<human>: Give me the gist of the text in a nutshell

(Throwaway account on mobile.) 

Hello rParenting, this is my first time posting on this sub but I felt I needed advice from parents specifically.  

To give some background I'm a 25 yr old father who is married to a wonderful young woman (24), with  two young boys of the ages 6 and 1.  My wife and I had been together since our senior year in high school,  but being irresponsible I got her pregnant before she could go to her college. Because of this I decided to join the Air Force so I could get free schooling and job experience while supporting a family. This is where the problem comes in. 

To put it frankly, for as long as my oldest has been alive, I've only spent about 3 of those actual 6 years with him.  When I am home I'm always busy with work whether it's due to changing hours or going to mandatory appointments.  It hit me really hard when my oldest turned 6 because I remembered at that age how much I loved and cherished my father, but he was also always there for me and playing with me.   I'm never there for my son. I feel like such a failure and that's putting it lightly. I feel like I've already ruined those special years where I really get to bond to with him.  All those years I imagined how I wanted to raise my kids and do things with them and I feel like I've failed on every front.  It hurts so much to think about 

I knew there would be sacrifices, but is there any way I can still make a noticeable impact before he starts developing more and wants space from his parents? I want to connect with him the way my father did me but I have a lot of ground to make up. 

(
<bot>: )  I'm always gone and never with my family. How can I make up for lost time with my oldest?