My cousin was a “mere colonel”. Flew an F4, something that I just learned about him. Very proud of him for that!
My boy was a Captain when he was 24/25 years old. The world was his oyster. He decided to get out because he was troubled by the deep lack of character that he saw among certain Field Grade Officers.
I will not deny that I was pleased by his choice. I actually was immensely pleased. I was tired of being always stressed due to the constant deployments. It was not good for my system.
So he got out, I felt better, and eventually, the USA Government officially dumped their policy of intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I may not agree with all of that, but selfishly I am satisfied that the boy is alright these days. I am so pleased about that.