Retirees - When did you know it was time to hang up the uniform?

I realized after 31 years of combined active and reserve duty service that it was time to go when I received the letter. It said "roughly" Thank you for your 30 years of service.

When my CPT told a PFC: "Don't worry about doing what he told you (taking a bag of trash to a dumpster about 100 feet away), I'll have a talk with him (me-MSG and the PFC's 2nd line supervisor)."

SGM Matthew Quick
When branch promised me a year in a stabilized unit after 8 years mostly deployed/gone and it was a lie. I called the Commander, told him I'd be inbound and he was very happy to hear I'd be there for the deployment in 2 months. Both kids were in High School. I was done playing.

When I felt that I wouldn't be able to serve my country and the Army that I love to the fullest. I would rather be an honorable veteran than try to only play the part of a soldier.

For me, I was working on getting ready as Top Cap was going to get me sooner than later. As I tried to get my Master's degree done, I kept coming up for deployment and computers (at least really portable ones) were not that prevalent yet. So it ended up that I was "chosen" again for a lengthy deployment - this was my moment that I felt it was time to pull the plug. Most people (retirees) that I talk to, all say that they had some sort of pivotal moment when they just knew it was time.. You tend to think about it for some time before the moment arrives. So wait for that moment.

My decision was made for me. I was injured. I had some great assignments and the people I served with were the greatest people I have known. The frustration over promotions and the selections which were made added to my physical issues made me glad my career ended. I enjoy retirement, but miss the wonderful Soldiers I served with. Even though I retired, my last command, a horrible experience, did not offer a retirement ceremony or recognition for my spouse so I ended even more downtrodden. A former Commander contacted me recently and related he evalates NCOs based on my performance and the standard I set was challenging for most to reach. I finally received that retirement award in those words.

I got retired against my wishes at the height of the surge with 18.5 years in. I have a tattoo of an M2 Bradley on my arm. I was not a happy camper. They say I fell under a "legacy" program when they called me back 4 years later to do my follow up from TDRL. They started right up with, I hope you aren't wanting to get back on active duty. I was not a happy camper. That being said, and hurt feelings aside, (and I will never bash the Army for enforcing what is rammed down their throats from higher), I BEG you retiree candidates to retire on good terms with the military. You don't want to EVER leave with a bitter taste in your mouth. You made it. You are the elite of the elite. Not only are you a 1%'er for serving, you made it to retirement! If you get out on a bad note I PROMISE YOU, it will take a toll on your life. No one gets rich from DOD retirement. You either have to live like a grunt in the field or continue working. The VA is going to need you to do stuff and you better do what they need when they need it. God help you if you go to the bottom of some pile with the VA in the turmoil that it is going through these days. Please feel free to message if you have any other questions and you better message if you are moving to the Phoenix area. Best wishes.

This is a question I've been struggling with of late. On the one hand, I've always felt that I would serve as long as I'm needed and will leave happily when the powers that be say it's time to go.

That being said, I think it comes down to resilience. Resilience requires something to feed back into it otherwise the well runs dry. If the well runs dry and you can't find a new source to feed it, then it's likely time to go.

I was at a retirement ceremony the other day for an officer w/40 years of service this month. He reminded me that how we ride the wave of change is the key to being successful and it gave me a little push to keep going a while longer. I believe I'll retire in a few years, maybe not if I get asked to take a Brigade position. I keep thinking it's time to go, then some young Soldier comes to me for guidance and mentoring and I think I'm not quite done yet...

As many posters said, your body will tell you a lot. If physically it's getting to be too much and your heart is drawing you elsewhere, then maybe the time has come.

When you hit 20, get QRBd and dropped for stupid reasons, even though your skill set and resume speak for themselves. Apparently being overweight carries more weight to the QRB than being one of only 3 branch qualified Signal officers in the state. Oh well.

When you hit 20, get QRBd and dropped for stupid reasons, even though your skill set and resume speak for themselves. Apparently being overweight carries more weight to the QRB than being one of only 3 branch qualified Signal officers in the state. Oh well.