Military Vocation?

[Alphonsus_John]

I’ve been a reservist for about 10 years, including 1 deployment to Kuwait is 04-05. Recently, I found I was passed over for promotion, due to a paperwork error. I’m an officer and have put some serious thought into resigning my commission.

I’m mostly sick of the service, but parts of me still enjoy it. Although a reservist my part of the Navy actually has a ton of work and I spend a lot of time between drill weekends doing reserve work pretty much for free. I’ve made my thoughts known to my boss and some others and they do not want me to leave, but a large part of me wants to go.

Trouble is, as I’ve gotten more into prayer I’m wondering does God want me to stay in. I’ve prayed a bunch on the subject but don’t seem to have an answer. Sometimes I think He is answering “Yes”, but I do not know if that’s my own brain making things up or deception from the evil one.

Any thoughts? Advice, etc?

 

[freudmacher]

Just wanted to let you know my prayers are with you.

I can tell you this, if you are praying God will give you the answer. There probably is a real good reason this decision is moving a bit slow for you. I have always had the problem of trying to decide if things were coming from my head or my heart. Once I figure that part out, I always know what to do. If it’s my head, it’s just junk, if it’s from my heart, it’s good.

 

[RevDrNorth]

It is a tough call. You are half way to a pension. I know what it is to feel fed up with the military and there will likely be more deployments.

Can you take a couple of drills off to reflect? You have to decide what you want and if necessary changing your perspective (attitude) to change your life. Maybe continuing further in the military for 10 years is not it. Maybe you need to consider changing branches for a fresh strat. I have known officers go from Army to Air Force and visa versa.

It is a big decision and I pray for you. The more rank you get (NCO or Officer) you are correct that the less can actually be done in a drill weekend and then there are deployments, family issues, etc.

When you have reflected and come to terms with it there will be peace.

Rev North

 

[Alphonsus_John]

After much prayer, I’ve decided to stay in. Thank you for your prayers.

John

 

[ASimpleSinner]

After much prayer, I’ve decided to stay in. Thank you for your prayers.

John

Jhn,

Very good to hear.

Say, have you ever considered diaconal service? I am willing to bet the Military Archdiocese could use a few good deacons.

 

[Alphonsus_John]

No, I haven’t really. I’m only 31 and my vocation is to marriage as I’m engaged to a beautiful, “orthodox” Catholic woman. I only started to truly discover my faith after I started dating her and it was only because she insisted on Chasisty. I was adult confirmed a few months ago.

I might really consider such a thing later in life, but trying to juggle command of reserve unit, a stressful corporate career, and a family will be difficult.

 

[ASimpleSinner]

No, I haven’t really. I’m only 31 and my vocation is to marriage as I’m engaged to a beautiful, “orthodox” Catholic woman. I only started to truly discover my faith after I started dating her and it was only because she insisted on Chasisty. I was adult confirmed a few months ago.

I might really consider such a thing later in life, but trying to juggle command of reserve unit, a stressful corporate career, and a family will be difficult.

I certainly bet it is!

Good man yourself, and congratulations on finding such a good Catholic lady to share your life with!

As for the diaconate, just file the idea away in a little mental file in the back of your head… you know, where you keep the mental file on where you want to see your kids go to college, where you want to retire to, and where you are planning that 25th wedding annivesary vacation.