Life IS rosy, in the rear view mirror (27 years and some change). I stayed in so long they started sending me nastigrams to retire . I submitted my paperwork while I was TDY to Ali Air Base, Iraq.

I was a crew chief, primarily on C-141s & C-5s. That special experience identifier allowed me to stay at Travis AFB, CA a majority of my career (hint, hint). I didn't get a long tour assignment until I requested one.

I will say that the services are a bit different than they were even a decade ago. The Army didn't seem to have the best living arrangements at either of the bases I spent time at, in Iraq. Regardless - I have mucho respect for all of them!