Reflections on Military Service and Careers

My journey into military service was far from what many would expect. After completing law school, I found myself with more questions than answers about the future. Over a series of beers, my friend jokingly discussed joining the Army and experiencing the thrill of jumping out of planes. As I considered it, the idea evolved from a joke into a serious possibility. One day, I spoke with a recruiter, and much to my surprise, he broke the news that I actually did have the potential to join.

Initially, my father assumed I was lying, given my lack of service eligibility due to multiple degrees and graduate studies. However, the recruiter was upfront and honest, and the experience turned out to be invaluable. Officer Candidate School (OCS) presented a mix of challenges. While some of my fellow candidates struggled to understand the Army's intricacies and leadership roles, those of us with prior non-commissioned officer (NCO) and warrant officer experience had a significant advantage. For me, joining as an enlisted service member was the cornerstone of my military career, and it would serve as the foundation for my later officer training.

Over fourteen years in the Army became the best years of my life. The camaraderie and shared experiences were second to none. It wasn't just about the physical training and missions; it was about the deep bond formed between soldiers. However, after resigning my commission and leaving the military to start a family, I found myself regretting my decision. The high camaraderie that once defined my life was now a distant memory, replaced by a feeling of loneliness and a longing for the days when I felt deeply connected with my peers.

Fast forward to today, and I'm transforming my military skills into a career as a Registered Nurse. My mornings are spent in a sterile, modern hospital, but the uniform is different. Instead of overalls, it's scrubs adorned with a US flag patch on the left sleeve. On my left and right are fellow healthcare professionals with whom I share a common mission and respect. I can use my technical skills, education, and training to fight the foes that stand in the way of my patients' optimal health. Telemedicine and foreign deployments are no longer options; in this world, I'm the one who can't be replaced by a machine or outsourced. My mission is clear and my enemy is equally defined.

While some may view leaving military service as a return to the "best of times," it's not quite that straightforward. The regular paycheck and immediate sense of purpose are gone, along with the camaraderie that once sustained me. Each day I step into a new set of challenges, but I find a renewed sense of purpose in healing and protecting my patients. And while I may miss the camaraderie and the days when I felt deeply connected to my peers, I've grown and evolved. My career as a nurse has given me a fresh perspective on life, leading me to understand that the best times are sometimes the ones we strive for but never truly anticipate.

Military service, post-military career, nurse