Greg Forbes

Greg Forbes, a 33-year veteran of both the U.S. Army and Coast Guard, shares his diverse military journey and the lessons he learned over three decades of service. Beginning his military career in the Army Reserve while attending college, Greg worked his way up to becoming a drill sergeant. He vividly recalls the challenges of managing troops during a time of racial tension in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He experienced firsthand the complexities of leadership in an era marked by the Vietnam War and civil unrest, including a harrowing incident where tensions between white and Black soldiers nearly escalated into gunfire at Fort Polk. Despite these challenges, Greg excelled, earning the distinction of Honor Graduate during his time at drill sergeant school.

After seven years in the Army, Greg transitioned to the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served for 26 years. His military experience broadened as he moved into the Coast Guard’s aviation sector, working as an Electronics Chief. Greg specialized in maintaining electronic systems on aircraft, including the Falcon jets and H-3 helicopters. He found the Coast Guard’s approach to leadership more people-oriented than the Army’s, which allowed him to focus on helping and mentoring others rather than pushing troops around. Over time, he advanced to the rank of Chief, balancing his duties with a desire to remain engaged in the hands-on aspects of his job, often opting for flight missions rather than administrative meetings.

Greg reflects on his military career as a time of personal growth and discipline, crediting his father, a World War II infantryman, for encouraging him to embrace structure and responsibility. He believes the military offered him invaluable life skills, such as discipline, leadership, and the ability to handle diverse personalities. His leadership philosophy emphasized understanding people, helping them develop, and maintaining a sense of responsibility, which he carried into both his military and personal life, especially in raising his daughter and granddaughter.

Now retired, Greg enjoys the benefits of his military service, including two retirement checks and Social Security. He advises young people considering the military to thoroughly research their options, talk to veterans for honest insights, and ensure they are making informed decisions. For Greg, the military was a transformative experience that provided him with skills, opportunities, and a lifelong appreciation for service.