God, country, family? Or vice versa?

[Atreyu]

I'm in a little bit of a dilemma here, and I'm hoping yall can offer me some insight here.

I came into the navy on a SEAL contract. It was my entire life for about 2 years, training for it, getting mentally and physically ready. Then I got married, which severely hurt my dream. Then I had a child, which put my struggling dream out of its misery. I got into an easy job, with short deployments and great pay. The problem is, it is completely unfulfilling. It eats me alive every minute of every day that I didn't even get to try for my dream, and that it seems like I either have to choose between a fulfilling military career, or a happy marriage.

I guess I'm just looking for a little help in getting my priorities in order, which is something I should be able to do myself, but I can't. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

[Flying Razorback]

Our time in the service will end one day in some form or another.  But if we're lucky, our family will always be with us. 

I commissioned when I was 21 so I could theoretically retire if I did a full 20 at 41.  So by doing a max military career, I would still have many years of life ahead of me.

This is temporary, your relationship with your family is permanent.  The dynamic of a military family is one of the hardest there is and most will never understand it.  Open communication and constant re-assessment are required.

I would say never put the family below the top.  My ops tempo is about to go up dramatically and it's a constant discussion with the wife every day about it.  I am doing everything I can to make it easier on her back home while I'm away.  She respects this and it helps her reciprocate a little and understand my love for flying and my job and my service for the country.