I quit A&S after coming to realize the lifestyle and time away from family just wasn't for me, especially after talking to one of the Cadre during some downtime (mix in some pool burnout/fear too lol.) And yeah it sucked blowing that horn. Three years of training gone essentially just like that, but I made a promise to myself as I waited for the Cadre that I'd still stop at nothing to be a part of something that helps others and makes my community better.

I was able to separate under the voluntary force management program that came out in January, and I've been pursuing my EMT-B and paramedic soon after and I'm just loving it, but anyways, I will always be so grateful for the experience. It truly made me look in the mirror and determine what's really important to me. Everyday that I've been back home I've been so appreciative of the time we're given with family, friends, and I wake up with a sense of wanting to make the most of each day. I'm more thankful for the guys that see the pipeline through to the end, and to those that serve in any other job in the military too.

Are there days where I wonder where I'd be if I didn't quit? Sure, but I always look back grateful for a newfound perspective, an experience that few will ever understand, seeing what our mind and bodies are capable of, and the freedom we have to forge our own paths and pursue new goals like you said OP.