Quote Originally Posted by crunker View Post
I had a coworker several months ago who did some hunting (mostly deer hunting, I think), and he mentioned that one of his favorite shotguns was a Stoeger o/u.

So you're going into criminal justice, eh, FM? Are you interested in an LE career or something like that?
I can't say that I will definitely be going into the CJ field after military retirement. I'm mainly looking to knock out an undergraduate degree for professional advancement and to begin a graduate program to better my prospects post-retirement. Criminal justice happens to interest me, but 10-20 years is a long time from now. I could get injured or worse, become physically or emotionally incapable of doing the legwork associated with many LE jobs, or become vastly overqualified for an entry level job. Right now I do not foresee wanting to become a "rookie" cop after retiring as a senior Infantry NCO in my forties. Then again, things change, and my attitude may be vastly different when the time comes.

It all comes down to capabilities, qualifications, compensation, and above all else, personal desire. I could see myself doing anything from working a parts counter at a car dealership, teaching at a local high school, or serving as a deputy sheriff to becoming a store or service manager, running for a CJ-related public office (Sheriff, Marshal, Police Chief, etc), or starting a security business. If I want to kick back and wind down after the Army, I'll do it--the house will be nearly paid off and I should be mostly out of debt, so long as I don't squander my money. If I want to make six figures in addition to retirement income, I'll try my best to do so.

The best thing about being open minded and a "jack of all trades" is the flexibility that comes with them. Doors may shut, but there will always be some that remain open.