For those that left the military already, how did you do it?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:54:13 -0500

I can’t imagine cutting this part of my life out

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2023 10:21 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 22:21:56 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I left the military because the Marine Corps had a bad drug problem, and I felt that they were not doing enough to resolve the issues. After deciding to get out, I had a plan to work for the Space Program. To accomplish this goal, I obtained a good job at a chemical plant, and started work on my college degree. Five years later, I had my degree and started work at my dream job. Decide what your career will be and make a plan to get there. Since you like the military, consider serving in the reserves, as a police officer, etc. Good luck.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 20 at 2023 3:09 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 03:09:49 -0500

With 32 years in, it was time. Left on my own terms including telling the Puzzle Palace that I wasn't interest in Flag. Never looked back. When I fully retired 10 years later, I didn't look back either. Retirement is one of my busier jobs, but we are blessed to give back to our small community. I never opted for VFW/AL either given how they are run. If you move forward every day, you'll live multiple lifetimes. Each one will have challenges, opportunities, and rewards. When I hung up the uniform, my wife decided I needed to be a soccer referee. That took me places with nearly 4000 games of which 500 were international; mostly Europe and high school. I retired from that last year as getting blown up at 25 finally caught up with my back. Two surgeries later, I'm recovering, but can't perform at the level I would need to return. So what does a beat up retired Vet do? Lots of tractor, snow blowing, brush hogging, and whatever for neighbors who can't. Mentoring Scouts who want to get their amateur radio license. Teach some reloading. Host disabled Vets to hunt on my spread. Always things to do but keep moving forward. My reward is continuing to serve as I can.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Dec 20 at 2023 6:16 AM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 06:16:07 -0500

When it no longer becomes fun -- it is time to move on

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2023 6:46 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 06:46:30 -0500

So, I have around 24-25 years (total) in right now. I just got back from a deployment. By all rights, I could very well see the possibility of making SGM. However, the biggest key reason for my decision to retire is because my 11 year old daughter asked me right before I left on this last deployment when I was retiring. So, it's time to go.

For you, you'll know when it's time to call it done.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 20 at 2023 7:40 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 07:40:26 -0500

No one who has spent any amount of time in the military can deny there is a certain level of BS involved.

While serving, you generally can overlook or look past or at least get through the BS because you are dedicated to a cause, mission, a unit, yourself, whatever.

Once the BS exceeds your dedication (either due to a rise in BS or a decline in dedication), it is time to go. Because if you stay after that point you become a bitter, toxic individual that is a cancer to the unit.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2023 8:18 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 08:18:19 -0500

As stated by others here, it is generally when it is no longer fun.
Looks like you are in the Guard now, and probably MDAY, so here's the thing:
When the Guard starts impacting your civilian career or your family life, it's time to walk away. An MDAY pay won't replace your civilian career salary and MDAY retirement won't replace your civilian career retirement, and the Guard won't replace your family.
If you can maintain the balance, and it stays fun, stick around for 20 or 30.
But if it causes family to suffer, or will cause you to miss advancement in your civ career, it's time to hang it up.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Dec 20 at 2023 10:03 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:03:07 -0500

Everyone leaves eventually. Whether it is by your choice or the systems but nobody stays forever. I was medically retired so it wasn't by my decision. The system decided it was my time. The key is making sure that after you leave you find a new direction or focus. The folks that struggle after serving are those who can't make that change up and selecting a new path

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2023 10:04 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:04:03 -0500

very few people are able to cut this part of their life out. It's not generally something you just did like eat a ham sandwich or took a boring family vacation. Those that are able to cut it out are usually extremely successful and their more recent experiences just overshadow their military service. Military service leaves its mark whether good or bad it has changed you in some way.

Response by SSG Rick Miller made Dec 20 at 2023 10:24 AM

SSG Rick Miller — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:24:46 -0500

I retired. 24 years was more than enough, and it was getting way too dangerous. It's a young persons game, and I'm not young anymore. Hence, the retired old fart I have become.

Response by SFC Birk Ellis made Dec 20 at 2023 11:27 AM

SFC Birk Ellis — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 11:27:13 -0500

Quite easy really, submitted retirement paperwork, received approval, processed out. While I am proud of my military service, it was time to move on. As has been stated by CSM (R) Chuck Stafford, when it stopped being fun is the correct answer.
Honestly, I do not miss being in uniform, I do miss those I went to war with and shared both good and bad times but when the writing is on the wall, time to pop smoke, draw fire, and move out.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2023 12:40 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 12:40:55 -0500

Did 25 years and it wasn’t really my plan to leave quite yet. Was planning on becoming the units 1Sgt and maybe getting promoted to SMSGT, but life’s circumstance's can change everything! And I have no regrets how everything work out. .

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Dec 20 at 2023 1:14 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 13:14:54 -0500

Remember that you're still very young and have your whole life ahead of you. If you get out now, the Army, while significant does not define who you are. You will be a student, employee, business owner, community member, etc. Keeping this all in mind will help you think to the future and not dwell on the past. You may always have a piece of you that misses the military but also give yourself more to look toward going forward. That's how you do it.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 20 at 2023 3:00 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:00:19 -0500

My Peter Principle Promotion, (assignment), by a Peter Principle Promoted CDR demonstrated that I was in over my competence (and his), level! No fun, no positive influence, not for me!

Response by Sgt T V made Dec 20 at 2023 9:37 PM

Sgt T V — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 21:37:50 -0500

Two parts:
1 of 2. Just about every public or govt. subsidized college/university has a ‘career center’ on its campus. Go there, introduce yourself & your military background.
Let them know: 1. You’re not sure what you want to do with your future. 2. You’re interested in taking an occupational-aptitude exam to find out what your specific interests are, AND 3. Where and when is the exam offered?
My experiences with these exams were, there was not any studying or payments required to take them.
They are aptitude (areas or talent you instinctively know you like or dislike) exams. The second part of the exam is based on your answers, where your aptitudes ‘fit’ in almost all the occupations in the USA, held by those already in those occupations. It’s will show you different occupations where the skills and talents you were born with, would work to your advantage(s). There may be one area and (there may be two or more). Everybody will be different! Sometimes, a hobby or special interest may be an occupation you’re in to.

2 of 2. If you’re going to be a civilian and want to ‘keep your hand’ in your military career, talk to your unit’s Enlisted Liaison or First Sergeant/Gunny Sergeant or Chief Petty Officer. Recruiters can advise or point you in the direction for advice. Visit an off-site (base) library for internet access. Restart the public computer (to start fresh). Use private browsing for every single search. Use anonymous/VPN browsing whenever possible. You don’t want prior users meta-data involved in your searches or on-line activity. Ever. Private use is best. Overall: Depending on whatever you want in your future, it will be a new challenge to get there. As the Brits say: “You’re never lost as long as you’ve got a tongue in your mouth.” Good fortune.

Response by PO3 Jeremy Konz made Dec 21 at 2023 2:50 PM

PO3 Jeremy Konz — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 14:50:21 -0500

It was easy. I packed all my stuff in a U-haul trailer and left the base. I joined up not planning on making a career out of it and just to get the benefits of the GI Bill and VA benefits and that was it. If you want to make it a career go for it. There are days I think about what my life would have been like if I had stayed in but I know it was never meant for me.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2023 12:02 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2023 12:02:43 -0500

I have two breaks from the Army. I retire in 3 years. In time the luster will wear off. The Army is great but those that the Army becomes their identity have the biggest issue when they get out. You will usually see them become a DA civilian and work on base where they have to have some type of connection with the Army. To me, I wouldn't want to live like that.

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Dec 24 at 2023 9:29 PM

CPO Kurt Baschab — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 21:29:39 -0500

everyone will someday, no longer be active duty , sooner or later we all get out, or retire,
as you advance in pay grade you will soon understand you are Training your replacement.

everyone has a bad day, or week, My advice is to never make any decision when you are angry , upset or having a bad day, or week, give yourself a few weeks before you make any final decisions.

always talk to your Senior enlisted, any Vets, who got out before hitting 20 years, & retired vets.
Ask them what were the lesson Learned?
Ask every vet do they regret getting out before hitting 20 years?
I bet the super majority say , they wish they stayed in, till they hit 20 years, if they did they would be getting a lifetime pension.

Ask everyone of them what were the mistakes they made when getting out?
what did they do right ? what did they do wrong?
my advice is to always get as much education and knowledge as you can while on active duty, for the job you want to do when you get out or retire. this way you can give your GI Bill to the wife or kids

this way when the day comes to get out, you will be prepared to start the 2nd chapter in your life .
Sadly it will arrive much faster than you like.

when it comes time to get out or retire you should not regret or fight it, hopefully you will be looking forward to the 2nd chapter in your life, because you have been preparing for this day, for your future, hopeful you have been putting the max amount in the TSP program, putting money in saving, you have one or two peace of property or home paid for, have completed your collage or universities education, have one or two Bachelors Degree, or Masters, and are now prepared & looking forward to the 2nd chapter of your life.

To ensure you get the max VA disability rating .
always ensure you keep your PDR & MEDICAL RECORD ,UP TO DATE & ACCURATE, do not trust anyone else to do this, it not there records, so they do not care.
Why should you do this you ask?
the answer is simple, when you put your paper work in with the VA for your medical disability rating, and the VA go though your PDR, & Medical records, if it is not documented in your PDR or Medical Records as far as the VA is concerned it never happen.

for example, if you fall, hit your head, get knocked unconscious, yet you refuse to go to medical, that Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion, yet the VA will tell you, it never happed, because you did not get it documented in your Medical records.

2nd example , if you have a car accident while on leave or while driving into work, & the car accident caused you to have a traumatic brain injury, and a broken leg, yet you did not follow though to ensure it was entered into your medical records, the VA will tell you it never happen, so make sure it was put in your Military medical record, seeing how you did not follow though , to ensure it was entered in your Medical records, now it years later, you have to contact the hospital, hoping they still have the records, so you can prove it to the VA that it happen while on active duty, . and have it entered in your medical records.
hope you get my point, make sure every injury is documented . other wise you will regret it, when you get out or retire.

Response by HN Katherine Andrews made Jan 3 at 2024 6:46 PM

HN Katherine Andrews — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 18:46:21 -0500

I left the military in 1969 because I was married, a woman and I was pregnant. It was not my choice.
If it would have been my choice, I would have stayed in and been a career Navy sailor/officer. But, during Vietnam, women were discharged because being pregnant made them unfit for military service.

Response by SP5 John Hien made Jan 3 at 2024 7:37 PM

SP5 John Hien — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 19:37:52 -0500

When I left Vietnam in August of 1968, I was glad to get out alive. After Vietnam, I was assigned as a tank commander at Ft. Riley. I was discharged in March of 1969. My support consisted of a promised job at the Allen-Bradley Co. in Milwaukee, WI. I also had a fiancé that I loved and she also provided the support I needed. As time went on, the VA diagnosed as under the spell of PTSD and also having a hypothyroid due to exposure to Agent Orange. Now I think I have diabetes from Agent Orange and hepatitis from giving blood to a group of wounded soldiers and either Viet Cong or NVA. I only remember an officer asking soldiers in our base camp at Long Gao to go to the 37th Medical Co. which was attached to my unit, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and give blood for the wounded men. I also remember that the nurses and doctors were in a hurry trying to save as many lives as possible. I don’t know how sanitized the needles were other than the doctors and nurses went from donor to donor to get pints of blood.

Response by SPC Rebecca Crone made Jan 3 at 2024 8:15 PM

SPC Rebecca Crone — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 20:15:25 -0500

My exhusband and I were both in and with the jobs we had we knew we would be separated. So logical choice was for me to get out. Took a job with Federal Government. Best choice I ever made. Live off my Government retirement and my ex is struggling with military retirement and socal security.

Response by SSgt Steven Blanchard made Jan 3 at 2024 8:18 PM

SSgt Steven Blanchard — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 20:18:14 -0500

Recommended not to re-up. Decorated 1st 2 years. Almost Court-Marshaled 3 times last 2 years after Daughters Death, and suit. Suicide attempt, no counseling from the Military. Took a while to find a Purpose, But survived. Now 66 yrs old, Retired medically and still having issues, but, Amazing wife and family support has helped.

Response by PO1 David McCartney made Jan 3 at 2024 8:46 PM

PO1 David McCartney — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 20:46:06 -0500

Retired

Response by SN John Dilley made Jan 3 at 2024 8:49 PM

SN John Dilley — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 20:49:14 -0500

Gunshot wound in the vicinity of DaNang, Republic of Vietnam, on 9 September 1968. Medically Discharged from Bethesda Naval Hospital, 5 January 1969.

Response by PO1 Michael Fulgium made Jan 3 at 2024 9:39 PM

PO1 Michael Fulgium — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 21:39:24 -0500

High-year tenure, mandatory retirement. I was given a waiver to go 22 years if I went to sea duty. Squadron was getting ready for deployment, so there was no retirement ceremony. Found my retirement flag buried in a closet in the DET office I was running. Getting a job in Jax, FL was very difficult because of the heavy military saturation in the area. TAP was absolutely no help in finding a job. Ended up becoming an electrician's apprentice for $10 an hour. It took 3 years to get a 10% VA disability rating. Moved to another state and finally got the proper medical care and 100% VA disability rating I deserved. Glad I left Florida for this reason.

Response by PO2 David Reichert made Jan 3 at 2024 11:39 PM

PO2 David Reichert — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 23:39:00 -0500

My four years were up and I was ready to go home. I had no plans for a post military life, but I had a wife and child and needed to get back to them. It was time for me to do my real job in my family.

Response by A1C William McElroy made Jan 4 at 2024 12:11 AM

A1C William McElroy — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:11:54 -0500

I left in 1964 and joined Ampex where my military Air Force training and security clearance allowed me to work on the LEM, army tank, ford Peoplemover, and then when Ampex closed, buy their Detroit service center, and when it got robbed out of existantance get into the IC equipment and clean room design. This led to writing books, building houses, teaching trade school subjects, and to writing tour guide books sold on Amazon under the name William (Bill) C. McElroy. Been an interesting ride, and have to thank the taxpayers and the US Air Force Security Service for it.

Response by SN Vance Monet made Jan 4 at 2024 6:22 AM

SN Vance Monet — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 06:22:34 -0500

I tried to become a teacher, didn't work. Then, I tried to do part-time jobs, didn't work. Then, I finally did full-time work, and it worked.

Response by PO3 Harold Smith made Jan 4 at 2024 4:10 PM

PO3 Harold Smith — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 16:10:27 -0500

I was in from 1962-1966 ( Navy Corpsman).When my time was up I was at Bethesda Naval Hospital. I was origionally from Baltimore so in the Human Resources depatment at Bethesda Naval hospital ,They had a sign posted that Bethlem Steel in Baltimore was hiring former Corpsman .I applied and was hired.I stayed with them for 9 months and then went back to school because they did not have per diem,I left .I went on to obtain my RN ,BSN and Masters over the next 10 years.Had a great career as a Registered Nurse.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Jan 5 at 2024 4:38 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 16:38:07 -0500

By coercion. I was already on the promotion list to make it to the next rank, but my chain of demand & NCO abort channel weren't having it. They were trying to get me out of the Family Readiness Liaison role after my first two months in, claiming that my records were inaccurate and that I needed to come back to the battery. NONE OF MY STUFF was wrong! EVERYTHING I TOUCHED was A or A+! I was so $#!+ hot at that job that I started running the Family Readiness programs (not the FRG...that's different) for the brigade AND for DIVARTY! I wrote the SOP for that job! I was the lead for training new people to take on the role! So they tried to overwhelm me with work. Family Readiness IS NOT supposed to have ANYTHING to do with the duty roster, the unit recycling program, inspecting buildings, or anything like that...but I was forced to do them and get them all done for the battalion, the brigade, and DIVARTY. So after a recovery mission where I had to go BY MYSELF and pick up donated goods from eight different spots in North Carolina ON THE SAME DAY, I took the allotted time off to get some sleep. Division SOP states that if your mission goes past midnight, you do not have to report to work that next day. You just have to let your first-line supervisor know. In my case, that's the BN CDR & CSM. They knew. So did the "platoon" I fell under. The platoon sergeant (who was a bigot, anyway) tried to say that I didn't tell anyone when I got back when I actually had to sign in at the staff duty desk when I got back. So when I came to the office at 0930 just because, he said he was going to recommend me for an Article 15 for missing movement. I reminded him of my situation and he said that he didn't GAF, even though MY BOSSES are the BN CDR and CSM. I was already having issues with the personnel branch trying to get promoted and re-enlist.
THAT JACK@$$ SAID, "you can't get promoted if you don't re-enlist and you can't re-enlist if you don't get promoted." MY NAME WAS ON THE PROMOTION LIST!!! Well, they pushed the Article 15 through, which messed up my promotion chances in spite of the fact that I didn't get punished for anything since there was nothing to punish me for. They just wanted me out of there so that they could get six new people to do each of the jobs I was already doing. So THAT'S HOW I left the military. I was forced out with 16.5 years of active-duty service completed.

Response by TSgt Dan Freeman made Jan 6 at 2024 12:04 PM

TSgt Dan Freeman — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 12:04:00 -0500

After taking a few jobs with local companies, I was surprised to see how inefficient and lazy civilians were compared to Air Force personnel. After a year, I found a good union job in my related specialty but in a completely different industry. I went from working top secret aerospace platforms and special operations to maintaining and repairing large scale newspaper printing equipment. Frankly, I could not believe how most of those civilian workers stayed employed. As soon as I qualified for another retirement pension, I retired again and I started my own business working out of my home. My advise is to stick with what you do best and find how you can provide your skills to what people want.

Response by MSG Ronald Williams made Jan 8 at 2024 3:15 PM

MSG Ronald Williams — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:15:24 -0500

i retired after 22 years in the army when i was attend SMJ school which would be a 6 month change of station and then probably a one year tour overseas and then another change of station in country or maybe overseas. with my children already changing schools and homes many times and looking at the changes projected for them it was time to give them a permament place to settle. the time i spent in the army was the best years of my life but my family came first.

Response by SCPO Alex Cardenas made Jan 11 at 2024 12:16 PM

SCPO Alex Cardenas — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:16:02 -0500

Retired with 28yrs. Why did i leave? I like to say that over stayed my welcome. I actually tried to stay in to do a full 30 as an E8 but was told no and was sent packing but after my first 6 month's i knew it was the right move and felt that i should've retired at 24. Don't get me wrong i don't regret my decision for serving 28 years but i was comfortable in my position and needed the change. Transitioning had been a challenge, living the military life for that long i was institutionalized. Now, after 2+ years, I'm starting to feel more like a civilian, just a little...

Response by SSG Steve Knox made Jan 11 at 2024 6:41 PM

SSG Steve Knox — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 18:41:45 -0500

I achieved all of the goals I set out to accomplish. In 2002 at our company basecamp in Banja Luka in Bosnia, I was acting 1SG as rank of E6. I was Master instructor on BATS/DIMS and Military Police operations at Cp Shelby, MS for 6 years as E6. I lead over 500 peacekeeping, security and combat patrols between Cp Darby Italy, Cp Comanche, Bosnia FOB Kalsu, Iraq and COB Taji, Iraq as E6. I was battle NCO at COB Taji while performing personal security duty for the Bn OIC. There, I received numerous accolades for performance. My point, I didn't join the military for the rank and money, I joined for the challenge of decision making. leading and training warriors in peacekeeping, garrison and combat operations. It was my choice to do this with E6 rank because a 1SG failed the company during a Warfighter exercise at Ft Hood, TX. Had this been real, many of us would not have survived. At one of my last duty stations at Ft Polk, LA as OCT/M on an IED lanes in 2011, I realized I have given everything I've got to a career I have loved. I gave ALL I had to lead, train, and mentor warriors. I am at peace retired. Amen> SPC Keenan, when you have given all you have for those brave and heroic warriors, you will know when it's time to let it go. : }
,

Response by PO3 Michelle Tremblay made Jan 15 at 2024 5:35 PM

PO3 Michelle Tremblay — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:35:41 -0500

The service was too crowded, many wanted to join, they offered me an 90 day early out

Response by PO1 David Kingsley made Mar 21 at 2024 4:32 PM

PO1 David Kingsley — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:32:50 -0400

I got busted because the I didn't do 100% Prospecting Activity as a Recruiter.
then the Chief Recruiter had my NEC pulled, because I'd gotten Busted and Recruiting Command wouldn't shitcan me back to the fleet.
When I got back to the Fleet, I got real tired, real quick of Dealing with idiots

Response by PO3 Ted G made Mar 22 at 2024 7:38 AM

PO3 Ted G — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 07:38:34 -0400

I was sitting in a waiting area at the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville Florida and Dr. Feineman told me exactly what the problem was and that I would be medically retiring as soon as I could be processed out, it took almost a year.

My advice to anyone that is looking at retiring or simply getting out is the following. If there is anything wrong with you medically go to sick call and get it documented, if you snore get it documented, hang nail get it documented, bad dreams get it documented, anything. Do not let anyone tell you that you are malingering, this is your post military life, not theirs, also don't play tough with this, go to sick call and get it taken care of. Medical coverage in the outside world is expensive and the VA will not help you if you did not get it documented when you were in, ask me how I know.

Response by SPC David C. made Mar 28 at 2024 10:46 PM

SPC David C. — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 22:46:55 -0400

It's hard to explain, but when it's your time to leave, you'll know. For me, I was that schmuck who really loved my job and deploying. I didn't want to babysit a bunch of dumbass PFCs. I didn't want to get that 1am call from a Lance Corporal who'd just gotten his 2nd DWI in 6 months. And I for damn sure didn't want to go blind on administrative paperwork or get my ass chewed due to a failed inspection that had no value to begin with. That said, the policies were clear in the Marine Corps and Army...it was either up or out. My advice to you (that was given to me and I didn't follow) is to have a plan when you get out. Don't just cut ties and drunkenly run head first into the civilian world. Save some $$$, don't rack up credit card debt. Consider college courses or a trade school. Good luck to you on which ever path you choose.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2024 3:19 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 03:19:45 -0400

Did it until I hit my 20 year mark and retired. Spent a few months traveling and playing video games. Got a little bored and started working unarmed security for a private company. If you have an honorable discharge there are countless security companies that will hire you.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 30 at 2024 8:40 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 08:40:15 -0400

After My first enlistment I did reenlist for a 2nd term. I had made SSgt in four years which in our career field in the Air/Security Police in the USAF didn't happen often. My Commander, Operations Office and the Base equal opportunity tried to convince Me to go on Operation Bootstrap as i had two years of college already and the USAF would send Me full time to finish the last two years and then on to OTS, Officer training school to be commissioned a 2n Lt. I thought I knew more than I did then and got out of the USAF but did become a full time student and got My BS degree. (I wish I had taken their advice but i did stay in CAP. Civil Air Patrol, the USAF Auxiliary for over 40 years and was an Officer there) I also became a full time civilian Police Officer. My degree gave Me a 20% increase in my regular weekly paycheck on our Police Department with an Educational incentive program they had.

After an eight year break in service I entered a program with a reserve position in an active duty USAF Security Police unit. (What was called an IMA, Individual Mobilization Assistant) It was a special program the USAF had that required prior Military service and a full time Law Enforcement background which I had both Military and civilian. I had to take all the AFQTs., physical etc all over again and came back in as a SSgt but lost the time in grade due to an eight years gap. In the next 14 years made, TSgt, MSgt and SMSgt (held that rank over 4 years) and was making CMSgt but had My 20 years and decided to get out instead. I ended up with 22 years total Military service. It would have required out of state Permanent change of station which I wasn't willing to do at that point in time. I would have had to hold that rank two years to retire with it and I reached a point I wasn't willing to do that and decided SMSgt was good enough and retired in that rank. I also retired from the civilian Police department then followed jobs in Management in contract Security as an Operations Manager. plus even an Armed Federal Contract and another escorting Federal prisoners.

I still work Contract Security but now at age 76 on only a part time basis but as a Supervisor on a small account which is a lot easier than prior jobs of managing a few hundred people. I'm no longer trying to build a career but staying busy still with some work but a lot of other activities including Veterans organizations and Administrator of 4 Facebook pages, family, the house etc. I'm not bored.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 30 at 2024 1:06 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 13:06:17 -0400

Every service member will have their own answer.
For me it was when I was serving in an authorized slot as the division G3, filling that slot at the request of the CG, no inbound E9 was slated for the position, and my HR manager notified me I had to PCS, "all senior NCOs that had more than 5 years on station had to PCS to a new one by direction of the USA SGM". And the only positions I was offered were in the Pentagon or other east coast...both NOGO's for my family and I asked this SGM, "you have been at HRC for more than 10 years that I know of, where are you PCS'ing to? " Her response was silence, then, "let me know by end of the work week which slot, or I will choose one for you. " So I choose......to turn in my retirement packet. I was at NTC certifying our Jump TOC one week, being asked if I could take them to East Africa NOW, then the 3 weeks later back on Ft Hood walking out the office at lunchtime for the last time. Tossed aside and ignored as I was no longer a consumable asset. That's when I knew for sure, Id made the right decision for my family and I.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 30 at 2024 8:00 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 20:00:06 -0400

I made a pain in the ass of myself and was riff'd. Simple. Paid well too. Sadly, it wasn't the result I wanted but made the best of it. Indeed, if I change anything in my past, any little thing, any choice, any action, I wouldn't be where I am today and where I am today is great.