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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!!

...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...