Posted on Oct 23, 2015
I could really use immediate advice: Drill, Recruiting, Instructing, Re-class or ETS & become a Federal Employee.
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Sit rep
o 11B, 7.5 yrs TIS
o On station 3 years, almost finished w/ rated SL time in current unit.
o Two 18y/o children-Still (somewhat) relying on wife and I as they transition out on their own.
o One 16y/o EFMP-Who I take to see his mother 4 hours away; currently on track w/ IEP at school and AMC.
o Wife-Currently employed w/ DOD contractor, making good/steady income.
o Ill mother in-law, family and entire support system 4 hours away.
o Body is breaking down, sleep deprived w/ sleep apnea and I long for the time when the kids are out of the house when I can go to sleep by 21:00..
o Retirement-do 13+/- years and get full AD retirement or ETS, become a federal employee, buy back my time and retire through an agency. 20+/- years later (but with 28yrs federal service).
o I love the Army and want to continue serving as long as I am physically able to.
o Considered re-classing into a feeder MOS, becoming SME and becoming WO.
In my field, Drill is best for career progression. It would be long but rewarding hours. I love training Soldiers, there would be plenty of schools to attend and I'd keep my edge as an Infantryman. Drawback: wife doesn't support the idea and for good reason: It places my family in a state of hardship in our current situation. Three years from now, it would be a no-brainer.
Considered NCOES Instructor. There's a WLC on post. This would stabilize my family up through my youngest graduating HS and leaving the house. Drawback: it seems as though it doesn't look as good compared to DS or Recruiter. Most PSG's, 1SG's & CSM's (that I've seen) in the Infantry have either been DS's or Recruiters...
Considered Recruiting to give my body a break. I'd become very familiar with the process and could offer valuable insight in the event my children decided to join; ultimately setting them up for potentially life-long success. Drawback: being away from home, instability for the family and loosing my edge in my MOS.
Considered re-classing into either an application MOS or Cyber. Something that would be a feeder for WO. Drawback: at this time, it would be an 18 (SF) or 17(Cyber) series. 18's the course is long and just as physically demanding. 17 series the door has closed (for time being). Re-classing now increases my chances of making the long transition.
AND the kicker: I was researching my options this week. Turns out, my CSM has requested HRC put me on assignment. Today I was notified of my report date for Drill in Feb. Talked to Branch today, they said I'm not on assignment and that they can't put me on orders because my EFMP is not current (though I have a slip stating May2015, but that's a different topic). So that buys me a little time, I guess..
I apologize for such a long post. Any input will be greatly appreciated.
o 11B, 7.5 yrs TIS
o On station 3 years, almost finished w/ rated SL time in current unit.
o Two 18y/o children-Still (somewhat) relying on wife and I as they transition out on their own.
o One 16y/o EFMP-Who I take to see his mother 4 hours away; currently on track w/ IEP at school and AMC.
o Wife-Currently employed w/ DOD contractor, making good/steady income.
o Ill mother in-law, family and entire support system 4 hours away.
o Body is breaking down, sleep deprived w/ sleep apnea and I long for the time when the kids are out of the house when I can go to sleep by 21:00..
o Retirement-do 13+/- years and get full AD retirement or ETS, become a federal employee, buy back my time and retire through an agency. 20+/- years later (but with 28yrs federal service).
o I love the Army and want to continue serving as long as I am physically able to.
o Considered re-classing into a feeder MOS, becoming SME and becoming WO.
In my field, Drill is best for career progression. It would be long but rewarding hours. I love training Soldiers, there would be plenty of schools to attend and I'd keep my edge as an Infantryman. Drawback: wife doesn't support the idea and for good reason: It places my family in a state of hardship in our current situation. Three years from now, it would be a no-brainer.
Considered NCOES Instructor. There's a WLC on post. This would stabilize my family up through my youngest graduating HS and leaving the house. Drawback: it seems as though it doesn't look as good compared to DS or Recruiter. Most PSG's, 1SG's & CSM's (that I've seen) in the Infantry have either been DS's or Recruiters...
Considered Recruiting to give my body a break. I'd become very familiar with the process and could offer valuable insight in the event my children decided to join; ultimately setting them up for potentially life-long success. Drawback: being away from home, instability for the family and loosing my edge in my MOS.
Considered re-classing into either an application MOS or Cyber. Something that would be a feeder for WO. Drawback: at this time, it would be an 18 (SF) or 17(Cyber) series. 18's the course is long and just as physically demanding. 17 series the door has closed (for time being). Re-classing now increases my chances of making the long transition.
AND the kicker: I was researching my options this week. Turns out, my CSM has requested HRC put me on assignment. Today I was notified of my report date for Drill in Feb. Talked to Branch today, they said I'm not on assignment and that they can't put me on orders because my EFMP is not current (though I have a slip stating May2015, but that's a different topic). So that buys me a little time, I guess..
I apologize for such a long post. Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Instructing
Recruiting
Family
Career Advice
Drill Sergeant
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 14
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Hmm. One way I see you could have your cake and eat it too is switching to a reserve drill sergeant unit and take the federal employee job. You are still in the army and have a chance to train soldiers. You still have the career progression. You still have a great job that pays well. And then you always have the option of jumping back into active duty. Biggest plus here-no break in service so you maintain your years towards retirement. The disadvantage is if you don't retire as active duty you will have to wait longer for your pension. I'm reserve Drill Sergeant and I know we could use someone with your experience as an 11B. They are always needing more drill sergeants, reserve or active alike. Just a thought. Wish you the best brother.
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SSG (Join to see)
Thank you SGT. I have considered both NG and Reserve. While they provide an option, it's just not an option that seems to raise my eyebrow. I prefer to dive deep into everything I do. I get full enjoyment out of being a SME and teaching. I'm afraid it will be much harder to do so if I am doing my job on a part-time basis. But I do see how that could benefit the needs of the Army and my family..
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Are you prepared for the transition to become a civilian? I suggest you pursue that route, which would stabilize you, your child throughout high school, keep relatively close to the family member(s)with illness and gives you the stability you might be after. Your next step is to go the to Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program Center. Get the training and you will know for sure what is best for you and your family.
I wont even get into the options of a two year tour of duty as a DS on your own if the family is set at staying where they are because many times it leads to relationship challenges, which is about the worst thing to have while on the trail....please let us know what the SFL-TAP center offers you.
I wont even get into the options of a two year tour of duty as a DS on your own if the family is set at staying where they are because many times it leads to relationship challenges, which is about the worst thing to have while on the trail....please let us know what the SFL-TAP center offers you.
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SSG (Join to see)
MAJ (Join to see) - Sir, thank you for your input. I have considered Reserve, but at my age, and with everything I've been through, I really need to be active throughout each week, year after year IOT lead these younger Soldiers as an NCO in the Infantry. With all considered, it seems all or nothing is what I need to do. And outside of 11 series, it seems as though there's not a lot of employers that are looking for someone who knows how to shoot, ruck or close in on the enemy. I'm in my late 30's and time is a factor..
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SSG (Join to see)
Still on hold, waiting to talk with branch. 1:50:40 and counting. I don't know what I would do without the speaker option on my phone.
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
SSG (Join to see) - you really need to go see the First Shirt or your CSM, that wait time is not acceptable.....send them an email as well.
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SSG (Join to see)
Seen 1SG. He took me to CSM who, in short, said there's nothing he can do now that HRC has plugged me in, that I'd make a great DS and will offer a lot to the Army. Pretty much a brick wall. I was still on hold while seeing BDE retention who suggested I see about getting a letter of acceptance from the academy, release from the unit (if possible) and send em along with my case to my assignment manager. Yesterday I missed the 1SG at the school and was told to come back at 09:00 on Monday. Indeed I will. With NCOER's, ERB, 705's and anything else I've got laying around. Oh, and I hung up the phone after hour 3 on hold.
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Staff, the CSM said it best, but in the mean time, I'd make a Pros and Cons list, fill it out and be honest with yourself. Hold NOTHING BACK. Once you've written down everything you can think of, read it to yourself out loud and see if it makes sense to you. Revise as required. When you "think" you have it figured out, bring the wife into it. Show her what you've come up with and have her give input to the list. Have her repeat everything you did and once that's done. Sleep on it and discuss it together one more time with a clear mind. I'd hate to see you make this heavy decision quickly and hate yourself for it later, even if your family's "happy". I forgot to add in that list make "short and long term goals". You can get out and think you're going to make a lot of money just to find out that a lot of that money's taken back through taxes, or fee's. I know a few 120K a year Soldiers who got out and once taxes, rent, food, misc bills and fees came out, they're actually making dollar for dollar LESS than they were while serving.
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SSG (Join to see)
Thank you SSG. I did something similar to that yesterday in the WLC parking lot just before going in to speak with them. It was more of a point system though. Across the top, I placed DS, Recruiting and Instructor. Down the side, I placed categories such as job satisfaction, stability with the family, career progression ect. Below each assignment, I placed a 1, 2 or 3 with number 1 being most beneficial. Added them up and the lowest number was most favorable. While there are definitely variables to each, it seems as though instructing took first place, DS in second and recruiting coming in last. Of course, this was before my thread and did not include getting out or re-classing. Just as I told CSM Uhlig, I am on hold with Branch to see if I can get into instructing. 1:14;:53 and counting...
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SSG Warren Swan
SSG (Join to see) - Brother keep your head up, eyes open, and be ready for anything. You're talking with CSM Uhlig is a damn good start. I hope whatever you and the family decide IS the best for y'all. Army or not. And don't rule out reclassing. 25 series is POG central (lol), but if spending time with family is a priority, those support MOS do have a way of catering to that within reason and won't beat the brakes off your body. And should you then decide to get out, you have another skillset on your resume to use.
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SSG (Join to see)
As stated, serving has been great and I want to continue as long as I am physically able. This is why I had considered re-classing. Unfortunately, being an 11B, right now, my options are limited. 17 series opened up for a brief moment, but that door closed just as I noticed it. And if I re-class, I'd prefer it to be into a feeder MOS. I love the Infantry and if I gave it up, I would want to do so for an option of being rewarded for my diligence by becoming a WO. I appreciate you being on my side!
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