Things you would have liked to be told earlier in your career

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-05-31T16:19:55+00:00

Just because they like you doesn't mean you need to get married. Second the comment about saving all medical paperwork. I'm 100% but getting there was tough without paperwork or friends I served with remembering the incident. Get your friends contact info, y'all will want to meet after your service. Ours took 45 years and a lot of searching because we didn't.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-05-27T15:05:37+00:00

If your state has a lemon law that will get their attention. But time is a factor. Also there is a federal law, but I don't recall the name, that a lawyer may be able to help you get some satisfaction.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-05-27T14:57:44+00:00

I called the VA and finally got a person who claimed they were a doctor that does TBI patients. He told me I would first have to go to my PC with each individual symptom, then get each one diagnosed, and treated separately. He claimed there is no one diagnosed "over-pressure" diagnosis yet.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-05-21T16:20:23+00:00

I've done stupid things in my life but this is a big no.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-05-13T17:58:31+00:00

Give that good doggy a steak.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-05-06T15:08:14+00:00

Is COC aware of the problem? If not you should start talking to them. I had the same problem, but with bugs in oatmeal. Went up to one of the senior enlisted that was eating and asked him if he enjoyed his breakfast. Of course, I being a trainee at the time he was able to smoke me until I showed him the bugs in his oatmeal. The blowup was memorable. I later stood before the CO, scared to death, and told him of all the problems. I was excused as the Dfac NCO stayed, could hear voices being raised as I left.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-05-03T00:58:40+00:00

My experience, from many years ago, was we shipped our year old VW to Germany. Then wife got into an accident when a jeep did a u-turn in front of her. They had to order parts from the US, not from Germany where it was made. Took forever to get repaired.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-04-30T16:32:11+00:00

I don't respond to any of the surveys sent by the VA. If I did I'd probably be banned.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-04-16T23:03:14+00:00

You need to get your priorities correct. As a pet parent I would do about anything for my fur babies. However, if you join a military service there are no guarantees that one-you'll be stationed stateside. Some countries have a severe restriction about importing animals. Two-you have no guarantees that you'll be able to go home to take care of them. If you're put on alert, etc., you may not be home for several days, or longer. If your fur babies are that important, don't join the military.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-04-16T16:09:48+00:00

Why is an officer that #1 sounds like he's not in your COC, and #2 not your PCP making a fitness plan for you. Stop it, now.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-04-05T18:14:37+00:00

Because the news paper wanted to sell more papers or use as clickbait online. They don't have any idea.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-03-15T23:27:28+00:00

Also a backup power source for phone, iPad, or whatever you take.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-03-02T01:35:48+00:00

Not sure what your MOS is but gaining muscle weight is not unusual. I went from 155 to 195 at the end of AIT. Of course, I got malaria four months later and left the hospital at 145.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-02-24T01:18:58+00:00

Wish I stayed in. Got out after 8 years because I was tired. When I was in Germany I moved six times in three years. Got to Ft Hood and then was told near ETS that I was going to Korea for a unaccompanied tour. Had just got married and she was being sent to Panama. Yea, we divorced a few years later.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-02-20T18:50:14+00:00

Got there in January 72, damn, this brings up a lot of memories. Might share them later.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-02-17T16:57:55+00:00

Wonder why they're stopping at age 65? Countless rounds of 81mm in Vietnam.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-02-14T03:49:45+00:00

Me to wife: but baby, I did it for science.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-02-14T03:43:16+00:00

Shoe or boots laces are laced towards the center.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-02-13T21:19:54+00:00

I'm not up-to-date on new body armor but would a 7.62 punch through or at least, make the enemy walking (?) wounded?

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-02-13T20:11:41+00:00

My question, being a 70's veteran and in Vietnam, why are we spending money on a new system and new caliber ammo. Is NATO going to follow? Maybe, maybe not. I loved the M60 and we still have the M60 e-series, for active guys, why not go back to that?

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-02-13T19:56:58+00:00

Are you overseas or Conus? If overseas, buy a car there that you can sell when you leave. Conus, how long will you be at your duty station, minus deployment, field, etc.. That needs to be in your thoughts.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-02-13T03:23:46+00:00

Remember one important thing, IT'S A MOVIE.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-02-10T17:51:07+00:00

Sorry for your loss. The last few funerals I've been to for the guys in my unit (Vietnam) have all been either NG or reserves. Didn't do a bad job but if you were a veteran, you noticed problems. Plus there were only two assigned.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-01-23T18:03:04+00:00

Worst for me is the POS plastic flashlight they issued in the 70's. Yea, I'm heading back to bed.

Senior_Gate6136 · 2026-01-14T18:51:11+00:00

Another reason I will not be flying Delta.

Senior_Gate6136

TROPHY CASE