Stay 20 years in the military vs. Going back to civilian life?

2014-05-29T23:40:02-04:00

Right now I am young, and have so many opportunities. I want to do something good with my life, something fulfilling where I can help fulfill others too. So my problem is, do I choose the obvious path to success (Stay in 20 years in military) or pursue a less stable route by getting out of the military (Going back to civilian life) and actually trying to find the right, fulfilling career for me? I’m just curious to see what others’ takes are on this.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2014 12:01 AM

2014-05-30T00:01:40-04:00

PO3 Jeon,

It really depends on what interests you, your personality, what capabilities you have, and your level of persistence and commitment.

I would be happy to discuss offline.

Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by SSgt Matthew Benack made May 30 at 2014 12:23 AM

2014-05-30T00:23:09-04:00

With the cutbacks it's going to be hard to stay 20 years. This is because they have lowered theservice limitations. That is going to reduce the total force fast no matter how good you are at your job or how fast you get promoted. Getting promoted fast is probably your best Ave to stay in 20 years otherwise you'll belet go by service limitations. The total reduction in overall forces sucks for everyone! My final thoughts, if you can stay in stay in otherwise make sure you have 100% idea of a job that you are sure will cover your expenses as a civilian. Invest as much money as you can as well as save now while you're young because it will add up quick overtime! A good rule of thumbis to save at a minimum 10 percent of your pay in something other than government bonds. Find something that is high interest bearing like a CD or hire a broker to invest in stocks. Get as much of your education out of the way before you leave the military especially Any certificate that will support your professional job that you wish to obtain!

Response by SFC Douglas Eshenbaugh made May 30 at 2014 3:37 AM

2014-05-30T03:37:41-04:00

Everyone should plan to get out, we all are going to do it unless you plan dieing on active duty which is a terrible plan in my opinion. Ask yourself what do you want to do when you get out. Do you want or can you even stay in your current profession when you get out? (not much call for Infantry in the civilian market, or maybe you suffered some injury that prevents you from standing for long periods of time). What certifications or additional training would you need (these can actually help you get promoted faster in some situations YMMV)? If you want to stay in your current field do you want to be doing that when your 50? When your 65? Will you be more or less marketable when your 40ish and making the change verses 25ish. Do you want to become fully retired when you get out. It is possible to do that at 20 years of service with aggressive saving. Regardless of when you decide to get out, you need to decide now what it is you want when you get out, identify gaps and then fill those gaps.

After that the question becomes do you enjoy the military lifestyle. There are some suck parts but there are some advantages. Right now you have a good working knowledge of the system. You know what is expected of you more or less and you have an idea of what it will take to get promoted as well as how long you can stay in for each rank if you keep your nose clean. For as chaotic as our lives can be in the military there is some predictability to them. You might not know where you will be stationed next year but you know that you will be paid and a good idea of how much as well. This level of predictability can be worth more than just a higher pay scale but the chance to walk in on Friday and not have a job on Monday.

Response by Cpl David Garcia made May 30 at 2014 6:12 PM

2014-05-30T18:12:38-04:00

The civilian world offers more opportunities. I was in the same quagmire as you eight years ago. The ease of the enlisted life is wonderful where an “S” shop takes care of the complexity of life. I loved being a grunt but with the situation in Iraq still new to the United States private companies offered better options. Four years after my discharge I wanted to go back in and use my degree as a way into the Officer Corps but the government was experiencing budget issues making this option illogical

My point is there are no definite answers. We experience the paradox of getting out of the service to go back in when the civilians get all the gravy. I feel that after my two contracts with the military I did enough time to take advantage of the freedoms that others did not earn.

Go to school and unless you want to be a doctor or attorney do not go past a Master’s degree. Get a job that places you above the status quo and live a good life. Do not waste opportunities or gifts.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2014 10:06 PM

2014-08-03T22:06:04-04:00

I spent five years active duty as a machinist in the Navy, I got out because, as I believed then, the grass was greener on the other side. After several years as a civilian machinist in a good company, I began to rethink my decision. I had been layed-off several times for one reason or another. I had been told my position was permanently eliminated, and at that point, decided to further my education as a nurse. After completing school and getting my bachelors degree in nursing, I began to heavily reconsider re-entering the Navy as a nurse. It took me 2 years, a lot of time and energy, only to be told after turning in my package that I was too old for active duty in the Navy. By this time, I could have retired with 20 years. I ended up settling for the Navy Reserves as a Nurse, because at the time, this seemed like the best option. I'm now completing my package for active duty as an Air Force nurse, there is no comparison The retirement, granted you can stay in that long, is worth it. Civilian employment isn't always the greatest, there are so many issues you deal with that are as prevalent in the military sector. And then there are the benefits... or lack of. Health insurance, education, housing allowance, ect. I guess my biggest thing is, I'm not interested in working into my 70's like my parents and so many others have had to do. Take a good, long look at your options before you get out. That grass may look pretty green, but may dry up real quick.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 9:46 PM

2014-08-12T21:46:00-04:00

Wait wait wait a minute. Now I know I'm going to be in the minority with this response, but staying in the military does not always equal "obvious path to success" if it's not YOUR RIGHT path to success.

Joining the military was one of the best things I ever did for myself. Getting out after 4 was another great thing I did for myself. I have a very successful, stable career. Was it as easy, cut and dry as staying in the military and playing with the deck of you're given? Nope. I had to go find my cards. It wasn't easy, but I'm convinced that I made the right choice for myself. It's not always going to be easy, but you've got to do what you feel right about.

I would say that if you're going to stay in - stay in long term. My husband did 10 years and got out. Yeah, because of my wishes. He has struggled, he's had a harder civilian life journey than I have, but he's finally getting the momentum he needs to be successful. Either stay in and do 20, or get out early (like I did) and be a career civilian. Military was only 3 years and 9 months of my life....(I got out 3 months early due to my ship decommissioning and it was dumb for them to send me temporary duty for 3 months.... so I asked for early separation). I'm a better civilian and better person because of my military experience, but I wouldn't have been a good long term service member. I knew that and recognized the fact. I got out while I was ahead.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do. Don't discount the outside though. Personally, I think it's fabulous. Still alot of drama to deal with, but not the kind of military politics that made me want to roll my eyes out of sheer stupidity.... such as the whole african american hair issue that's recently caused an uproar. Lame lame lame. That's the kind of stuff our military leaders are wasting their time on? tsk tsk.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2014 3:04 PM

2014-08-13T15:04:11-04:00

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member No matter what you decide and you have your game plan set, at least transfer to the Guard or Reserve. Many former active duty folks kick themselves in the butt for not going reserve after active duty. Nothing wrong with finishing your 20 or more in the reserve. You will also have the same benefits retiring active or reserve. This was some of the best advice from my father to me after his 13 years of service. I have given the same advice to my own son who has chosen to leave active after his second enlistment is over. Looking back now I wish I had stayed active duty. Best of luck to you in what ever direction you choose.

Response by PO1 Matthew Wicke made Aug 13 at 2014 3:50 PM

2014-08-13T15:50:20-04:00

There are plenty of arguments for staying 20/30 and plenty for getting out. You already seem to be taking a proactive method to making this decision. Ultimately it is your decision to make.

I have a few suggestions to consider while you mull over the advice.

1. While you are in, do your best to knock out some college, working toward a degree. CLEP exams are good for supplementing college and can advance you to a degree quicker.

2. Whatever qualifications you get as an LS, try to get them converted into civilian certifications. Some of the certifications you can obtain as an LS are forklift and heavy equipment operator, and hazardous material specialist. Ask your LPO and LCPO about other certifications you can get.

3. Unless you are forced to get out or you have a job/college lined up at the end of your enlistment, keep reenlisting as a viable option.

4. Make sure you keep a paper copy of everything that is supposed to go in your service record and medical record.

The Navy will be one of the easiest jobs you will ever encounter. You rarely have to worry about housing, transportation, medical, and food while serving.

Whatever you decide, look to any of the veteran organizations (VFW, American Legion, or sites like this) whenever you need assistance. Good luck.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Aug 13 at 2014 5:14 PM

2014-08-13T17:14:37-04:00

PO3 Jeon, I think you should stay in and ride the green wienie, wait that's Army...you should stay in the Navy for as long as your can. I was in your boots many moons ago. I have 16 years time in service now so I am not getting off the green wienie for at least 4 to 5. I also made some accomplishments through the years so the Army would want to retain me over my peers. If I got out now, I would have to find a job, find health insurance and Obama Care of a young person is super expensive. Take advantage of the opportunities you have before you like health care, college, and experiences of a life time. You can take a 3 or 4 classes a year which seems like it would take forever to complete you degree but over the course of time it shows you are progressing. I wish your luck!

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 13 at 2014 6:45 PM

2014-08-13T18:45:29-04:00

I am retiring, but its been 25 years, STAY IN. Only a few can say they ever retired from the Armed Forces.
Duty, Honor, Country!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2014 8:46 PM

2014-08-13T20:46:46-04:00

My last day is THIS Friday. Start PTDY on Sunday then terminal leave on 1 Sep. Retiring after 23 years of service. Excited but very nervous too.

Response by PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner made Aug 13 at 2014 9:05 PM

2014-08-13T21:05:40-04:00

If you like what you are doing now and if you are single you should stay in. Take advantage of the benefits you have, go to school with TA, keep yourself out of Debt and put money away so that you can get out use your GI Bill to finish what degree you started pursuing and live off what you saved until you finish your degree or if you finished your degree use that money to live on so you do not have to take a crappy job but can hold out for the right job. Not sure what your rate is but I assume it may be in aviation since you are in P'Cola. If Aviation is what you want to do make sure you get your A & P License while you are in the Navy. I would however stay in as long as they let me!! I have a 20 year old son in the Navy and this is the same advice I give him!!

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Aug 19 at 2014 3:10 PM

2014-08-19T15:10:14-04:00

Well I did not stay in for twenty but I wish I would have, maybe. I say maybe because every path that I have walked down has brought me to this place in life that I am at now. There is nowhere else that I would rather be than right here right now. (sound like a song or a soda commercial)

Okay now for my $.02. If you want to stay in see if you can get trained in a profession that is in demand. In demand in the military or civilian world. Personally I would recommend nursing but then I may be a little bit prejudice on that career. It is a career that is in demand both in and out of the military.

Either military or civilian life have their pros and cons and only you can decide what is best for you. Whatever you choose best of luck to you!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-08-06T09:38:00-04:00

I've thought about getting out each time I was due to reenlist. I did the research and realized that I'd need a 6figure salary to maintain my comfortable standard of living. And then I considered the job market, even took a job interview or two. Each time I came to the conclusion that the military was the best thing for me.
Do your homework, take a job interview and then make your decision...the only person that knows what is best for you is you.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 22 at 2015 8:32 PM

2015-10-22T20:32:16-04:00

How many active duty years have you served?

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 12 at 2015 10:59 PM

2015-12-12T22:59:51-05:00

The answer is within you PO Jeon. I enlisted for 3 years and ended up making a career of it. You've got more education than I had, you've pulled duty overseas and now you are at a stable CONUS duty station. You are experiencing a lot of what the Navy offers in a short time. How does it make you feel and what future do you see for yourself? Stay enlisted or try for a commission? Do you want to be in a stable situation or are you ready to move every three years? I foresee a lot of things happening to the military in the next couple of years. The CINC will change in the next year and the new person may have a totally different opinion of the military's role. Do you like and appreciate the people you work with? I obviously enjoyed my military time or I wouldn't have stayed, but you have to see a satisfying future and enjoy the people to make it work. If you're tempted to stay I will tell you that you will be young enough to start over after retirement. What about marriage and a family. In some ways the military can be the worst thing in the world for that, but my children loved it. Unfortunately, my first wife didn't. Sorry I didn't give you an clear concise answer, but there are so many considerations that are unknown in this venue....now if you worked for me for a year I'd be able to give you a real recommendation! Good luck.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Dec 15 at 2015 8:47 AM

2015-12-15T08:47:17-05:00

Well this depends on where your heart is, do you love what you do in the Military? If you are questioning getting out 9-10 you should. I did 20 years and to be honest didn't think I was going to make it with the rank on my collar. I did a lot of stupid things and plus did back to back tours to Iraq so this made me a little crazier than normal. I knew it was best for me to go and put my retirement package in because my heart was no longer liking what I did in the military, so if this is a question you are asking yourself, follow your heart. Now on the flip side I am grateful that I did retire, I get a check the rest of my life and it also makes it a little less stressful on me to work as hard in the civilian world.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2015 1:37 PM

2015-12-17T13:37:47-05:00

This is a serious post from me (a Vet that is in the civilian world), make yourself in the military with the availability of opportunity to get the degree you want (school) and set yourself up for a great opportunity when you do retire. There are so many things that the military offers that you will NOT get outside; especially dealing with benefits (for yourself or current/future family). While doing that, you can explore different countries and expand what your potential is. Plus if you aren't happy with the MOS/Rate that have now, you have the ability to cross-rate/change jobs. If you don't want active, go part time in the reserves (that's what I'm doing so I can get back active). Check your resources out and research what is available.

Take it from me, stay in; you'll benefit in the long run.

Response by SPC Rory J. Mattheisen made Dec 18 at 2015 1:04 AM

2015-12-18T01:04:45-05:00

Stay in, get your 20, get at least an associates degree while you are in, 40 comes quick and dont worry there is a lot of life left on the bone for after the military.

Response by MAJ Michael Pauling made Mar 9 at 2016 8:05 AM

2016-03-09T08:05:37-05:00

Jae, you are wise to ask ? this early in your Career Path. If your goal is financial security and adeqaute medical care I would recommend staying in uniform (under old Pension) rather than getting out. Essentially your life expectancy is going to be in your 90's based on medical advancement and having a defined benefit infaltion-adjusted annuity (old Military formula) is a gold mine compared to what is out there and what military is transforming to. The TSP plan is decent if you contribute regularly but the 401k is a disaster in the making. You do not have to stay Active Duty, go Reserves/Guard like I did and you get same medical and reduced $ but even those benefits start later in life when you will most need them. I retired at 38 as an 0-4. Most important is to measure what you might gain by what you might lose.

Response by Sgt David Hoshour made Oct 5 at 2016 6:56 PM

2016-10-05T18:56:37-04:00

I think you can be successful if you are wherever you go. Life is going to throw curveballs no matter what and you just have to deal with it. I personally think that trying to get jobs with just your military experience is tough, but you have a lot of doors open when you have military experience and a college degree.

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2017 11:49 AM

2017-12-26T11:49:58-05:00

If you're not doing the dream job. Get out ASAP. Just remember, you can never make back the time you lost. Serving your country is important, I think 4 years is a good amount, but then pay attention to your own life. You don't want to be a 20-year military veteran who is bitter and hating everything.

Response by Sgt Jim Dillinger made Jan 17 at 2018 6:59 PM

2018-01-17T18:59:43-05:00

i did one term in the Air Force and did not make a career out of it. I liked the military but i really want to have more choices in life and live where i wanted and worked where i wanted and in the military it is not that way.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Dec 23 at 2018 11:59 AM

2018-12-23T11:59:23-05:00

Having served on AD for 21, and would have probably gone for 30, had it not been for a serious back problem. Followed by another 20 years in the private industry. I suppose it would depend on your definition of success. From E-1 to E-9 in the military and entry level instructor to General Manager of a business unit in the private industry. Success depends on the same factors in both venues. Hard work, dedication to mission and the drive to be better than those who’s footsteps you follow.

Response by LTC Alice Monego Roosa (Saddler) made Jun 18 at 2019 9:10 PM

2019-06-18T21:10:09-04:00

You can do a "side hustle" if it is something that doesn't interfere with your assigned duties. Message me to discuss.

Response by LTC Alice Monego Roosa (Saddler) made Jun 18 at 2019 9:13 PM

2019-06-18T21:13:52-04:00

Wow, five years ago. How are you now?

Response by PO2 Ray Navarrette made Nov 15 at 2019 9:28 AM

2019-11-15T09:28:17-05:00

Stay in , once you do your 20, that's one retirement in the bank for the rest of your life. If you come out after your 20 and get a GS position , like Homeland Security , VA or even the Post Office, you can work another 10 years for a another retirement. So after 30 years , you could have two retirements and a social security check plus an IRA if you set one up. You'll never have to work a civilian job again.

Response by MAJ Mike Middleton made Nov 20 at 2023 10:12 PM

2023-11-20T22:12:36-05:00

...28yrs retired Army....do some research and see how many people say:..."I wish I wouldn't have retired from the Army (or military)"...you won't very many....it is true, you do not have to retire from the Army (military) to be successful....but the perks just of a pension and medical for myself and family are great....regardless of the length of time served -> can't stay in forever and an exit plan must be done...my recommendation is to stay in the Army -- get your college done while serving and certifications as well - they will assist when you do exit....wanted to stay thirty years but my body couldn't-> great pension and currently a high GS pay grade with another retirement pension coming after I retire again...your young years will fly by -> regardless of the decision you make -> have set goals for when you want to retire -> backward plan with smaller goals (5yr, 10yr, 15, yr, 20yr goals) that align with your retirement goal....if it's civilian life then go for it but the Ary (military) is also a great way to go. ..my apologies for any typos - can't scroll back and proofread...