Anyone else out there ETS'ing by the end of this year? If so, what was your deciding factor?

Listen to the CPT, don't throw away 10 years of service. Civilian life is tough, and there are a lot of benefits the Army throws at you that civilian life just won't. A pension is one example. You're already 10 years behind saving up into your 401k. You're already gonna be working 10 years longer than if you'd found a civilian career right away. Personally, I hated AC but I *love* the reserves. I've served with 3 different units and I'm sure you can find one that allows your to wear the uniform and manage a nice civilian life.

The second big deal is Medical Care... join the Guard or Reserves and get access to TriCare Reserve Select. You won't find many civilian employers that offer this kinda healthcare. I worked in IT for the State of SC for 8 years, but when my sons were born, it was TCRS that kept me from going broke.

Find a mission you enjoy, reclass into that MOS. Try IT or Music or I hear that the physician assistant career path is highly lucrative. We have an SFC(p) who's choosing to go Physician Assistant over becoming our next 1SG. I, myself, am looking at Signal Warrant. Find a military job that matches your civilian ambitions and use the system to gain a free education.

Hit me up any time!

If you have an opportunity, I strongly suggest looking at the Army National Guard or Reserves after exiting AD. It will be an adjustment, but you really should weigh getting a retirement at Age 60 vs. Walking away all together. Please let me know if I can help you!

I too moved through several units and 6 divisions working to have a family and military retirement ,I signed into the Mi.ARNG 1n 1987 transfired to the USAF,RHS in 03 got out in 08. and after 21 years I was turned away at the VA and have no retirement cumming says the DOD reporting s of what they say 17 good years . Though I volunteered to as much active duty time I could get, administration personal can stab you in the back as what happened to me. I had to leave the force do to age and condition . The one person you dont want to tick off is the a full bird col. that you caught in a theft ring ,In all my years of service am witness to some things you try to turn a blind eye to but , This is my country and if your a screw up you will reap what you sew. Why did I join the Military ? that is a well thought of who would you want to protect your country ? Would you leave that job for your brothers kids or someone you don't know so you don't care? just the poor to do that possible killing jobs . No that was easy I wanted the best for my country so I up in straight 8 and then again and again till I was war out. I signed in at 34th birthday in basic and today have 3 Army Honorable discharges and one stained General Honorable AF discharge . You don't have to be afraid of trying to go back to the civilian life if you talk real nice and try IRR inactive ready reserve status does not take away from your time in and if you choose to return to your unit or try a different style of force . You get only ONE ( 1) life make the best of it and God Speed . Ssgt.Donald L. Robinson