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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.