Is staying in to retire from the military worth it?

2015-02-01T18:53:40-05:00

Is retiring in the military worth it. I see a lot of my leaders that's been in almost 20 years and they always have a look and act like they hate life and hate you. My thing is just a front to lead a lot of people or does the military turn you into That?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 1 at 2015 6:56 PM

2015-02-01T18:56:11-05:00

I will reply after I stop laughing so hard. Great question!!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-02-01T19:11:16-05:00

22 years of active service (following 18 years as Army Brat and 5+ years training to become an officer). Basically my entire life associated with the Army!

I hope that I don't look or act like I hate life and hate my Soldiers, but will relook (again) to make sure that is not what I am representing.

I love being in the Army, and still love what I do. Some days are not as much fun as others, but still having fun overall.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Feb 1 at 2015 9:35 PM

2015-02-01T21:35:58-05:00

Hmm... this is almost the environment in which to ask my question "Does anybody still use the term 'lifer' any more?"

Response by 1stSgt Daryl Allen made Feb 2 at 2015 8:33 AM

2015-02-02T08:33:34-05:00

I would do it all over again but with a few minor changes. I loved the military. I grew up in it and it was a great life. However, the look you see on those who have retired is that we had a structured way of life where regulations and orders could be followed. When you get out and back into the civilian way of life it isn't there any longer and dealing with that is challenging. So now you see the perspective.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 2 at 2015 8:37 AM

2015-02-02T08:37:16-05:00

Depends on which benefit package you are to receive upon retirement. I have known several people that have retired from the military and most did not have a hate life/you mentality however they did occasionally have bouts of it as most people do throughout your career. I would have continued to retirement had I not made a promise to myself when I was private and that promise was if I received a permanent profile before 17 years I would leave the service. I understand "riding" a profile at 17 years until the 20 year mark.

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Feb 2 at 2015 5:08 PM

2015-02-02T17:08:57-05:00

All I can say to that is; Hind sight is 20/20!!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 2 at 2015 5:18 PM

2015-02-02T17:18:35-05:00

It depends on how you define "worth it". You will definatley have a financial advantage with a military retirement (retired pay, healtcare, PX/Commissary), but for some the stuff you have to put up with is not "worth it" to them.

Response by SFC Royce Williams made Feb 2 at 2015 5:28 PM

2015-02-02T17:28:45-05:00

My very first squad leader SSG (now CSM Retired)Watson told me in 1995 that once you stop having fun it's time to go home.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 5:49 PM

2015-02-02T17:49:16-05:00

I would really question why they are even there in the first place if they don't like it. I greatly enjoy the military. It is an honor to serve our great nation. For me it is worth it. I do plan on retiring but I am not serving for the benefits. I am serving to make a difference. If I was serving the wrong reason I could see why one would hate life.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Feb 2 at 2015 5:54 PM

2015-02-02T17:54:20-05:00

Well my brother I'll tell you this, I retired after 20 because I was ready for something else. Tje Army was great to me and my family and I have no regrets...I know guys who spent 25 or more before they retired and all of them wish they would have retired sooner for one reason or another. If you are asking your self "when should I drop my retirement request?" Or "I'm not having fun anymore" it's probably time to hang up your boots and move on.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-02-02T17:56:01-05:00

It was worth it to me, AN Private RallyPoint Member. And I didn't get bitter or R.O.A.D. at the end. Of course, I had one of the best ranks out there - warrant officer - so I was good to go.

Seriously, though, if the military is for you, then I believe that serving until retirement is smart. Every month that you live after that, you get paid for what you did those 20 or 30 years, with no further obligation. Stay healthy, and live long enough to make it pay.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Feb 2 at 2015 6:05 PM

2015-02-02T18:05:09-05:00

If it is worth it to stay in to retire is a good question and a METT-TC answer. The answer varies based upon the strategic and personal situations. For example see below. At the end of the day, however, a leader should be giving 100% every day. If a leader can not or will not then they should self select out before being forced out by the chain of command or a strategic mechanism (ie QMP).
- 10 SEP 2001. Good US economy, depending upon personal situation could either get out or stay in.
- 11 SEP 2001. Suck US economy. Most people probably decided to stay in for personal reasons that had nothing to do with the economy. Shows how things can change strategically and personally on a dime.
- 2009. Suck US economy, growing US military. If a person was not burned out by several combat deployments by this time then worth it to stay in.
- 2015. US economy gaining strength but still not good depending upon location. US Military drawing down. Might not be able to stay to retirement if not progressing. Might be better to get out.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 6:44 PM

2015-02-02T18:44:51-05:00

Yes, there are too many benefits to convince me otherwise.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 1:43 AM

2015-02-03T01:43:40-05:00

Well I am almost at 20 years and some days it gets to that point. Other days I love my job and couldn't ask for a better job. I guess its all within the experience that each person has had with the military and what they have done and where they have been. I got a few more years left on these tires!

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Feb 3 at 2015 9:49 AM

2015-02-03T09:49:03-05:00

-This started out as a reply to a specific individual, but I think it's more general than that. The theme is seeing the other person's perspective. I'd like to propose a thought experiment, setting aside that I am RC. This will be an O example, but the same applies for E.

Let's assume that we join the AC because our souls are all on fire to make a difference in the world. We want to grab life by the nose and kick it in the balls....

Time passes, let's say 15-18 years. We go through a marriage or two, too many moves to contemplate, maybe see some combat or maybe not. Never held a civilian job, except for maybe a part-time one as a JO. Our kids are going to start college in a year or two. Our wife really wants a real house. Our careers have plateaued. Barring a miracle, we're pretty sure we're at our terminal rank. Our level of frustration is through the roof. We've had it with this Micky Mouse organization.....

We have no ADSO remaining, we can drop an unqualified resignation at any time. Upon doing so, we will get a firm handshake, a nice little party, and maybe a LOM.

-or-
We can grimly hang in there (in the above example, there is no other way that we would be hanging in.... ;-) ) for another 2-5 years, get the handshake, party, LOM, AND 45-55K a year for life.

I know which option I would chose, and whether I still liked the Army or not would have very little to do with it.

I have no respect for the R.O.A.D. guys, but I do for those who are gutting it out.

Note: I enjoy the Army, and have for all but a few years of my affiliation with it.

Note2: The above scenario was similar to what my father, career Navy enlisted, went through.

Note3: With blended service (I.e. AC followed by RC), you can get out of the AC grind and still get some amount of retirement, but it will come MANY years later and be less.... Interestingly enough, what my step-father (also career Navy enlisted) did.

Note4: The same issues exist for reservists, but aren't nearly so stark. It's a lot easier to walk away from something you won't see for 20 more years anyway, and you can always move from drilling to non-drilling status if you want a break.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 12:14 PM

2015-02-03T12:14:31-05:00

I haven't retired yet AN Private RallyPoint Member I am currently working on a second career, and will use my military retirement as a back-up. So in my case, it will be very worth it

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 3 at 2015 12:33 PM

2015-02-03T12:33:16-05:00

Yes, it was well worth it in my case. I see you're a Navy junior enlisted sailor. Good for you. You've probably got a long life ahead of you. If you like your job and the Navy, staying in for 20 will work out well. Here's why I'm happy I stayed:
-Retirement pay. It's great to have "mailbox money" every month. Provides a sound backup to pay from civilian job after retirement.
-TRICARE and TRICARE for life. post-retirement-TRICARE worked out great for my family. We had supplemental insurance to cover what TRICARE standard didn't. Our yearly health care out-of-pocket was always small. And remember, TRICARE has been deemed to meet the Obamacare requirement. TRICARE for Life is an even better deal. TFL picks up what Medicare doesn't pay. Again keeping medical costs to a minimum.
-Education and Training. Active duty education and training set me up for post-retirement civilian employment.
-GI Bill. Depending on the version of the GI Bill you're eligible for, it's a great way to get your additional education at reduced out-of-pocket cost.
-Networking. People you meet on active duty (military, civilian, and contractors) provide a network of associations that can help you find post-retirement opportunities and support.

Big HOWEVER: if you don't like the Navy, don't stay just for the retirement benefits. 20 years of being miserable isn't worth it. Get out. Use the GI bill to further education. Pursue a civilian career in something you like doing.

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Feb 3 at 2015 4:03 PM

2015-02-03T16:03:23-05:00

This time 15 years ago, I was out processing to retire. I had exactly 20 years and one day (personnel checked many times to be sure). I left because it was time for me to go. I had received a P3 due to my knees and was no longer able to lead from the front. Profile PT wasn't working for me. Too many years of Motrin 800mg from medics and PA's and not enough actual therapy from an orthopedist. When I was finally referred to Walter Reed, the Ortho doctor I saw was so possed. Could have been prevented and I should have been more aggressive about my body and medical treatment. But, I expected everyone to do there jobs just like I always expected from myself and my soldiers.

Anyway, there are different reasons for leaving. That was just one of mine. But I'm glad I did it. It's worked out great!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 7:15 PM

2015-02-03T19:15:02-05:00

Here's my take. I've been in the Army 20 years last December and I still love it. I am one of a select few however who at 20 years gets the distinct honor of commanding at the LTC level. It's an honor and I love being with the Soldiers in this Squadron. Now...at some point...maybe in the near future, the Army may tell me that they no longer require me as a commander. I'm not going to stick around and do staff jobs for another 10-15 years for the sake of it. If someone is no longer in the "command track" (at least in the Army), it's possible to get a little jaded. Most don't. Some do. Some just ride their time to 20, take their retirement award and chalk up one decent monthly paycheck. I still love it. I hope I always will. This profession has value. It has meaning. It has honor and self sacrifice. There are very few that do. Hold your own values high and revel in the things that you love about the service. Don't let those who have failed drag on your soul. Use them as reasons to achieve and be a better man then they. Your service is noble. Your sacrifice is prime.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 8:26 PM

2015-02-03T20:26:26-05:00

Absolutely! I stayed in 25-1/2 years (28 for pay). The only thing I'd do different, is I should have retired at 22 years, rather than stayed in another 3-1/2.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 12:03 PM

2015-02-04T12:03:37-05:00

From the financial side of it, retiring from the military is very much worth it.

An E-7 who would be retiring this year with 23 years of service will generate $1,454,154 worth of total benefits (pension, commissary, and medical) if they live to the age of 82, $1,369,668 if they live to the age of 79, and $1,281,030 if they live to the age of 76.

Response by SMSgt Paul Ringheiser made Feb 4 at 2015 1:26 PM

2015-02-04T13:26:36-05:00

32 years - career reservist (Marine & AF). Activated involuntarily one time. With a dual career as a civilian (Navy & Army) - I successfully blended the two. Mostly in Fire Protection, but they complimented each very well. I would do it over.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Feb 4 at 2015 2:52 PM

2015-02-04T14:52:45-05:00

Hell yeah it's worth it, where else can you serve along professionals that are sworn and willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for mission and the people alongside them? How could you not fall in love with our profession? If you love doing what you do, it is hard to leave it! I will retire with 30 years of continuous active service and really enjoy every Soldier on the team! When we forget that we serve the people of our country AND we serve our Soldiers, we ought to find something else to do because at that point it is only a job!

Response by SFC Donald LeBlanc made Feb 4 at 2015 2:53 PM

2015-02-04T14:53:21-05:00

Mr Taylor,

After 20 years of service and an Army Retiree from a Combat MOS, I do say emphatically - YES! it is worth it. Your after service Retiree benefits are ALONE worth the effort and time to serve. Whatever and individuals motivation to stay 20 or longer - is really a personal one - but should never be a detractor for you to make your decision. There are many factors that play into how "happy" someone will be - or not be. I decided that 20 was enough - I got tired of multiple deployments and spending literally YEARS in Afghanistan. SO - that being stated - do some soul searching, think about the END result and benefits that come along with that retiree pin.

As far as being a disgruntled person - that just means someone is unhappy as an individual for whatever reason. Find things that bring you happiness, enroll in school, learn skills that will assist you in the future when you do retire and focus on your family. You are the only person that can truly make yourself happy! LIVE LIFE my friend!

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Feb 4 at 2015 6:54 PM

2015-02-04T18:54:20-05:00

When I went into the service, I had no intention of getting out anything shorter than 20 years. Time and circumstances made the change in plans for me.

I've known happy sailors that said, "Its a Great Navy Day!" and meant it whole heartedly, and had no intention of leaving the service before they were chased down and thrown off the base with their discharge papers.

I've known worn out sailors that were ready to hit the door at 15 years, but stuck it out the last five for the retirement. They weren't happy and it was stamped on their faces, but the retirement pay was important to them, so they did it.

The retirement pay isn't bad and will help out in later years. Benefits, however, get whittled down every year. Old promises are forgotten and new ideas to cut costs take more prescience. Don't hold on for retirement because of anything you see as a benefit today, because it may not exist when your time comes. Stay in because you love the job and can't see living any other way.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 12:33 AM

2015-02-05T00:33:39-05:00

AN Private RallyPoint Member, one more thing...I've been re-reading a great book that really talks about why people should serve. It's called Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein. Don't watch the movie...totally different. I've read this book 5 times over my military career and I have found it has more meaning every time I read it. Give it a go. It will tell you things about yourself and about those people you are talking about. It's an easy read...if it does have some antiquated lanquage.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Feb 5 at 2015 9:27 AM

2015-02-05T09:27:09-05:00

Yes, I believe staying in to retire is worth it because you will have a guaranteed retirement check monthly, but you still have to supplement that income due to the high cost of living. Many men and women hate the idea after military life what now especially when you are still supporting a family and need stability, for some military life is all he/she knows, and those who didn't stay in for the long haul have regrets because he/she mostly men missed the traveling and experiencing other things in the military. There is more reasons out there, but this is just to name a few. Personally I still miss the Army, but the adjustment is a slow process as I continue to move forward.

Response by SrA Britney Sharpe made Feb 6 at 2015 9:57 AM

2015-02-06T09:57:17-05:00

Well, 20 years is a long time for anything. That "look" is ingrained. We are held to tougher and higher regards. We have to command respect, and that will never be done with a weak attitude. This is not for everyone, but those that do it, generally can not imagine a different life.

Response by SGM Matthew West made Feb 6 at 2015 3:17 PM

2015-02-06T15:17:49-05:00

I always said if it was no longer fun, I would retire. There were good and bad days but for no apparent reason, on 18 DEC 2008, I woke up, looked at my wife and said I am dropping my paperwork today. Nothing bad going on my life, good job, living in Italy, but I just knew. It was time. No regrets, no horrible nightmares of missing it, nothing. I get to work with Soldiers every day so that may be why I am not as bad off as some who retire. That was 25 years plus and enjoyed doing what I did, but it was time to move on. Open that position for the next guy. Just my opinion, I could be wrong!

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Feb 6 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-02-06T15:37:22-05:00

Well AN Private RallyPoint Member, I guess it all depends on what your definition of "worth it" means. To me, worth it means to have served my Nation, my Army, and to have taught, mentored and trained America's youth to not only be Soldiers, but to be mature adults who will be productive members of society when they take the uniform off. To me, that is absolutely worth it every single day and twice on Sundays. ;)

Response by CSM Ralph Hernandez made Feb 6 at 2015 5:05 PM

2015-02-06T17:05:49-05:00

AN Taylor,

I am sure that you have already received a lot of feedback so let me give you my to cents. I have been very fortunate in that I have had lots of good Leaders and Mentors that helped me along the way. I have always said that if you are not happy with what your doing maybe it's time to move on. But to answer your question, yes it is worth it, unless you hit the lottery of course. The one thing to remember is that not only are you doing for yourself but you may be doing it for your family as well. Everyone has good and bad days, next time you see an old Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine with a frown on their face you should ask if they are having a bad day or is that the look you get when you are ready to retire.

Response by MSgt Joanna Clute made Feb 11 at 2015 3:08 PM

2015-02-11T15:08:04-05:00

Little quick on the post button, haha.

Response by MSgt Joanna Clute made Feb 11 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-02-11T15:11:46-05:00

It's so worth it, as long as your heart is still in it. I just retired at my 20 year mark, I would have stayed longer but I've been injured and can't deploy. It was time. Still, I miss my people every day. No civilian job is going to have the caliber of people I just left. I feel like my military service was the great thing I was called to do, and nothing else is going to come close.

Response by SMSgt Thomas Chatburn made Feb 15 at 2015 9:44 AM

2015-02-15T09:44:53-05:00

If you're not happy, get out. Find something worthwhile that you want to do. Nobody likes someone that sticks around just for a pension. They're toxic and bad for morale. Colin Powell said (and I'm paraphrasing) "...get off the train before you're thrown off. Know when you've reached your station."

Response by PO1 John Miller made Mar 1 at 2015 10:33 PM

2015-03-01T22:33:46-05:00

Robert, this is a good question. I retired from the Navy 2 years ago and I do not regret it. I've got great benefits (pension, VA disability, and Tricare) for the rest of my life. I also live near an Air Force base so I am able to shop at the BX (NEX in Navy speak) and commissary. I'm also able to get most military discounts that various merchants/retailers offer.
As far as the second part of your question, I think it's a mix. I know for myself, towards the latter part of my career (around the 15 year mark) I did pretty much hate life. The Navy does seem to suck the life out of the more senior leaders and I'm sure you're familiar with the saying "**it rolls downhill."
HOWEVER, after being re-indoctrinated into civilian society after a while I got my personality back. Think of it like this. You're a former convict who just got released from prison. It's going to take a little time to readjust to life on the outside.

Response by SGT Richard Ellis made Apr 1 at 2015 5:17 PM

2015-04-01T17:17:21-04:00

Health Care for you and dependents for life, (Children til they turn 18). That made it worth it for me. Bitch is that I have to pay for dental coverage.

Response by 1stSgt Daryl Allen made Apr 22 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-04-22T12:54:27-04:00

I was a military BRAT prior to my enlistment in the USAF. I enjoyed every tour of duty, the friends I had and some I still have, and my benefits. The heart catheterization I had was $48,000 but my cost was $57. My wife's cancer would have devastated us medically also. That doesn't count all the other health issues. The small price I pay for dental insurance is well worth it too. However, if you are near a military base as a retiree the base can do dental for you if they have the staff and time. Was it worth it, YES!!!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 9:56 AM

2016-01-05T09:56:03-05:00

I just hit the 20 year mark last month. BA weekends are one of my favorites. I still enjoy it and still volunteer for any extra assignments that come up.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 1:20 PM

2016-01-08T13:20:48-05:00

If you can't retire from active duty, at least stay in the Reserves or Guard; not just the pay, but the TRICARE, PX, Commissary, fitness center, all worth it. I even like the fact that I am still a part of the total force. (May the Total Force be with you!)

Response by PO1 Scott Cottrell made Feb 2 at 2016 9:07 PM

2016-02-02T21:07:27-05:00

When I finished my 20 years, I was ready to move on, With all the changes that have taken place in the Navy since I retired, I'm not sure I would stay in to 20 if I was just joining now.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2016 6:24 PM

2016-11-12T18:24:28-05:00

Well, I can't speak for the current service experience, but I was glad to have stayed for retirement in my time frame. The guaranteed retirement benefits MSG Williams refers to make a huge difference my quality of life today.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 12 at 2016 10:48 PM

2016-11-12T22:48:03-05:00

Not any more...

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Nov 14 at 2016 12:55 AM

2016-11-14T00:55:11-05:00

Varies by person. I loved it until my last few years but I served 30. I can say that over that time period, I had two bosses I didn't care for and one bad situation.

Response by LT Louis McKellar made Nov 15 at 2016 3:42 PM

2016-11-15T15:42:13-05:00

Absolutely! Served 20 years and 1 day of active duty. Been retired 22 years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2020 10:26 PM

2020-08-23T22:26:33-04:00

I have over 19 years total service, just went over 16 years AFS. I've been blessed to have done some wonderful things in my career. The last two years have not been fun and I decided that I will hang up my boots at 20 AFS. I'm declining consideration for promotion and hoping my next (last) assignment is better.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 17 at 2021 1:08 PM

2021-07-17T13:08:05-04:00

The average annual income in the US is about $33,000. My retirement check is about $38,000 a year. Sooooo....yeah, I think so.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 17 at 2021 1:51 PM

2021-07-17T13:51:14-04:00

I don't understand your perception on retirees. The retirees I know are good people and financially set.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Jul 17 at 2021 4:32 PM

2021-07-17T16:32:06-04:00

I can only speak for myself, I look at it this way, whether you are in the Military or doing a civilian thing. You still have to live and continue looking forward. I do not throw away my gains. Whether you retire as military or civilian you will do exactly that.
When I was in I would hear soldiers say how they were mad about one thing or another. I would say don't get out because you are mad, if you did you would be the only one mad. I would also say to those that have over ten years in, if you want someone to be mad, let the government be mad every month they are paying you a retirement.
I retired when I was 59.5 years old, I maximized my time in, I retired with both Active duty time and reserve time, the reserve time allowed me to buy and pay off my house
Life is great

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2021 4:49 PM

2021-07-17T16:49:53-04:00

You will work till you give up, and/or die, unless you're wealthy. If you don't favor the intangibles of service, it's all dollars and sense. Most retirees are productive, responsible and amiable citizens. Same 10% as always, but they enjoy life. They also have self-pride for finishing the race. It's a transition from blue to grey, but has been done for years. You are seeing their work face. If you could see them on liberty, with family, and off-duty you might be amazed.

Response by 1SG Chad Mcdaniel made Dec 24 at 2021 6:54 PM

2021-12-24T18:54:44-05:00

I retired after 26 and if I could have stayed longer I would have, in fact Id go back if they'd have me. On the other hand my wife retired just shy of 22 and I'm sure she'd not have stayed any longer and would never go back. In the end I retired over 3 years ago and my wife not even 3 months ago. Things change in life and the military this affects people differently; however, we still have 5 kids under18, because military along with VA we are financially sound and will never have to work again...both of us are still under 50...so not angry, not disgruntled I'm thankful!