I am coming close to my ETS and I have no idea if I want to stay in or get out. For those who have ETS'd how is it?

It's a loaded question SSG (Join to see). You sound like me. I couldn't imagine life outside of the military. It was a perfect fit based on how I was raised, and my lack of roots. I loved to move, to start over every few years, and to give 100% at all times to leave our mark before starting all over again. Many people that got out did so out of frustration over the very things that helped us thrive. Some people transition seamlessly, some struggle. I have been out 5 years and spend all my time with you fine service members; safe to say I am still struggling. There is life after the military, however. A little prayer at this stage of the game never hurts. Prayers from Tucson.

All the responses are good, and I hate to spam you, but I'll throw in my two cents. It's another world, not Mars and Venus, but parallel universe-type different world. They speak English, but the words are different. They watch the same movies and news, but their world-view is askew. They think that the broader world is one way, when you've seen it as another.
When I was in, I was in Intel, our Intel not what they think on the outside, Arabic school, secret-squirrel school, jumping into countries without a passport. When I'd come home on leave, I'd get asked what I thought the biggest threat to the US was, and I'd say this thing called Al-Qaeda, and this guy named Bin Laden, but they'd laugh, and ask about Saddam, our the Russians, and China. That was while I was still in service. I was medically retired, or I'd have stayed in as a lifer.
Whatever is best for you is what you need to plan, and work, towards.

SSG (Join to see), I think Most Vets would tell you they wish they were back in the military, why? Adjusting to civilian life is not lets say easy to get used to the longer you stay in active duty. But LTC David Stender "Have a solid plan" If you come out into the Real World without one it does make things a little more stressful. Unlike in the Green Machine civilians don't have the same mind set as you Meaning: you have to use the please, would you, and thank yous a lot. and in a less of cut and dry sharpness to your voice ( you have to use softness 98% of the time) and you will have to get used to people not doing what you tell them to do because they "don't feel like it" (you will meet some clock punchers) people that don't take their jobs seriously of have pride in what they do. But on the Good side of getting out is "FREEDOM", Better Pay (depending on the career you choose). the transition to civilian isn't easy to adjust to, it has it's goods and bads but that because you have been out of the Civilian Loop for the time you have been in. But Every Vet I meet and talk to wishes they were back in the Machine, even I do. look at the perks medical, dental, a really good retirement package. Do the 20 if you can because if you get out before then you will more then likely be kicking yourself in the ass for getting out.

First off, SSG (Join to see), you could easily get a job as a Police Officer.
Out here- I chose my own careers: photography and being a Soldiers' Angel. (As a Soldiers' Angel, online, I take care of Active Duty troops and Veterans.)
You could start your own business....as you are very intelligent and you work hard.
I can't tell you that civilian life is easy; because it's not. You have to buy/rent a place to stay (Pay for gas, electricity, water, etc.), find a job, buy food, buy toiletries, have a way to get around (such as a car, taxis, busses; etc.), make new friends, etc. And ASK FOR HELP. I would start off with those; if I were you. And things Should start to fall into place. A lot of things in life are automatic.
I've done my Godly best to help you; however, I may have missed thing(s).
Many prayers and good luck to you; Miranda.
-In Him, Margaret

Believe it or not, there IS LIFE after the militay....LOL. I missed it. What I missed was the friends I made. I did NOT miss the service in of itself. I missed the men/women I served with. It's a personal decision to ETS; it was for me anyway. The thing you will miss is NOT the military, but those who make up the military; the men/women who wear the same uniform. But, there is life after the service. It took me sev eral years to adjust (I had been in for over a decade-my entire adult life up to that point). But, I assessed how my career was going, the outlook as time went on and what I was gonna do. You will, at some ETS. Everyone does. Assess your life plans. It's usually best to start on those plans earlier than later. I got out, went to college, completed my degree. In hindsight, I should have gotten out several years before I did. However, I do have some great memories of those I served with. Unless you just want to stay, my advice, move on with your life. There is life after the service. And you will find, it's NOT the service branch you will miss, it's the other folks who wear the uniform that you'll miss.

Depending on your circumstances, ultimately this will be your choice. I left AD for personal reasons and joined the USAR. I missed AD, however, got to be in uniform frequently as I built my civilian career. USAR offers GREAT health care option vs. Civilian sector and many of the same opportunities as the AD. Ever thought about being a drill sergeant?. My unit has all of them for the USAR and we need good Soldiers!. I believe there is bonus $ for joining the USAR and going drill sergeant. Check with your retention team.

Either way, best of luck to you in your decision.

Consider transitioning to the Army Reserve and becoming an instructor.

When I was drafted in 1971 it was almost impossible to get out of the service. Now days you are lucky if they keep you. When I was activated for Enduring Freedom I made a good bit of money more than my civilian job and I was comfortable with what I made as a civilian. If you hate all the BS that comes from the military, I say get out. If you can take the BS I say stay in. I'm collecting my military retirement and the extra retirement money is great. I was drafted and active duty Army during "Nam and I waited 10 years before joining the CB's (Navy) at a friends suggestion. Transferred to the Air Force and they let me volunteer to go all over the world, loved it. Especially all the firefighting missions I volunteered for. I see all the fires in the news now and think, "I wish I was still in so I could help out." If you don't want to stay in please consider the reserves. If you don't like it just say, "I quit" and you will be gone fast. It's now harder to stay in the service than to get the 'boot' out Whatever your choice, thank you for stepping up for our county and I wish you only the best in your future.

Speaking as Career Counselor and a Marine, I think the answer to your question is in your post: "I can't imagine life without the military." It is a rare gift to have a job you love. I would recommend re-enlisting.

It really depends on how much you love being in. In my case, I loved being in the Corps but, my body did not care so much so that it gave out and broke. I'm doing OK as a Veteran/Civilian, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish I were back/still in.