Do you have any regrets over the length of time you served in the military (e.g. not long enough to retire, too long, etc.)?

2018-06-09T10:41:16-04:00

As I look at various comments here on Rally Point I notice that a majority of contributors are in two dominating status's "Veterans" and "Retired". Current service members limit their contributions and we all understand why. My question is this for "us" Veterans. Do you regret not spending enough time in the military to become retired. And to our Retired brothers and sisters do you wish you would have gotten out earlier to pursue other endeavors?

Response by LTC Steve Mannell made Jun 9 at 2018 10:54 AM

2018-06-09T10:54:26-04:00

20 years, 3 months, and 7 days was just right. No regrets.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jun 9 at 2018 10:58 AM

2018-06-09T10:58:28-04:00

No regrets on my 23 years of service (3 as an enlisted, 20 as an officer). I stayed in long enough to retire, but got out when still young enough to pursue another equally fulfilling career.

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Jun 9 at 2018 11:01 AM

2018-06-09T11:01:45-04:00

21 years, 9 months, and 23 days, was just right.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 9 at 2018 11:04 AM

2018-06-09T11:04:17-04:00

Sgt Jay Jones: I had to retire; on account of my disabilities. I wish like heck; that I could have stayed in the Army longer.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Jun 9 at 2018 11:04 AM

2018-06-09T11:04:40-04:00

I would not want Obama to be my coward and thief.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Jun 9 at 2018 11:05 AM

2018-06-09T11:05:21-04:00

25 yrs 9 months and 21 days

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 9 at 2018 11:27 AM

2018-06-09T11:27:20-04:00

Not my choice. The military had enough of me and I was RIF'd

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 9 at 2018 11:51 AM

2018-06-09T11:51:22-04:00

I had 32 years of mixed AD, reserves, recalls, ADSW, and other creative ways for them to put me in uniform. Interesting ride from E-1 to O-6. At that point I didn't want to join the Flag Club and they didn't want me. Kids were hitting the nasty teen years so it worked out best that I was around more. I left on my own terms so the timing was about spot on. I did get the DOPMA boot in that I got pink slipped off AD when the promotion rate was 13% to O-4. Rather than a bummer, buying back AD retirement for CS and running a dual career pays out more in the end. Left CS with a 42 year burn time. Rather than too early or late on anything, better to keep moving forward so whatever regrets that exist work out to be smaller bumps vs. inhibitors.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 9 at 2018 2:06 PM

2018-06-09T14:06:19-04:00

After 20 years they stuck a fork in me, as I was done.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jun 9 at 2018 2:15 PM

2018-06-09T14:15:25-04:00

Sometimes I wish I could have stayed a few more years than the 21 I served. Other times, I'm glad I retired when I did. I have no regrets either way.

Response by CW5 Ranger Dave made Jun 9 at 2018 3:42 PM

2018-06-09T15:42:10-04:00

21 years 3 months 11 days 5 hours and 14 minutes! Just right. I loved every single second. Miss the people. Served from age17-39 E-Nothing to CW5 (Retired).

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jun 9 at 2018 6:14 PM

2018-06-09T18:14:02-04:00

Being an Army officer is what I wanted to do ever since junior high school so I stayed as long as I could. If I could go back as a retiree recall, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jun 9 at 2018 6:47 PM

2018-06-09T18:47:57-04:00

I think in my case the length of time was the exact time I needed in that most important phase of my life,coming from a troubled teenager and finding purpose,direction and self discipline,hard lessons learned,people and places never forgotten,no regrets from this old guy.

Response by SGT Rick Colburn made Jun 9 at 2018 7:04 PM

2018-06-09T19:04:20-04:00

NOT LONG ENOUGH BUT I TERMINATED IT FOR A GOOD REASON BUT STILL MISS BY BROTHERS AND THE ARMY

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 9 at 2018 7:56 PM

2018-06-09T19:56:53-04:00

Wish I had stayed for the AZ board, then dropped my retirement...now I'll never know. Would have had to suck down an unaccompanied tour and another CONUS year.

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Jun 9 at 2018 10:14 PM

2018-06-09T22:14:21-04:00

I only did 7,I was trying I push 10 for benefits... the Army said I was beat up

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 10 at 2018 12:18 PM

2018-06-10T12:18:15-04:00

For me, Sgt Jay Jones, the correct response was not provided. I served long enough to retire and for that I’m truly thankful. I would liked to have continued to serve and perhaps even have been promoted, but circumstances and conditions (medical) precluded further service.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Jun 10 at 2018 4:59 PM

2018-06-10T16:59:18-04:00

Difficult to come up with a good answer here. As I joined in order to beat being drafted I lucked out getting to do something I really enjoyed. I extended my active time by a year and wound up doing just under 4 years. Never did I consider making a career out the service.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 10 at 2018 6:39 PM

2018-06-10T18:39:00-04:00

I am glad I stayed. However, I had a good departure plan for when I retired.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jun 10 at 2018 11:49 PM

2018-06-10T23:49:11-04:00

I loved being a company grade officer, if it were not for up or out I'd have stayed in until my body could no longer absorb the punishment. I hated every damn second in field grade billets. It was not possible to pay me enough to stick around longer.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2018 1:37 AM

2018-06-11T01:37:21-04:00

I did the 30 years active and another 4+ years and with the reserves and the air guard. I had to start over when I switched military branches. Reducing from an Air Force SSgt (E-5) to serve in the Coast Guard and began as a Seaman Recruit (E-1). It was a tough pill to swallow at the time and a little tricky dodging the Reduction-in-Forces (RIF) and High Year Tenure (HYT) cuts throughout the years. Still, I would’ve enjoyed another tour or two.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2018 9:22 AM

2018-06-11T09:22:08-04:00

Yes. In my case, I think I was commissioned too young. In a perfect world, we'd all have 20/20 hind-sight, or be under the total control of those who "knew" where we needed to go...whether we wanted to or not. If money was no object, we probably would have "experts" who would evaluate incoming members not only for what they were then...but likely would become in ten or fifteen years.

If I could go back again, I'd have chosen a different service, and come in enlisted for no less than five years before seeking a commission. I entered the Navy with the priorities (in order) of getting a commission, flying, and making a lifelong career. They should've been to make a career, earn a commission, and then follow the community that offered the best options for both.

In my case, I think I'd have done better, gone farther in the Army. Instead of joining at 17, I'd have take a couple of years to "experience" civilian life...then enlisted with the goal of Infantry. From there, I'd have known if I truly wanted/possessed the competencies to go officer...or stay enlisted. Honestly, I'm not sure I wouldn't have opted to stay on the E-side. Either way, I think I'd have progressed and been more successful.

Then again...God knows best, and perhaps He led me down the road that's given me the love of my life, and my little boy.

I certainly wouldn't trade all that for the infinite negative possibilities.

Response by SGT David T. made Jun 11 at 2018 9:26 AM

2018-06-11T09:26:46-04:00

Had I stayed in, I would have been eligible for retirement last January. I don't regret getting out only that I wish I wasn't stop lossed that kept me a year longer.

Response by SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson made Jun 11 at 2018 3:29 PM

2018-06-11T15:29:46-04:00

I miss most aspects of the military; however, the only thing I don't miss is moving and loosing friends over the years. That was the hardest part of military life.

Response by Capt David Bays made Jun 13 at 2018 4:50 PM

2018-06-13T16:50:55-04:00

I got out after the Soviet Union broke up and the USAF was in a downsizing mode. My career field was on the chopping block, so it seem like the time to make a change. I was on terminal leave when the Gulf War broke out. I do not second guess my decision, but I do regret not being able to contribute.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 14 at 2018 2:41 PM

2018-06-14T14:41:15-04:00

Sgt Jay Jones good read and share. I think I overdid it, I was E-7 at 18 years, I stayed in 25 years and 3 days. I am glad I did obtaining my Master's/ Bachelor's degrees two deployments (Iraq and Afghanistan) over at the 22/24 year mark.I am proud of it, but I was drained chasing E-8 in the process. " Duty Honor County" was the calling. I am glad I stayed in for the right reasons(1989-2014).

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Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Jun 14 at 2018 3:11 PM

2018-06-14T15:11:07-04:00

Easy question for me- joined on my 19th birthday and have not taken my hand down yet. Last week I just went over 34 years and looking for two more. Will give me just shy of 37 years when I hang them up. Would be cool to get to 40 years, but to be honest my ops tempo the past 10 years has been extremely high and I am about at the end of my usefulness and am taking up room. I still score over 99% on my fitness test and out perform those younger troops wanting to take my place. Do I wish I would have done something else- would have been interesting to see where I would have gone and who I would have been if I left. I am not leaving rich- but I built a great life during and for after. I can look back and be proud of what I have accomplished, where I have been, and the decisions I have made. Great question Sgt Jay Jones

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jun 14 at 2018 3:47 PM

2018-06-14T15:47:10-04:00

I definitely miss it. I still think it was my time to go, but I can't help but wonder sometimes if I should have stayed longer or if I should have enlisted earlier.

Response by CPL Dave Hoover made Jun 14 at 2018 4:32 PM

2018-06-14T16:32:34-04:00

Sgt Jay Jones I wish I would have stayed, retirement would have been great, but the biggest issue is that it is the one job I was most suited for. I don't regret getting out, but I wish I would have stayed.

Response by SGT J M Porters made Dec 5 at 2018 8:17 AM

2018-12-05T08:17:40-05:00

I wish I would have stayed in contact with the friends I made. The fellowship was great.

Response by SGT J M Porters made Dec 5 at 2018 8:32 AM

2018-12-05T08:32:17-05:00

PS. At 17 years of age the first time away from home. It was a constant party. It takes an insightful NCO to know his troops. My First sergeant nailed it when he said you have too much time on your hand and no responsibility. I was always doing something stupid or getting in trouble with little stuff. I always pushed the envelope 3 seconds late for formation. Beer bottles in the wall locker. I was there to ETS and go home that was all. I extend for 12 months. Moved up two ranks in 90 days. My first assignment was waking everyone up in the barracks and calling formation. From there I became 36 Group NCOIC for communication. Then the Group Commanders Driver. For those of you who do not know this. Making the rules is much more fun than breaking the rules. I salute all of those who have served.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Dec 5 at 2018 10:19 AM

2018-12-05T10:19:51-05:00

I spent just over 20. In that 20 I had 9 PCS's. I came out on the list for SGM school 2 months before my retirement date. I knew that would involve 6 months at the school with a 2 year obligation after. Because my last assignment at a Readiness Group had kept me on the road for 4 years, my family would have liked me to be home for awhile. Also, I knew I would probably be sent on another short tour. So, we discussed it and decided if I was going to stay it would be for 30. Final decision: retire. No regrets, but always have the "what if" question.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2021 1:07 PM

2021-06-17T13:07:27-04:00

Yea - I regret not going the whole way. Gulf War was just over, my ex disappeared with our 2 kids, just married - juggling a lot on my plate. 3 year custody battle was more important at the time. Should have gone back in as soon as I won. But, alas, I did not.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2021 1:20 PM

2021-06-17T13:20:39-04:00

Not at all. I never expected to retire, but time changes things. I realized one dark-thirty morning that I had 20 years. It was still fun, but it was time to move on. I'm glad to have created opportunities for junior CWOs to get promoted.

Response by SGT Robert Houston made Sep 1 at 2021 12:58 AM

2021-09-01T00:58:37-04:00

I got out after 14. Should have stayed for the 20