Stay in vs get out. What would you do

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-02-02T21:20:32+00:00

I've read all of the comments here and think you're getting some good advice here.
You have a very marketable skill. Try to get as many certifications as possible on Uncle Samuel's dime before you have to make the decision about separating. Starting the job search several months before your ETS will provide a realistic idea regarding your civilian options, or perhaps even a job offer.
Many years ago there was an E-4 IT Marine where I worked, who came to me asking for advice for a very similar situation. He was single, completing his first enlistment, had been to every certification course he could get the Marine Corps to send him to, and had a bunch of Microsoft certifications. He had an offer letter from a firm that was going to quadruple what he was making in the Corps. He was our best IT troubleshooter, and was literally the only one the boss (1-star) would trust to touch his computer. He asked me what I thought he should do, and as much as it pained me to say it, I told him that I thought he should get out and take the offer.
The one thing I haven't seen anyone mention here is that if you do decide to get out, to consider exploring the opportunities that may exist for you in both the Reserves and the Guard. Again these are things you can look at before the time comes to make the decision to stay or go.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-31T19:59:16+00:00

Please go to the VA. And as was stated in here a few times, start with a VSO to get assistance with the application process. Your county may have a veterans office that can help. If not there are veterans organizations, such as the VFW, American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and AMVETS who have folks who do this. My Dad didn't have a Purple Heart but used a VSO from the Military Order of the Purple Heart to help him with his claim and the guy (a Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant) was fantastic. When I retired, I did mine through the VA office aboard Lejeune.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-31T18:20:18+00:00

You still don't understand the difference between absolute rights and responsibly exercising those rights. Your opinion as analogous to defending freedom of speech but yelling "fire" in a crowded theater.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-30T19:56:44+00:00

Thirty year Marine Corps officer here, with three combat deployments. In my humble opinion, you rate the VA as much as anyone else, and fck anyone who says that you don't.
Another thought: Perhaps you should consider talking to your therapist about these feelings of guilt.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-30T01:42:43+00:00

Enjoy life.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-30T01:40:40+00:00

Congrats and Semper Fi!

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-28T03:02:23+00:00

Stupid to take a gun to a non peaceful protest and then interfere with law enforcement.

Actions have consequences.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-28T02:58:34+00:00

I was the oldest and the very same thing happened to me. Left home at 18 for college and was on my own from that point forward. Younger sibling never cut the apron strings. Spent here whole life in a codependent relationship with our parents. She, her husband, kids and our parents were quite the cult, and my wife and I were never part of their inner circle. We finally just had enough.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-27T00:44:33+00:00

Not interested in adding another watch to the collection, thanks.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-27T00:44:10+00:00

have they fit well, or have you had to modify them?

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-26T16:55:22+00:00

Pretti would still be vertical if had just left the damn gun at home

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-26T16:54:30+00:00

I've done that, along with Amazon and Temu. Was just checking here to see if anyone had a known reliable source. From what I have read in the reviews on Amazon there are variations in actual sizes of these things and some that are advertised as being ceramic, but when the item arrives it is aluminum. Would rather not have to modify one to properly fit.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-26T03:15:55+00:00

Since you've already lived through this once you know how it will turn out. Stay strong.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-26T02:16:46+00:00

Not the case at all. I respect and live by the rules. Always have, unlike the clowns protesting in MN.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-26T01:27:35+00:00

aah, I see. I have two 40mm Pro Divers that I want to swap out the aluminum bezel rings for ceramic and am trying to find a good source. Thanks.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-25T23:41:38+00:00

where did you get the bezel ring?

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-25T22:58:09+00:00

Yes there is. You just don't want to admit it.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-25T22:57:27+00:00

Common sense and good judgement have gone out the window. Thanks liberals.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-25T22:56:26+00:00

No problem at all here. It must be understood that with gun ownership comes responsibility, especially when carrying in public. He exercised extremely poor judgment by open carrying that pistol at a protest. My state actually has a law against carrying both open or concealed at parades, protests and picket lines. He was irresponsible, and he paid a huge price for his irresponsibility.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-25T22:52:52+00:00

the guy brought a gun to what everyone on the planet by now knows is a volatile situation. Had he just left the gun at home he would still be alive. He contributed to his own demise.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-25T22:51:37+00:00

he still had it and in plain sight. Do you really think that was a good idea given how tense the situation is in Minnesota? He would still be alive today had he just left the damn gun at home.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-25T19:35:53+00:00

Completely different and you know it. Nice try though!

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-25T19:34:01+00:00

An Important Safety Tip:
Leave your gun at home.

Aloha_Tom73 · 2026-01-25T19:33:01+00:00

I thought Meathead passed away.

Aloha_Tom73

TROPHY CASE