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I have posted this basic topic on other social media that has targeted veterans groups but I also want to post it here since this will reach a broader audience. If you have not reached retirement yet and are trying to decide to separate or retire, by all means go to retirement. If nothing else when you are able leave active duty and go guard or reserve. In 1992 the military was drawing down and we were offered an early out/buy out, I took the bait. For 20 of the past 21 years I have regretted that decision. During that time I had a family to support and a career to build and the next thing a new 21 years had passed. Shortly after my 51st birthday it hit me hard the mistake I made and I tried to join the Air National Guard but I was 3 months to late. I have a huge void in my life caused by getting out early and unintentionally I waited too late to be able to fill that void. From my experience I encourage anyone sitting the fence to stay in. I know retirement is not for everyone so this is for those who are uncertain. Please don't make the same mistake I made, you will regret it.
Posted in these groups: 
Retirement
Transition
Retirement Transition
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 9
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For me it was never really a question but if I could do things over I would have waited longer to retire. I think USAR/NG is a great option if you are leaving AD, but you have to do what is right for you.
You made the right choice for you at the time. I can understand where a 51 year old SSgt might have lost some value to the Air Guard...so a note to some, it does not always pay to wait.
You made the right choice for you at the time. I can understand where a 51 year old SSgt might have lost some value to the Air Guard...so a note to some, it does not always pay to wait.
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SSgt Robert Clark
Thanks MSG Sand. Exactly my point...DON"T WAIT. I didn't put it off on purpose, mine was a case of time slipped by way to fast and by the time I realized it, it was to late.
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Retire if at all possible.Unless you have a plan with a career waiting stay in and retire. Even after retiring being an 11D, 11D combat arms person Had very little open. Even with the 76P background help some but I finally went back to building and own my own business. That is my 2 cents for what it is worth.
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SSG Robin Rushlo
If I got out early I would say join a reserve of national Guard unit till you have the 20 year plus mark
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SSgt Clark, I know your feeling (to some degree). I too separated from USMC in '91 then went to reserves for 2. I got out of reserves because nobody wanted to hire you as a cop if you were in USMCR.
I stayed out 6 years before going back in. One of my best decisions. It was tough coming back in, but was worth it.
I try and talk with all recently separated Vets I meet and tell them of the great and wonderful creature known as the Air National Guard. Have gotten a few back, but reserves/guard is not for everyone-it is tough on your full time job. And anyone who thinks that it is one weekend a month and 2 weeks in summer is in for a painfully large surprise.
But it is worth it.
I stayed out 6 years before going back in. One of my best decisions. It was tough coming back in, but was worth it.
I try and talk with all recently separated Vets I meet and tell them of the great and wonderful creature known as the Air National Guard. Have gotten a few back, but reserves/guard is not for everyone-it is tough on your full time job. And anyone who thinks that it is one weekend a month and 2 weeks in summer is in for a painfully large surprise.
But it is worth it.
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SSgt Robert Clark
Thank you for reaching out to the folks who are getting out and at least educating them on their options. Not much was mentioned when I got out. At the very least, if I had been told I could pull reserve duty without pay for the 3 years I was IRR, I would at least have the points now to go ANG.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
"A weekend a month and 2 weeks a year", the biggest lie since the Warren Commission Report.
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TSgt Andrew Neal
My roommate while I was stationed at Little Rock AFB was reserves and he undoubtedly did the weekend a month and 2 weeks a year... However, in today's military they just cannot afford to do that anymore; what with the downsizing that they continue to do (which is just crazy given the ops tempo that they still expect to keep up). It is only going to strain the active duty AND the reserves even more.
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CMSgt James Nolan
@ TSgt Neal. To be fair, if you are in a position that is really non-superisory, you may still be for the most part doing the minimums. But when you move up and take on more, that goes right out the window. There is not a week that goes by where I am not doing several things tied to our unit. Goes with the territory. You cannot possibly be prepped for UTA unless you are doing things. Still worth it. You have to make the determination of just how much you are willing to do.
@ Major Petrarca, I know sir, as a Major you are either in or headed toward a command position, and there is just no way to keep a unit going without "donating" time.
@ Major Petrarca, I know sir, as a Major you are either in or headed toward a command position, and there is just no way to keep a unit going without "donating" time.
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