Well...if you want a "the stuff we have to put up with story..."
I am trying to "unretire" from the ANG and continue to serve part time in a non-flying position. I was lucky enough to get hired by some old friends for a position, but after being out more than 6 months you have to go through the MEPS process and take an entry physical to get back in.
I spent a few hours starting at 0430 with some 18 and 19 year olds going into the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. A 46 year old Army major was the only other guy from my generation going through the process. After being treated like a recuit for an hour we started the physical with a breathalizer test to make sure we weren't drunk. Let's just say the whole process was not exactly like my standard flight physicals when I was still "somebody" verses a recruit.
Funny thing is I found the whole thing funny. I got yelled at by a doctor, yelled at by mean GS lady who was 5'2' and about 2 bills, and got to do a bunch of funny walks in my underwear. All of that--just so I can go back and serve a little more and perhaps provide my family a little extra safety net. But...I was smart enough to smile, keep my mouth shut, and let the process work. By the end of the day everyone was like my best buddy...wishing me luck and thanking me for coming back to serve.
Reading a few stupid books and writing papers? Easy. Lets see you duck walk in your skivvies before you complain.
And all you part timers out there...if you think there is a 1% chance you MIGHT want to continue to serve or doing ANYTHING when you get past 20 years....if you aren't going to get a retirement check anyway then go inactive, don't say the R (retire) word. Trying to go backwards from uttering those two syllabus has been an interesting, year long journey. Fortunately I already have a good job, but if you can learn from my lesson pass it on. No check--don't retire. Stay in the system so if you decide to grab a job you can do it with a lot less complications.
Glad to answer PMs if any of you are in a similar boat.
