Does anyone have a pros/cons list of staying active duty?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 01:33:24 -0500

My re-enlistment window is coming up in March next year and I'm trying to figure out the best career path I can take for myself. I'm an IT Specialist with TS/SCI clearance, Network+, Security+ and Cloud+ certificates, no degree yet but some semester hours. There are multiple paths I could take if I decide to not re-enlist but there are also many gaining units my retention told me I could go for. I'm just stuck right now thinking of all the possibilities if I get out. I already have a few recruiters reaching out to me on job opportunities too.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Nov 18 at 2021 5:55 AM

Cpl Vic Burk — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 05:55:22 -0500

You have to weigh out the pros and cons. Make a list of both.
The best reason I can think of for re-enlistment is the promise of the retirement paycheck for life at twenty years. The worst reason might be you will make a lot more on the outside. What about going to work for the federal government? Good luck to you whatever you decide.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Nov 18 at 2021 6:07 AM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 06:07:38 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member It definitely a personal choice -- Are you having fun? Is what you are doing professionally and personally rewarding? Retirement checks are nice and my family's medical is less annually than most pay monthly... I will say your skillset and clearance are sought after here on the east coast -- easy 6 digit salary and you can build a family, career and lifestyle with that foundation -- I'm assuming you are a 20-something. That said, again, are you having fun? The people you work with, the places you go and the things you do --- you won't find that in too many places outside the military, and you will still have the clearance and skillset if and when you do hang your boots up. Best of luck with your decision - Airborne All the Way!

Response by Maj John Bell made Nov 18 at 2021 6:13 AM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 06:13:38 -0500

I think that is a VERY personal decision. I applaud your effort to reach out, to make a best decision. But how much value can come from advice from people who do not know you and your priorities. Decide what you want your life to look like short-term, mid-term and long term. Then ask yourself if what you are doing now helps you get there, stops you from getting there or is a safe resting place until you know how to get there.

I loved being a company grade officer. No amount of money would have made me leave. I hated being a field grade officer. No amount of money would have made me stay.

Near the end of my time I realized that my priority was my wife and kids, and that I was asking too much from them to allow me a Peter Pan military life. [Before I piss anyone off, I don't think what is true for me is true for all.] It took me almost 10 years after separation to put my life on the track it should have been.

I now work 7 days a week. Ten hours is a short day. I haven't had a day off in 23 years except when medically required. But I love what I do. I wake up everyday with my wife and go to sleep with her every night. My daughter and her kids see me almost every weekday and my grandkids love to work side by side with me in the barns and in my shop. My dogs are with me almost all day and life is ggod.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 8:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 08:42:46 -0500

Everyone is different. It ultimately depends on what your goals are. You won't be able to stay in the Army forever. So if you have a plan for life after that works for you, go with that. If you aren't quite there yet with your plan, reenlist.

For me, I planned on doing 4 but then I came up against stop loss so I reenlisted. Then I got bonuses and duty station of choice. Then I hit 10 years and had my child and she has had a lot of medical issues so I stayed for TRICARE. Now I'm just under 3 years from retirement.

You have to list the pros and cons for YOU staying in or getting out.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 11:32 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 11:32:59 -0500

You have a lot of certifications already which makes you very hirable on the outside. The draw back is going to be salary potential because you do not have a degree. I would honestly try and knock out a degree before transitioning to the outside.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 18 at 2021 11:52 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 11:52:38 -0500

You need to decide what’s most important to you. Your life goals should guide your choices. Set the job aside and decide what you’d like five, ten and 20 years from now. Look at goals for finance, relationships, job, recreation, physical/medical condition, and spiritual condition. Write down goals for each time milestone in each category. For example in 5 years you might want to set a financial goal of $100,000 in investments and a six-figure income. When you get all the goals written down, then resolve internal conflicts. For example you probably can’t retire by age 50 without good investments and good income leading up to that point.

Next, look at how well staying in the military supports your goals vs a civilian career. Maybe another enlistment will get you to your 5-year goals but doesn’t support your 20-year goals. Maybe getting out and going into the private sector will best support your goals. This type of critical analysis will help you decide what to do. BTW don’t overlook the value of having some fun in life, a strong family, and peace with God.

Response by CW3 Gary Marden made Nov 18 at 2021 1:01 PM

CW3 Gary Marden — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:01:34 -0500

You've received some great advice already. Looks like you have some time as well but you need to shop the market quickly to make sure if you jump ship that you have what you need to succeed. Use linkedin and go see the folks at the transitioning center. Every post has one now and they can help you with a resume to push out real quick as well as the profile set up with apps like linkedin.
While you're doing that, it's time to look at your life and goals. The military provides many opportunities for a great life but there is give and take....more take and a lot of give but if you are resilient and have a plan, you can maintain your life goals as well as meet the military's expectations.
Your personal situation now and what you're planning for family wise will play a huge part in the decision process too so only you can make that decision. Travel, being apart of something bigger than yourself, what you get out of your serving in the military is personal as well. I served from 89 to 92 my first enlistment, got out after the Gulf War because many of my mentors were getting early retirement incentives and I felt I could go to college and move forward. Then 9 years later 9/11 happened and one of my buddies left the tech world to become a firefighter and instead of carrying hoses up and down stairs, I reenlisted and fought to become a Blackhawk Pilot. Did a few more tours downrange and other places, had a great time, career and now retirement.
That said, you are the only one who can say what you need to do for your happiness. Service was good to me, I got out when I wanted to focus on my family that I was lucky enough to still have after all the time spent away from them.
If you've got a great job that gives you the opportunities to build a great life with good people then ...only you will know.
Cheers bro! Good luck. There are no wrong decisions here, just make sure that you make the best of every opportunity you are given in the military or out. The same issues with people, bosses, industry, policy, etc.. are in both environments so don't think that it's better under civilians vs commanders. You get the good ones and bad ones in both worlds.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 7:43 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 19:43:59 -0500

Thank you all for letting me know your thoughts, I was not expecting quick responses at all! I will definitely put some things into consideration and think long/hard about the choice I will make.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 18 at 2021 8:09 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 20:09:51 -0500

You have the certs and background to snatch up a decent post military. The rel question is whether you want to continue serving or do something else. Thats a question nobody but you can answer

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Nov 19 at 2021 1:18 AM

SSG Dave Johnston — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 01:18:17 -0500

Is this your 1st enlistment or have you at least 1 REUP under your belt??? My advice is to let Uncle Sam be your tourist destination provider... Look up OCONUS military installations, and if it interested... make that place your REUP option; Australia(yes Virginia, there is), Guam, American Samoa, US Virgin Islands, Europe, Antarctica, Ohhhh, maybe an Embassy assignment, didn't think of that one did you...

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2021 1:50 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 13:50:12 -0500

Tons of pros and cons, SGT Private RallyPoint Member . Completely depends upon your unique situation, and if with family, that of your spouse/kids, too. I'd hesitate in offering any advice without knowing much more about you. I'd also offer caution from any advice received prior to being asked a battery of important questions.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2021 2:44 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 14:44:58 -0500

I say keep it simple and "old school". Take a large (I used yellow legal size) note pad and pen and draw a line down the center of the top page. Title one side 'pros" (of staying in) and the other side "cons". Go to a good quiet thinking place away from any commotion and with the kind of scenery that you like, preferably outside if possible and with no time limit. I felt most comfortable at the end of a long pier on a calm day (I was in a sea service haha). Start writing down your reasons for the pros and cons. Write everything down on the notepad whether it is a big thing or a small thing. Also, Include thoughts about possibly continuing service but in a reserve component. I believe that when you look at the two lists that the answer will either pop out to you right away or start coming to you. I wish you the best in whatever path that you decide to take.

Response by SFC J Snapp made Nov 20 at 2022 11:49 AM

SFC J Snapp — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 11:49:06 -0500

I'm a retired information engineer - the benefits of retiring from the military is numerous and medical is definitely the best part of that. If you keep honing your skills you will much more employable. I went from from the military immediately into a corporate job and retired from there - set for life...

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 29 at 2022 6:08 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 06:08:58 -0500

As you are an IT specialist with all of the needed military training, you are valuable inside and out. The only disparity may be in benefits received. Public sector not bad and the retirement plan is not bad for those who want to work 40 years. For the private sector most of the work is in contracting, but not all. Each Company has its own benefits package, which is hard to know until interviewing for a position. The military offers the honor of service, a competitive benefits package, great medical and dental. Outstanding schools for children, spouse programs for their development. College support in and after service, etc. mostly they offer team work and a sense of belonging and collective pride in their accomplishments.

You have to research what it is you are looking in to, build a list of pros and cons and check them off. If you get to an area you are not sure about seek a mentor, enlisted who can help you weigh your thoughts.

Response by SSG Dave Mack made Jun 6 at 2023 9:37 AM

SSG Dave Mack — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 09:37:06 -0400

If you’re looking to make more money and have some stability get out. There a plenty of IT jobs out there. Many non DoD agencies are hiring. Work from home at least 4 days a week. Let me know if you need assistance with your resume and advice. I help veterans and their spouse all the time. For FREE! It’s my way of giving back since no one helped me. It’s so easy outside of Army. Don’t believe the negativity some will give you. Trust me, once you get your resume online you’ll start getting blown up.