Hi there,

Love following this subreddit. Had an inconsequential time in the army. Spent 5 and a half years in. Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about my time, mostly good memories. I still enjoy running about 15-20 miles per week,albeit much slower than my military days.

I often wonder what it would be like going to basic again at this age. I went to ft sill in’97 and froze my ass off. I was 21, full of life, and had the whole world ahead of me. Got out, got a degree, married, had kids, then subsequently slowly fucked up my life. Now divorced with standard visitation with my young kids. Addiction, mental health issues, and financially behind my peer group. Things are going better. 90% rating and VA has been good to me re mental health and treatment for addictions.

Some of my best memories was my first duty station in Korea. Hated it at first, then fell in love with the country. Met a local and brought her back to Texas (Ft Hood). That one did not work out, thank goodness now that I can look back.

I’m not sure where I’m going with this. I guess I’m ruminating on what could have been. Anyone else look back on their service and remember that young, full of life soldier, and miss those innocent times? Did anyone not meet the goals they wanted, or not live up to their potential after getting out? It goes by fast. Thanks for reading!