Well, its over ....42 years in the blink of an eye

General Discussions
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The day finally arrived that I had been building up to, part looking forward to, and part being sad that it was going to be over …

After nearly 42 years in the mainstream Army, today I finished my last official work day in the military. Nearly 23 years in the Household Cavalry Regiment - The Blues and Royals (RHG/D) and 19 in the MPGS - Military Provost Guard Service and finishing my time as the Detachment Commander at a Royal Marine Bks in Plymouth.
To say it has been an emotional ride would be the understatement of a lifetime … loved it, hated it, every emotion possible … but I wouldnt change one tiny part of it.
It afforded me the chance to see the world, meet great people, know I was prepared to face the Warsaw Pact if the crap hit the fan and understand so much more about so many different aspects of life and the world.

Can you beat the thrill and rush of screaming over the German countryside in a Cr1 going flat out … ? Firing Swingfire missiles and teaching people how to do it ? Trundling across the BATUS prairie live firing ? Blasting around the Cypriot green zone in a ferret then go scuba diving at Napa beach or wreck diving …? or Striking the Royal Standard as HRH the late Queen Elizabeth came onto camp to visit us ? Jungle training in Kenya, ? IFOR and SFOR stints in Bosnia ? and so so many more … the answer is a simple no, you cant.
Working with numerous foreign countries on and their troops was amazing, like Ex Bright Star in Egypt with a US Div and acting as their Div Deep Recce screen…
So much fun (and some tears for sure)
I am out fully on 28 Aug, and until then, on leave, terminal leave and resettlement … (bonus more bench time :grin:)

Anyway … Army life … its been a real blast :+1:

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Not sure how the Germans felt about it but being on exercise in the German towns was much more exciting than any stateside maneuvers.

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Congrats on your retirement. Now you can relax. :grin:

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Congratulations Johnny!

Thank you for all dedicated service in defense of the UK, NATO, the free world and Western values! That’s an incredible career!

Wish you the very best!

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Big change then .

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I am sure your country thanks you for your service John.

looking forward yo seeing more coming off your bench now. Enjoy retirement.

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Well John, what can I say? Apart from the old solder’s refrain, “Get some time in!” (I think I beat you by roughly 3 years).

But I fully endorse every sentiment you’ve expressed.

We were obviously in different parts of the Army, but everything you state resonates so very, very much.

I too, saw the world; undertook tasks – and even recreation – that would have been unbelievable had I not done so when I joined back in the late 60s; even today, what you and I have shared, (a different timescale to be sure) almost defies adequate description to younger ears, even to those close.

The Cold War was still a war, and some day, the historians will give it adequate admission. Those misty German early morns, the sodden pull of webbing, the itch of NBC suits, the gritty, oh so fatigued eyes, as one awaited the (notional admittedly) predations of 3rd Shock Army – my God, it was all so real and demanding stuff.

But all of this, ameliorated by the best mates ever; those friendships forged in demanding environments and tasks, yet re-discovered and maintained anew wherever one went.
The constant sense of opportunity (sometimes missed) and achievements yet to come – made it all worthwhile.

Good luck with it all John, and I hope you make a better fist of resettlement than I did (!)

I miss it all, yet would not have changed a thing (well, apart from the odd posting, or that particular WRAC girl way back – but that that’s another story….)

Well done Mate. We’ll have a beer sometime, I’m sure.

In the interim, I might just break out the Tanqueray – on your behalf of course.

Cheers!

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There we go!

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Chin chin … and thanks chaps, it was really a blast … all of it :+1:

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Well done, sir!

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Congrats and well done John. :saluting_face:

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Mate well done on what has clearly been an amazing military career! With military life, as with life in general, it’s what you put into it that dictates what you get out of it. You’ve obviously put in a lot and got the rewards in so many ways both tangible and intangible.

As time goes on the not so fun parts seem to turn a bit more rosy whilst the fun parts become great memories. The biggest takeaway for me though is the mates who made a lot of the experiences bearable and who are still a large part of my life. I’m sure you’re the same.

Enjoy this last part of this journey too though. I’m sure there’ll be recognition and plaques and thanks galore. Enjoy all that as it’s deserved.

Congrats mate and looking forward to seeing even more of you on the forum!

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Thanks Rob & Ryan and Sam. Very true words Sam… I would do it all again in a heartbeat !!

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Congratulations on retirement. You’ve had an outstanding career and are making the choice to retire. You’ve done your time, now it’s time for you and your family to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

We also importantly need to recognize the sacrifices our spouses make during our careers, it too takes a toll on them, so don’t forget to spoil SWMBO. You also have to be nice to them ‘cause otherwise they will make daily life…….

Everyday is now Saturday, retirement is the best! Its been five years since I pulled the plug, pulled the pin and pulled the chocks, no regrets. I was born for retirement.

Cheer mate!

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Spoil her ??? Shes married to me lol … everyday is the ultimate gift for her knowing that … (please god never ever let her read this !! :rofl:)

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That poor poor lady. She deserves a medal for sticking with you. :rofl:

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Mate, see deserves to be Sainted for it :+1:

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Time to join the ranks of the Chelsea Pensioners.

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:rofl:

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Or a motorcycle club with your former mates.

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Congrats on both your time served and a well deserved retirement John!

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