A Way of Life Comes to a Close
Well I've finally done it, submitted my memo to my Commanding Officer indicating that I'm retiring from the Reserves and the military completely, a lifetime of service to country has come to a close. Earlier this morning I cleared Clothing Stores turning in the last of my field equipment, rucksack, snow shoes, helmet, arctic clothing, sleeping bag and other "Stuff" that they want back as it can be reissued for use by other soldiers. Whew, one big chore done! A fair bit of work to sort through, ensure all is clean and pack it, then load it into the truck to drive in for my appointment. I asked for an early (0730) appointment as it's usually easier to ensure that things get done as scheduled. Normally, as with all appointments, the later in the day, the greater likelihood that timings slide.
I turned in some extra stuff collected over the years, the Storeman, new to the military with just over one year service remarked at a couple of the items being turned in as "I've never seen one of those before." Hmmm, talk about feeling a bit dated. Oh well, not to worry, I had locate all the items needed so I'm cleared. Afterward, I drove to the Arumoury where the Reserve unit that I transferred to on leaving the Regular Force, (active duty), parades so I could hand in all my other paperwork. A bunch of forms to sign, Security Clearance, Memorandum of Understanding that I remain subject the the Official Secrets Act, and the like. Not a grand way to mark over 39 years in uniform but at least LOML aetheldaeg and I can look forward to all the newly found space in our closets and storage room, that's worth something too.
On a lighter note, I've found it important to have a transition plan to ensure the we're on the journey to success rather than depression... all else who are changing something significant in their lives should consider the impacts of that change and plan accordingly despite no plan surviving the first step.
I turned in some extra stuff collected over the years, the Storeman, new to the military with just over one year service remarked at a couple of the items being turned in as "I've never seen one of those before." Hmmm, talk about feeling a bit dated. Oh well, not to worry, I had locate all the items needed so I'm cleared. Afterward, I drove to the Arumoury where the Reserve unit that I transferred to on leaving the Regular Force, (active duty), parades so I could hand in all my other paperwork. A bunch of forms to sign, Security Clearance, Memorandum of Understanding that I remain subject the the Official Secrets Act, and the like. Not a grand way to mark over 39 years in uniform but at least LOML aetheldaeg and I can look forward to all the newly found space in our closets and storage room, that's worth something too.
On a lighter note, I've found it important to have a transition plan to ensure the we're on the journey to success rather than depression... all else who are changing something significant in their lives should consider the impacts of that change and plan accordingly despite no plan surviving the first step.