How many military bubbas here?

[English Bloke]

I voted Other Blokes...

I joined the British Army in 1984 as a last ditch attempt to make a respectable person of myself. Up to this point I'd been a keen and conscientious student at the University of life. I'd worked hard to travel alot but wasn't really going anywhere. After I joined up, I loved the Army and everything about it and realised I'd found a niche. I lived it and breathed it. Unfortunately I became a single parent in 1999 when my Sons were 11 and 7. As I was a Sergeant Major (WO2) at the time and my unit were actively employed, my Corps and Unit were not to keen to assist in my domestic crisis so I was faced with the choice of Job or Kids. I weathered the storm until 2001 but eventually 'jacked' and left by voluntary release. At the time I was GLAD to go and at first it was really hard to get by but we're now, thankfully sorted.

I think I'm mostly sorted because the Army taught me a resilience and perseverance to succeed. I did 17 years and sacrificed full pension and gratuity to go early (22 years being the norm) but faced with the same dilemma again, I would not blink an eye in making the same decision. I brought my Sons up after leaving which was a joy and I have subsequently had the good fortune to be married again to my beautiful wife.

I now have a 2 year old daughter to annoy my big boys who are now 20 and 17. I'm often asked by mates who are ex or still in if I miss it and I do, I miss the 'crack' but not the pedantry. I don't honestly think I'm the same person I was 10 years ago. I believe I was somewhat brainwashed then and that delivery of 100% commitment, to me at least, meant 100% commitment in return (if required) I don't believe I got that support and consequently, given the option, I would never go back. (Not that I could now that I'm pushing 50)

I'm in the British legion (Ex-Forces organisation) which is probably good enough. I don't think my sons will be joining either, not that I have coloured thier opinion in any way!!