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My last day (after 26yrs 3 months) is in the middle of next month and I pretty much know what it will involve from experience with colleagues.
My day officially ends at 14:00 hrs. In the morning I'll accompany my OC on the parade and inspection of our Company, then after he's left pass on his comments (positive and negative) and add a few of my own. I'll then tell them the Orders of the Day and accompany those that don't have morning duties around the assault course, basically the usual daily routine.
I'll not take lunch I imagine and will instead have a beer and a bite with my fellow Sergeants in the mess before seeing my CO for a small drink and a chat. After that I'm escorted off the base before I turn around and walk back in, get changed, load the car, report at the guardhouse, hand over what needs to be and drive down to get the ferry to Nice. I'll then meet my wife and daughter (who are flying down from Lyon) before we drive home (about 5hrs with a stop).
The next morning when I get up will be.......... interesting I imagine.
So....
How was your last day, what did you do?
(Edit.) I was going to be starting a teacher training course after about 2 months but have changed my mind on that. I've decided to go where the wind takes me instead and see what happens.
Last edited by Mr Blue Sky; 02-16-2016 at 09:05 AM..
The next morning when I get up will be.......... interesting I imagine.
So....
How was your last day, what did you do?
Congratulations!
My last day? In 1990... Was a Sunday. All I remember was signing out on Friday. Ceremonies, retirement party, out-processing was done as early as possible starting 89 days before my retirement...
I started a civilian job the next day. I had hoped to take a few weeks off, but with a new job, I did not want to push my luck.
My retirement ceremony was on a Friday. My last day was a Sunday, the way it shook out on the calendar. It was odd to wear the uniform the last day. 28 years seemed rather short in retrospect. I did experience two ceremonies, in reality... The Air Force gave me one, a simple deal, open bar afterwards, a month earlier, and the Army had a huge deal with a formation and half-section (Fort Sill), one of the perks of being an Air Force officer assigned to an Army post.
I had a job already set in a similar career field so it wasn't a big deal. One day I was "Col." and the next, "Mr.". Wife still called me "Hey, you", so there was continuity.
I was a C-130 loadmaster. On my last day I flew on the 1000 trainer. I loved flying and wanted to fly right up until my last day. After we landed I got the traditional hosing and champagne sprayed on me. There was a little celebration in my section after that. Then I turned in the few remaining items I had that I needed for that last flight, got my pink ID card and NGB 22 and called it a career. 32 years, nine months and 27 days total service, including six years active duty Marine Corps. I did come back five weeks later for the formal retirement ceremony during drill weekend.
My retirement ceremony was on a Friday. My last day was a Sunday, the way it shook out on the calendar. It was odd to wear the uniform the last day. 28 years seemed rather short in retrospect. I did experience two ceremonies, in reality... The Air Force gave me one, a simple deal, open bar afterwards, a month earlier, and the Army had a huge deal with a formation and half-section (Fort Sill), one of the perks of being an Air Force officer assigned to an Army post.
I had a job already set in a similar career field so it wasn't a big deal. One day I was "Col." and the next, "Mr.". Wife still called me "Hey, you", so there was continuity.
As a retired Army artilleryman, I am here to tell you that the Army owed you a big ceremony for having to be stuck at FT Sill!
My last day was spent on the parade field at FT Myer for my retirement ceremony. I was never into dog and pony shows but there's something to be said when the Old Guard participates in your ceremony. My mother and sister walked away thinking I was far more important than I really was!
Like Sluggo, my wife ensured there was continuity for me by still referring to me as, "Hey, you."
I walked out thinking I'll never wear the uniform again. Three months later I was sitting in a classroom for reservist indoc wearing the uniform again. I learned never to say never.
The one thing I remember is realizing how big the DOD really is. The organization keeps rolling on without a hitch when you leave.
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