Lately, I haven’t talked a lot about my personal service. Instead, I’ve provided commentary about national events and politics. I’m tired of that. So, I’m going to take a break.
Lately, it’s been difficult to muster the energy to get up, much less go to work. One day seems to melt into the next. By the time I get home, I have just enough time to eat dinner with my family (if I get home in time), put the kids to bed, and maybe watch a movie with my wife. Then, it’s off to bed, only to get up soon after and start all over. It’s like Groundhog Day sometimes.
Last month, I reached 14 years of active duty service in the United States Army. It really does seem like just yesterday that I was in basic training trying to figure out what I was thinking signing up for this! As I looked back, I realized that time has really flown. While the days have been excruciatingly long, it’s hard to believe that I’ve actually been in the Army more than 14 years! The years have been short, but the days long.
I honestly never thought I’d be in this long. I was one of those recruits I’m sure the recruiters hated. I played hard to get and asked a lot of questions. I refused to meet the recruiters on their turf and made them come to me. I didn’t like the jobs being offered to me and said “no” many times. It wasn’t until I had exhausted all the tests and batteries that the perfect job was offered to me – Spanish Linguist. I wanted to be an MP, but at the time there was a height requirement and I missed it by two inches. I no longer had any excuses to continue working at the Taco Bell drive-thru window as a career.
The Army has been good to me. I found that I actually fit in quite well and was a natural. I had leadership skills I never realized I had and was quickly promoted based off my performance and potential. Some would say I was promoted too quickly. I once had a First Sergeant that didn’t like me because he thought I was promoted to Sergeant First Class too quickly. He made no small talk in letting me know either. He was a pogue. I made the Master Sergeant promotion list in 2005, 10 years after joining the military – a feat almost unheard of in the modern Army. Two years later, I was promoted to First Sergeant and here I am.
I don’t say this to brag, but to simply point out that time has flown. It seems like not long ago I was a mere private just doing what I was told. Now, I’m responsible for the lives of an entire company of Soldiers. It’s a humbling position and one I constantly question my ability to perform. Thankfully, I’ve always been a glass half full kind of guy. I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I might not do it perfectly, but I’ve lived by a rule that I won’t make the same mistake twice. I make a lot of mistakes, but I learn from every one.
With only six years left until I’m eligible for retirement, I’m still not sure if I’ll want to get out that soon. My dad did over 30 years in the military himself. I have had a lot of job offers on the outside, so I’m not dependent on military service. This is good because it means I can serve without worrying about being political or having to suck up to get ahead. If I’m pushed out because I pissed someone off, no skin off my teeth. I just do what is right for me and my troops and keep myself trained on my limitations and job. I’ve decided that I’ll just leave when it stops being fun. To be honest, sometimes I feel like that time isn’t in the too distant future.
CJ. as Jason would say:
“It’s funny how things roll in your direction when you
think everything is all good in the hood. Life can switch
momentum on you in a flash, but don’t let it get you down
as long as you can still do something about it.”
14 years that is a long time. I know nothing about the army. When i was young i wanted to join, but because i was good at school, my father said no. So i went to medical school instead(still a student). Am glad you did well. Don’t leave it, you have a passion for it!
CJ,
You are the kind of guy that we need in the Army. You are dedicated and you do your job right. You achieve whatever you set your mind to do which is great! Good leaders are hard to come by I’m sure. Thank You for choosing to stay in the Army and to serve our great country. We are all better for it! God Bless You!
Thanks for giving us all those years, CJ. You know, every one coming will go even faster than the ones that have past – like Jimmy Buffett says “…years grow shorter not longer…”
First Sergeant in 12 years is quite an accomplishment. I know a couple of 20-plus-year retirees who retired as Sergeants First Class. You must be doing something right.
I have to agree with Donna. You are the kind of person we need in today’s Army.
My dad was in for nearly 27 years. He made E-8 by the time he retired. Isn’t that about where you are now?? You little over-achiever, you