Posted on Aug 30, 2015
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?
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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. I know lots of people that miss it. I'm not worried about a job on the outside, it's just when I think about getting out I can't imagine life without the military. I still have a year left so there is plenty of time left. I have just been thinking about this decision for the past year, and I only have a small time frame left to continue to think about it. I would just like input on those who have gotten out.
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 189
Hey Sarge,
I've been out for 25+ years now, and it ain't a pretty picture. How much time served do you have? If you're near or over the 10 year mark, stay for your 20 and retire. That way, you'll have a much better basis (vet benefits, medical, dental, post privileges) that most don't get right away, if at all. Think it over carefully though, especially if you have a young family. This will be a difficult choice, so do what you feel is the best for you and yours.
I've been out for 25+ years now, and it ain't a pretty picture. How much time served do you have? If you're near or over the 10 year mark, stay for your 20 and retire. That way, you'll have a much better basis (vet benefits, medical, dental, post privileges) that most don't get right away, if at all. Think it over carefully though, especially if you have a young family. This will be a difficult choice, so do what you feel is the best for you and yours.
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I'm sure it's different for everyone. I left the Air Force, spent two years out while trying to join the Army, and I hated it. I felt like I was a fish out of water and I didn't belong in that world; I didn't want to be a civilian to that extent but the Army was a long process.
Don't get me wrong, the first 6 months or so were awesome: pure freedom (which wore off quickly). After that, I felt like I had no real purpose in life. I was extremely greatful when everything worked out and I could re-enter the military.
I hear mixed responses from others who have gotten out, it really depends on what you want and what kind of person you are. A bad day in the military beat an average day as a civilian for me though.
Don't get me wrong, the first 6 months or so were awesome: pure freedom (which wore off quickly). After that, I felt like I had no real purpose in life. I was extremely greatful when everything worked out and I could re-enter the military.
I hear mixed responses from others who have gotten out, it really depends on what you want and what kind of person you are. A bad day in the military beat an average day as a civilian for me though.
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I am with everyone else, and have to say that if you have a solid plan then you will be fine. I would say that you need to keep your options open and not limit yourself to one area of the country or one profession. If law enforcement interests you then you need to be looking around seeing what is out there for you. I am currently about a year out from getting out after 8 years and the decision was not easy to make, but I have starting putting feelers out there and have a interview when I go home on leave here in a few weeks even though I have a year out I have friends that are helping me set things up. I have talked to friends that have gotten out recently and they have had no issues with employment and other than the usual adjustment of being a civilian again they are perfectly happy.
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I was in for 6yrs, and 6mths after i got out i regreted it and have regreted it every since. stay in get your 20 at least.
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They question is since you REALLY enjoy the military, have you taken advantage of the NCOES system to set yourself up for future success? If not, others are marching on and becoming more competitive, while you are stagnating? Is your family onboard with your decision-making process. If you want the best of both worlds, you CAN go into the Reserves or National Guard. You can also go into the AGR Program and that might provide more stability for the family. Civilian life (in these times) might be even more challenging than you thought. If you still have that HOOAH determination you will make it either way. Hope that this helped?
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SGT Baker,
I served 21 years. I currently receive my retirement. I enjoyed being in the Military. I retired in 2008. I miss it everyday. I miss the trust, friendship and loyalty of all those that I served with. I have not found that same friendship or loyalty as a civilian. I find the civilian world a lonely place. Those that have never served do not understand your language. I would suggest staying in, time will fly by, One day you will receive a retirement check, then you can find a new career. Finding a job is not as simple as you think. Most jobs that you think you are qualified for, you are under qualified, other jobs you are overqualified. Companies do not hire you just because you are prior military. Make sure you have a Solid Plan.
Good Luck
Rhonda Boswell, CW3 Retired
I served 21 years. I currently receive my retirement. I enjoyed being in the Military. I retired in 2008. I miss it everyday. I miss the trust, friendship and loyalty of all those that I served with. I have not found that same friendship or loyalty as a civilian. I find the civilian world a lonely place. Those that have never served do not understand your language. I would suggest staying in, time will fly by, One day you will receive a retirement check, then you can find a new career. Finding a job is not as simple as you think. Most jobs that you think you are qualified for, you are under qualified, other jobs you are overqualified. Companies do not hire you just because you are prior military. Make sure you have a Solid Plan.
Good Luck
Rhonda Boswell, CW3 Retired
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I would suggest going reserves or Guard. It kind of puts you half way out, and leaves you the option of going back if you want it. It would also prevent a break in service.
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It is what it is. The economy is still in limbo, if your in line for a promotion, I would say stay. When I left, I had this idea I would be working a regular 9-5, which I don't. I was able to find a great job with a large telecommunications company, but now I realize why they are so keen on hiring Vets. 6-7 days and 14 hour work days. I was making almost the same as an E-5 with BAH. But at least I know I can call in sick if need be. Pros and Cons, I guess
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Having a job is a nice plan, but is it a job you love doing and see yourself doing for years. If it is not doing something you love, you will regret getting out. Have a plan and don't settle for whatever is available. I would also look into the various service organizations in your area such as VFW or American Legion. You may find that you will enjoy being around other former military and then you may not like those particular organizations in your area. Find one that you enjoy and one that does various activities in your area. Civilian life has its advantages, but so does military life. Weigh your options.
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Honest answer is it's tough. It's hard to beat the military with BAH BAQ and the pay.
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reenlist if they will make it possible for you to become an officer; otherwise no!
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I ETS'd out of the military about 5 years ago and truth be told I really did miss it. I did mess up a little and didn't set solid plans for when i got out. Like employment and housing, but with some hard work i did make it happen (like we all do). But instead of getting back in I found a job that allowed me to continue to work with Veterans and now i am an Outreach Worker for the United States Veterans Initiative. This gives me the brother-hood that i missed from the Marine Corps and allows me to give back to our brothers and sisters in arms. Good Luck Brother!!!
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i don't know what skills you have but good jobs in the civilian world are still hard to find, if you enjoy the military life you should stay! i ended up at the Post Office and i love my job and the benefits are good but nothing beats going to work and knowing you are protecting this great nation!!!
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I can tell you I ETS'd because I was sick. My plan was to go see a civilian doctor in the States, get well and then reenlist in armored cavalry before my enlistment expired. I cashed in about 45 days of terminal leave and went home and. . . I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease which ruled out another enlistment. The adjustment from the service life to civilian life is like Superman giving up his powers for Lois Lane in Superman II and becoming just Clark Kent. In the military, whether you realize it now or not, you actually live a fast life and you have stuff to do every day. As a civililan, that world STOPS. Time stops. Life stops. I tried to join my Dad in his business but I just did not have the same skillsets or the same interests. Ultimately, in order to move forward, I had to do what I did by enlisting and that was to make my own decision to get out of my parents place, use my GI Bill and go to college in a place where I would be on my own but the parents a phone call away if I needed them. Today, my Dad is a retired aviation machinist. I am a Certified Public Accountant who has worked in many areas of finance up and down the West Coast. Even though the pay is great, the best job I will ever have is that of Lance Missile Crewmember (Field Artillery!!!) 24 years ago! BOOM!!!!!
Yesterday, I posted a picture of a tank on Facebook and the tank is submerged almost to the turret. I posted that this reminds me of Max (one of my Sergeants) and the LT when Max took the LT four-wheeling in a Hummer during a FTX and for some reason slowed before getting into the water and killed the engine! After laughing our asses off and calling them names, we finally backed the track in and pulled them out. We had to call Maintenance and get another Hummer. Max commented, "Good times, my friend. Good times indeed." Even though we moved on, we always remember a job we loved.
Yesterday, I posted a picture of a tank on Facebook and the tank is submerged almost to the turret. I posted that this reminds me of Max (one of my Sergeants) and the LT when Max took the LT four-wheeling in a Hummer during a FTX and for some reason slowed before getting into the water and killed the engine! After laughing our asses off and calling them names, we finally backed the track in and pulled them out. We had to call Maintenance and get another Hummer. Max commented, "Good times, my friend. Good times indeed." Even though we moved on, we always remember a job we loved.
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i will echo everyone else and have a plan because civilian life is a complete 180 degree from military life.
i will give you the advice that my first sgt gave me 20 years ago.
if you have less than ten years in then go ahead and get out,
but if you have hit the ten year mark go ahead and stay in for the 20 year retirement
i will give you the advice that my first sgt gave me 20 years ago.
if you have less than ten years in then go ahead and get out,
but if you have hit the ten year mark go ahead and stay in for the 20 year retirement
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You may wanna stay in with poor economy and downsizing now is better time to make full use of those free offered training programs and skills that will better your chances on the civilian side of the world. Plus you can travel at Government expense and choose what areas have more to offer all paid for. Cannot do that when you are on straight salary and no good benefits any longer?
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I ets'ed 30 years ago I have a good life outside of the military.Many people consider "that I have made it" close to retirement and its a good retirement I will be able to do what I want ,live pretty much anywhere, but truthfully I have missed the army's Be All You Can Be attitude also the comradeship It simply does not exist outside. Do as little as you can seems to be the motto and whats in for me is the rule ,,not being cynical but I have owned my own company for 30 + years and have seen the quantity of people go thru the doors The military is demanding but they give back so much Its a life that I have missed many many times
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The decision is all yours. Gather the facts and do your homework. Weigh out the pros and cons of each option and make an informed decision. Otherwise, flip a coin or try rock-paper-scissors. There are advantages to both lifestyles, yes you will miss the day-to-day military regimen and your brothers and sisters that support you, but there are lots of veterans outside and we will welcome you into our civilian family. You will have a chain-of-command to follow and a dress code. You may still travel overseas or during the week, depending on the job you get or may find a job that is Monday through Friday with weekends and holidays off. Will you miss the military, I can guarantee that you will have separation anxiety, especially if you are enjoying what you do and where. But, like every adventure, you have to move on someday. It can wait another 4 years or 16 years, depending on what your personal goals are. If you do all this and still aren't really sure, try reenlist in for 3 years and reevaluate then.
Sorry, there is no easy answer, we each have our own path to follow. Ooh rah!
Sorry, there is no easy answer, we each have our own path to follow. Ooh rah!
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