Posted on Feb 5, 2017
Retirees: What were your reasons that made you hesitant to submit your retirement packet? Possible promotion? Not fully committed yet? Other?
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Over the years, many of us grow comfortable in the military lifestyle and benefits that provides for our families. After all, 20+ years deserves a big retirement for faithful service to the nation. Were any of you having second thoughts to submit your retirement packet when you could have stayed in longer?
Posted in these groups: 
Retirement
Retirement
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 21
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My only hesitation was potentially leaving O6 on the table. I did not make it in the zone, despite success in command. I asked around, had branch do an autopsy on my file, figured the 8% chance AZ was a moon shot so I pulled my Reserve. I sit at about 40% regret level, especially as peers have made the list AZ. More than I ever remember. The 60% part has a happier family, did not PCS needs of the Army with no leverage, and got a pretty good job. Have not froze my ass off at PT this winter. Can't go back now.
What it really boils down to is, are you done? Has your career run its course? Are you still up for the next Army thing? Is your family ready to support that ? Are you financially ready? Do you know what direction you want to go?
What it really boils down to is, are you done? Has your career run its course? Are you still up for the next Army thing? Is your family ready to support that ? Are you financially ready? Do you know what direction you want to go?
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CPT Jacob Swartout
All are good points that will be heavily considered. Now I have to get my spouse to agree on a few things that I see could happen or it's time for me to find my next career. She will for sure let me know how she feels about more time added vs. starting something new and going for another retirement some place else.
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I delayed my retirement to serve out DESERT SHIELD/STORM at the request of a General Officer. I'm glad I did. When the redeployment started, I put in my retirement papers again and never looked back. My primary reasons to retire were being passed over for O-6 and the real possibility of a remote-unaccompanied assignment (Korea) if I didn't retire. My decision was best for my family and for me.
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
I was pretty much the same as you, except already had the remote-unaccompanied (Turkey) under my belt. It was time.
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