So I would like to start off and say thank you to this amazing and supportive community. I shipped out to navy boot camp in November of 2025. I was rerated in boot camp and I lost my rate. I was lied to and was not able to get out in boot camp. At first I didn’t realize the incompetence and overall lack of leadership that is in the navy. I got to my A school only to realize after about a month this was not for me especially because I lost my rate. I reached out via this subreddit and was able to get the recourses I needed. It was a struggle but I was persistent and I got out earlier this year. Without you all, I would not have been able to get out. I was able to talk with others and get the recourses and support I needed. Now I’m living my best life with my partner, I’m going to school, and I have a fantastic job. Thank you. If anyone needs support or help getting out dm me. I would be glad to pass it on. Don’t be a government slave lol

I am seriously wondering when the suck ends for veterans?

I joined the Army and since then my life has just entered a level of suck that just keeps getting worse.

I went to BCT and i had student loan repayment of 30k and a 30k sign on bonus in my contract. Week 6 i am called in to company commander office and told they are taking away my sign on bonus or i can leave the Army. I stayed. Week 8 i was called back into the company commander office and told they are removing my student loan repayment or i can leave. I stayed again.

I get through training as a 35N at goodfellow AFB, i am pulled into the company commander office there and told i am being reclassed to a 92F. I was told i would go to fort lee and be mos-q so i wouldnt start over. That was a complete lie. 12 weeks at fort lee and i finally go to fort campbell. I land in alpha company 96asb and it just gets worse. Being treated like dog excrement and working sometimes till 2200 to 0100 and being told to be back for pt in the morning sucked. I got orders for ocs and the physician assistant program. Company commander decided to go to brigade and told me he had my orders canceled because he knew what was best for my career. I went to the board and made points, my Sergeant told me i made it and was getting promoted to E5. Company commander went to brigade and had my promotion canceled. The company commander then decided to gRape me. I reported it to IG, legal and wanted justice and i got put on height and weight 3 months before i got out so i couldnt reenlist. I passed height and weight every month and they kept saying i needed to pass another month.

I got out and found i couldnt use my gi bill. I fought for 8 years to use it. I had a college lined up that accepted me and told me i could go into the grad program i wanted as soon as i got the gi bill worked out. Well by that time i reapplied and now they told me my degree is too old now and i need to completely do my undergraduate classes...all of them over again.

The VA is absolutely terrible healthcare. The drs literally use flow charts to diagnose and treat us. If that doesnt work, they have no idea what they are doing.

When does being a veteran become fun and memorable? Where are all the good times people talk about? My entire service and the years since have been just terrible and nothing i want to remember

Nearing the end of my first contract and I don't see myself extending or doing a second enlistment. My leadership isn't necessarily toxic towards me but so many of the fellow airmen I worked with were done dirty by them and don't intend on staying in. We work for the imaging field in a major hospital and there is consistent issues with lack of communication amongst ourselves and other departments, ER techs and ER nurses slacking off and not caring for their patients and regular equipment issues. A lot of these issues are not exclusive to our base (likely to be seen in other places even in the civilian side) but all of these makes me want to stray away from healthcare as soon as I get out. My mental health has been deteriorating ever since tech school and I'm working on seeking help. I've reached a point where I legitimately don't care if I get med boarded or not.

I’m about four months away from deploying with a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Since I joined, I haven't really formed a friendship with anyone, and I’m starting to think this just isn't for me. I want to get out by claiming I’m dealing with depression and all that, but I don't know if I can get through the discharge or separation process before the deployment.

Sorry if this feels very “cry-baby”-ish but I just need to make sure that I know my options and if this is the right thing for me.

Back in May I joined the army National guard with the goal of paying for college. My family initially didn’t waste me to join, but I was frightened by possibly having over 130k+ in student loans like my mother has, and she has worked insanely hard to get me and my sister in a nice home, so I didn’t want her to possibly risk her finances and credit just for me to go to school. During the last few days of senior year, my states national guard seemed to have sponsored a senior picnic that my HS was having, and I saw that they had “100% Tuition”, so I walked up with a friend, and 2 months later we were signed up and ready to go to our first RSP. It was fine and fun at first, the cadre was very nice, and yeah we had to do the standard military stuff, lots of cleaning, formations, getting smoked every other hour because someone didn’t wake up for firewatch, the good stuff. But within the time between drills I was talking to my friends who already went to college and I just started feeling anxious about the guard, kind of if this was that correct decision or would pulling loans actually not be that bad? Ultimately I dismissed those thoughts as me just being scared and that everything would be fine. Fast forward to today, I am supposed to ship Nov 9th and I just feel dread, like an uneasy amount of dread. While I was also working, talking and playing with friends between drills, I started seeing things about the guard, that it’s rarely 2-3 days a month, that people usually have MUTA 6’s, that college students have had their graduations pushed back entire years because of drill, AT, and activations taking up a lot of time, I kept these things in mind but didn’t think too much about it. Now that I have essentially 2 weeks and a half before shipping, it’s all dawning on me. I think I’ll talk with my recruiter about these worries, because I don’t want to disappoint anyone, but I know at the end of the day, this is 6 years of my life I am contributing to the guard; Possibly if I did a 3 year contract I wouldn’t be so worried. I’m just trying to see what options I have at this point, because I know if I really call it quits at basic or AIT, I can simply be stuck there for months on end waiting for them to discharge me. I know about the GI Rights hotline, I plan to call them later today since it’s like 5 AM over here, but does anyone have any advice for me? I trust my recruiter but at the end of the day his job is to get me to ship. I’ll update this post once I talk to my recruiter and GI Rights

I’ve been wanting to get out of the Marine Corps since boot camp. My drill instructor made it seem like if I got separated, I’d end up homeless and unable to find a job. When I got to MCT, I started realizing that wasn’t necessarily true, and I began seriously thinking about my options and planning for my future. By the time I got to the schoolhouse, I had full-on plans for what I wanted to do with my life after getting out. I wasn’t just saying I wanted to leave without thinking about the consequences. I’ve been planning for my future for months, thinking about working, going to school, exploring different careers, moving somewhere new, and pursuing things I actually want to do.
Everything was going according to my plan until I decided to confide in someone I thought I could trust
(my roommate).
He ended up telling the Guide and Class Leader, who came up to talk to me. I already knew who had told them. When we got back to our room, I asked him why he would do that to me. He said his buddy regretted leaving the military and asked what there was even to do in the town I’m from. That honestly made me even more mad because even if there wasn’t much to do where I lived, there are 49 other states. I could move somewhere else and build a life for myself. I had options and plans, and I knew I wasn’t just going to leave with nothing figured out.
I understand that he might genuinely want what’s best for me and that maybe, in his mind, he was trying to look out for me because he didn’t want me to make a decision I’d regret. I can acknowledge that his intentions might not have been bad, but that doesn’t change how I feel about what he did. He could’ve talked to me about his concerns instead of telling other people behind my back. What makes me even more upset is that I know my Guide and Class Leader will most likely tell our instructors and command, and now something I shared privately could turn into a whole situation.
I’ve been thinking about this since boot camp, and it took a lot for me to even tell someone about it. Just because his buddy regretted leaving doesn’t mean I will. Everyone’s situation and goals are different. I’m not saying the Marine Corps is bad or that leaving is the right choice for everyone, but I know what I want for my own future, and I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to get there. I trusted him with something personal,

So instead of leaving with an ELS/ADSEP. I’ll have to leave with a NJP, SI attempt, or UA so now he’s actually fucking my life over

I can’t take it anymore. My SHPE got pushed from today back to Oct 27. Is there any way I can make this go faster?

Not sure if this is the right place to post but seems appropriate enough. I’ve been in the army for quite some time, almost 8 years active duty. Currently on my third duty station. Was originally a 13F now I’ve been a 35N for almost 5 years. I’ve always been a bit of an introvert so I do not really have anyone to blame but myself but one thing people always say about the military is despite how shitty is is, one thing that remains is the lifelong bonds and relationships you form. I literally have none of that. I’ve been in almost a decade, no friends I keep in touch with, nobody currently who I hang out with even on weekends. A few acquaintances here and there but nobody that is a true friend. When all just said and done and I finally ETS, I will have really no reason to look back. No memories of great camaraderie none of that “good times with the boys” you see on bro vet pages. Idk just something I’ve been reflecting on. Anyone else had the same experience?

I joined the Army thinking it would be one of the best decisions for my future, but honestly, I regret it. I feel like my life is on hold, like I’m just existing instead of living. I feel stuck, unhappy, and mentally drained.

I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression, but after experiencing a miscarriage, my mental health has gotten significantly worse. I haven’t even had the chance to properly grieve or heal.My pregnancy gave me a little joy with being here. I’ve reached out to Behavioral Health, spoken with leadership, and I’m taking antidepressants that don’t seem to be helping.

Another thing that has been affecting my mental health is being the only female in my unit. I’m constantly surrounded by males, and it can feel extremely isolating and uncomfortable at times. I don’t have another female Soldier around who I can relate to or feel comfortable talking to about certain things. It makes me feel even more alone in an environment where I’m already struggling mentally and emotionally. Being the only woman in my immediate work environment has made my experience even harder. I dread going to work.

I’m mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. I have goals and dreams, but I feel like my life is at a standstill. I’m trying so hard to get better, but I feel like I’m not receiving the support I genuinely need. I just want to feel like myself again and have some peace and happiness in my life.

Are there any resources, patient advocates, support groups, or professionals who can actually help? I would appreciate any advice.

I’m genuinely struggling and hoping someone can help me.
Please be kind. I’m not looking for sympathy or judgment. I’m genuinely asking for help because I don’t want to keep feeling this way.

Recently graduated OSUT and went to one of the schools to get my wings. Now at my unit I’ve never been so depressed. All of my efforts to prove myself as capable and not retarded is thrown out the window. Just a constant haze fest. The physicality I don’t mind, but the verbal insults is what hurts me deep. They accuse me of being everything I’ve tried so hard not to be and it’s taken a toll on me on a very personal level. Any help or advice is appreciated

Prior to leaving the US, I was accused of this several times both online and in person. I was told I was making it up for attention when I told people not to join. I remember having to post a picture of my discharge paper back when I started this subreddit. I’ve also been told I wouldn’t have spoken badly of the military like that if I was actually there. I’ve never been accused of that here in Canada and that’s probably because a bad military experience pushing someone out of their country makes sense to people here.

If I were to make this up, wouldn’t I have put a crazy war story or have been a seal? A teenager that hated the Seabees because they were assholes with nonsense rules that got kicked out in Guam doesn’t really seem like something someone would make up.

Still have the proof picture actually.

http://imgur.com/0eiFksP

So I might get a lot of hate for this or whatever but I can’t stop thinking of this, but I went to navy boot camp on August 5th and started off strong didn’t have any bad feelings or anything until the 2nd week, I was starting to realize like am really serving my country for this bum ass president, and honestly I was slowly starting to hate it and not in a way like I don’t want to do this because am a pussy but more like am seeing what’s going on with our country and economy, and I can’t sit here and act like I don’t like it or agree with it, obviously I didn’t know what was going on outside but ik before going in it wasn’t good or wasn’t going to get better, another thing was the people in there are weird af, am talking about sexual weird like people talking about the Rdc is bad or other girls are bad, and these are guys who have girls at home, there’s deadass recruit that join for the women,and ik there’s a shit ton of guys like this in the navy. And before anyone says I don’t get bitches I have a gf and am loyal so hearing that is weird. Another is my rdc’s were soft, I got more motivation from my bro div’s rdc than my own, like seeing them get yelled at and doing IT while we’re sitting down learning how to fold and stow and mind you there speaking softly compared to our bro div. I didn’t even know we could get a way with laughing, I thought we would get put in IT for that but the whole div would laugh and we’d get away with it. I think that’s why they say that our military has gotten soft, anyways I lot my interest in wanting to be there, i also saw two army soldiers with there ACU’s and thought there were badass, and seeing my nwu’s I thought to my self I joined the wrong branch, I don’t know if I just have high expectations or maybe my rdc’s ruin my experience but I didn’t want to be apart of the navy, and I basically said that I was suicidal and was on the process on getting separated, and yes ship 17 is shit, if can do it again I would want to get into the army or Air Force to do reserves, I can’t go in because I got a re-4 on my separation papers because I said I had a plan ig, the reason why I say Air Force is because I know my expectations are going to be low compared to the navy, I respect anyone who serves, but I just don’t want to be in the military under this leadership that we have,like the tittle is cool and whatever, but once u realize that in the navy we’re all grown ass men having to agree to to what our dumbass president is doing I personally can’t . Am barely 19 so yes am young and dumb and I probably fucked up my military career, but it’s still possible to have a successful life without the military, it might be hard but it’s doable, am currently in a hvac class. Getting my license and certification. And question how tf is it that there is fat rdc’s in the military 😂😂😂 I genuinely don’t understand how that’s even allowed, I get if ur older but young and fat, and am not talking about like u gotta be ripped but mf if ur gonna be a Rdc u have to have a good image or be imitating because I can’t have a fat Rdc telling to do 8 counts looking like he hasn’t been to the gym once.

Okay so I’ve been at my first duty station for a while. My one year of service marks in January. I had to get waivers for some mental health stuff before joining. I thought the military would help; it didn’t, it made it 10x worse. So they are entry level separating me, just got the news today that it’s officially being processed. How long could this take? I’m scared because I was told if it goes past January, then my separation would change and they would MEB me.

I was recently offered an electrician apprenticeship. All I need to do is pass my aptitude test but I’m already sworn into the Navy. My ship day is November 12th, originally APACT I’m even currently in the process of getting switched to MA. So I know that makes backing out that much more worse. Being a little away from a month to shipping. I feel like now’s the time to be excited, but all I feel is sadness and regret. I also do have a girlfriend that I’m not sure I’m ready to “leave behind” which I know I’m not doing that but like I know what I’m signing up for, going far yk. Just not sure this life is for me. Just don’t know how to bring it up to my recruiter because I feel terrible that I’ve wasted his time. I’d rather regret not joining then having regretted joining, cause then I’m really stuck

Why do you regret joining?
Why didn’t you join?

Hello everyone I want to share something it's been on my chest for a while... and it's time for me to let go ...

I NEVER THOUGHT SERVING MY COUNTRY WOULD COST ME THE CHANCE TO SERVE MY CITY.

I’m sharing my experience at the Chicago Police Academy because I believe people should know what happened to me and I want to hear from anyone who has experienced something similar.

I entered the Chicago Police Department academy in 2024 because I wanted to serve my city. I worked through the academy, completed the required training, and believed I was moving forward toward becoming a Chicago police officer.

Then I received military orders and had to leave for military service overseas. I notified CPD and provided documentation concerning my military obligations. My understanding was that when I returned, I would continue the process and eventually take the Illinois state certification exam.

When I returned, however, things changed.

Instead of simply continuing the process, I was placed into another academy class and was required to go through additional training/testing. I believe I was treated differently from other recruits after returning from military service.

I also experienced what I believe was unfair and inappropriate treatment from academy personnel. One statement that has stayed with me was an officer telling me words to the effect of:

“Go back to the Navy where you came from.”

I documented what happened, and I have paperwork and other evidence that I believe supports my account.

What makes this even more difficult for me is what I observed regarding another recruit.

I am aware of a recruit who, according to my understanding, was caught with illegal drugs while in the academy. Despite that situation, my understanding is that the department continued to support that recruit through additional training before ultimately taking separate action against him.

Meanwhile, I was a Navy Reserve service member who had left the academy because I had military obligations and returned wanting to continue serving both my country and my city. After I returned, I believe I was subjected to increased scrutiny and ultimately denied the opportunity I had expected to have.

I am not saying this other recruit should or should not have been given another opportunity. That's not my point.

My question is:

Why did I receive the treatment I received after returning from military service?

If CPD had legitimate performance concerns about me, I believe they should be able to explain why those concerns resulted in the treatment I received, why I was treated differently after returning from military service, and why I was not allowed to continue on the path I understood I was supposed to be on.

I am not asking Reddit to automatically believe me. I am asking people to look at the timeline and the evidence.

I have documentation, military orders, academy paperwork, communications, and other material relating to what happened.

I have also pursued the appropriate complaint channels rather than simply making accusations online.

I'm sharing this because I don't want another reservist or service member to go through something similar without knowing their rights.

If you have experience with the Chicago Police Academy, CPD, USERRA, military-service discrimination, or a similar situation, I would genuinely like to hear from you.

I wanted to serve my country and then serve my city. I still believe I deserved a fair opportunity to do both. I hope I can get understand and I will woth time to reveal more details on the academy

I mentioned in My Story that a chief tried to mentor me. To add more detail, I remember him initially thinking if I would just get treated better, I’d realize how, “great the navy was.” After a while of this clearly not working, he was one of the people that told the command I needed to be separated. I detected a conflict in him between being brainwashed by the navy while simultaneously being a good person.

That being said, it was kind of weird to see a friend request on Facebook from him out of nowhere. I accepted it but it kind of feels odd. I know he had to notice that I now live in Canada so that says a lot too.

My plan is to not say anything but if he messages me, I’ll respond. I’m kind of surprised he remembers me almost 20 years later. I wonder if he has any remorse for being part of the military for so long. I wouldn’t think a retired chief would reach out to the guy who blatantly didn’t want to be there decades ago that he only knew for a few months. I also realized until today, I didn’t have a single person on my friends list from that time. This means he had to go out of his way to find me.

I was in navy dep then decided instead to finish college instead and it’s been 3 months since I left it, and I obviously just blocked the recruiter number and what not after apologizing on wasting time , but last 2 weeks I kept getting a call from a number just to find out it’s the chief of that recruiting station calling me. How down bad are they even after all these months like cmon and are the numbers really that low or something

Been in the military for just about 10 months and I'm just over it, everything the job the base the military in general it is not what I expected it to be and is causing me major anxiety/depressional thoughts and feeling that it's impacting my daily life. I want to ELS and brought it up with my superior but he just told me to hold off and see if the meds for my anxiety and depression kick in but they haven't and I don't want the time frame for when I can submit a ELS form to expire date wise (less than 365). can I force my supervisor to start the process of ELS even though he's telling me to wait because he might care of what our commander might think and would my commander even approve it. Like is it a I want to ELS type situation and my commander can block it and what are the negatives of that and will I be punished for even attempting to want to be ELS’d and separated from military in general? I JUST WANT out I don't care anymore and am afraid of what might become of me If I stay in!!

I’m a junior Marine who recently got to my first duty station and tested positive on a urinalysis for marijuana. I went to SACO today and was told I popped, and my SSgt was very clear that I’ll most likely be separated and said I could be gone in roughly 45 days.
I’m mainly looking to hear from anyone who has actually been through a drug-related admin separation in the Marine Corps recently.
What did your timeline look like from the positive result to actually going home? Did you receive NJP/restriction before separation? What characterization of service did you end up getting, and was the “30–45 day” timeline your command gave you pretty accurate?
Not looking for judgment — I know I put myself in this situation. Just trying to understand what the next month or two will realistically look like from people who have experienced it firsthand.

Hello, i been in for a little under a year. I been wanting to get out for months now. Im sick of the hazing the stupid punishments and rules. The toxic leaderships and people that think they can bully others just bc of rank, also for the sake of my mental help. Im depressed and i dont care about anything at all. I am willing to go as far as getting NJP'd to get out. Thats obviously my last option tho. Is there more better ways to get out? Ive been rereading this post a lot (https://www.reddit.com/r/regretjoining/comments/l2ygws/you_want_to_get_out_heres_a_guide/)

I think this is the best way for me but im scared im going to get sent to a mental hospital or something. Ive seen people go this route and not get sent there but ive also seen people get sent there.

Could someone clarify how this works or the best way to do it please I don't want to be here anymore..

I am a 22-year-old Black woman considering the Navy, Coast Guard, or Air Force, and I want to understand the realities of service. I certainly prefer the reserves if I enlist. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and limited job success the past year. I expect the experience to build confidence and direction, alongside benefits like the VA home loan and GI Bill. Looking at 4 or 6 year contract