Are you satisfied with the rank/grade at which you retired/ETS'd SHARE OF THE DAY?

2017-03-18T20:08:50-04:00

I RETIRED WITH THE RANK OF SERGEANT FIRST CLASS E-7, I TRIED FOR E-8 MASTER SERGEANT, IT WAS NOT MY CALLING. I AM HONORED TO HAVE SERVED AND BE CALLED A SERGEANT FIRST CLASS FOREVERMORE.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Mar 18 at 2017 8:16 PM

2017-03-18T20:16:33-04:00

Not there yet Joe. 33 years in uniform and still churning for more. I will be pleased when I go though. It has been one helluva ride.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2017 8:18 PM

2017-03-18T20:18:02-04:00

Would certainly like to have completed 30 years active, but, it didn't work out that way. But, I did retire which was once not foreseen , so, yes I am happy with it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2017 8:48 PM

2017-03-18T20:48:34-04:00

I'll let you know in 6 yrs

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 18 at 2017 9:04 PM

2017-03-18T21:04:34-04:00

I continue to be amazed at my retirement rank! All I wanted to be was a 1SG, in front of the formation and making noise!

Response by PO1 Timothy Ketcham made Mar 18 at 2017 9:17 PM

2017-03-18T21:17:45-04:00

I wanted E-7 bad, but I couldn't handle recruiting duty. I got a big not recommended from them.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2017 9:37 PM

2017-03-18T21:37:59-04:00

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL I only served four years, so my rank of Sergeant was fine with me.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Mar 18 at 2017 9:41 PM

2017-03-18T21:41:39-04:00

Yes, I'm happy with where I retired. I never defined myself by the rank I held, or by the rank I wanted to attain. I wanted to reach retirement eligibility and then move on to the next stage in my professional life. Once I reached retirement eligibility, and paid back my service obligation (for being sent off for my PhD), I would have had to stay on the team for another couple years just to get considered for promotion to O-6, and then stay in for another 4 years beyond that to pin on the rank and get it fully reflected into my retirement pay. I wasn't interested in committing that many more years. I was ready to move on to my post-military life. No regrets here.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 18 at 2017 9:48 PM

2017-03-18T21:48:51-04:00

I started out as E-1 and just kept putting in good work while taking care of people. By coincidence, I was able to keep doing it at O-6 for six years and then leave on my own terms. So in a way, so long as it's your terms, whatever rank you're at, it is the start of wherever you're going next.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2017 10:30 PM

2017-03-18T22:30:44-04:00

I will be happy. I just didnt want to do 20 years and get out a SSG. Funny my whole goal was to make SFC when i was a PVT.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Mar 18 at 2017 10:37 PM

2017-03-18T22:37:55-04:00

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr. I was happy to make LTC especially after the post Cold War drawdown after Desert Storm. Persistence and taking care of Soldiers helped get me there! When I think of all my fellow Service members that didn't even make 20 or more...now I just have to wait 8 more years to start drawing that first retirement paycheck!!!

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Mar 18 at 2017 11:21 PM

2017-03-18T23:21:23-04:00

For a three-year hitch, ending with two years time in grade as a Spec-5 worked out well for me.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 18 at 2017 11:23 PM

2017-03-18T23:23:40-04:00

By God's grace I attained the rank of LTC in the US Army SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL. I was frequently in trouble as a teenager and as a soldier before I recognized my need for my savior. I was considered a field soldier with a company grade Article 15 as a PV2 and a General officer grade Article 15 as an O-2. As a brand new Infantry CPT I was selected by then COL Wayne Downing to support the post commander of Warner Kasserne at Bamberg, FRG in February 1984. I was charged with developing a comprehensive in processing program for all soldiers at Bamberg including personnel and Finance, German language, APFT, NBC training, and rifle qualification. etc. I developed a program to support the soldier with flexibility so that German nd US holidays would be days off. TH BG did not want a flexible program. I ended up with a well below center of mass OER from a BG.
I was passed over twice to MAJ and forced out of the regular army in October 1992. I was promoted to MAJ in the USAR while going through CGSC. I was [passed over twice to LTC.
I prayed that I would be promoted to LTC in 1999 along with my new bride. By God's grace I was promoted to LTC in April 2000 one month before my mandatory retirement as a Major would be required.
This promotion allowed me to serve until 2008 including 2 1/2 years mobilized from October 2001 to May 2004. I was able to serve my nation in uniform until May 2008 and retired on October 2016 as an Infantry LTC. My wife was sad that I wasn't promoted higher; but, I reminded my bride that God had been faithful to my desire as I was promoted to LTC despite all the trouble I had been through in my youth.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Mar 18 at 2017 11:53 PM

2017-03-18T23:53:20-04:00

I'll have to wait and see where the road I'm on now takes me. I am glad to know that you are still satisfied with your retirement rank SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Mar 19 at 2017 1:33 AM

2017-03-19T01:33:01-04:00

Yes,, once I retire (in a couple more years hopefully sometime in 2019) and the Army doesn't discover they made a mistake promoting me.

All joking aside, when I got commissioned all I wanted to be was a Platoon Leader. O2E retired was my battle cry! But some dumb 1LT got hired for a company command way back when and shot my whole career path to bloody hell.

I would have loved to have been considered for Colonel, but I had to put off finishing ILE and AOC due to family medical issues. I am proud to have put my family first instead of my career. They deserved my full attention, save for drill weekends and AT, and they got it. My wife and kids will be at my funeral, the Oregon Army National Guard, not so much. As I am two to three years behind my peers, I won't see The War College or O6 and I am fine with that.

Response by 1SG Frank Rocha made Mar 19 at 2017 8:20 AM

2017-03-19T08:20:33-04:00

I'm still going. I have a couple of years before I have any decisions to make.

That stated, as a young SPC on active duty I could have never imagined I would be in the position I am currently in. I come from a military family but none ever made it past E7. I figured if I made E7, if I stuck it out, it would happen just before I retired, holding it just long enough for it to stick.

With that in mind I've kept my nose clean, kept moving forward and learned all I could learn. I suppose some slow down at some point or get in trouble but (knock on wood) I never really encountered those obstacles in my career. I've had the luxury of having several mentors that have taught me and allowed me to not only learn from their mistakes, and my own, but observe the actions of leaders with a "knack" for doing things. Although my style is my own design, I attribute it to the many lessons learned I have experienced. I am currently deployed and when I return I will put on the diamond.

For me this is all Bonus. It has been my honor to have served with the many organizations throughout my career, especially my time with the 160th, and I am quite curious how far this journey will take me.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Mar 19 at 2017 8:42 AM

2017-03-19T08:42:50-04:00

Hmmm.... something seems missing here...

Response by SN Greg Wright made Mar 19 at 2017 2:19 PM

2017-03-19T14:19:50-04:00

I lost a promotion opportunity for being a dumbass. But, beyond that, I really, really wish I'd stayed and done 20. So I guess I have to say no.

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Mar 19 at 2017 2:46 PM

2017-03-19T14:46:34-04:00

I was happy as a pig in poop to make E-5 during my time in service.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2017 4:59 PM

2017-03-19T16:59:36-04:00

My goal was to be advanced to Chief Petty Officer, and my DREAM was to be an instructor. I made Chief, then got selected for Senior Chief... then got a billet as an instructor. Half-way through my tour, I was selected for Master Chief.

I'd love to say that I was "satisfied," but it doesn't even come close. I achieved more than everything I wanted, and rode the wave until I maxed out my retirement percentage. I'm loving life!!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 19 at 2017 6:05 PM

2017-03-19T18:05:24-04:00

Yes I am, I was happy to make E-5 Sgt. it's like the level my dad was at when was in the Masonic Temple before he died, he was a Master Mason.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 19 at 2017 6:52 PM

2017-03-19T18:52:57-04:00

I am proud to say that I attained the rank of SGT E-5 in my three year enlistment, although through no fault of my own.The OIC and NCOIC of the patrolling range where I was assigned after my tour in Vietnam thought it would be a great idea to send me to the NCO Academy at FT. Hood and then take the board on my return, so I guess I am grateful that I followed their, ahem,"advice"

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Mar 19 at 2017 8:57 PM

2017-03-19T20:57:44-04:00

Yes and Kind of No. Society changed after my ETS. When I was making the decision to enlist again or ETS, it was taboo to enter the White Collar Job Field after the age of 30 with no past experience in the field. So I was facing that pressure as well if I ever wanted to become a civilian again. Now you can do it at any age and just about nobody will discriminate against you for it or care about it. Had that been the case around the time I made my decision, I probably would have enlisted again for another 3-4 years. Regardless of the change in society, I am happy with my decision so no regrets.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 19 at 2017 9:34 PM

2017-03-19T21:34:39-04:00

Rank vs. Pay Grade. I had been in an E5 slot for several months prior to me ETS. I was in Korea for 27 months and during that time the only boards that were ever held were E6 and above. E-1 through E-5 were subject to approval of our Battery Commander (at least this is how it was explained to me by our battery XO.) While holding the actual paygrade of E4 and occupying an E5 slot I was authorized to wear E5 stripes with the understanding that I was going to be formally raised to pay grade and rank of E5. By the time I ETS'd that never happened but I really did not think too much about it. I got paid every month, enjoyed my duty station and my place in the organization. On my review sheet in my 201 File evaluations on the assignments page a total of 9 times out of 9 times my evaluation for Conduct was Exc and Efficiency was Exc. I also just notice I was E-4 in just 7 months and 15 days after entering Basic Training. I do not know if that is normal time or fast or slow. (Sorry way off subject.)

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 19 at 2017 9:51 PM

2017-03-19T21:51:58-04:00

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Yes. I joined the after failed go at being a college hockey player. I was an E-1 when I came in in 1980. Making E-5 in 1983 was huge was for me. Then, I went to OCS and my goal was to be a Captain and Company Commander. I had no plans on staying, or staying to 20, or beyond 20, 25, or 30... I went much farther than I ever expected... Good things just kept happening. I made to Colonel, was selected for the War College, and Commanded at the Brigade Level... I was more than blessed and lucky too. There was a chance I could have made GO, but it was time to pop smoke... I think I was a lot like LTC Stephen F. as a teenager... No one back then, would believe how this Army venture turned out.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Mar 19 at 2017 10:12 PM

2017-03-19T22:12:21-04:00

I was happy with being a US Marine. Every promotion or award was just icing on the cake.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Mar 19 at 2017 11:56 PM

2017-03-19T23:56:25-04:00

When I initially went in, my goal had been to make at least SSG. I was proud to get my SGT stripes, but never made it past there. I ended up burned out on military life, and from what I saw most of the SSG's in my unit(s) had to deal with more politics and paperwork than I thought was worth it.

Overall, I am proud to have served and have no regrets over the my rank I attained... other than for the fact that my younger brother got out as a SSG. He likes to rub that in from time to time and we joke about it, as siblings normally do

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2017 12:23 AM

2017-03-20T00:23:09-04:00

I am going to retire as an E7 and am very proud of that.

Response by PFC Jonathan Albano made Mar 20 at 2017 2:19 AM

2017-03-20T02:19:07-04:00

At the time I wasn't but I've since come to terms with it. If I had been allowed to continue my time in the Army, I probably would have screwed my hip up worse than it already is- and I'm too young to be dealing with that crap. I came out with an Honorable discharge and got a decent job within a month of ETS. I can't ask gripe too loud.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2017 6:56 AM

2017-03-20T06:56:03-04:00

I haven't gotten out yet, but I told myself I don't want to get out as an E-4.... If I make SSgt, I'm willing to get out and pursue other things, but I can't do it as a SrA!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 20 at 2017 8:44 AM

2017-03-20T08:44:22-04:00

"Are you satisfied with the rank/grade at which you retired/ETS'd?"
Well they don't make E10's so ya i guess.

LOL

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Mar 20 at 2017 9:22 AM

2017-03-20T09:22:20-04:00

Yes. I got out as a Cpl (E-4). I wanted to get out as an NCO. I wanted to go home with my bloodstripe. I wanted to do one more tour, but reenlisting prospects dried up and I didn't feel like lat-moving to another MOS. It would have been nice to get out as a Sgt or SSgt, but I am quite content that I made it to the mid-tier ranks.

Response by CPL Eric Escasio made Mar 20 at 2017 9:59 AM

2017-03-20T09:59:01-04:00

All I can say is that I am happy I was able to serve in the Army which was my childhood dream but I seem to have been cheated by the Medical Retirement by decision of the VA doctors 2012 that ended my career. I had plans on doing 20 years but I am just happy to be alive and having to wake up another day in life. Now that the fog has cleared, made me see the road again and glad to be back on track. I see my rank as CPL and I am proud of it.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 20 at 2017 10:04 AM

2017-03-20T10:04:13-04:00

I was, my goal when I entered the Army was to be a 1SG when I retired, and I was blessed to be selected and serve as a CSM.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2017 12:55 PM

2017-03-20T12:55:32-04:00

Grateful and pleased, but not really satisfied. I was a Staff Sergeant Major for the final 32 months of my time in service. For the final 22 months, I was, for all intents and purposes, the CSM of a battalion that was one of the few in the Army that was only authorized a SGM as the battalion Sergeant Major (that changed to a CSM billet about six months after I left). The battalion had almost 400 Soldiers in five companies, at four different Army installations, with detachments at 42 locations across the U.S. I was also the acting Brigade CSM for a little over 6 months when the previous CSM retired while waiting on the new CSM to be named and arrive, and was rated in the position.

I should also mention that for the final 20 months of my time, I was a CSM (Designee), meaning I was on the CSM select list, waiting for a battalion that matched my field to open up for me to be assigned. As this was a time of downsizing following Desert Storm, the number of battalions and openings was growing smaller. What normally would have taken 5 or 6 months went 20 months with no end in sight. I wanted to stay in for 30 years and expected to continue moving up to higher levels of responsibility. Not bad for a young kid who just joined for 3 years to be an MP, go to Germany, and get the old GI Bill so he could come back and pay for college on his own.

But in 1994, the National Security Agency offered me a GS-14 job leading a new organization I had recommended be built in my Desert Storm After Action Report. After a lot of advice seeking, I decided to take the significant increase in pay and the stability for my wife and I, and went to NSA for the next 18 years. I retired as a GS-15 from there in 2010, on a disability caused by Gulf War Illness, which has continued to rapidly impact my health.

Long story, but I would like to have retired as a CSM rather than as a SGM. I know I did the job, and I know the Army had faith in me that I could do the job. So I guess I'm really pretty satisfied with that!

Response by SGT David T. made Mar 20 at 2017 1:31 PM

2017-03-20T13:31:23-04:00

I was satisfied with the rank I held because that's what I earned. I have no regrets about not going higher while I was in. I won't lie, it is odd when people call me Sergeant here when I'm a civilian employee lol

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Mar 20 at 2017 2:13 PM

2017-03-20T14:13:54-04:00

[~106303:SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., I retired as a MSGT (USAF E-7). My entire career, I had a goal to make CMSgt (E-9). I tested for and made SMSgt (E-8) but some self important butthead in assignments refused to work with me (he thought he knew what was best for my career in spite of calls from several CMSgts and Cols). So I declined the stripe and retired. It took me several years to adjust to the loss of a lifelong goal, but in retrospect, it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. I am still serving my country as a civil servant, I have deployed 2 early warning radars for the Missile Defense Agency, and the pay is a great deal better. Long story short, I have been serving my country since I joined the Air Force at 17 years old, I didn't make Chief, but I am still defending! All-in-all, I am pretty satisfied!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 20 at 2017 3:14 PM

2017-03-20T15:14:35-04:00

No. I actually believed I had a chance to be a colonel (O-6) up to 6 months prior to the O-6 board. I knew the odds were against me because I had not been a squadron commander. I thought my string of operational and headquarters staff assignments including a joint assignment, completion of all officer PME, a masters degree, and an 8-year string of general officer endorsed OERs gave me a good chance of making O-6. Those were the old rules. The Air Force introduced the "controlled definitely promote" system just before my O-6 board. The general officers at my command awarded me a "promote." That did it. I was passed over and retired as a Lt Col.

Looking back, it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I went to work for a Government Contractor, discovered project management, became a PMP, and worked for them for 16 years. The PMP opened the door to being an Army Civilian program manager for 6 years. We've lived in one place for almost 30 years so far. Longer than my wife or I had lived anywhere in our lives. We've made many great friends in the community and discovered a loving, bible-based church, and the Grange, a great civic organization. It proves God's plans are greater than man's plans.

Response by Sgt Donald Chalfy made Mar 20 at 2017 8:06 PM

2017-03-20T20:06:21-04:00

I am proud as hell to have left active duty as a Sergeant of Marines. That said, I am not satisfied with the rank I attained when I left active duty. My reasons? I was performing my duties in my direct MOS on the level of a Gunnery Sergeant or Master Sergeant consistently. As a leader, I was a platoon sergeant, a billet for Staff Sergeants or Gunnery Sergeants. First class PFT, Multiple Rifle Expert Awards and Pistol Sharpshooter awards, etc. So why did I get passed over for promotion to Staff Sergeant? I do believe I should have been able to receive my promotions and retire as a Gunnery Sergeant. So why not?
I have myself to blame and myself alone for not advancing. There were a lot of senior sergeants passed over for promotion to SSgt. amongst my peer group. Part of it had to do with the long term timing of the promotional cycle in the Marine Corps during my time in service. However, that was a smaller issue; the majority of the problem had to do with me not looking after my career properly. I did not drive my career the way others did. I expected things to happen, not make them happen. As a leader and platoon sergeant, I had no problem getting in the face of senior enlisted and selected officers when it came to those who I felt would interfere with my platoon and I would do it again. A double signed fitness report and having a big mouth for the most part cost me my career, as well as fighting mental illness, not realizing that was the case. I learned about my mental health issues around six months after my honorable discharge and have been active in my treatment for over 25 years now.

In the final analysis, despite my dissatisfaction of what could have been, I am secure in knowing I was a good leader and received what I deserved according to my actions and abilities -- except for a Navy/Marine Corps Achievement medal, but that is a different story.

I am and will always be Sgt. Chalfy, leader of Marines and I would do it all again in a heartbeat if I could.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2017 9:19 PM

2017-03-20T21:19:58-04:00

I turned down promotion boards a couple of times before leaving. I regret that. It almost prevented me from getting a job at a defense contractor later. I also regret not having tried OCS. Oh, well. Next life.

Response by MSgt Michael Bischoff made Mar 20 at 2017 10:02 PM

2017-03-20T22:02:09-04:00

I made MSgt Frist Sergeant, 17 years in. In the Reserves/Guard rank as you know can be difficult or easy it depends on your career path. As an aircraft mechanic it is difficult route. I had to leave what I truly loved to make E-6. I decide since I couldn't do maintenance anymore I would help people and put in for a First Sergeant position and after an interview of peers (7 of them), an hour later I was selected to take the position and as they say the rest is history.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Mar 20 at 2017 10:47 PM

2017-03-20T22:47:35-04:00

Yessss but the wife still outranks me!

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Mar 21 at 2017 10:02 PM

2017-03-21T22:02:40-04:00

Being a chief petty officer at sea is the best job in the world and I got to do that. Yes I am satisfied.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Aug 22 at 2021 7:07 PM

2021-08-22T19:07:07-04:00

I would like to have made E-5 but it wasn't in the cards so I got out as an E-4. No shame. It was an honorable discharge.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Aug 23 at 2021 7:37 PM

2021-08-23T19:37:48-04:00

No complaints, loved what I did.

Response by SR Kenneth Beck made Sep 16 at 2021 2:20 PM

2021-09-16T14:20:17-04:00

Perhaps the Peter Principle applied to me, “promoted based on their success in previous jobs until they reach a level at which they are no longer competent.”