Punching out

Well, after 24.5 years I've decided I've had enough of the military.

So, effective 1 Feb 11, I'll become Mr. Sax E. Gotha.

Various reasons have driven me to this decision. Without taking shots at me, allow me to speak my mind (it's a right I've been serving to protect for this long)

1) The Air Force trimmed high year of tenures for my rank from 28 to 26 years. Based on assignment requirements and mandatory moves, I'd only serve 1.5 years of my next assignment. With a crappy housing market and shitbag economy, I'd have to spend 15K to sell at a house and take a 30K loss.

2) Disgruntled by the never ending war and having to send more and more of my people on what has become an endless drain on manpower and resources. Don't believe the hype about "combat troops" no longer in Iraq. Compound that by being routinely "effed" over manpower replacement requirements and jackholes who can't employ the "spirit and intent" of a regulation over the written word.

3) Air Force's non-stop focus on minutiae, a mis-managed combat Wing and a comically baffling chain-of-command.

4) Air Force's ability to destroy any semblance of tradition, custom and esprit de corps attempting to grow into someting tangible and memorable.

5) No nose art.

6) The whole gay thing.

7) Just frickin' sick and tired of the whole thing and ready to move on.

8) A two year old girl, a four year old boy, a 12 year old girl and a wife.

Thanks for reading the rant.

 

It's time for you to spend some time with your family and to do what you want. Good luck.

 

Good luck to you, Sax.

FWIW, my 2nd career was a LOT more fun and generally satisfying to me than the first. I think that's a fairly common experience.

 

Thanks for all that you've done for us Saxe. It's about time for you and your family to have a "normal" life now. BTW....now you should be able to make ALL those Roundups with out any excuses.

 

Thanks for all that you have done...I retired from the USN for just about the same reasons....

you know - haze gray and always underway...

 

I imagine it was a tough decision with that many years in.
My son is rethinking his Army career for many of the same reasons, especially 2 and 6. Of course at 23 it is a lot easier to jump into something new.

 

Change could be a really good thing! Good luck Sax....ranting is totally acceptable here!

 

I think reason #8 should be reason #1, or at least Top 3, but that's just me. Thanks for what you've done.

 

Thanks for your service to us and have a good life.

 

congrats

I hear you brother...did 21 as AF Security Police...still have sand in my shorts.

Once your effective retirement date comes and goes, you can then take verbal pot shots at the CoC all the way to the top if you feel so inclined...haha

 

Ditto. Now you'll have more time to spend with your Chero.

 

Thanks for the time you served to keep us free, and best of luck in your future endeavors.

 

Hey man you have more than served your country. All sound like good reasons to go to me. Good luck on your ventures outside of the military.

 

What Rant?

For anyone who has served it is obvious that this is merely a clear and concise statement of fact.

Thank you is never enough to repay what a service man or woman has given, but it is often the best and highest complement that we can give in return.

Thank you!

Someday I hope I'll get the chance to shake your hand and tell you that in person.

 

Figmo

Got the orders today, so it's official now. 24 years, 6 months, 1 day. Retired effective 1 February in the grade of Senior Master Sergeant. Proceed to home of selection.

I appreciate everyone's thanks. Now, to find a job...

 

Thanks Sax for all you have done and don't think your service has gone unnoticed.
I know it has become a new type of command but the "folks" here support the effort, good luck ol' buddy...

 

So Sax, you got a plan? Even I know the economy is bad when I hear that the AF is delaying officer commissions because not enough are leaving the service.

I see lots of job openings on the internet here in Huntsville but interviews, I'm told, are few and far between. Apparently there is a large pool looking for work and those wanting workers can be choosy.

Wish you well.

 

There are more than a few civilian jobs doing contract work for the military where a military background is a significant advantage.