In or Out/Re-enlistment

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 08:20:47 -0400

I am about a year out from having to have my re-elistment package in. I go back and forth every once in a while on weather I want to stay in the Marine Corps, get out and join the civilian sector, or possibly changing branches. I am looking to get some insight from others on RP to help me way my options and make a decision. Of course, I will have my personal reasons for which ever I chose. But I would like to use peoples suggestions in my decision.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 21 at 2014 8:30 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 08:30:21 -0400

I heard someone say once "If you enjoy what you are doing, keep doing it, If not find something else to do" that is all it breaks down too. Yes there was plenty to bitch about but I liked what I did in the Navy and I was damn good at it so that is why I kept doing it for 21 years.

Response by Sgt Carlos Flores made Jul 2 at 2014 6:07 AM

Sgt Carlos Flores — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 06:07:56 -0400

ok i got out in 2010 and man was it a huge change, i was so used to that paycheck every 2 weeks if you do get out have shit lined up before, also make sure you get your medical package done and submitted BEFORE you EAS. its a lot harder when your out, i did 8 years and not a day goes by i dont regret getting out. good luck with what ever you decide

Response by GySgt Jason Wells made Jul 11 at 2014 7:37 PM

GySgt Jason Wells — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 19:37:14 -0400

Kudo's to both above. I got out after 22 years in the Marine Corps and I do miss it but knew it was my time to get out. I miss the people most of all. The consistent paycheck is very nice as well. Like the Mr Nagel said, if you like what you do keep doing it. If you dont change it and try and find your passion.

Response by Cpl Timothy Comer Jr. made Jul 13 at 2014 12:16 AM

Cpl Timothy Comer Jr. — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 00:16:44 -0400

I got out after four years and I have regrets every day. I got out because of family reasons, but I truly wish I had stayed in for the long haul. You don't know how good life in the corps is until you get out. Best of luck with what ever you choose.

Response by PO3 Devon Alexander made Jul 15 at 2014 8:45 PM

PO3 Devon Alexander — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 20:45:14 -0400

I agree with the rest of the guys. If you like your job stay in. The economy is not very great right now. Unless you have a surefire job lined up then you should stay in. If you have a family then it's more beneficial with military benefits. Another option is to go reserve and try out the civilian life. At least if you do that you'll have a better shot at getting back in the military.

Response by Cpl Jonathan Nicodemus made Jul 15 at 2014 10:28 PM

Cpl Jonathan Nicodemus — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 22:28:30 -0400

I'll echo the others--if you like what you're doing, for the love of God, stay in! If you don't, perhaps a change is in order.
One thing I wish someone had suggested to me before I EAS'd: talk to someone about an MOS change.
If there's another job you'd rather do, it never hurts to check into it, but it will haunt you if you don't. I got out 7 years ago--been kicking myself for 6.5 of those.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Jul 15 at 2014 10:43 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 22:43:48 -0400

Every time i made a list of reason to stay and reasons to go, then i weighted them, only once did i decide to go but things changed and i stayed.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 11:25 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 23:25:59 -0400

I put in a package to the left coast when I was stationed in NC. When the orders came, they would have PCS'd me to Cherry Point on a different aircraft. I got out since I didn't want to stay in NC. When I re-enlisted after Kuwait was invaded, they cut me orders back to the same squadron I EAS'd from. Yes, the hazing from old friends was relentless.

In hind site I should have taken the Cherry Point orders or re-enlisted for MSG at the end of my second contract. Too little too late, but I'm happy now and dropped the regret a while back.

I missed the brotherhood when I left the first time. The second time was easy since I working on mod teams at Tustin and Camp Pendleton and I interacted with all of the Marines from MALS to the individual squadron hangers. All but one of my mod team employees were Marine Vets with one Zoomy.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 11:28 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 23:28:54 -0400

Don't get out...or completely out you'll regret it. At a minimum think reserves, they can use some fresh blood to keep them on their toes.

Response by SPC Jerry Jones made Dec 10 at 2018 7:12 AM

SPC Jerry Jones — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 07:12:23 -0500

I served 7 1/2 years, then got out, and have regretted it ever since then (2000). You have to have money stacked up to be comfortable in civilian life, because you will most likely have a hard time finding a job, and if you do find one the civilian workers will drive you crazy with their non-work ethics. If you are comfortable still serving, either stay in until you retire, or when you get out join the reserves and retire that way. The civilian world doesn't have much to offer to former military....they all say they do, but they don't give a crap about anything you did in the military and most places won't even take into consideration your military experience. If you are planning on getting out, try to find a job that you can secure with guaranteed employment when you get out. if not, you will be scraping by on minimal pay, working with idiot civilians and regretting getting out.