has worn off.. he hired me 18 months later and is still my mentor today.
For what job?
@@Mr-ep2qi retail manager
👢👢
You were standing at parade rest for an interview? You’re boot af 😂
@@Mr-ep2qifry cook I imagine 🍟 🍔
That DD-214 was a curse and a blessing 😢
Remember it well…..feeling of loss , starting over , looking ahead , walking straight and tall with a new purpose…11/8/68….I’m still here and think every day of the ones that are gone .
I can feel his joy. Relief but there’s sadness too.
Especially when your buddies start to succumb to their own deep demons and you see more and more obituaries…
Sheesh, man. Heart just sunk like crazy with that.
Till Valhalla, brothers.
Deadass thought this was a meme and the second cut was him showing off a mcdonalds hat
Nooo 😂
Thank you for your service sir, can I have another ketchup pls
Fuckin' hell that'd be hilarious
@@PastorOogway can i have another ketchup, please, SIR
What’s wrong with that? I got out and I’m a supervisor at my local Walmart. The Marine Corps prepared me to lead Marines and my team mates.
When you look that good, you generally don’t have to worry about things.
A CWO2 shook my hand, looked me in my eyes and told me to never look back. I don't know his name, couldn't recall his face, or probably even what he sounded like. But that one interaction was the most influential thing that helped me transition back to civilian life. Never look back homies.❤
All I kept hearing from the NCOs including the first Sergeant was "you're going to miss it." After 10 years of serving and now being out for 5, I can honestly say, I haven't missed it. My life is better now and so is my pay.
I miss my subordinates doing exactly what I told them to do without back talk. I miss shooting the mk19. That's about it.
Only thing I miss is the boys… they can keep all those fuck fuck games to themselves
I’ll never forget getting my DD-214 and sitting in my car in utter disbelief realizing I can just go do whatever I want for the first time as an adult. Joy, disbelief, and a tinge of sadness knowing this part of your life is over.
Then I went to a dispensary and have smoked weed everyday since.
lmao amen
I love it all for you. Thank you for your service,but can you pass the blunt please!!😅😂
You can do w.e u want even as military fym lol u can always get out whenever u want the whole u cnt get out is a myth . U can get geberally discharged easily y can gwt disability by having "depression" alot of way out
My man! I got out in March last year and i immediately smoked weed 😂 I just got my 100% rating a few weeks ago too so that back pay was a dream come true
Hell yeah bro! I changed into some fly shit, opened the sunroof, lit a blunt and popped smoke all the way out screaming eagle boulevard… 4 copies of my dd214 and a new job in Colorado
I got teary eyed, sad and happy at the same time. I wish I could have been in longer
I can’t wait this happens for my son!Congratulations!!!thank for your service .
You never really leave. Especially when you're dreaming
yup. i feel that too
Oh god I dream every night about still being in. I wouldn't say dream, but nightmare*
After i left i was dreaming being there with all the people I have known. It went like that for few months. Decades later a part of me is still missing it.
Underrated comment
Got out 43 years ago and still occasionally dream about it.
Got out in 2014, was difficult trying to figure out what I wanted to do, heck I still wake up at 0500 every morning. Not a day goes by where I don’t think about my time in the Army.
If I was you would set back and enjoy my life while you being payed and live it up
@@user-em9xr5se4i not a bad idea.. if I wasn’t already doing that, multi-tasking is a great skill to pick up
@@tsipher Thank u for your service and yes I'm thinking about joining the military I know hard times is going to come but if make it and be able to retired I'm definitely going to enjoy myself
@@user-em9xr5se4ithe military doesn’t financially set you up for life to just kick your feet up and enjoy life lol… idk what kind of commercials or google searching you’ve been doing but once you discharge there’s no 100k a year, there’s no sweet monthly bonuses, if you didn’t even retire with a good enough promotion & rank, I wouldn’t even halfway hope for any of that, even when we retire we still have to pick up a side job just to maintain, & if you’re disabled pfttt Good luck! I’ll be more surprised if you don’t end up homeless with $500 a month (IF THAT)
You can tell he didn’t feel comfortable putting his hat on 😂
Pure satisfaction and heartbreak at the same time
I'm from Germany. When I was in the Bundeswehr I was at that time a draftee. We had back than in 2004 still the mandatory military service. Almost 20 years later watching this kind of video I feel his joy and happiness and also the sadness. I remember my last day. I remember watching all the people who spend time with me in my unit. I was happy going home yet on the other side I didn't want to go. Even if we come from different countries with different backgrounds. Our service might be totally different all the feelings and memories stay the same. The only thing that I'm kind of jealous even if it's the wrong word but I don't know how to call it better is the respect you have for your troops. This thank you for your service stuff. I wished we would have it here too. Not for the benefits, discounts or stuff like that but just a thank you.
Edit thank you all for the likes and comments. Really didn't expect that. Thank you all. Like I wrote watching this young man clip here brought lots of memories. And the simple fact that no matter where we are from the feelings stay the same. And because today is the 4th of July enjoy your holiday.
I am an American, I did not serve, though not for lack of trying, however, even though I am an American who was unable to serve, and your country is not mine, I thank you for your service to your country. You did what they called you to do and honorably. You've probably had the backs of some of our American troops 8n bad situations and even if not you did what you did to keep your country safe. So even if you aren't my warrior, you're still a warrior. Thank you.
Totally agree with you, that was my feeling as well. Exactly what you just mentioned.
Vielen Dank für service to your Vaterland. 🫡 From a Texan who just got the DD214 release papers.
As an American who didn't serve because I surely as fuck do not trust bureaucrats in office + 20 years of a senseless war in Afghanistan kind of just not any sense of wanting to serve any kind of country out of me I will say congrats to you my friend
Thank you for serving your country and working with your fellows to serve, fight and protect. I'm sorry Germany and Germans didn't give or show respect and gratitude to you back then.
If it makes you feel better, we weren't always that magnanimous with our servicemen here in the U.S.
A lot of Vietnam War vets will tell of how they were yelled at, spat on, etc. by fellow Americans as they were trying to get back home in uniform. It took a bit for us to get to the place we're at now with our service men and women.
Deep down we do miss the brotherhood
Facts