--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There were many, many times thereafter…" description: "\"There were many, many times thereafter that Don regretted having enlisted - but so has every man who ever volunteered for military service.\" — Robert A..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c8/robert-a-heinlein-209_army_there-were-many-many-times-thereafter-th_2358036.jpg" --- # There were many, many times thereafter that Don regretted… ![“There were many, many times thereafter that Don regretted having enlisted - but so has every man who ever volunteered for military service.” quote by Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c8/robert-a-heinlein-209_army_there-were-many-many-times-thereafter-th_2358036.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c8/robert-a-heinlein-209_army_there-were-many-many-times-thereafter-th_2358036.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c8/robert-a-heinlein-209_army_there-were-many-many-times-thereafter-th_2358036.jpg) > “There were many, many times thereafter that Don regretted having enlisted - but so has every man who ever volunteered for military service.” [Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-heinlein/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote reflects the lingering regret that can follow voluntary military service, acknowledging that many who enlist later question their decision. **In simple terms:** Voluntary service can lead to lasting doubt. Key Takeaway Consider the long‑term impact before enlisting. Themes military service regret volunteerism Mood reflective somber Type ethical philosophical When to use this quote - career choice - military enlistment - post‑service life - ethical debate Key Concepts duty consequence personal reflection Questions to Reflect On - What motivates you to volunteer for risky roles? - How can societies better support veterans? A Different Perspective Regret may be mitigated by strong purpose or support systems. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Army](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/army/) [Don Regretted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/don-regretted-5764151/) [Enlisted Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enlisted-man-3236415/) [Every man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/every-man/) [Having Enlisted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/having-enlisted-5764153/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Military](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/military/) [Military service](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/military-service/) [Soldier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/soldier/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Volunteered Military](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/volunteered-military-5764155/) ## Related quotes > [I'm strictly an enlisted man's girl.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/betty-grable/i-m-strictly-an-enlisted-man-s-girl/) [Betty Grable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/betty-grable/) > [Author says that, while Eisenhower had other intellectual mentors, he learned how to lead men from Gen. 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