Secretary of Defense Hagel- Massive Cuts to Troop Numbers

[Stg1swret]

Not much more quality leadership left. The military is just a former shadow of itself. I'm an old 'Steamer", politically uncorrect I was, but then again I was usually right. Glad I'm retired too, or they'd probably be drumming me out.

[Possom]

Right there with you and glad to be out. There are still a few old salt guys in but the majority have cut their losses and got the hell out of there. Your right that is is a shadow of the military it used to be. Now they even tell you that you have to accept everyone. You can't be a Christian. You have to be "sensitive". To hell with that. I was trained to kill people not gently comfort them.

[eagle326]

When I got out of the Army in 1973 my wife was furious because I was to be given $6,000.00 plus E-6 if I stayed in and choice of duty station if I desired to re- locate. I was ready to sign but the volunteer Army was coming and from what I heard of it made me sick. I really did want to stay but when I heard that I'd have to be more understanding ; IE soft with my verbal and actual actions I told myself I'd never kiss the ass of a lower ranked soldier. ( Just the way I was raised in the military. )

I've never been politically correct and never will be ; I would die for family ; friends and fellow vets ; but can't do it being politically correct. Too much what iffin' to make a decision.
It's a black and white world when it comes to life and death decisions.

[Brownwater Riverrat 13]

I retired with a clear conscious, knowing I did the right things at the right time. I "toed the line" on a daily basis you might say. But a raised kids to be well oiled, well trained, decision makers (and other thingees) that could do the right thing when the time came. If they couldn't I made sure they got sent packin. That was one thing for sure, I didn't believe in keeping useless shit in the Navy, be it people or equipment. Till one day I had enough, I figured 22yrs was a good ride so I sent myself packin cause they weren't listening to this old bastard anymore. Nuff said. If I didn't do it, they would have anyway. No retirement ceremony, I just walked. Hell they didn't give me a party when I joined anyway.