I don’t live with my son. I am essentially a pacifist, and am relatively anti-violence. I am tired of working for a monstrous organization such as this, and therefore furthering its shady goals. My list of reasons for staying in has shrunk down over the years to just two things: retirement money, and medical benefits. Am I really so obsessed with a secure future? At what cost do I continue this path? I have concluded that this state of affairs cannot go on any longer than is absolutely necessary. My original plans to stay in the military and retire are unacceptable. I must go home as soon as I can.

I have long term goals to own a piece of land, have a blacksmith shop and live off the grid. Those plans are still in place.

However, in order to address more immediate needs, a solid interim goal to ensure financial survivability must be made.

There are many possible routs, all including an accelerated education plan of some sort. My main concern will have to be money. Unfortunately, I have many expenses that will accompany me into the civilian world. Whatever route I take, it must involve accumulating as much education as possible while I’m still in, so that hopefully I can get a good job right away.

I am in the research phase. I don’t want to rush anything. I need to slowly and carefully consider absolutely all options. I have another 2-4 years in. Hey, it’s better than 14!