I joined when I was 18 which is when I also got married.
I would have loved to stay in, especially consideringI could retire in just 4 more years very comfortably.

Being at sea all the time did not sit well with being 21, married for only 3 years and 2 babies at home. Had I stayed in, I doubt I would be celebrating my 16th anniversary this coming July 27th.

I was up for E-5 when I got out in 96, all I had to do was take the written test.If I remember right, the time required for pay grades,I would beup forMaster chiefright about now and a $10,000 pay raise.

Hind sight being 20-20 I look back often and wish like hellI would have stayed in.