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?

Make a list of the benefits and the negatives of your current Job
Take a leave go find a job that beats what you have , if you cannot find a job that leads to a career that beets what you have come off leave and reenlist.

I believe you've answered your own question when you say, "I can't imagine life w/0 the military." Stay until you can imagine yourself out of service. Also, people are saints, sinners and asses in AND out of the military: people are the same, a different setting won't change that.

Only you know if it's time to punch.

Best advice I can give you is that if it's just become a job, it's probably time to punch.

Also if you do punch make sure you use your education benefits when/if you get out.

Not much help I know, but joining, staying, or leaving is a personal decision.

Unless you have a high demand job on the outside, don't get out. It's difficult to find a good paying job on the outside. Develop your job skills, get better at what you do, and then if its right get out. Just remember that the longer that you're in, the last app you are to get out. There are many things that you need before you get out. Get yourself a good education. If you can, get a bachelor's degree. Find the right jobs.

Well, for me personally. I'd say stay as long as possible. If you can get your 20 and get that early retirement it will mean a lot for the rest of your life. I got out in '83 and the only thing I got was the VA Hospital as a benefit. I used what I learned to start a business and am on my second business now.

But, I often think how different things would have been if I stayed. I don't know how old you are but think about your retirement. If you stay you can get out after 20 get a job and later you'll be getting two retirement checks for life. That'll put you in a very nice place.

Stay in, put 40% of your paychecks to an investment account and let that money stack get out start a business and you're good.

I'm 56 years old and have been there and done that. Take my word, this is one of the best moves you can make at this time.

SGT Baker, You have expressed a very sound reason for staying in. You like the life, the camaraderie and fellowship. A few other considerations: health care (very expensive on the outside), jobs (few and far between at present and for the foreseeable future), retirement (you have a start on retirement now but if you get out you have to start over AND military retirement starts when you retire from active duty whereas on the outside you have to wait until 65+).
I still live in the Ft Bragg area and most friends and neighbors are either active duty or retired. One came to me last year with tears in his eyes and said he thinks he screwed up and retired. He couldn't find a job. His retirement helped and he was glad he had healthcare for his family but it was much worse on the outside then he thought it was going to be. I have seen too many promising young troops get out thinking it was going to be great. Its not. I grew up in a family business and the hours were long and hard. People used to ask me why I went back in. I told them that although the hours in the military are long and hard, its worse on the outside. I worked 12 hour days (7 days a week for months). Current statistics say there are 157 million working age (16-65) in the country. They also say that 94 million are either unemployed or underemployed. In my humble opinion, I think you will miss being in and regret it if you get out. Good luck in whatever you decide.

LTC Stender gives great advise about establishing a plan. Here are a few things you need to do before making that ETS step; have a thorough physical, keep copies of your entire medical records and sign up with the VA. If you have medical issues that that are service related, keep all the documentation. Have a financial plan and know how much cash you will need to have in reserve, (housing, utilities, food, transportation and professional services), if you don't have a clue on any of the above, re-enlist and develop a plan. Evaluate the employment opportunities of where you plan to return to, it is not in your best interest going back home with the hope of finding a job. If you are behind on your education, plan on college or trade school to build upon your military training. Do not expect to get hiring priority because you are a veteran, you will need skill and experience to put you ahead of the next person applying for the same position. I have a Kindle book out explaining how not to get hired; http://www.amazon.com/Looking-Job-Why-Wont-Hired-ebook/dp/B014D8HLF6/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid= [login to see] &sr=1-4&keywords=terry+martin-back Good luck with your future endeavors. Success does not just happen, you create it.

If you have a plan of action (good job, college, etc) go ahead and go ahead with your plans. If you're still in the process of thinking things out I would suggest that you reenlist for another 2-4 years, this will give you the time to solidify your plans or give you the time and experience to decide to continue your career in the United States Military, which by the way is a great way of life and I have never regretted my decision to make it a career. If you do decide to get out I would suggest that you enlist in the National Guard or Reserves to continue your career.

SSG (Join to see) Do not throw away what you have! If you get out look at a guard or reserve unit. The guard and reserve are not the 4th string bench warmers they were during the cold war, they are far better trained and funded than they once were. That being said shop around and find a unit that fits you and has slots for your rank and perhaps even an open E-6 slot. If you are going to College the guard and reserve will help pay for your schooling plus you get a little extra money from drill annual training. If you choose that route look at ROTC. Even if you stay guard or reserve and do 20 years the retirement for an officer should strongly be considered. Even if you stay enlisted you will get a bunch of points towards retirement. If you get a commission you have options to return to active duty with much better pay.
The Navy and AF both have reserve components as well. You may open new doors or you may find a field that fits your current MOS.
Again I say do not throw away what you have! I got off active duty and entered the NG because I needed some extra cash, I ended up staying for a little over 20 years and now I have a nest egg that no one can take away from me. I can still go on any base to use the PX and commissary, I will get tri-care and a pay check at age 60. That may seem a long way off but it sneaks up on you fast.
I am retired now and if it were not for health reasons I would still be drilling every month. I miss it very much.

For a service member looking at ETS is as important a decision as itwas to join the military. Now you have to consider even more things about your future and your families future. You must do this this very methodically and intentionally with a lot of research and planning. But let me caution you on one very important part that most service members do not consider, and that is the psychological affect this will have on you. Military life and civilian life are two different worlds and you have to adapt mentally. So make sure that in all of your decision making you include the psychological part as well.