Hope this helps
(BTW - That was a nice way to put it man) Hey I was in the Navy too and got an RE-4 with a General (under Hon). I was booted for some stupid stuff, (inhaling nitrous oxide - laughing gas) my fault, but also rather inflammatory on theirs and probably should have been given the benefit of the doubt and a second chance. Nevertheless, I am successful in my current job and classes, but just made rather stupid decisions that got me booted that I am REAL sorry about. Point is, I know what you mean man...getting booted is my biggest regret in life. I feel like I let people down and just feel like scum sometimes-I wish I had another chance to finish what I first said I would do when I joined. COMMITTMENT means a lot more to me now. Although Iraq is very REAL and people are dying I still feel like I know what you mean when you think you are tempted to chance it over there and join the N Guard. It seems as if its better to die now in a blaze of honor and glory, with a real chance to fix what happened before, than to live the life of freedom, paid for by others blood, knowing you didn't do your part like all the great men before you. Its a tough burden to carry...I know because it is mine too. Just to hold your head up high again seems worth risking your life, doesn't it? Whatever happens, remember there is NO dishonor in a General, regardless of what your command made you think when you were processing out, and maybe the way they characterized you with a personality disorder was just partially for their convenience and partially because of your acting out - doesn't mean it is definately true. You admitted that you were purposefully acting out to get out of the Navy...lets say you had a "forced and deliberate" personality disorder, if the euphamism helps you cope. DO NOT let that one event of getting booted set the tone for the rest of your life...evidentally God thought your talents could be better used elsewhere - so make God happy. Keep pluggin away at what your doing man, fight the good fight, and make a success of yourself regardless of what happened with the Navy. You can still serve the military and the Navy with a General as a civilian, and play a very important role. To close, my uncle always told me "Behind EVERY successful man is a string of failures." Just chalk it up to youth and having to learn somethings the hard way. At least you learned the lesson, right? (You'd be suprised, lots of adults NEVER do) You can and will be honrable and successful if you put your mind to it.
Stay up man, and walk tall "shipmate"
