What advice would you give to someone considering getting out at 12 years of service to pursue a civilian career?

2019-12-21T18:52:58-05:00

I currently have 11y10m AFS. I’ve considered ETSing for quite some time to pursue civilian nursing. I’m dual military with 3 children under 10yrs old. In order to PCS with my family I must extend for 12m. My spouse is currently in Korea and I am stateside raising our children. If I extend I would ETS at 14yrs AFS. With all that said what would be some advice you would give when making my decision?

Response by LTC John Shaw made Dec 21 at 2019 7:10 PM

2019-12-21T19:10:16-05:00

You have already done more than half for a 20 year retirement. I would stay and stick it out as painful as this may seem now, in ten years you will have a guaranteed income. The military also helps with child care, in the civilian market, you pay and no one else really cares about your expense, you eat that cost.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2019 7:18 PM

2019-12-21T19:18:32-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member As others have mentioned, you are on the downhill slope for completing your 20 years. Once you complete your 20, you could become a civilian nurse. Have you started taking college classes? Good luck on your decision.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2019 7:46 PM

2019-12-21T19:46:37-05:00

Dual Military here with six deployments and three children. My advice is make it work.

I also see you are a 92 but want to transition to nursing. Do it while in the Army. I had numerous Soldiers cross train outside of their MOS in preparation for them changing their MOS. Then after you get into the MSC career fields you will have a much better chance to walking into a civilian medical career field.

Start looking at this a year 1 of transition to a new Army MOS. Get in that new MOS and then chart the corse for the rest of your life. Best of Luck.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2019 7:49 PM

2019-12-21T19:49:47-05:00

Tough decision with many factors for and against, ultimately do what is best overall for you and the family. I got out the first time as a SSG with 9 years active time. I was DA select for recruiter duty and I didn’t want to do that.

Worked in civilian world and decided I wanted to get my RN degree. Did ASN first, worked full time and decided to upgrade to a BSN. Used various options in the Reserves to help fund both of these.

Came back active after more than a decade away, my youngest a senior now, to go through the Army’s nurse anesthetist graduate program so I wouldn’t have to borrow a couple hundred thousand. By the time my payback was completed I had about 17 years active time. Finishing up my 20 this December 31. Getting out and coming back were well worth it.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Dec 21 at 2019 7:51 PM

2019-12-21T19:51:16-05:00

All I can say is my second career in private industry went well. But, I have often wondered what I could have achieved had I left after 12. Tough call.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 21 at 2019 7:59 PM

2019-12-21T19:59:56-05:00

You might not like Nursing..
1. Finish 6 years in the Reserves.
2. Complain like everyone else who didn't get a retirement...

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Dec 21 at 2019 8:00 PM

2019-12-21T20:00:24-05:00

I know a LOT of prior service who did not finish their careers and regret not having that retirement in their back pocket. I know fewer who did get out and did well with a civilian career. I also know of one mom who was a military RN and got out to raise the kiddos while her husband finished his career. Her plans was to pursue her MSN degree and pursue more advanced nursing work while raising the kiddos...didn't work out that way, raising a family became her life.

I say all this to say that...while your intentions may be great to pursue a BSN, its a full time job in itself and one can easily find themselves placing their dreams on the back burner to take care of the family first and foremost which is natural. The tendency to always place your family first is correct in itself; however should you ETS and not pursue your degree for whatever reason knowing that a dual military career is working out...well there will be big regrets like so many other prior service who often can be heard saying IF I'd only stayed in for 20. Also, don't forget the possible frequent PCS moves which can disrupt your pursuit of a BSN...eventually you will have to commit to a specific university and go through their BSN program for graduation.

On this forum, no one can make that decision for you but can give you maybe..some insight..for what its worth. It sounds like an honest heart to heart discussion with your spouse about future plans for the both of you and where the family fits in. I wish you ALL the best!!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 21 at 2019 9:04 PM

2019-12-21T21:04:54-05:00

Please thoroughly investigate completing your 20 years somewhere! It is a shame to discard that ‘equity’!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 21 at 2019 9:05 PM

2019-12-21T21:05:40-05:00

Run this scenario. Transfer to the Reserves and complete at least a good 20. That will keep your CIV side open for a career. Run the numbers of doing Civil Service vs. other outfits. Run the numbers of what difference buying 10-14 years of retirement credit is. I bought 10 years. The reason is you need to figure out where you want to wind up when you don't want to or can't work anymore. Check and see what range of VA disability you may be entitled to and when it's good to pull the trigger on that. Kids education play in there as well. Many people get out for the greener grass option. It never is as green. Finally, if you do 14 for the next break point, you'll need to run everything again as the numbers will change.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2019 9:30 PM

2019-12-21T21:30:48-05:00

Have you looked into Army Nursing? There is AECP that will let you go to school and finish your nursing degree on active duty, and then there is ROTC that you could transfer into and finish your degree in nursing as a cadet. Then you would ideally come back on active duty, get that sweet O1-E pay, and finish you time on active duty and retire as a Captain at the least.
Either way, that AD retirement is worth its weight in gold when you consider the amount of money you'll make from your pension, concurrent receipt of disability (if you rate anything which most people do after 20 years), and money saved with Tricare. Over 40 years that adds up to a couple million for most people. Even if you retired at your current rank today, without inflation that would be a million in your pension in 40 years. Of course, when you divide that up its only $25k a year and you will probably do better once you are a nurse. But that's $25k a year for the rest of your life even when you are sick, injured, or out of work. Retire as a Captain and it's even more.

In my personal opinion I think the additional eight years is worth the investment as long as you are investing in yourself. There's no reason you can't become a Nurse on the Army's dime. While you're at it you might be able to transfer your GI Bill to your kids as well.

Bonus: you don't have to pay back any of that reenlistment money when you get accepted into a commissioning program either.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2019 9:37 PM

2019-12-21T21:37:14-05:00

After 12 years... huh! You're losing quite a bit dear comrade. Give the Reserve a try out.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2019 10:55 PM

2019-12-21T22:55:24-05:00

You know your situation better than anyone. All we can really do is give you options. Definitely don't throw away the time you have already done. Go to the Reserves, go to the Guard or stay active and complete 20. National Guard and Reserves have a program called Active Guard Reserve. Full time with the same benefits as being active duty. Or you can get out and not get nothing for the last 11 years and 10 months of your life. 8 more years will fly by.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 21 at 2019 11:13 PM

2019-12-21T23:13:20-05:00

I would personally stay since you have more than half of the required time to retire. But that’s me. You need to talk it with your spouse, war game a few scenarios of how would it look if ETSed. Then make an informed decision.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2019 2:38 AM

2019-12-22T02:38:00-05:00

Consider working for the federal government and buying your time into a civilian pension while also continuing in the guard or reserve.

I resigned from active duty at just under 17 years. It was 100% the right choice.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Dec 22 at 2019 5:40 AM

2019-12-22T05:40:55-05:00

AD RN here. 1) How much college do you currently have? If not much you are going to get out and start gen ed, dont. Most of that can be done online using TA. If you are close to getting into a BSN program, whether it is AECP or doing as a civilian, decent chance you can come back in. AECP is better as the army will bring you back, out and vying for a direct commission, harder to get these days. 2) Dont even touch the ADN, you do almost the same coursework as a BSN and to make up the difference, is usually 3-4 classes and $10,000 more. Complete the BSN up front, you dont pay that extra $10,000. I hope I do not get in trouble here but I feel it is worth mentioning, female African-American nurses are some of the very best out there and in this day in age where nursing schools are putting out quantity over quality, we need you. Still at Huachuca? You are 4-6hrs away from me at Bliss, find a weekend, and drive over here, and I could interview you in my office (ICU RN currently Chief, Virtual Health) My kids are 7 (She's going on 13) and 9 yo boy that is going on ten, we could watch them at a park, and I feel I could get you a good letter of recommendation. I have been a 66S ICU nurse for 12 years, and my alphabet soap reads like this: RN, BSN, MSHS, CEN, CCRN, EMT-P, NRP, ATCN (I am a nerd and I like to take test:) I also never write that out because it looks stupid unless trying to share a point. Contact me, I would like to help.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 22 at 2019 6:35 AM

2019-12-22T06:35:26-05:00

You are facing the same question that many dual Military suffer through in their careers. As stated by SFC Boyd and others you have options. However if your ultimate concern is the children and the separation you should also consider this, even if you get your nursing degree your spouse will be assigned and reassigned again. Military life for a spouse is tough as well. I think the ultimate decision is a very personal one, with many factors I believe you are already aware of. You should reflect deeply on what life looks like on both fronts, ultimately speaking at great length with your husband and retention NCO. Thank you for your service and good luck.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Dec 22 at 2019 7:11 AM

2019-12-22T07:11:29-05:00

We did 22 years as a married dual military. I think you will regret it if you get out. Do a pros and cons review; have your spouse do one too and compare and then decide

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Dec 22 at 2019 7:49 AM

2019-12-22T07:49:45-05:00

Study fixed benefit retirements. Its availability is dwindling at an alarming rate. We all hope to live to a ripe old age. Those with a fixed benefit retirement plan, such as offered by the military, are more likely to dine on filet mignon in their golden years, while those who retire without a fixed benefit retirement plan are more likely to dine on cat food. Your call, but think about the rest of your life, not just today.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Dec 22 at 2019 11:39 AM

2019-12-22T11:39:27-05:00

I was dual military no kids. Got out at 12 years. Thought it would be easier on the outside to coordinate, etc. It isn't. Everyday wish I would have stayed in.
But, it is your life, your family. You need to make the decision that is right for you and yours. My only solid advice would be to get whatever training you need in the service. Let them pay for it, and if you transition to another job, you may find things work out better.

Response by SGT Kevin Hughes made Dec 22 at 2019 3:47 PM

2019-12-22T15:47:42-05:00

I got out, back in, out, back in...had I stayed Active Duty the whole time, my life would have been easier after age forty - and the retirement would have been gravy. That being said, I missed out on a lot of War...and who knows what that would have done to me and my family? I think some of the others on here have much more insight than I do.

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Dec 22 at 2019 4:45 PM

2019-12-22T16:45:21-05:00

Your family is more important as they will replace you in the military. You have only one family, I hope. We have walked the road before and the lies keep getting deeper and the children need you. You have a good career as a civilian that will more than make up for the lost time in service.

Response by William Barry made Dec 22 at 2019 5:25 PM

2019-12-22T17:25:51-05:00

Is your next big pension bracket at 15 years? In DMH, our bigger jumps are at 15 years and then 20. I will wait until you have 15 if that's possible, as that may affect your pension calculations in a significant way. Because of family issues, though it may not be possible. Do your best to balance both family and retirement security. Do not mess up your retirement security for a few months!!!

For example, my birthday is Sept 2. I have 15 years total Jan 10, 2020, so in 2025 I will have 20. But I need to go until Sep2 2025, so I will be 55 with 20 years in. Just like you, I am an essential government employee. I am a mental health worker in a state psychiatric unit. But I will work those extra nine months as that is how our retirement chart is structured. The same pattern applies if I stay for 25 or 30 years. I will not put my retirement security in jeopardy for nine months; that's my point.

Response by LTC Lee Bouchard made Dec 22 at 2019 6:13 PM

2019-12-22T18:13:20-05:00

Tough call my friend. As mentioned below and very good advice concerning the income and allowances you loose separating now. Plus some financial issues you will not see upon retirement.
If you do retire today/tomorrow you should do the following. Decide on a state and city. Then look at the taxes, cost of utilities, gas, food, transportation, clothing and school systems. Then add a house payment with your G.I. loan, after a 15,000 Dn payment. Can you afford a 1,200 to 2,000 mo (conservative) monthly plus living expenses mentioned above. Being a Vet. you will have priority
over a civilian applicate but only in a few job markets. You would have this priority in hiring with the federal government. But have this job nearly guaranteed in advance of your ETS. date if possible.

Tough call, however compare and contrast financial loss and gains with either option. If staying in would mean another promotion within a year or two I would stay. Be prepared to find civilian
costs of living more than planned and your Milt. pay worth more than you had thought.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Dec 22 at 2019 8:44 PM

2019-12-22T20:44:24-05:00

I did five years of active duty and three years of reserves, before taking a five-year break before getting back in and going to the guard. I spend three years doing that, so I had 11 years of total service. Ultimately, it came down to time with my family. I got tired of constantly being gone (yes, I was gone a lot with my guard unit). Sure, I left money on the table, but my family isn't hurting and I've invested in retirement accounts in the civilian sector anyways. My advice is to do what's best for your family. You don't get that time back with your family. What's most important to you?

Response by SFC Freddie Porter made Dec 23 at 2019 1:22 AM

2019-12-23T01:22:18-05:00

Stay in. Don’t give in to the temptation of getting out. While the pay may not seem as much as you’d like remember, you’ll get health care benefits also to include vision and dental. Based on your disability rating you may qualify for additional compensation above your base retirement pay. That’s now two sources of income you can count on for as long as the U.S. pays its debts. You’ll also be young enough to start a second career if you’d like. Regardless of that though, you’ll still have your health care benefits, pharmacy, vision and dental insurance that will save you a ton of money over the rest of your life. And remember, you’re over the half way point now, on the down hill side of the mountain. So, hang in there. It’s worth it.

Response by SPC Bill Schatzman made Dec 23 at 2019 9:26 AM

2019-12-23T09:26:48-05:00

You could consider getting a nursing degree while in service, then become an Officer. After 12 years, you leave so much on the table. Please consider not only retirement but the additional benefits you have, and those you may get at retirement. Have you considered, as a civilian, there is not Quarters Allowance? It may be difficult now, but look forward 8 years, what will your life be like. At a tender young age after 20 years of service, you will have retirement and since your wanting to help people, you will still want to work, Now you are dual income! The retirement will be income for life! You have the chance to have Multiple retirements by age 67. Your retirement will equate to Millions over your lifetime! Education for your children, and yourself when you retire, will save you hundreds of thousands. In three years, you have received three raises in base pay, plus your promotions...I expect, you will receive more, over the next 8 years, both in base pay and promotions. Here is a simple math equation for you. $1,000,000 at 4% interest per year, is $40,000 income per year. If you never touch the principal, you get income $40,000 each year. First you have to make $1,000,000, by saving, scraping, denying your family and self as you work hard each year. Army Retirement is like having the Million in the bank. You earn it each year, and when you retire, you get it and other benefits civilians do not get. Many States do not tax Military Retirements! That is like a 4-8% raise...If your a civilian, The Million is the education fund, but gets smaller as you pay for collage...Thus your income decreases! There are many things to think about, other than short term gain for getting out!

Response by TSgt David Holman made Dec 23 at 2019 1:58 PM

2019-12-23T13:58:11-05:00

After 10 years everything is downhill. You have done the hard part already. I retired at 20 and am currently pursuing my BSN enroute to my FNP. Retirement income helps a lot something to consider.

Response by Col Dana Jacobson made Dec 23 at 2019 2:20 PM

2019-12-23T14:20:10-05:00

Consider the reserves or guard - don't waste those years! And don't listen to the "I'm either all the way in or all the way out" argument. I was active for 6 years, spent 24 in the reserves and at 60YO began getting both retired pay and Tricare. I earned it. Every reservist does.

Response by Cpl Ben Juarez made Dec 23 at 2019 3:33 PM

2019-12-23T15:33:59-05:00

Go Reserves.

Response by LTC Lee Bouchard made Dec 25 at 2019 4:32 AM

2019-12-25T04:32:47-05:00

You have many responding to your question. One pointed out the importance of you family and taking priority over the Army. Valid point. The other side is the Army is your other family. True also.
You could enjoy both in time. Especially when your spouse returns from Korea and the two of you can decide together a plan for your family's future.

I do wish you the best. It looks to be me, based on those who have taken the time to ans. your question, many have your back.

From my family to yours, Have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Lee

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 27 at 2019 8:14 PM

2019-12-27T20:14:06-05:00

My daughter was in a similar situation when she completed her BSN. She had completed about 10 years in the Air Guard as a supply NCO. She resigned and pursued her nursing career. About 10 years later, she realized that retirement was getting closer every day and she didn't have much to fall back on. She had completed her MSN and Nurse Practitioner. She went to Army, Navy, and Air Force Nurse recruiters. She joined the Navy Reserve because they gave her the best offer in terms of accession date and rank. She came aboard as an O-3 and is now serving as an O-4. When she's on active duty she works as a Medical Provider. Based on all that, I recommend you ETS, use your GI bill to complete your BSN, then immediately contact Reserve Nurse recruiters from all Army, Navy and Air Force. This will give you an opportunity to work as a civilian nurse and a military nurse and keep the value of your 12 years of active duty. (You'll only need 8 "good years" in a reserve component to retire.)

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 27 at 2019 8:21 PM

2019-12-27T20:21:51-05:00

I tell wvwryone considering joining the military the same piece of advice: Either do one tour (one enlistment) or stay and retire. The benefits you get at 18 years are EXACTLY the same as at 2 years (provided both honorable discharge and no other complicating factors like medical retirement or disability).

You have 12 in now. Go for the 20. SFC Private RallyPoint Member laid out a great plan. Even if this is for some reason not possible, stick with it for another 8 and get that paycheck for life. If you are looking at nursing for a civilian career, having that retirement check will give you salary flexibility so you can take a beyter job with less pay.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2019 9:36 PM

2019-12-27T21:36:13-05:00

MHO: make your 20 years, 95% chance you will regret it if you don’t. I know sometimes the bull seems unbearable, it isn’t, sunk it up! Enjoy the moments, you will never get to experience them again. Good Luck.

Response by SFC James Cameron made Dec 27 at 2019 9:40 PM

2019-12-27T21:40:20-05:00

Personally, I would think long and hard about what you leave behind and what your goals are. I recently medically retired and to be brutally honest was not prepared. Either emotionally or financially. Make a plan and adhere to it whatever you choose. Just ensure that your plan allows itself to be flexible enough for the unexpected.

Response by SPC Daniel Rule made Dec 30 at 2019 1:05 PM

2019-12-30T13:05:45-05:00

File for the VA before you get out. It speeds thing up a lot. Make sure to get a good resume going before u get out

Response by SFC Bennie Davis made Jan 2 at 2020 5:46 PM

2020-01-02T17:46:08-05:00

Well first let me commend you for doing what you do. It's not easy raising 3 kids while your better half is not at home. Do what is best for you and your family. You have a good career to go to as a nurse.

Response by SSG Vincent Jauregui made Jan 3 at 2020 5:49 PM

2020-01-03T17:49:03-05:00

If I were you... I'd stay in....for minimum retirement

Response by SFC Robert Pertillo Sr. made Jan 10 at 2020 6:18 AM

2020-01-10T06:18:47-05:00

You are almost done I served 22 years and believe me there were days I just wanted to get out. I thank God I didn't because now I get my retirement, disability and I work . Well worth staying in to retire.

Response by CWO4 John Powe made Feb 4 at 2020 9:55 PM

2020-02-04T21:55:26-05:00

The other three responders made very good points that I agree with. Now ask yourself this do you like the Army, do you like the job. Do you expect to promote. If your answer is yes then you should consider the advice you have been given positively. Once you back with your family intact you would hopefully be able to do some of the education stuff while still serving.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2020 11:20 PM

2020-03-01T23:20:53-05:00

Update: I re-enlisted into the NCO Career Status Program (indefinite) last week. I was in assignment instructions and I didn’t want to sign a Declination of Continued Service. Thank you everyone for the input.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2020 1:18 PM

2020-10-17T13:18:11-04:00

Do it! Run as fast as you can because if you're asking tbe question after 12 years you are meant to do other things. It could be you haven't received good mentorship career progression you could be one of those many many Soldiers left behind. I've been a place holder for make Soldiers to steal my products and bad talk me then take my position and more. I'm still in with 2years left to get my 20 and it's an extremely difficult pill to muscle down. If you you stay do some heavy career mapping so you aren't constantly doing back Azimuth. Make the never 10 or 12 years count. If you like supply go warrant and become a property book officer because It's hard for supply Sergeants to promote past E6.

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Feb 14 at 2022 10:14 PM

2022-02-14T22:14:15-05:00

If you decide to leave the service you should look into Severance pay This a little known fact but it could be worth 30k
I helped a E7 get 56k for 15 years of service He had no idea this was available
He didn’t even buy me lunch LOL
I also known people who received this and returned to the service and then retired which the they had to pay back

Response by SGT Patrick Sullivan made Sep 6 at 2022 12:34 PM

2022-09-06T12:34:24-04:00

Department of Defense needs military nurses, too.
Maybe a deal can be reached where you, as a reservist, can attend civilian
nursing course, on the DoD's dime. Maintaining your government service, and possibly re-entry into
the military as an officer ? (Sham Gig !)

Check out the VA employment jobs availble.
Tons of them for nursing. They are very short on nurses.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 6 at 2022 7:12 PM

2022-09-06T19:12:39-04:00

Response by SSG Jack Scott made Sep 9 at 2022 7:48 PM

2022-09-09T19:48:19-04:00

I did 10yrs 81-91 in Marine Corps and got out! I left the service because I was burned out deploying every year which the Navy/Marine Corps dose and still dose! I went home went right into Law Enforcement and always wished I had stayed or joined the Reserve Marines. I did 15yrs LEO and turned right around and re-enlisted in the Army! It all worked out in the end with retirements from both which I do pretty well! In Hindsight I wish had gone reserve Marine and LEO! But at the time I wanted a wife and sons so I went home and married my wife and two sons! I got there in the end but I wish somebody would had said you are throwing away your 10yrs which I was at the time. You have to plan your career fields to the day. But in the end it comes down to emotions which rule the day!