Why I Chose a Military Career and My Journey in Retirement

When I first joined the military at age 17, I wasn't thinking about making it a long-term career. Growing up, I heard stories about the Marines from my father and older brother who both served. The allure of testing myself and seeing if I had what it took to become a US Marine was the initial motivation. Little did I know that my journey would eventually lead to a successful career as an officer and lead to an enriching retirement.

The Journey into the Military

After joining, I found not only did I have the capability to become a great Marine, but also the potential to lead other Marines. I continued to excel, earning a bachelor’s degree and commission. As my career progressed, I was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. However, my wife had different plans. Feeling the constant relocation was taking a toll, she expressed her desire to stop moving every few years. I decided to follow my own path, requesting retirement before being considered for further promotion. This marked the end of my active duty service, but not the end of my involvement with the military.

A Seamless Transition into Retirement

After retiring, I was recruited to continue training Marines at a Marine Corps training center, where I served as the Director of Exercise Control as a federal contractor. The transition was incredibly smooth; I was still surrounded by the youth, energy, motivation, and honorable commitment of the Marines, and I found immense satisfaction in continuing to inspire and lead them.

Family and Travel: A New Chapter

My life transformed into a new phase focused on family and travel. I made a conscious decision to avoid unnecessary material possessions. Instead, we saved our money to create lasting family memories through travel. This approach was a reflection of our belief that the world is a vast, beautiful, and interesting place created for us to explore.

Since retiring, we have traveled to numerous countries and continents, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Easter Island, Macchu Picchu, Peru, Iceland, Japan, Macau, Hong Kong, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Turks, and Caicos, Bermuda, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, US Virgin Islands, Honduras, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Chile, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and many more. Our oldest son has visited all 50 US states and over 60 countries, while our youngest has been to 38 states and over 60 countries. I myself have visited 96 countries and have plans to include Antarctica to complete the tour of all continents.

Financial Stability and Peace of Mind

One of the significant decisions I made before retiring was to strategically manage our finances. Upon retirement, I had already paid off all our bad debt and had only two mortgages. I planned my finances so that my military retainer pay would cover all living expenses, ensuring my family would be secure and comfortable. Unlike other retirees, active-duty Marines can be recalled to service up to 30 years, but I had the financial flexibility to handle this uncertainty. This was an immense stress relief, knowing that our financial security was assured.

Reflections and Lessons Learned

Reflecting on my 20-year military career and subsequent retirement, I have no regrets. Serving boot-on-the-ground in three wars and facing close calls has given me a profound sense of gratitude. While these experiences tested my resolve, they ultimately made every sacrifice worthwhile. I strongly believe that making a long-term career in the military was the right choice for me and my family. The world has seen my travels, and it has been an incredible journey filled with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

For those considering a military career, my advice is to embrace the challenge, understand the long-term commitment, and be ready for the rewarding experiences that await.