Ten Years After Leaving the Air Force

Ten years ago today was my last official day as an active duty officer in the United States Air Force.

I left the Individual Ready Reserve in June 2002, but I don't count that extra time since I worked as a civilian full-time.

I find it ironic that the "Officer In Charge" (OIC) of "Career Enhancements" signed my Honorable Discharge! Leaving the service can be quite a "career enhancement" when you want to continue defending Air Force data assets but the service feels its time to "career broaden." :)

To this day I am grateful for the colleagues, training, experiences, missions, and responsibilities of my time in the Air Force. At the same time, I remain amazed that I spent almost 11 years of my life wearing the uniform. It seems so long ago now, but I am always pleased to run across people in the security and intelligence worlds who remember working with "Captain Bejtlich."

I've greatly enjoyed the last ten years out of uniform and I look forward to more good ones, God willing!

Comments

Dan said…
Congratulations!
1:11 AM
Dave said…
Congrats.

Nicely redacted.
10:08 AM
Stunder said…
Yeah I like to look back too and say wow those were some good times. I have to admit that it wasn't much of a money making carrier but if it wasn't for my time in the service I wouldn't have the job I have now.
12:02 PM
Anonymous said…
Thank-you for serving Captain! I did my three in the Army's Old Guard before escaping to a career in IT. Looking back I might have done things differently but I still would have served. I enjoy your blog. Cheers!
12:07 PM
Anonymous said…
What Rich and Stunder said. Amazing how many people who were on "The Hill" during the mid-to-late 90's are leaders in the private sector security arena now. Man, Uncle Sam was sitting on a gold mine. We were fortunate to be surround by such great minds and also be at the forefront of this cyber stuff.

Keep doing what you do ... True Blue 92 ...
2:13 PM
Will Patrick said…
WOW!! and we tracked events on a single sheet of paper...RTA's

In uniform or not you are a true American.
8:46 PM
Unknown said…
Capt B,

I remember you in uniform! Good to see you're well outside of the concrete confines!

In the few occasions I find myself in a brick and mortar bookstore, usually with a friend for a cup of coffee, I always wander to the computer section and look for your books.

I always mention, braggingly of course, the completely useless TCP/IP class Trident provided on that we were both in. Instead of paying attention to the blubbering you worked on packets analysis... occasionally asking me to hit you with different attacks.

Aahhh... the good ole' days... I wouldn't go back for any amount of money :-)

Regards,
Rich

(Cyberwatch)
10:05 AM
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