As my final post here on this thread, I just wanted to put out there that I went through 23 weeks of phase I-III prior to my drop and move into support for Team 5, (earned that brown shirt! And wore it for quite a bit before losing dive lol).
But, to keep from putting too much out there, my father has the same name and is currently at JSOTF AFRICOM.
I would hope that we could all agree that every experience is different and the Teams are, even now, changing from a year ago (slowly being overrun by blue water bureaucracy).
I admire the strength and tenacity that Basil has had, and that strength is not uncommon in her generation. However, I've had this conversation with almost everyone I know from the Teams in the past few weeks, and they all agree, relationships are hard and often fail in the Teams today. Even our "old" SOCS (push-broom mustache and all) agreed; telling us we'd be stupid to get married and we should especially not have children. Although, I will say, he says that after being married for over 20 years (don't remember exactly how long) and having three daughters. Maybe it's my generation and the outlook on marriage in this country as a whole, but it seems that among those in the "Mafia" (E-5s, E-6s with time down range) marriage seems bleak to most. Find some cougar beyond immaturity and it'll all work out.
Oh, but as far as the job, there's nothing like waking up and knowing your work day consists of PT, free fall, range time, and a cold beer (optional)... Best day of your life. lol
That's my piece and experiences, I hope that looking at the different thoughts everyone will be able to see it all just depends, there are too many factors. Which I think is the important part of this thread, the OP can learn from every perspective provided.
Very respectfully,
LofgrenCL