How many times were you getting out of the military before you got out (or are still in)?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 18:19:46 -0400

I've heard "oh I am getting out after my six" or "four" or "this contract". Some get out at 12 or 15, but some keep saying it past their 20. How many times have you said it before you got out or how many times have you said it so far?

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Aug 23 at 2015 9:28 PM

SSG Toryn Green — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 21:28:53 -0400

I got it once for about two years and hatred every minute of it!

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 23 at 2015 10:52 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 22:52:33 -0400

I think for me it was 3... #1 was when my marriage began to fall apart, but it was the wrong reason so I stayed #2 When I approached 20, but the Army made me an offer I couldnt refuse, so I stayed... And #3 Was during my last tour to Iraq... It was at that point I knew it was time to go...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 5:20 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 05:20:48 -0400

#1 re-up bonus was high and found a great clinical slot away from the big army.
(Umatilla Chemical Depot) #2 Extended for OEF #3 Got out but stayed Reserve #4 Can't beat healthcare cost of Tricare Reserve Select

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 5:21 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 05:21:02 -0400

Response by MSgt Niclas Svensson made Aug 24 at 2015 7:15 AM

MSgt Niclas Svensson — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 07:15:06 -0400

I had a period from about years 12-15 where I has getting burned out and really wanted to get out, but I promised myself when I first enlisted that if I did 10, I would do 20 (unless an amazing opportunity presented itself).

I am now at 20+ and am planning on staying until at least 24...if I make rank and I'm still feeling it, maybe even longer.

I think anyone that makes the military a career will have good years and bad years. IMO, as long as the good years outweigh the bad, it is worth it to stay.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 8:56 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 08:56:41 -0400

Sorry- for some reason the computer posted my response three times.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 8:57 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 08:57:15 -0400

Sorry- for some reason the computer posted my response three times.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 8:57 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 08:57:16 -0400

I am still going through that process- I am on my third serious consideration of leaving the military. My dad did 27 years and he reminds me that he re-assessed his decision about every five years. I keep revolving around the best scenario for my family and is it time to stabilize in one area.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 9:12 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 09:12:39 -0400

In all seriousness, it is a calling for many and you can't ignore a calling (unless that calling is the mafia, then you should ignore it).

The Reserve Component is my happy medium. I get a little distance, as stable a location as I want, essentially the same opportunities and maybe some better, and I maintain the camaraderie.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Aug 28 at 2015 6:19 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 18:19:35 -0400

I was getting out before my 1st enlistment was up, was very clear about it until I landed a good unit that made me proud to be doing what I was doing once again. After that I was planning on going the distance and was literally taken by surprise when I had to Medical Discharge out.

Response by TSgt Anthony Ellis made Oct 27 at 2015 6:45 PM

TSgt Anthony Ellis — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 18:45:59 -0400

I keep saying that I was getting out at the end of each enlistment, but I did a lot of soul searching and stayed until my last enlistment