Stay In, Get Out?

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

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!!

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

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.

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.

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 !!!

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. )

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.

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.

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?