Retirees: What were your reasons that made you hesitant to submit your retirement packet? Possible promotion? Not fully committed yet? Other?

MAJ Mark N. One of my NCOs pulled his packet twice and then his wife finally made him submit it. He had 22 yrs so he was ok but, he had never done anything else in his life so it was the unknown factor that was holding him up. He found a good job later and was glad all worked out.

Glad to hear your NCO landed on his feet, employment wise. That is not always the case, especially for those from the combat arms. Although I was an Airborne Ranger Field Artilleryman during my younger years, I selected Public Affairs as my "functional area" and successive assignments in PA helped me land a good job post retirement. With that, I would suggest all career combat arms officers consider a functional area that has applicability in the civilian world. My journey....

COL David Wayne Despite wanting to do so much more, eventually we all come to realize that we have to move on. I have crossed off so much I set out to do and with a list of some things I will not get to experience. Either way, I have accomplished a vast majority of my goals so far. The 0300 will come some day for me as my wife keeps asking when I will retire.

I have a few friends who were given MEBs and they had to leave early too. One would have retired this year. Both were good Soldiers and loved serving each day.

SFC Don Vance I remember a CSM saying the same thing when we were on detail at Ft Carson. He had just walked by us on his way to his office and said the fun was running out and the wife was pulling his arm to retire after 30 yrs.

Always take advice from the old soldiers! They've been there, done that, and know what they're talking about.

LTC Mark Beattie It will seem different being a civilian and not having the same structure I was used to while serving. I'll get used to it eventually and enjoy more time with the family. Wife said my primary job will be to take the kids to school each day and that my next job will work around their pick up and drop off schedules. I guess I have been hired full-time already. It will be great to be around them more too.

You're right Jacob, it will take a little time. Assuming you seek to return to the civilian job sector, just be aware that the environment is different. I've worked as a defense contractor for several years now, but even working in a military environment it's different without the uniform. In some DoD environments contractors are considered outsiders, even those with military backgrounds. Once you take off the uniform leave the rank with it. No one likes the guy or gal who continues identifying with the rank they once were. Enjoy civilian life and the family once you make the leap. Good luck!! Mark B.

LTC Mark Beattie I can't wait to retire but still have the concerns about what guarantees are there and ones that I have to adjust on. I know I will be alright but hope to find a career that will support my family. My primary goal is to provide for the kids and wife and then I get $10 each month for my reward. Just not sure how it will be once I see others not giving their full efforts while it was accustomed for me to ensure everyone in the company did. I have heard about that situation where a retired SM comes in and begins to hold others accountable. He eventually left for another job as he couldn't stand the management and they didn't fully support his point of views. He was right in that someone needed to put others in check however, in the end, he couldn't get the same kind of outcome expected if everyone were in the service.

Jacob - There are a few guarantees you receive having served. First, you'll always carry the Veteran status, which is respected by most people and businesses. Second, you qualify for a VA home loan and GI Bill benefits. Third, if you receive a VA disability rating of any level, you'll have some access to VA hospitals. I strongly encourage you to use an organization like the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to assist you in screening your medical records and submitting a claim as part of your out processing. Don't be that guy or gal who says, "Oh, there's nothing wrong with me." You don't know for certain, and if something develops in 10 years or so that turns out to be service connected, it will be extremely difficult to get any consideration from the VA. Now is the time to get assistance and submit your claim. There are many, many instances where the VA doctors will determine something in your medical history is service connected, but not qualify at this time for a rating. However, once determined as service connected it can be reviewed periodically by the VA to determine if it exceeds the threshold for attaining a disability rating. Lastly, nothing in the civilian populace is guaranteed. While employment is heavily dependent on contacts and who you know, hard work, a positive attitude, integrity, loyalty, and ethics are major factors. I have feeling you'll do well!!

SSG (Join to see) Hope all goes better for you in your next chapter of life. I have a few friends who received MEBs and wanted to stay in. They both would have retired about 1-2 yrs ago had they been able to stay in for their 20.

Good thing is your pain is gone. Hope you found a great career do something that works for you. I'm still researching careers once I decide to retire from the ranks.

It took nine months for my fingers to heal up after I drove off post. I'm working in law enforcement now. I received the job offer as I was driving off post after I picked up my blue ID card.