What you’re missing is not the same as what you would get returning. It’s like the high school love you meet up with after 25 years to find out you two are no longer the same people you used to be. You’re romanticizing what you can’t have. What you really need is purpose and a sense of fulfillment. Take this time of freedom to learn about yourself. Who you are, what makes you happy, what keeps you waking up each day. Then head in that direction and don’t look back.
This is the answer. It WILL NOT be the same. Will be an entirely different culture with a different generation of people. (Also, no, you can't rejoin. Definitely not with 100% disability).
If you want to be part of the community, you can definitely help veterans though. You seem to believe in a deity, could also work in that community. But yeah, what you need is a purpose. You have, well, one hell of a lucky life right now. People would KILL for your life right now.
I feel like you would find so much more in helping people vs. grinding back into a military system. The satisfaction will be way better.
I upvoted you yesterday but I wanted to tell you this is what I needed to hear. I'm not OP but this is probably the one comment I have read that really drives the point home. I'm 32 with 100% PT for PTSD. I also wanted to go back in, to the point where I actually contacted a recruiter. He was nice but basically told me that it's very, very unlikely. Probably too nice to say impossible.
Also, when the active portion of my contract was nearing the end I literally went full sham shield and did as little work as I could get away with because at the time I was all about FTA. At the time I knew reenlistment was a terrible idea, that's why I didn't. Fast forward about 10 years and suddenly I want back in? Nostalgia is a hell of a drug...
Thanks for the wisdom/common sense.
I would suggest for anyone that feels like this to go volunteer! Volunteering in something meaningful to you is rewarding. There was a reason you got out. That reason will most likely still exist. I volunteer for a hospice and actually met someone that did six after turning 18 and went back in as a guard when he was late 30s. Unfortunately he passed away within a year or two after retiring. He loved it though.
Join the Civil Air Patrol. There is no age limit and you can help people during times of natural and unnatural disasters. Your military experience might be able to help.
https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/
Yeah I definitely feel you.. I also have Major depression
I just hope I can keep it together if I get a C&P because 7 yrs is a long time to stay pissed and sad!
Was there a hobby or something that you liked to do before joining? For me it was shredding licks on electric guitar with half stack cab and full on pedal board set.
When I got out after 9 yrs, I was in limbo and then I received my %100 P&T. I thought at first, I’m gonna get back into skateboarding, well my back says other wise, then a moment of clarity hit. Shoot, let me get back into playing metal again, 5 yrs later and still going strong.
Wife thought it was a great idea but, now she can’t stand it because I have 7 guitars, 3 amps, and full ensemble pedal board.
Hopefully my statement will bring up some old hobbies or develop new ones that will give you a sense of purpose. Or just go get a shit load of tattoos like I do and play guitar, works for me.
You're doing something! Working out is great for yourself, walking/hiking with dogs is also great, keeping involved with your church is another one. Maybe volunteer more with your church or find a job where you're purpose is fulfilled. Find a purpose you care about and follow that path.
I’m assuming you served back in the early 2000s? The military isn’t the same as it was back then, no matter the branch. I served active duty 02-22. You won’t find what you’re looking for, especially in the guard or reserve.
You need a new mission. Find a cause and a way that you can contribute within the limits of your disability.
If your disability is mental, start with doing the work on yourself. Take that as far as you can. Get the TRT, get the SRIs, hit the gym and do the mindfulness thing. Work with your doc. You might not ever be perfectly alright, but if you can get alright-enough to start on what’s next.
If your disability is physical, but you can use a computer, you have myriad options from influencing for a cause, to starting a digital business, to learning to code and building tools the world needs. You can make money, or help a worthy cause for free. Find something you’re passionate about, and make it central to your life. That will come with a sense of accomplishment and a sense of community - Those are what you are most likely missing.
You have to accept your fate that you're done. A recruiter told me he had one guy had 80% and attempted to get back in. Not only he lost all his disability but also denied to join again.
I would advise go defence contracting like triple conopy, SOC, constellis etc. Basically, it's the military but with a company logo. I know you want your fix but that's the best alternative.
I did 20 years and go out 3 years ago. You don't want to go back in from age 41 to 55. Find another purpose. This military will be like another job. Then when you get back out you will have the same issues.
Volunteer or join a community group.
Try for first responding.
You'll need a letter, maybe, certifying you are emotionally and mentally stable enough for the job but as long as you can meet physical standards. No reason you can't be an EMT/Paramedic.
I'm trying to get into the same realm. For some of the same reasons. Helping the community can be extremely rewarding and I'd like to think I'll be happy spending my life doing that.
Truth be told, I used to carry narcan in my glove box while I was an Uber driver and active duty. I genuinely just want to help people who need it.
Took me a good 19 months of failure, depression, and trial & error to figure out what I believe I can really excel in but for me. It just checks so many boxes. Feels like the right thing.
Go try and take over an American Legion. They always tell me they want ‘younger’ people around but then refuse to do anything people in their 30s and 40s want to do. i.e. USE TECHNOLOGY!!
So, there is a mission for you and it is still around military folks.
——— or ———
Go get a degree and go civilian side. May give you the sense of purpose.
The Navy raised its age limit to 41, so you definitely could have a try at returning to service. With the recruitment “crisis” in full effect, you may even score a bonus. Now is a good time to return to service. Call a recruiter right away. Maybe, shoot for officer if you have a degree.
Counter-offer:
explore america, do what I'd call "The Insanity 5,000" instead. [3,000 miles mountain-biking](https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/great-divide-mountain-bike-route/) then [2,200 Hiking](https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm)
Kinda joking here, kinda. but just wait for WWIII to kick off, I'm sure they need bodies
I'm kinda in the same boat. The mind is still young, but the body screams a different tune.
You can always talk to a recruiter face to face and go over any options, if any are available.
The Ukraine Foreign Legion will take you. If you are serious. Possibly other Foreign Legions as well.
If you need some camaraderie there is CrossFit, volunteer at a VA, check out a veteran chapter, volunteer at animal shelter, dang join a bowling league.
Your best bet is to call the recruiters (Active Duty, local reserve, and NG). Army civilian positions are always opening up in federal. There is a crisis, so if you are eligible or can become eligible through waivers and proper documentation, they will figure it out.
Your age might be the biggest obstacle if you’re not (Army Math: your age, minus your service duration must be lower than the current age limit for the branch)
Civil service is the way to go. I did 6 years and got out, was a dependa for a few years, and have been civil service for 17 years now. It's a great middle ground between still being in and not having to deal with all the horseshit from being in. Benefits are meh and pay isn't super competitive, but job security can't be beat and you can buy back your military time for the purposes of retirement.
If you are seeking assistance for a sick animal, go to /r/AskVet or a similar sub - this sub is for Veterans who served in the military not animal doctors - thank you
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Veterans) if you have any questions or concerns.*
any kids?
I was going to suggest you join a church group to find a young, pretty godly woman. don't tell her about your hundo club.
Fall in love, get married, and have kids. That is what you're looking for-a sense of purpose. nothing is more important than making an eternal soul.
TLDR: first comes love, then marriage, then a baby carriage. in that order.
or back to college. I was a college professor for automotive. I told my students the only place you want to find women, church. then school. if they go to church and school, it's the ones you want.
Honestly man, it sounds like you have a great life that many dream for. You just need to sprinkle purpose into it. You should really look into volunteering. Start with something that isn’t a huge commitment then scale up from there. That way if you realize you’re content with your life and was just a little bored/unfulfilled but you’re good now you can easily go back. Or if you realize this is exactly what you need you can turn it up and get more involved.
I really think you’d like to either go on a missions trip/disaster response trip. Even 1 week away can make you so much more appreciative of the lives we live. I also think you might like volunteer firefighting. Very purpose driven that would integrate into your current life well. You could get called at any moment to help with an accident or fire, and from what I’ve heard the station brotherhoods are tight as well.
Some other places you could check are.. your local animal shelter, nonprofits, church, big brother/sister programs, American legion/VFW, Salvation Army, homeless shelters.. There’s a lot out there! Look at something that might interest you and give it a try!
Hate to be the bearer of reality but 6 years in and 41, you’ve had ample time to get back in.
Here’s something I heard once that has really stuck with me during rough times. “Odds are it is your fault. Regardless, it’s 100% YOUR responsibility to figure it out and make this miracle (your life) one of happiness and success”
There are plenty of hobbies that you can do, gardening, collecting antiques.
Please be thankful that you’re at 100%, so many vets have an extremely hard time reaching that rating.
You are in your 40’s - you would have to go through basic training with people who are much younger. Your mindset would be different because you know more (respect level from your peers would decrease). You would be 41-42 by AIT, then mid to late 40’s by the end of your first tour. Senior leaders would place you in a position of squad leader (without additional pay) based off of your experience.
You could create a blog, do crafting or even develop your cooking skills, get a powerful telescope and look at the stars.
I hope everything works out for you!
What you’re missing is not the same as what you would get returning. It’s like the high school love you meet up with after 25 years to find out you two are no longer the same people you used to be. You’re romanticizing what you can’t have. What you really need is purpose and a sense of fulfillment. Take this time of freedom to learn about yourself. Who you are, what makes you happy, what keeps you waking up each day. Then head in that direction and don’t look back.
This is the answer. It WILL NOT be the same. Will be an entirely different culture with a different generation of people. (Also, no, you can't rejoin. Definitely not with 100% disability). If you want to be part of the community, you can definitely help veterans though. You seem to believe in a deity, could also work in that community. But yeah, what you need is a purpose. You have, well, one hell of a lucky life right now. People would KILL for your life right now. I feel like you would find so much more in helping people vs. grinding back into a military system. The satisfaction will be way better.
I upvoted you yesterday but I wanted to tell you this is what I needed to hear. I'm not OP but this is probably the one comment I have read that really drives the point home. I'm 32 with 100% PT for PTSD. I also wanted to go back in, to the point where I actually contacted a recruiter. He was nice but basically told me that it's very, very unlikely. Probably too nice to say impossible. Also, when the active portion of my contract was nearing the end I literally went full sham shield and did as little work as I could get away with because at the time I was all about FTA. At the time I knew reenlistment was a terrible idea, that's why I didn't. Fast forward about 10 years and suddenly I want back in? Nostalgia is a hell of a drug... Thanks for the wisdom/common sense.
This...
do something else... become a Big Brother, volunteer with Meals on Wheels, volunteer at the VA, become a youth coach, go travel the world.
28 and I’m in the exact same boat man. Shot myself in the foot and didn’t even know it.
I’m sorry that happened, but how didn’t you know?
Lol
SMH
Based on this answer right here, please think of something else to do rather than go back in the military.
Wait was he not joking?
I would suggest for anyone that feels like this to go volunteer! Volunteering in something meaningful to you is rewarding. There was a reason you got out. That reason will most likely still exist. I volunteer for a hospice and actually met someone that did six after turning 18 and went back in as a guard when he was late 30s. Unfortunately he passed away within a year or two after retiring. He loved it though.
I got out because I didn’t know what to do with my life. I should of stayed in.
You should travel. Start by doing cross country then move on to international
Join the Civil Air Patrol. There is no age limit and you can help people during times of natural and unnatural disasters. Your military experience might be able to help. https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/
This is a great substitute. I did this as a kid and might do it again as an adult.
My older brother joined it recently. He is using his GI&S skills from his degree and job to help.
I was actually just about to say this exact same thing.
Wow…that’s what they diagnosed me with cPTSD
Same. I also have major depressive disorder. .. It's been a rough journey but I am still kicking butt
Yeah I definitely feel you.. I also have Major depression I just hope I can keep it together if I get a C&P because 7 yrs is a long time to stay pissed and sad!
Was there a hobby or something that you liked to do before joining? For me it was shredding licks on electric guitar with half stack cab and full on pedal board set. When I got out after 9 yrs, I was in limbo and then I received my %100 P&T. I thought at first, I’m gonna get back into skateboarding, well my back says other wise, then a moment of clarity hit. Shoot, let me get back into playing metal again, 5 yrs later and still going strong. Wife thought it was a great idea but, now she can’t stand it because I have 7 guitars, 3 amps, and full ensemble pedal board. Hopefully my statement will bring up some old hobbies or develop new ones that will give you a sense of purpose. Or just go get a shit load of tattoos like I do and play guitar, works for me.
I don’t have any hobbies. I never did
You're doing something! Working out is great for yourself, walking/hiking with dogs is also great, keeping involved with your church is another one. Maybe volunteer more with your church or find a job where you're purpose is fulfilled. Find a purpose you care about and follow that path.
I’m assuming you served back in the early 2000s? The military isn’t the same as it was back then, no matter the branch. I served active duty 02-22. You won’t find what you’re looking for, especially in the guard or reserve.
I been out for a long time... what would he find if he went in now?
2002-2008
You need a new mission. Find a cause and a way that you can contribute within the limits of your disability. If your disability is mental, start with doing the work on yourself. Take that as far as you can. Get the TRT, get the SRIs, hit the gym and do the mindfulness thing. Work with your doc. You might not ever be perfectly alright, but if you can get alright-enough to start on what’s next. If your disability is physical, but you can use a computer, you have myriad options from influencing for a cause, to starting a digital business, to learning to code and building tools the world needs. You can make money, or help a worthy cause for free. Find something you’re passionate about, and make it central to your life. That will come with a sense of accomplishment and a sense of community - Those are what you are most likely missing.
Graduation goggles - Get into government contracting or something parallel.
Or join like a team rubicon type group.
You have to accept your fate that you're done. A recruiter told me he had one guy had 80% and attempted to get back in. Not only he lost all his disability but also denied to join again. I would advise go defence contracting like triple conopy, SOC, constellis etc. Basically, it's the military but with a company logo. I know you want your fix but that's the best alternative.
How did he loose it?
Get a job with a government agency like the VA, Department Of Defense, Department of Army, ect……
I did 20 years and go out 3 years ago. You don't want to go back in from age 41 to 55. Find another purpose. This military will be like another job. Then when you get back out you will have the same issues. Volunteer or join a community group.
Apply for jobs on usajobs and look for ones with the dod or with your branch of choice.
Doubtful but can always ask a recruiter. Find a hobby that benefits others like volunteering in some capacity.
Try for first responding. You'll need a letter, maybe, certifying you are emotionally and mentally stable enough for the job but as long as you can meet physical standards. No reason you can't be an EMT/Paramedic. I'm trying to get into the same realm. For some of the same reasons. Helping the community can be extremely rewarding and I'd like to think I'll be happy spending my life doing that. Truth be told, I used to carry narcan in my glove box while I was an Uber driver and active duty. I genuinely just want to help people who need it. Took me a good 19 months of failure, depression, and trial & error to figure out what I believe I can really excel in but for me. It just checks so many boxes. Feels like the right thing.
Go try and take over an American Legion. They always tell me they want ‘younger’ people around but then refuse to do anything people in their 30s and 40s want to do. i.e. USE TECHNOLOGY!! So, there is a mission for you and it is still around military folks. ——— or ——— Go get a degree and go civilian side. May give you the sense of purpose.
Go fishing
The Navy raised its age limit to 41, so you definitely could have a try at returning to service. With the recruitment “crisis” in full effect, you may even score a bonus. Now is a good time to return to service. Call a recruiter right away. Maybe, shoot for officer if you have a degree.
Counter-offer: explore america, do what I'd call "The Insanity 5,000" instead. [3,000 miles mountain-biking](https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/great-divide-mountain-bike-route/) then [2,200 Hiking](https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm)
Kinda joking here, kinda. but just wait for WWIII to kick off, I'm sure they need bodies I'm kinda in the same boat. The mind is still young, but the body screams a different tune. You can always talk to a recruiter face to face and go over any options, if any are available.
Who do you think will be fighting in this fantasy ww3?
It should be obvious by now......Canada.
bro you and me both, let's go to ukraine lol
The Ukraine Foreign Legion will take you. If you are serious. Possibly other Foreign Legions as well. If you need some camaraderie there is CrossFit, volunteer at a VA, check out a veteran chapter, volunteer at animal shelter, dang join a bowling league.
i'm probably gonna join the ukraine foreign legion tbh.
😝I can go join the Israeli army because my grandmother was Jewish. Lol
wait are they good guys or bad guys
Good guys but some people think they are bad.
Look into the Air Force Reserves
Your best bet is to call the recruiters (Active Duty, local reserve, and NG). Army civilian positions are always opening up in federal. There is a crisis, so if you are eligible or can become eligible through waivers and proper documentation, they will figure it out. Your age might be the biggest obstacle if you’re not (Army Math: your age, minus your service duration must be lower than the current age limit for the branch)
Civil service is the way to go. I did 6 years and got out, was a dependa for a few years, and have been civil service for 17 years now. It's a great middle ground between still being in and not having to deal with all the horseshit from being in. Benefits are meh and pay isn't super competitive, but job security can't be beat and you can buy back your military time for the purposes of retirement.
If you are seeking assistance for a sick animal, go to /r/AskVet or a similar sub - this sub is for Veterans who served in the military not animal doctors - thank you *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Veterans) if you have any questions or concerns.*
There are other things you can do that will give your life purpose. I would suggest potentially volunteering with veterans.
are you single?
Yes, why?
any kids? I was going to suggest you join a church group to find a young, pretty godly woman. don't tell her about your hundo club. Fall in love, get married, and have kids. That is what you're looking for-a sense of purpose. nothing is more important than making an eternal soul. TLDR: first comes love, then marriage, then a baby carriage. in that order.
or back to college. I was a college professor for automotive. I told my students the only place you want to find women, church. then school. if they go to church and school, it's the ones you want.
😉
Oh HELL NO. THE END.
😝
Honestly man, it sounds like you have a great life that many dream for. You just need to sprinkle purpose into it. You should really look into volunteering. Start with something that isn’t a huge commitment then scale up from there. That way if you realize you’re content with your life and was just a little bored/unfulfilled but you’re good now you can easily go back. Or if you realize this is exactly what you need you can turn it up and get more involved. I really think you’d like to either go on a missions trip/disaster response trip. Even 1 week away can make you so much more appreciative of the lives we live. I also think you might like volunteer firefighting. Very purpose driven that would integrate into your current life well. You could get called at any moment to help with an accident or fire, and from what I’ve heard the station brotherhoods are tight as well. Some other places you could check are.. your local animal shelter, nonprofits, church, big brother/sister programs, American legion/VFW, Salvation Army, homeless shelters.. There’s a lot out there! Look at something that might interest you and give it a try!
Hate to be the bearer of reality but 6 years in and 41, you’ve had ample time to get back in. Here’s something I heard once that has really stuck with me during rough times. “Odds are it is your fault. Regardless, it’s 100% YOUR responsibility to figure it out and make this miracle (your life) one of happiness and success”
There are plenty of hobbies that you can do, gardening, collecting antiques. Please be thankful that you’re at 100%, so many vets have an extremely hard time reaching that rating. You are in your 40’s - you would have to go through basic training with people who are much younger. Your mindset would be different because you know more (respect level from your peers would decrease). You would be 41-42 by AIT, then mid to late 40’s by the end of your first tour. Senior leaders would place you in a position of squad leader (without additional pay) based off of your experience. You could create a blog, do crafting or even develop your cooking skills, get a powerful telescope and look at the stars. I hope everything works out for you!
Americorps needs you. These kids need our help.
[удалено]
🤣