How often do Officers leave the military as O-2s?

It is a tough decision and one that only the individual can make. I separated as an O-2. At the time, 1970, I would have made O-3 within a month of my separation had I stayed active and within a year had I gone active reserve. I had just come out of the war zone and chose to go inactive reserve for the remaining four years of my obligation. The 'peace time' army of the 70s was not something that I wanted any part of.

Just tell people you got out as a Major, haha. Seriously, do what makes sense for you, not what you assume others will think about your decision.

I was one of the few in my graduating class at USNA that did more than one tour. Many, many JO's get out ofter their initial obligation. You did your time, do what is best for you.

As many have stated, you have to prioritize your family and your life with demands of LE and military service. You mentioned you have no desire to promote to 0-3, just be aware of up or out as I suspect an 0-2 will not be able to serve 20-years for a retirement. As others suggested maybe re-eval your military situation as deployments temp ops possibly reducing now. However, with all that being said it’s no disgrace to separate as an 0-2. Best wishes for you and family.

I think you should be able to stick around if you like the military but don't want to promote out of a job you enjoy. Unfortunately, in the military I know, you're either up or you're out. So, even though I hate to see a competent officer go, as others here have already said, do what is right for you.

I don't see any problem with having served Honorably and leaving as a 1st Lt, or Lt JG in the case of Navy or Coast Guard. There are factors sometime beyond Your own control that in no way subtract from Your service and accomplishments. A major concern always has to be the impact on Your family as well and doing what is best in the long run for both them and Yourself. Sometimes choosing between Active Duty, Guard or Reserves may be a way of balancing thing out for both the family and a Military career. Whatever You may decide thank You for Your service.

1LT Wes Mincin As you mentioned, you have your hands full being an Officer in the National Guard and a Police Officer. Make the decision that is best for you and your family. Best wishes!

Where to start on this? First of all, you are right about the challenges of being an officer in the Guard AND a police officer, with a family to boot. I was in the same boat as you. All three, officer, police officer with a young family. I made it to Captain, then due to unforseen circumstances, I got out (2 years IRR, three as a civilian) with 16 years of service, 10 1/2 as an officer. After five years I reenlisted as a Staff Sergeant due to not having enough time left to make major and went into the Retired Reserve after another 12 years as a First Sergeant, though when I started drawing my pension it is at Captain's pay. The point is that if you are planning on making the Guard a second career adjacent to your LE career, you can do it. God knows that if I could do it, just about anyone can, LOL. You do want to make sure that if you want to get a pension from the Army, you maintain your commissioned status long enough to be vested, that is to draw a commissioned pension. I believe that is ten years (it weas for me), but the regs might have changed. Believe me, the pension is a lot more as an officer (even an O2) than an E-9. Which brings up another point, you can always revert back to an enlisted grade to finish out your remaining time. Like you said, the challenges are great but anyone with a little drive and determination, and a very supportive family, can do it. The rewards are greater.

If you have completed you service commitment, then do what you want. If I were looking at a resume for an AD officer at 8 years who left as an O2 I'd have questions. But as Guard it's completely understandable. Balancing your guard life and civilian life (particularly in LE) is tough. That's part of why I commissioned into Active Duty out of the Reserves. I was interviewing with Fed LE agencies and came to the realization it had to be one or the other (for me). On the practical side of it (thinking as a commander) if you can't commit to it, better to free up that position for someone who can. Bottom line, you did your part. Few people know enough to question it, and those who know enough should understand.

Stay in the Reserves if you still can. You don't think about it now but you will appreciate the extra check when it is time to retire in your 60's. I get out after ten years and my last stint was an XO for a company in the gulf war. I had same time restraints with a new and upcoming family as well as a business to run. i chose the path to leave and feel it was a mistake.

You sound squared away and will be able to figure out your time management.

Good Luck either way and thanks for your service....