The fair share vs. the fade out

One of the things I've never liked about Army culture is the way people "check out" when they're close to leaving. There's even a term for people who've put in their retirement application and checked out in their 19th year -- Retired On Active Duty (ROAD). I think it's unprofessional and unethical not to pull your fair share while you're collected a paycheck.

With that said, I think it's also important to prepare the team for your eventual departure and "fade out" in terms of your role within the office. Yet as I near my own "expiration date," I find that difficult to do.

Part of the problem is that I have no replacement, and we're in the middle of an exercise right now. Despite the need for people, I may be gone from the office in five weeks, assuming the VA comes back with a reasonable rating. So while I still want to be part of the team, I don't think I should be the guy "driving the bus" on things.

It's just hard not to, though, when there's no one else who's licensed.