Active Duty (#5MinuteBlog)

Active Duty (a #5MinuteBlog)

I was on active duty in the US military once. Actually, twice, or at least on two separate occasions.

I loved it. I hated it. I got out, twice. I put it in my rearview. I miss it every day.

I have been off active duty for somewhere around seven years at this point (with some stints in the Guard and Reserve to hold me over). I have yet to find anything, in the professional world, that even approaches it. I never thought I would admit that, but here we are.

I hear a lot of talk these days about accomplishing the “mission”, yet the mission was never as clear to me as it was during those eight plus years of my life. They dragged by once upon a time, but when I look back...a snap of a finger.

The feeling I get when I think about my time is interesting. I’m torn. There is a dichotomy. Like I said: love, hate. But one thing is for sure, and that is the pride I feel for my time in. Some of the best people I have ever met or worked with were introduced to me during that time.

Men who were counted out. Women who were not expected to accomplish much. Friends that over-achieved despite everything.

Camaraderie.

Families went through struggles. Co-workers were injured, or worse. Some were lost, even after their service ended, at least physically ended.

I never accomplished as much as I could have while active, but I am still proud. I wish I would have done more with my time in, but that fact doesn't haunt me. I am glad it happened. I am glad I chose to make that decision to join, for whatever reason that I made it.

Some things, few things, in life have a significant and lasting impact. This is one for me.

Thanks to all of those who do it. I hope it means as much to you.

-Houston Bailey (@BumpBailey)