I have two masters degrees. Should I get off active duty? Go Reserves? Does anyone have experience with this?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 14:31:09 -0400

So I'm currently an e-5 in the US army . I'm really looking to get out of active duty . Whether it be civilian or a reserve transition . Any one have experience with this. I have a pretty promising career lined up. Currently hold 2 Masters and. B.S in Business . I feel stuck ... i feel this is the end for me and any comments...'memtorships etc would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2016 2:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 14:35:02 -0400

Hello fellow Landstuhler. If you are really looking at getting out of AD, then you may as well do it. Especially how points are for medic on AD. If you have a promising career lined up and still want to serve then yes Reserves or Guard are the way to go. If you want to know more, PM me and I'll help any way I can.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Sep 15 at 2016 2:40 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 14:40:54 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member To be completely honest none of us can advise you in this one. This is an individual decision that can only be made based on your individual desires. The first time I got out it was a mistake (in some ways). Yes I got to "be there" to raise my kids. However, I missed it every day. This time, while not my idea (medical discharge) I know it was time. I always told my Soldiers that I supported them in whatever decision they made. That is as long as they had a plan. Not a mythological plan, but a real executable plan that was already in motion. You appear to have said plan, therefore do what your heart tell you to do.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2016 2:59 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 14:59:10 -0400

First I would lay out all my requirements... I need X salary, I need X location, I need X working conditions, ect.. then I would lay out my wants, I want X salary, I want x location, ect..

You need to have a solid handle on what you need and what you want first. Next get out there and research all the different ways you can meet your requirements, not your wants... just your needs. At this point you should no longer feel stuck, even though the path to get from where you are today to where you want to be in a few years may be rigorous.

Then pick an option and a couple backup planes and start pursuing them. Be flexible and keep your eyes open for opportunities yo may not have originally considered.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2016 3:17 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 15:17:28 -0400

That is a decision that has a lot of personal factors, for one in the medical field you can make a lot of money as I am sure you know.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Sep 15 at 2016 3:46 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 15:46:48 -0400

On a side note, thank for the post. It was refreshing to have something non-political to talk about.

Response by PO1 David Swift made Sep 15 at 2016 4:34 PM

PO1 David Swift — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 16:34:50 -0400

Two Masters are good but what work experience do you have that related field and do you have jobs lined up.

Response by SSG Shavonde Chase made Sep 15 at 2016 5:03 PM

SSG Shavonde Chase — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 17:03:23 -0400

SGT Michael, I think your know the answer to what you should do. I recommend seeing an ACAP advisor to help ensure you have a successful transition. I would also like for you to accept my connection request. Afterwards, I will email you my phone number and schedule a time to talk about your particular situation.

Shavonde Chase

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2016 5:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 17:05:27 -0400

Another route would be going Green-To-Gold, you would be able to use your experiences as an NCO to help groom and mentor Soldiers.

Not a knock on Officers, but I firmly believe the best Officers are prior Enlisted. I have had quite a few Officers who were previously Enlisted and they didn't forget where they "came from".

Either way, best of luck.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Sep 15 at 2016 5:11 PM

CPT Tom Monahan — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 17:11:02 -0400

How much time do you have in and have you considered WOC or OCS? The retirement benefits you are going to get if you stay active or reserve have a big future value. Just Tricare for Life covers your future Medicare deductibles , copay and meds for you and your spouse. The extra bucks don't hurt either.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2016 5:18 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 17:18:14 -0400

Check with an AMEDD Recruiter...you probably qualify for a Direct Commission.

Response by LTC Sonya Friday made Sep 15 at 2016 5:19 PM

LTC Sonya Friday — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 17:19:15 -0400

SGT Jones, only you will know when its time to go trust your instincts. No job is promised to you until you get it so I would advise you to not put all your eggs in one basket. Leaving AD is a serious transition (financially, emotionally and spiritually) for you and your immediate family. Give yourself a year to retire but do your homework, have a strategic plan and a solid exit strategy. Leaving AD is truly a process and you need to prepare yourself as much as you can for the journey. We are here for you, just let us know how we can help.

May your preparation be met with the opportunity to excel

Response by LCpl Domingo Ariza made Sep 15 at 2016 5:59 PM

LCpl Domingo Ariza — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 17:59:53 -0400

Bird in the hand comes to mind, quick question with the education level you are at why or why not go to OCS

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 15 at 2016 6:03 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 18:03:53 -0400

Well done. I'm sure you find that frustrating at times.

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Sep 15 at 2016 6:07 PM

SFC A.M. Drake — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 18:07:15 -0400

I'll send you a private message with my number to call me today

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 15 at 2016 6:20 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 18:20:50 -0400

You definitely should find a way to not be an E-5 any longer than you must to complete you enlistment contract. You should consider talking to Reserve Recruiters from all Services. They may be able to make you an offer regarding commissioning. If you enjoy serving your Country and you are reasonably good at it, then going officer will allow you to continue on that track at a much better rate of pay, which carriers over into increased retirement pay.

Response by SMSgt Roy Dowdy made Sep 15 at 2016 7:01 PM

SMSgt Roy Dowdy — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 19:01:13 -0400

Find a National Guard unit near where you'd like to live and then apply for either WOC or ICE once embedded with them. Meanwhile field your resume with companies you feel you'd like to work for and thrive. You may not like active duty, but part time Guard is pretty good and if you get either WO or Commission then your able to work towards a second retirement and retain the benefits for the time you've already invested. My .02 cents anyway!

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Sep 15 at 2016 7:44 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 19:44:31 -0400

Just by reading your question its obvious what you want to do. Heck, you had a good run, go out and show some civilians how shit is done!

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Sep 15 at 2016 7:45 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 19:45:49 -0400

Go civilian, because the Nation and the economy needs your brains and the business abilities.

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Sep 15 at 2016 8:25 PM

SSG Stephan Pendarvis — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 20:25:17 -0400

Heck at this point you are set for civilian life. So it come down to whether or not you are tired of serving your country. If you still feel you are making an impact...stay in. If not...get out. Most people join for the college money...you...it seems you have something left you want to do while in...or you would not be asking this question or feeling this way. Follow your heart.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2016 9:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 21:06:06 -0400

Just so you know bro. Leaving active duty and going back to civi life (reserves are still civis for most part) is like walking through the door and then getting cracked in the dome by a metal baseball bat out of nowhere. Its rough at first but gets better if you weather the storm

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Sep 15 at 2016 9:14 PM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 21:14:10 -0400

Where did you go to school? Those degrees are very relative. What job do you have lined up?
If your heart is not in it, we don't need to convince you. Talk to an amedd recruiter and good luck man.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Sep 16 at 2016 12:01 AM

1SG Brian Adams — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 00:01:18 -0400

Stay on active duty and get your 20 years retirement.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 12:10 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 00:10:00 -0400

Thank you everyone. It's not that I do not love the Army. The best decision of my life was enlisting. I just feel stuck. I feel like I've hit a wall. My education and experience means nothing as an enlisted soldier and it's becoming extremely frustrating

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 16 at 2016 12:22 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 00:22:39 -0400

Judging from your post -------!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 12:50 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 00:50:21 -0400

I guess I should add more to my post . As my original post does not have enough information . My Masters are in Healthcare Administration and Business Administration. My true passion is to stay active as an MSC officer. However, they are not accepting direct commission for that branch at the moment.

I truly feel the happiest when working in the business side of medicine. If I do transition my goal is to try and work for the VA to improve access to care for our veterans. As an enlisted soldier , especially as a SGT, I feel limited in what I can do and I am frustrated with feeling stuck and helpless. I killed my self the last few years going to school to ensure I achieve my dream of commissioning into the medical service corp and now it seems that dream will
Not happen.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 3:46 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 03:46:13 -0400

Reserves is a great option, if you don't want to leave your home state National Guard is another option to look into. Reserves has their downsides but the retirement is easy and if you find a good unit it's well worth the time. Financially you'll certainly be better off leaving AD, There are also plenty of GS federal jobs available to you. Just make sure you have a good amount of $$ saved when you REFRAD. You can also commission very easily into the reserve component.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 5:26 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 05:26:47 -0400

When I left Active Duty (AD) as an E5, I left with a plan. I was in a dead end MOS that wasn't meeting my hierarchy of needs. I left, went to school, and commissioned in the reserves. However, I found my way back to AD and I love every second of it. I enjoy my time in the reserves. My unit is a lot of really smart people in its ranks. I think you'd be a great fit!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2016 2:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 14:05:53 -0400

Damn, id stay and go commissioned officer !!

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Sep 17 at 2016 12:36 AM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 00:36:12 -0400

Sadly most military jobs have little to nothing to do with the degrees we have. There are some exceptions (doctors, lawyers, functional areas...) but not the norm.
One thing you are getting from the military is experience that will strengthen your resume for when you decide to retire or move on. Sometimes we are hired by our character and potential versus what our OERs/NCOERs or resume states.

Most important, congrats on your 2nd master. 1 is hard enough and two shows your counterparts that there are no limits.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2016 12:48 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 12:48:02 -0400

Have you thought of commission? it would take you to your potential and utilize your degree to some extent. but if you have more than 10 yrs active I suggest staying in however you can. I did 6 years active and the rest has been reserves and as I come up on retirement of 30 years I will not draw any pay for another 9 years. Knowing that if I was active I would draw pay now. its frustrating but for my circumstance its what I had to do. But most importantly you need to do what you feel is right for you.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2016 12:54 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 12:54:03 -0400

What are your degrees in? (Very impressive by the way) Why not consider an officer program to take advantage of and leverage your education into a new phase of your career. I current am in the reserves and have a BA in History and an MS in Education and am trying to go active duty on the officer side. The reserves is often a shock for those coming off active duty. It is what you make of it but can be very tedious if all you do are drills. There is also a DCO program which is like OCS Light. It is a 2 week school in order to be an officer on the reserve side. Good luck!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2016 4:05 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 16:05:40 -0400

I was tired of active duty when I left, after 12 years in. I have a Masters Degree as well. I left and never intended to look back. I enjoyed the civilian life and after a few years out, the local reserve unit asked me to join. I did and stayed in, to include 13 months of being called to active duty, until they finally booted me out on my Mandatory Retirement Date.

If you hate your current life, maybe you should get out, but consider joining a Guard or Reserve unit (personally I prefer the reserves because promotion potential is a lot more consistent)...as an NCO, you may not have much choice depending on your MOS, but you can always reclass if you find a good unit. I have a few more years until I am able to draw retirement, but I am glad I did it and am looking forward to the security that the military benefits and pension provide. I also really enjoyed most of the military jobs and units I was in on the Reserve side. Worst-case, you try a reserve unit, don't like it and find another, or do your time with that unit and leave it. One weekend a month and two weeks during the year (usually summer). You can do that standing on your head for many, many years.

Response by LCDR Rich Bishop made Sep 22 at 2016 4:09 PM

LCDR Rich Bishop — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 16:09:04 -0400

SGT Jones, I would start with what are your goals or objectives? Are you married or do you have a family? What do you want to achieve? And lastly, why did you join the Armed Forces? I started as an E-1 and worked my way to E-7 before becoming an officer. I became an officer so I could fix things and influence change to make the Navy better. I joined the Navy to travel the world, which I did. The military is unique, no one joins to get rich or have an easy life. You have two degrees which is good and will significantly help you in the civilian world, next which is critical is experience and knowledge? If you get out, join the reserves and apply for an officer position - and look at all services not just the Army, the first one to offer an officer commission take it.

Response by SGT Anthony Deshong made Sep 26 at 2016 9:02 PM

SGT Anthony Deshong — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 21:02:57 -0400

DON'T GO RESERVES! It is the most pointless and largest waste of time ever. You will hate it coming off active duty. It is nothing like being a soldier full time even though leaders want it to be. Be a soldier 24/7 and yet have a full time job, husband and father ( however it fits your situation). Stay active it get out altogether. Reserves were the worst choice I made in my career.

Response by SMSgt Roy Dowdy made Sep 29 at 2016 2:01 PM

SMSgt Roy Dowdy — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 14:01:03 -0400

If your civilian field proves to be lucrative enough to sustain continued employment then obtaining a commission in the Guard or Reserve would be icing on the cake! Continuing service in the Guard or Reserve with a commission would build on the benefits you've already earned, particularly your retirement! Of course your civilian employer would have to be agreeable to your plans even with ESGR (Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve) in effect because if your activated for any lengthy duration it could cause heartburn for them and they in turn can retaliate in subtle ways that avoid any repercussions for them, but grief for you! Guard and Reserve service provides a number of pluses.....variety of activities from the same old-same old and you meet some really good people. However, like anything else there's always negatives....intrusive call-ups that interfere with that big project at work, missing birthdays, anniversaries, or dealing with a problematic military supervisor. YMMV, Good luck with your decision!

Response by PO3 Sergio Rosario made Oct 31 at 2016 10:06 PM

PO3 Sergio Rosario — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 22:06:05 -0400

Your in a great position, now you need to have experience in your field, but i suggest get your pension done , Than your transition will be much easier after and jobs will be on your ball court and thats a great feeling...... Sergio

Response by SSgt W. Aaron Gregory made Oct 14 at 2018 7:08 PM

SSgt W. Aaron Gregory — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 19:08:20 -0400

Congrats! Interesting position to be in. If you want to make a career of the military, I would definitely consider going the officer route. I am sure the Army has a place for you! You may even get to ride up to Captain/O-3. I have heard of that happening. Best of luck! I am betting you will definitely not make the most of your education as a Sergeant / E5. Administration like that is generally something of an officer's rank.