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

when the fun stuff is no longer fun. and not just once, but repeatedly.

When big Navy told me I had been in too long

Thanks to all for sharing your views.

When the military stops being fun and you fail to keep an open mind then it is time to leave. Because you are no longer putting forth the effort to make a difference in the lives of the Officers and Enlisted Soldiers around you.

It really wasn't my decision.  I had injured my knee and was medically discharged as a young Navy Lieutenant.  I had the option to go into Public Affairs or Intelligence but my wife was pregnant with our third child and I thought it was time to move on.

I really enjoyed my time in the AF. As an aircrew member, I saw some great (and some not-so-great) places. I knew it was time to go when a young airman made a mess of my personnel file right before a deployment and I was accused of threatening said airman. The worst part was his supervisor, instead of picking up the phone and investigating the situation, told him to file a report with the Security Forces "if he felt threatened." The incident was resolved without any negative action toward me.  However, I resolved that I wouldn't let another weak airman, and equally weak supervisor, have shot at ruining a great career working with some of our most elite forces. The good part is I'm still serving now as a Contractor and am well beyond the reach of such BS.

In my earlier years as a company grade officer, I often thought about how I'd like to resign or retire at 20 and try something completely new.  As I progressed in assignments, each of which was even better than the last (through sheer luck in finding some of the great niches that the Army has), I realized I'd be in until the Army told me to retire at MRD of 30 years.  I hated to let go and hang up the uniform for the last time, but it's easier knowing that retirement of the older guys and gals clears the way for the great, dedicated young talent the Army has in younger generations.

After 22.5 yrs...I knew that it was time when "They" decided to PCS me to Korea for a 1 yr remote tour and "Plan" to "Break my leg and shave off an inch or so" in hopes to make me better.  I couldn't stand the thought of having my leg broken in "the land of the not quite right" and try to do rehab by myself...it was time to punch and leave the Service to the young bloods.

RCP...apparently became too "mature" for promotion to MSG in the evolving Army...I stayed as long as I could doing what I loved, training Soldiers, in my case young Armor LTs in BOLC.