Why I Did Not Stay in the Military

My journey in the military has been a winding and challenging one, marked by moments of bravery and sacrifice. After my tour in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983, and as I approached the end of my active service (EAS), I made a crucial decision: not to reenlist. This decision was deeply rooted in the experiences and sacrifices I had made during my service, but also in the unethical practices I witnessed during that time.

Pose a Life-Threatening Decision to Secure My Future

As I was nearing the end of my active service, I visited the Career Planner to discuss my options for reenlisting and returning to Beirut with my unit, HQ 24 MAU. The Career Planner, a key influencer within the military structure, presented me with a form. When I asked what the form was, he replied, It’s a waiver of disability as if it wasn’t really important. The form, which would prevent me from claiming any disability for injuries sustained prior to signing, was a critical decision that could have translated to long-term financial and medical drawbacks.

My commanding officer, a respected Colonel, was present and warned me that signing the form would result in the breakage of both my arms. I had previously injured my back, and he understood the gravity of the situation. This was not just a standard form; it was a life-changing decision that could limit my future medical claims and affect my ability to seek compensation if needed.

A Lesson in Ethics and Loyalty

By not signing the form, I chose to prioritize my health and well-being over the potential benefits of reenlisting. I was informed that if I had signed, the military would have later cited this waiver as a reason for not reenlisting due to the injury, which could jeopardize my retirement benefits and any future disability payments. The Colonel’s integrity and loyalty to his men were evident in his actions. This experience taught me the importance of ethical considerations in the military and beyond.

Reflecting on Years of Service

As I spent 23 years in the military, balancing the demands of leadership and the physical challenges of combat, I was faced with a further challenge. At 24 years, the Navy informed me that to be promoted to E-9 CSM/SM, I would have to extend my service by four additional years. However, my body, which had endured numerous injuries, was telling me it was time to slow down. The physical strain of running with the younger soldiers was becoming a reality, and I couldn’t keep up with the demands of the job.

Absent the traumatic events of 9/11, I would have retired at 24 years on my original contract. Unfortunately, the events of 9/11 drastically changed the course of my career. I was immediately deployed to CENTCOM to join the targeting cell, and later, I was sent to Afghanistan as part of the ongoing efforts. When I was eventually approached by the Army to extend my service, it was out of my control that my retention was extended and I was technically retired at 26 years and 4 months and 18 days of service.

Answering Why I Did Not Stay

The question of why I did not reenlist in the military is a complex one. The primary reasons were physical and ethical considerations. I had aged and my body was telling me it was time to retire. Furthermore, witnessing the unethical practices, such as the waiver of disability, reinforced my decision to leave the military behind. My service was honorable, and I was content with the years I had given to my country.

Throughout my years in the military, I gained invaluable experience and learned critical lessons about leadership, integrity, and the true cost of service. While I did not pursue extended military service, my experiences have stayed with me and continue to shape my perspective on the importance of ethical conduct and the value of health and well-being.