Reply #18: I retired

[BOSSHOG]

as a Chief Petty Officer. I loved the Navy. Loved My Sailors. Actually Loved the Intel guys. They were just a little wierd and involved themselves in a very limited manner in social affairs outside of work. I was on a couple of Admiral Staffs and you (or someone from your department) would have to brief the Admiral regularly (usually once a week, more frequently if needed) on issues concerning your department. Short, brief, to the point. While I was in Security and Training, on a staff you spend time as a bureaucrat, overseeing manpower, training, human resources, comptroller services, pay, recruiting, retirement to subordinate commands. Similar staffs serve other communities (CB's, Air Commands). It depended on the demeanor of the Admiral as to how the meetings were conducted. Some wanted no bullshit, get to the point asap and move on. One in particular I remember was more personal, wanted to chat with all of us about our families and such. Very time consuming. I wouldn't say I disliked the intel guys. They just weren't beer swilling, skirt chasing cracker jacks. (And for a good reason.) I've been retired almost five years but I still keep in touch with many of my old shipmates and many of my Sailors who are still on active duty. Some even email me for advice but I think thats their version of visiting the old guy in the nursing home.