Stay In, Get Out?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 03:05:46 -0400

I've been in for 5 years just picked up my SGT. I'm torn on whether to get out or stay in for another term. I understand its my decision but I'm curious if anyone has advice that helped them make this decision.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 4:50 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 04:50:35 -0400

I would stay in, the type of service is up to you but active duty, reserve, inactive, just stay plugged in so the option is alway there for you. dont close the chapter unless you are absolutely certain you never want to wear the uniform again

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 5:32 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 05:32:04 -0400

Just FYI pinning E-5 requires two years of retainability. If you choose not to re-enlist and your ETS is less than two years away, they will have to take the rank. Just giving you a heads up because I had a similar issue just recently with a Soldier.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Apr 14 at 2014 6:06 AM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 06:06:49 -0400

Stay in whether it is active,reserve or national guard.
I found out after I left active duty USMC that I missed the structure of the military, joined the guard and ended up retiring after 26 years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 11:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 11:03:51 -0400

I picked up 5 when I was just shy of 5 years. Since I reenlisted, I have no choice but to stay in right now. But I feel that if I can continue to get competitive and challenging assignments instead of stagnating somewhere, then staying in provides the greater benefit for me and my family.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 11:06 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 11:06:58 -0400

The thing I always tell my younger enlisted people when they ask the question of "Why should I re-enlist?", is "Why do you want to get out?" If you do not have a solid reason of why you want to get out or a solid plan to ensure that you are taken care of upon separation, then I would stay in. Throughout your career, instead of looking for reasons to stay in, you should see if you have things set up and good reasons to get out of the military. Hope this helps.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 14 at 2014 3:20 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 15:20:47 -0400

SGT Andersen,

Congratulations on your promotion to SGT!

If you've earned at least a 4-year degree and have a solid plan, I would recommend ETSing and pursuing that.

If you're looking at staying for another contract and law enforcement is your passion, I would recommend CID to acquire credentials for a possible FBI career or other government agency or civilian corporation.

Unfortunately, the Defense Department is no longer a priority for America and won't be for about a decade.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 4:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 16:54:53 -0400

First thing i ask Soldiers is this. Do you like the army? The worst thing you can do is re enlist when you dont enjoy the military. Its not for everyone. Ive seen people stay in the military and become miserable. All they talk about everyday is they hate the army this, they hate the army that. Its your decision and you are going to be the one who has to show up to work.

If you have other goals why not purse them. Believe me time goes by fast in the army and the next thing you know you will be retiring lol.

The best thing about ETSing is that if civilian life is bad you can always come back in after a couple of years, i think.

I can tell you why i reenlisting the first time though. Because i was to lazy to find another job lol.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 14 at 2014 11:04 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 23:04:23 -0400

I was in your shoes. I had E-6 orders, but the bar was too high. I got out. I wish I could go back and do a retake. I would have retired 15 years ago had I stayed. But I still look at my time in the military as the most honorable and challenging job I've had. It was a bunch of sh** at the time, but that all changes. There is always sh** wherever you go.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 11:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 23:32:20 -0400

I greatly appreciate all of the advice and suggestions, and I'm thinking I'll stay in and see how it goes. I have options on the outside however, I think the stability in the military will help overall.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Apr 15 at 2014 1:04 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 13:04:54 -0400

Find yourself a ROTC college campus; Attend that college, work as a Sgt and get ur degree; Go OBC and teach on campus as an instructor. Stay there until the active Army expands its personnel. Right now...big draw down which means the war will be within the ranks, and I would not wish my worst enemy on the inside of that mess.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 15 at 2014 2:51 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 14:51:36 -0400

SGT Andresen, You have been in 5 years, and you have just picked up Sergeant so congrats to that! You probably have already mastered the art of handling everyday BS because afterall, you have managed to stay in for 5 years. If you still have the heart and the drive, I say stay in until 20 and earn that retirement pay. Also, if you get out now, you and if you are married, you and your family will be subject to the not-so- Affordable Care Act unless you are going to be working for an awesome company that provides its own health insurance plan. Good luck to you.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Apr 16 at 2014 1:03 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 13:03:57 -0400

How do you live? How do you speak, write and think? What are your current habits? What do you see or observe on the outside that interests you? What can you live with or without? If you are married, and/or with children, what is your approach for change?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2014 10:41 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 22:41:15 -0400

Get out

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2014 3:04 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 03:04:36 -0400

In the end you are the one that need to decide, it is a huge decision. Don’t always think that the civilian life is way better, it could very well be but you never know. I love the military and I have a great pride in what I do it is the best “job” (I know it’s not a job it’s a profession) I have ever had. The army has given me a lot and I bet it has given you a lot also. If I was you talk to you Battalion Career Counselor and check what he can offer you if you do stay in. Then make a pro and cons list and decide on what you want to do. I hoped this helped you, I know I am going to stay Army.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2014 2:14 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 14:14:27 -0400

I got out in 1999 and tried looking for civilian work and could find anything that compared to the benefits that I received in the Army. Needless to say I came back in after only staying out 7 months. Now I know the Army is not the best choice of job out there but where at 20 years can you retire with a retirement check. You need to take a long hard look at it before jumping to a quick decision.

Response by SGT Chris Birkinbine made Aug 11 at 2014 2:54 PM

SGT Chris Birkinbine — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 14:54:02 -0400

It really is a personal thing. In my opinion if you are positive you want to go career, obviously you stay in. If you want to have a carer outside of the military, every year on that contract is a year behind you will be outside.

I do not understand the people who stay in more than one enlistment, with no intentions of staying in for 20.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2014 3:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 15:03:03 -0400

SGT Wade,

Please consider the following:

1. Will you be ready to jump into college (if that is your plan, have you applied and been accepted?)

2. If 'no' to 1, does your skillset apply directly to civilian employment, and if so have you secured a position somewhere or at a minimum put together a resume and begun to network?

3. Do you have dependents who will require housing, or if single can you crash at your parents for a short time until you get on your feet?

4. Have you saved any money?

5. Have you considered transition to the Guard or Reserve to utilize TA or other financial benefits? Maintaining a military affiliation while you make the transition into the civilian world can be beneficial. In demand MOSs also carry signing bonuses, and the extra cash can be helpful.

When I transitioned in 2001 I was single, was able to crash out at my folks and get started in college. I was straight up broke, and had 30 days of terminal leave to get things moving. I joined the Guard before leaving AD after learning that my state had a tuition waiver for all state schools, which was one of the smarter things I did. I had almost no plan or course of action other than get myself into college. No bueno. Prepare, prepare, prepare.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Aug 11 at 2014 3:35 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 15:35:09 -0400

You need to consider a few things since you are an E-5 with 6 years in.

Do you enjoy your job/work and what you do in the Army?
What are your prospects for promotion in your field?
What, if any, bonus will you get if you reenlist? Orders?
If you get out, I see that you have looked into the Guard, what does that look like for you?
How does employment look where you want to settle? Are you ready to get out and what do you still need to do to prepare for civilian life?

Once you have answered these questions - look at the advice others have given and follow through. Make sure your Resume is ready for Civilian Employers if you go that way, they will not understand military and Army terms so get rid of them and translate them.

Shop jobs wisely and start NOW if you are getting out in December. You are closer than you think. Do not burn any bridges, you may change your mind between now and Dec. My best job offer at the 10 year point came a week AFTER my reenlistment (LOL).

Good luck with your decision. You may choose to follow SPC Private RallyPoint Member's advice, but others have offered more insightful mentoring for sure.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 10:15 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 22:15:36 -0400

I am glad your staying in. The military is a great satisfying prestigious career. I just want to tell everyone who is at the decision point there are 3 not 2 alternatives, Stay in, Get out/transfer to Reserve, Get completely Out. I would tell anyone considering leaving active duty to at least stay in the reserves if medically eligible; the reserves/NG is very flexible, you can live/work where you want and your civilian job status is protected by USERRA. You get retirement benefits at 60 with your active duty time helping to raise the retirement pension. You can be an an active unit, in a IMA slot, or iRR, if in a unit or IMA you keep TRICARE for very low premium. All reserve retirees get pension and medical.( if not medically eligible for reserve, chances are you can get VA compensation for life. )

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Sep 5 at 2015 1:03 AM

SGT Michael Glenn — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 01:03:45 -0400

My only thought to seeing all these people pondering if they should stay in or not is what the hell is going on out there??? It was never an option for me to get out! I was in my element, loved what I did and the places I had seen, I felt important and had a HUGE sense of pride knowing I belonged to one of the most Powerful fighting forces this planet has ever seen.I was in for the long haul. Unfortunately after my accident I was not fit to remain active duty and am still picking up the pieces some 24 years later, I could have retired with a full 20 in 2004 and probably would have stayed even beyond that, I look like Im in my late 30's (actual and current pic) maxed all my fitness tests right up till the end, My career was just starting. If your at a point where you are having doubts, and wanting to get out after just 5 years, then I would suggest doing just that. It seems that this isnt for you ( its no shame). What ever you decide I wish you well and God Bless !!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 1:14 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 01:14:16 -0400

If you truly love what you do, then there should really be no doubt. If you don't like what you do, or are "burned out" then getting out might be a nice change of pace. Some people find it easy to make the transition from military to civilian life, but there are some that have an extremely hard time with the pace of civilian life. Either way it is a difficult choice, and maybe a Pro/Con type list might help. I wish you well with your decision!

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made Sep 5 at 2015 1:36 AM

SGT Robert Hawks — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 01:36:21 -0400

Do you like your Mos? Can you make as much money and be satisfied doing something else? Or you planning on going to school if you get out? These are the questions you need to ask your self. After that do some research on all your questions so you can make an informed decision but realize the decision is yours and yours alone good luck God bless.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Sep 5 at 2015 1:54 AM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 01:54:10 -0400

I look back at my career in the Air Force. And thank God. That I was able to retire. I was not affected by reductions in Force. Itcwas the smartest thing I did. I have my pension, disability pay. A military ID and I have tri care. And I was blessed to get a job with AT&T. And I was not married at that time. If you get out and find a job. It's a good chance it will have a union. That happen to me. You have to worry about strikes ever time there is a contract negotiations and seniority. You will have people who started to work out of high school. They will file grevances if you get a day off that they were turned down for. Anyway if I have not lost Obama won't be President forever. I don't see them changing from a pension. Last you will still be young enough to start a second career.

Response by SSG Mark Pierce made Nov 10 at 2015 4:49 PM

SSG Mark Pierce — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 16:49:13 -0500

Stay in you will never be sorry. It's not easy. But you'll make it. I did by the grace of God. And many of my 95B/31B friends did all so. SSG Retired

Response by GySgt Robert Navarro made Nov 10 at 2015 5:17 PM

GySgt Robert Navarro — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 17:17:48 -0500

Stay in! Take advantage of your education benefits while on active duty. Get a degree in something useful in the civilian sector.

Response by SPC Joseph Plunkett made Nov 10 at 2015 6:02 PM

SPC Joseph Plunkett — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 18:02:36 -0500

Deciding whether to reup or ETS is a very important decision. You have to weigh the two choices and figure out which is in line with your goals. For me, after 6 years, I decided to get out of the military. I hope this helps, but here were my deciding points:
1) When I entered the military at the ripe old age of 18, I had no real responsibilities. Now I have kids, a wife, and bills.
2) Have i completed what I set out to complete? Served my country, Deployed, made my family proud, etc.
3) Am I ready for the real world? Yep, I feel I can walk from one point to another without getting lost. No need for formations to ensure I am still alive.
4) Can I use my skill outside of the military? Hell yes, and get paid a ton to do it......or so I thought.....expect entry level pay....
5) Will I stay in contact with my friends? Probably not, but now there is social media....
6) Have I fulfilled all requirements to ensure I get my full VA benefits? Hell Yes!

k im good.....

Hope this helps. In all honesty, if you love being a soldier, stick with it. If your not all in, walk.

Response by GySgt John O'Donnell made Nov 10 at 2015 6:18 PM

GySgt John O'Donnell — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 18:18:24 -0500

I've always said that an individual's role military (no matter the branch) cannot be fully appreciated until after the second enlistment. In the first you are groomed and led, in the second you groom and lead. You know if the military is not a good fit for you in the first enlistment, and if that is the case I would move on to your next chapter. But if something is yearning you're spirit to stay, then I'd reenlist to see if being a leader is for you!!