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?

Stan I wish I would've

Getting out of the Army will be one of the biggest changes in your life, much like joining the military. I found the whole thing to be a massive learning experience, and I am still learning and figuring things out. I wrote a book about getting out of the military in hopes of telling the transitioning Veterans all the things I wish I had known before I got out.

If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't get out yet. I don't think you should get out until you no longer see yourself in uniform. There are many things you will miss from the military, and they are not easily replaced in the civilian world. The best transition is one that is on your terms.

If you would like to get an idea of what the transition might be like, read Outskies: The complete guide to getting out of the military.

Start Networking with Companies & People back "Home" or wherever you wish to move back to. Know the Job field you want to work in and start building Connections back in those areas. Definitely get into T.A.P.S. as soon as you can, at Transition Center and learn about Resume building and Keywords to use in it. Veteran Preference is a wonderful thing if you look to take a Govt job and can scout your job market on http://www.usajobs.com

SSG (Join to see), I would say stay in. One of my biggest regrets in life is that I got out of the Army.
On the other hand, if you hate it, you shouldn't make yourself miserable either.
The important thing is that you are able to be happy with your decision.
It is your life.

I don't know what an ETS, but I know what an EAS is.

Different world due to time and rank both - when I transitioned to civilian life in 1994 it was a really good decision for me - I was not mature enough to be in the Army and had gotten into financial trouble due to irresponsibility, which led to trouble with the Army - they were more interested in punishing me for my poor decision making with my personal finances than they were in helping me straighten it out. I had a few senior NCOs that in hindsight and being as honest as I can were promoted simply because it was less paperwork than it would have been to force them out after they reached RCP - and they had power and ego issues to go with it despite a total lack of competency, leadership, or judgement. After leaving I went to college on my own dime (still paying for that one) but now, 20 years later, I am very happy. Had I decided to become a career soldier I don't know if I would have been in a position to be as happy. That's a lot, and like I said - if you are E5 you have been in longer that I was already - and while there are things that I miss and still reminisce about, I think overall it was best that the Army and I parted ways when we did - I felt like a target rather than an asset, and they saw me as a problem rather than an opportunity. I think they missed out, because I am and always have been loyal, patriotic, and moral. I would have made a good soldier if my superiors would have been patient and given me a chance to grow up a bit before slamming me for making 20-year-old kid type decisions! I never got into any real trouble, but I was singled out and made miserable - perhaps my NCOs thought that the best way to get me in line was to treat me like a criminal - never know I guess - and of course 1994 and 2015 - different army, different rank, different people, different times - so I don't know how helpful this will be but there it is! Good luck whatever you choose!

I understand that it's a big decision, but I'll say I'm a little sad about some of the responses. There is a preponderance of "you'll never have it so good" as in the service. that's advice coming from scarcity, a very military trait. "Don't fuck up" is a sad way to live life. No one can decide what you will make of the future.
My point is that If you stay in, your future is completely mapped out. You decide; up to you or up to them.
It's that fundamental. Do what you think is best for you.

Best decision I've made to get out, I'm going to school I've got a well paying job, not even needing the GI bill thanks to good pay, and employer assistance is nice too. I'll probably start using it once I go to a university instead of community college. The freedoms as a civilian are amazing and believe me, depending on the job you get, you will find plenty of vets to shoot the shit and share stories with, and most non vets love the stories too, a couple times I've felt misunderstood, but everyone loves your work ethic too. I feel like you take no freedom that you didn't have in the service for granted anymore, you appreciate life on a whole new scale and it's much easier to date and start a family and find friends that aren't going to be around you 24/7 too

There is the reserves ❗️❗️

Well make sure you have a career plan and not a job plan.
There is a difference. ACAPs job is just to get you out the door, so dont expect too much.

In my own opinion getting out between now and 2017 is the perfect opportunity to land a great career. Baby Boomers should start retiring next year.