Posted on Jun 7, 2021
How often do Officers leave the military as O-2s?
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I'm looking down the barrel of another deployment (I'm looking forward to it). During my last IDT, the SXO approached me and asked if I was planning on staying in or leaving. I'm looking to move to Florida upon our return from this deployment and by the time we get backed I'll have 8 years in. Balancing life as an Officer in the Army (National Guard) and a Police Officer is quite the challenge. Add a family on the way and it's rather daunting. I could have promoted a couple years ago but found out that my current unit (in 2018) was possibly deploying to Afghanistan and I REALLY wanted to go as a PL (since my time as a PL was rather checkered). That mission got scrapped so I'm going where we are going now as the Troop XO. It dawned on me that a good part of me doesn't care about making Captain. My evals have always been good and I've always performed well at PT. But the way the SXO and a few other Officers talked about it made me wonder...is it considered bad if an Officer leaves the military as an O-2? I was curious what anyone here, Active, Guard, or Reserves thought.
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Responses: 135
Unless you are a police officer in Mayberry, NC. Your might consider a different career or a lot of small towns in Fla. are looking for law enforcement. They don't pay anything. A lot of company's won't hire ex military. I don't think your military achievements will make much difference to anyone except you. I was with a Civil Air Patrol unit in Potsdam, NY. I never tell anyone I was in the military. Now I'm in uniform eating dinner at Ponderosa. Yea. I was called baby killer. The good news is they did not spit on me.
Don't get out as a 1LT. On the surface, it looks like you left due to bad paper or other derogatory reasons. At least finish up as a CPT, you'll look back and will be glad you did.
1LT Wes Mincin It is a helluva of ride LT!
Bill Thatcher had four daughters and left the USAR to be a softball coach for them.
Being an intelligent man, Bill enrolled in the USAR’s School program, attended classes and did two weeks of AD annually and retired as a USAR LTC.,
On the flip side, a military brat, Vietnam RIF’ed, CPT married and left the Guard. The last time I spoke to CPT Tim B, he bemoaned having discarded 13 years of military service for a woman who hated the military! He did not go USAR School!
Bill Thatcher had four daughters and left the USAR to be a softball coach for them.
Being an intelligent man, Bill enrolled in the USAR’s School program, attended classes and did two weeks of AD annually and retired as a USAR LTC.,
On the flip side, a military brat, Vietnam RIF’ed, CPT married and left the Guard. The last time I spoke to CPT Tim B, he bemoaned having discarded 13 years of military service for a woman who hated the military! He did not go USAR School!
As a retire LEO and Army Reservist wh deployed to Iraq I made a decision to stay in. But I paid for it due to time away from family and possible lost promotions in the LE field. Obviously you are putting your family first which is a good thing. On the other hand deployments are slowing down now and looking forward to an Army Reserve pension in nice too. Perhaps find a position in the Drilling Individual Mobilization Augmented DIMA program where you can be assigned to an active duty unit. As a DIMA you can do your AT and BAs all in one shot or perform the duty as it fits with your family and LE schedule. Just some food for thought
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Im looking at how the IRR works and how promotions work in it
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1SG (Join to see) Roger, 1SG.
Right now, my main goal is to get through this deployment with my Troop. One of my Soldiers even reminded me that even the best plans can't be put into action until you're actually able to execute it. So during this time I'll just study my ass off.
Right now, my main goal is to get through this deployment with my Troop. One of my Soldiers even reminded me that even the best plans can't be put into action until you're actually able to execute it. So during this time I'll just study my ass off.
Seems to that unless you want to build off your military experience it won't make any difference. But as a person who had hiring authority in the FAA for air traffic controllers a persons military service weighed heavily in my decisions.
As 1SG Steven Imerman , CPT Aaron Kletzing , and SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" all seeem to concur ... "There's your answer," and it's what's right for YOU and your FAMILY.
You need to do what's best for you and your family. You need to a good discussion with your spouse about the decision. 8yrs is a long time. I got out after 8yrs of active duty and regretted it. Came back in the Reserves after a 9yr break and I have over 23 in now.
Give it some good thought.
Give it some good thought.
Decisions should not be influenced by any one but you... Who cares? It is your life your future... I stayed until I was a CPT... I should have stayed longer and I would have been.... but so what... I made my own decision so should you
I left active duty as an O-2, in order to return to my civilian job with AF Intel. That job was being held for me, provided I returned in less than four years. By leaving as an O-2, I was able to return in less than three years ( I had enlisted and gone to OCS). Having that job waiting for me made that an easy decision; if I had not had that job, I would probably have accepted the offer of promotion to Captain and extended my commitment.
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Sir with that being said I would at least gain the rank of captain. I would also look to see if you can change branches and find one that more family-friendly if you have a family. I have sat on many separation boards and I am not sure how many years you have but getting more rank would make your retirement better but changing branches could change your life.
To be completely honest I am so excited to join the officer ranks and I have waited a long time for this. I would not let it go so soon.
I still say give CPT a chance, do your best as a traditional Reservist, and you may get opportunities that can change your outlook and allow you to serve others and help them grow. Good luck in whatever you decide. If you really don't want it, finish your time gracefully and keep pursuing your civilian goals.