What detail in the military caused you to consider leaving at the end of your term of service?

2016-11-16T22:06:48-05:00

Any job big or small that created doubt about whether to stay in the military.

Response by SPC John Waisman made Nov 16 at 2016 10:20 PM

2016-11-16T22:20:36-05:00

I was an idiot and thought I would make it big on the outside. I could have stayed and got my 20 in. Fifty percent retirement for life.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 16 at 2016 10:33 PM

2016-11-16T22:33:06-05:00

Thank you all for your service...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2016 10:55 PM

2016-11-16T22:55:59-05:00

Recruiting duty

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 17 at 2016 1:42 AM

2016-11-17T01:42:59-05:00

They HYTd my Ass 20 years, E-6 is time to go but I still managed to Eek out 21 years because of my skill and knowledge of the Stone Axes of the Computer Age. I started my Career with the State of the Art PDP-11/70 and finished my Career with the UYK-20. Old or New Computers, Old or New Communications Equipment I am a Natural Troubleshooter. I understand signal flow like few others, I understand telemetry like few others. Even the Navy recognized that. Politically Correct I Never Was, I Acknowledged Technical Skill over Military Dogma which is not good for advancement but My Techs were the Best, Arrogant, Obnoxious, Knew they were the Best which probably had a lot to do with me not getting advanced but in any Situation I knew I could count on their skills.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 17 at 2016 2:27 AM

2016-11-17T02:27:00-05:00

Planned RIF when they called the war off.

Response by CW2 Donald Kempf made Nov 17 at 2016 4:34 AM

2016-11-17T04:34:53-05:00

I was passed over for promotion due to a permanent physical profile. Funny, I was world wide deployable and was in two war zones but I wasn't promotable. I ended up with a Disability Discharge instead.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 17 at 2016 6:37 AM

2016-11-17T06:37:15-05:00

Retired after 24 yrs., basically due to work related accident at civilian job.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Nov 17 at 2016 7:04 AM

2016-11-17T07:04:34-05:00

I have to tell you the truth, I already had all my NCOES I just completed 1SG courses and Deployed to Iraq my 3rd time so I was not sure what they were looking for, but education I did not have that, because I had about 2 years of college, every time I would enroll I would have to drop it because of mission or deployment, that might sound like crap but it is really is true, a lot of my peers were successful in their term, but still did not go to 1SG course or advanced to the next grade and they had all the schools all the ribbons and all the deployments and I just think that I start having doubts if I wanted to remain a leader in this man ARMY because things were changing fast and I was ready for another deployment that fast because promotion system was broken and I was not sure if I was ever going to make it, I admit I had a 2 on one of my NCOERs and you are completing with the best for Master Sergeant but I've seen some make it with DUIs and that's were I draw the line on the system in the military, Their going let these guys lead soldiers and not me, come on. I had everything I thought I could have, but I was wrong, so I began to network and put the puzzle together, that was my resume, I had to be the longest thing I have ever written in my life, and it was like a war story of my life and it need a lot of changes and I'll it not very easy to when you do not have a lot of skills from your current job, Thank God for the people who scooped me up and helped me with my resume, it still needs work but I'm learning a lot these days and the battles I thought that were so important to me don't mean nothing in the civilian sector because being a LEADER in the military don't prove that can lead in the civilian sector because a lot of us are going to start out at the bottom just like me, member when we were followers, get used to it, Don't go in a business trying to think your leading on a battle field cause your not. There are times where you will work as a team and people will ask you for you opinion and they know you have leadership skills to help the team. Being in the military was all about Teamwork as well but when you really get down to you and your up for promotion there is no team your on your own, after being passed over two times in the zone I knew this shit was not for me anymore, after sitting down and talking seniors and my peers. I called it! and made that step in to the civilian sector, that was not the easiest of them all. I will tell what my BN Commander told us at his retirement before he left "It will take you at least 5 years to find your dream job or job you are looking for because this is a though world." After hearing him speak, I knew I was done and life in the civilian world would be hard.

STEPHENS'

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 7:37 AM

2016-11-17T07:37:54-05:00

When I was active duty I was afraid of not watching my son grow up. As cliche as it sounds, I heard a lot of horror stories about how a child never really knew their parent from being gone all the time on deployments, etc. It scared me to death.

When I did go IRR, I realized that I had no threat there and over-thought the situation. I'm glad that I was able to get a second chance while in the Reserves to get back into the AC again.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 9:15 AM

2016-11-17T09:15:21-05:00

I would have stayed, but they said I had served long enough. I enjoyed my time in uniform, I felt as though I was making a difference, hopefully helped to save the lives of some of our brothers and sisters in arms.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 9:33 AM

2016-11-17T09:33:42-05:00

When I had ETSd back in 2003, the reason was that I came down on orders to FT Riley, KS. Been there before and I was NOT going there again.

Response by MCPO Mark Durland made Nov 17 at 2016 9:38 AM

2016-11-17T09:38:36-05:00

Left active component after 6 years in '90 because of a civilian job offer. Left reserve component at high year tenure gate. The second was perfect timing, as I was ready to leave.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Nov 17 at 2016 10:05 AM

2016-11-17T10:05:00-05:00

The end of the Cold War and subsequent massive draw down after Desert Storm threw me into a maybe I should go to college now frame of mind. That thought was further reinforced upon my final PCS to my first CONUS assignment where my Flight leadership was more about how can we F you more than anything else. When a Squadron realignment finally happened and that toxic leadership disappeared it was too late to do anything other than separate.

Response by CWO3 Dave Alcantara made Nov 17 at 2016 4:24 PM

2016-11-17T16:24:14-05:00

I retired after 27 years of active duty.

The biggest factor Militarily for my decision to retire was the needs of the service was requiring me to relocate. I had recently divorced and I didn't wish to leave my daughter to be raised by her Mother alone. I wanted to at least be a part of her life.

So I opted out of an advancement to W-4 and turned in my letter.

Response by SMSgt William Law made Nov 17 at 2016 11:49 PM

2016-11-17T23:49:14-05:00

I did my 20 and was a single parent.

Response by CSM Max Rushing made Nov 18 at 2016 8:00 AM

2016-11-18T08:00:50-05:00

Had heart problems

Response by TSgt Don Purciful TSGT Retired made Nov 19 at 2016 12:25 AM

2016-11-19T00:25:36-05:00

IG inspection painting in rain with water base paint and seeing the results at Dyess AFB

Response by SGT Jessica Pfortmiller Thompson made Nov 19 at 2016 3:53 PM

2016-11-19T15:53:59-05:00

I was 9 months pregnant a week from before I had an emergency c-section my NCO ordered me to sit outside in 90 degree heat with hand scissors cutting grass. The heat and being so pregnant I became extremely ill and place on bed rest.

Response by Cpl Mike Millhoff made Nov 20 at 2016 8:32 PM

2016-11-20T20:32:40-05:00

For me it really got down to money. I loved the Corp but had a small daughter and we simply were struggling every Month. I did consider staying in but not in a poverty border situation.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Nov 20 at 2016 9:02 PM

2016-11-20T21:02:47-05:00

Uncaring leaders. I survived a 27 month medical board. The leadership met me for the first time when I arrived as MedEvac from Afghanistan. I was at 12 years of service back then. I was given a P3 for U, L, and S. During the process the chain of command provided false information on the commander's performance statement. The chain of command also gave me the terrible middle of the road OERs you could think of with Non Left Justified box checked. I knew would end my career. Luckily at the new unit I got a leader that cared and changed the gears of the board. In the end was able to get them all to P2 and stay in the Army.
The IG investigation and OER appeal was reviewed by two lawyers who thought both the appeal and IG complaint were the best they have seen in their careers. In the end IG office and the OER appeals board both found all of my allegations as unsubstantiated. Interesting how the decision of both came about the same time.
Regardless, between years 12 through 17y8m I served as cadre for a WTB unit, as a Diplomatic Officer in Egypt during the Morsi revolution, and as returned to JBER to retire as I knew the AZ board would not pick me up.
Happy ending, getting both TERA + VA. Just a tough road to get here.

Response by TSgt Denise Moody made Nov 23 at 2016 3:53 PM

2016-11-23T15:53:01-05:00

I told the career counselor I didn't want to retrain so if my job number wasn't open I wouldn't re-up. So the asshole put me down as a no, never put me in for my job. I didn't know this until the day I out processed and saw the stamp on my paperwork. So three months after getting out I joined the ANG. ;)

Response by SPC Matt Johnson made Nov 23 at 2016 6:27 PM

2016-11-23T18:27:39-05:00

My 3rd and last deployment pretty much sealed the deal for me. I went from the 82nd to the 1st Cav. And we lost someone in my platoon to an IED around Christmas. almost everyone in my platoon was hit with an IED. I had one direct hit to my cab and 2 near misses. I had a chain of command that really didn't make us feel like what we did mattered. I had to get out before I snapped on somebody. I wasn't in the best mental state. I truly felt my unit was going to get me killed. Their was a 2LT who wouldn't wait for eod to clear routes before we went out on supply missions and e-5's who had no business being e-5's and corporals who felt the were e-5's. I know this is typical for any unit but when you go from 82nd to cav their is a BIG difference. There was no comradery or unit cohesion whatsoever, it was everyman for himself, you felt no one had your back. I was not going to survive another deployment with that group. so I got out since they wouldn't send me back to the 82nd where I felt safe

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2016 8:47 PM

2016-11-23T20:47:48-05:00

No Master's degree meant no LTC for me. And as I told a boss when I passed up a clinical nurse officer in charge (CNOIC) job, I was until recently only one or two steps ahead of a med board. Twenty years 2 months and 21 days. :)

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 23 at 2016 8:48 PM

2016-11-23T20:48:29-05:00

I ended it on my own terms. After 32 years, my last command tour ending and didn't want to belong to the Flag Club. I'd have to work with the Flags I pushed back on for giving me mission without force protection. I spent a hunk time scrounging that on my own and then taking care of my own people. I really wanted more time for taking the bullets on the mission execution stuff. So when the Flags I torqued off would be sitting the board, I just said it's time to pass the torch. Good ride but time to move on.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2016 8:49 PM

2016-11-23T20:49:56-05:00

To make Lt Col as a nurse you must have CGSC (Intermediate Leader Education) and a Master's degree. Didnt want to pay out big $$$ for an online useless Master's and didnt have time to attend actual brick and mortar school for useful Masters.

Response by SGT James Belcher made Nov 23 at 2016 8:56 PM

2016-11-23T20:56:04-05:00

Dual military household...and we kept getting separated, and it was always a year or more. See was making rank as fast as I was...I got out and became the spouse, she retired after 22. Worked ok for us. I was fortunate enough to be at the 82nd for most of my time and still have a lot of brothers I keep up with.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2016 7:27 AM

2016-11-24T07:27:41-05:00

I think the real reason some people get out is because they have one bad day and hold a I AM GETTING OUT PITTY PARTY AND FTA PARTY WITH FRIENDS!
They get too embarrassed to pull back the reigns pride and end up watching their friends PCS as they get out!

Response by MGySgt Bruce Rapa made Nov 25 at 2016 12:12 PM

2016-11-25T12:12:47-05:00

Burning the shit barrels.

Response by PO2 Chip Kozy made Dec 1 at 2016 12:39 PM

2016-12-01T12:39:01-05:00

Was promised choice of duty and couldn't get it because of primary job code so ended four years active (went 2 years active reserve after that).

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 6:33 PM

2017-04-20T18:33:30-04:00

I just crossed the 30 year mark, combined active and reserve service. Not sure when I'll depart, but the 2 things in my career that made me consider it are the good old boys clubs (mostly in the reserve) and toxic incompetent leaders (both active and reserve). I'm in a good position right now, thank God, and MRD is just 4 years away. We'll see what the future holds.

Response by MAJ Keith FitzPatrick, CPIM, CSCP made Apr 20 at 2017 6:33 PM

2017-04-20T18:33:42-04:00

Left the enlisted ranks because my last unit, A Troop, 3/5 Cav at Fort Lewis sucked that bad. I was going to ee-enlist when I left Korea on the way to Lewis. Em went to college, ROTC, and back in as an officer. Retired at 20 - old, tired, and board in a admin type job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 7:45 PM

2017-04-20T19:45:39-04:00

It was in Germany. I was eligible for PLDC and was trying to get a date. Got a new PLT SGT. He wanted me to reup before he put me in for it. I said to send me first and I'll reup for 4 more and stay here. He wouldn't. So I ETS'd.

Response by TSgt Julie Miller made Apr 20 at 2017 8:50 PM

2017-04-20T20:50:05-04:00

I made it to retirement easily enough, but because I was on a permanent profile for a chronic foot issue caused by an injury, I found it impossible to maintain my fitness standards. My CC wasn't real happy and thought I was milking it.... I ended up going on deployment the year before I retired and my new CC, upon return tried to convince me to stay in.... Thanks to the previous CC, and 2 lbs of weight, I was deemed ineligible for promotion. Needless to say, I no longer wanted to stay in. I loved my job, but working within a unit that had some leadership issues, made it hard for me to get up in the morning and put on my uniform. I miss it, the day to day, the challenges of the job, and most of my co-workers. What I don't miss are the fitness standards for women that condemn them for 2 lbs, yet we have men who can't see their belt buckles.

Response by SGT Rob Saylor made Apr 20 at 2017 9:22 PM

2017-04-20T21:22:30-04:00

I became fed up with the cya attitudes, the dog and pony shows, and the ten million counterproductive, nonsense hoops we were required to jump thru on a daily basis when we could have been training. For example, SGT's time. That was supposed to be an NCO's time to train his soldiers. A first line supervisor knows the strengths and weaknesses of his troops better than anyone, yet it took no time at all before CoC micromanaged that to death like everything else in the army.

Response by MSG Robert Greco made Apr 20 at 2017 9:47 PM

2017-04-20T21:47:50-04:00

I was a AGR 92Y, I have 6 MOS's but, bulk of my time was 92Y. 75% 92Y's retire as an E6 across the board or change gears and go to another MOS being 92Y is hard to make rank.

I loved being in, it is all that I wanted to do. Yea, deployments, extended training, multi required schools, TDY for what ever took you away ALOT of times! But, wouldn't of changed a thing and my Family knew it was all part of the Army life.

While in Iraq (08/09) I became #1 on my list for E9. But, I told my Command that shortly after we return I will be punching out and retire. My Command replied I should stay, I'm next in line for E9. At which I replied "there are only 4 sluts, all are full. Those holding them, are not going to retire any time soon. Being #1, may as well be #101."

Jan 2011 I retired with 26yrs (24 Active), 5yrs later one of the E9's retired, his slut went away (Obama force reduction). I made the right call while in Iraq.

I'm happy knowing I had what it took to make E9 in a career field that 75% retire as an E6. If I'd stayed, I'd still be waiting and being fighting to maintain my points to remain #1 on my list.

I'm glad I made my choice that I did. Retired Army MSG is really nice, being a quarter into my 2nd career and being 49yrs old is awesome.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 9:49 PM

2017-04-20T21:49:42-04:00

I realized that the grass is just as green on the outside as the inside. I have no one lying to my face anymore telling me they care.
The army had a lot of rank chasers and they don't give a shit about soldiers family needs.

Response by SPC Tim Weber made Apr 20 at 2017 10:00 PM

2017-04-20T22:00:12-04:00

My back was/is fucked up. I'd love to have stayed, just couldn't cut it anymore.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 10:06 PM

2017-04-20T22:06:43-04:00

After 3 combat deployments JRTC had me questioning what the hell I was doing in the Army. I've since recovered some morale back, but some of it is still back there and always will be.

Response by SPC Greg Campbell made Apr 20 at 2017 10:49 PM

2017-04-20T22:49:43-04:00

planned on 20 but I went to Carson from Germany. they pretty much micromanaged how many times you shook it after you peed

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 11:24 PM

2017-04-20T23:24:44-04:00

I got out mainly because of my family's needs but, another reason I got out was because troop care became non-existent. I worked hard to get to where I was and in less than a year new leadership tore that down along with many other people's hard earned careers. I wasn't the perfect soldier and I struggled the most with PT. But, I knew my job and I know how to lead. Soldier care is critical to the mission and the leadership just didn't care. Dog and ponies became priority and nothing else mattered. Troops became nothing more than broom pushers and window washers. A damn shame.

Response by SSG Grant Hansen made Apr 20 at 2017 11:29 PM

2017-04-20T23:29:26-04:00

I had 21 years in, 1 deployment, my wife was having a baby in less than 4 months, I had a business that I had just started, a back that was already bad and not getting any better and to top it off, they were disbanding my unit and there were no E-6 slots in any of the remaining transportation or engineer units, so I was looking at getting yet another MOS or being demoted.

It seemed like everything was pointing to me getting out, so I did.

Response by SGT John Galbraith made Apr 21 at 2017 12:20 AM

2017-04-21T00:20:33-04:00

I didn't give up, my body gave up when I started getting older. My head is still in the game and i would put a chute and a ruck on right now if I had the opportunity. I got to the point where I was falling apart. I was working 10 times harder than the younger guys and all I was doing was wearing myself out and gaining weight. Every time I would re-injure myself I would gain more weight until I finally started struggling just to make height and weight. I would be on it, then off it, then on it then off it. Now, picture an E5 that works his fingers to the bone that got nothing in return because, well, that would be a favorable action. No matter what unit, what country I was in, I was working harder than everyone for less than everyone else. At 16 years, I left a bitter, salty SGT with the highest award of an AAM for the hell I put myself through. Quite honestly, that was the best thing I ever did. Guess what I am claiming from VA. 0%. Yup. That is how the government has treated me. I guess some people get the silver platter and glide through, some people grind through. My experience was a grind.

Response by SFC Steve Greene made Apr 21 at 2017 2:54 AM

2017-04-21T02:54:01-04:00

Did my 20 ,and Got out before it became,Shall I say SOFT
.August 02.. Made E7.. that was my goal..

Response by PO2 Adam Wagoner made Apr 21 at 2017 5:10 AM

2017-04-21T05:10:34-04:00

Detailer tried to force me to go to Fallon, NV. He couldn't fill that billet because nobody wanted it. I chose a CIVLANT billet in FL.

Response by CSM John Pepper made Apr 21 at 2017 6:20 AM

2017-04-21T06:20:04-04:00

Took the big ride. Never considered retirement until I was stationed in DC. What a cesspool. There is no military at the Pentagon, just a bunch of politicians trying to be someone and get a high paying retirement job. I did my 25 years, proud of it. Now I just shake my head. . . . . . .

Response by Cpl Frank Doss made Apr 21 at 2017 7:55 AM

2017-04-21T07:55:29-04:00

Did the math: Refused to be married & jr enlisted, wanted a family, my new computer science degree would pay more.
Could have gone officer, I guess, though.

Response by TSgt Thomas Franks made Apr 21 at 2017 10:45 AM

2017-04-21T10:45:48-04:00

I was nearing end of current enlistment and HYT as an E-6. Even receiving line number for E-7 two weeks before retirement ceremony I knew it was time to go at 23 years and 8 months. I With recent changes in HYT that year even as an E-7 I would have had 4 months anyway. Which is why I was shocked that I even tested that year with an approved retirement date. I declined E-7 and retired since I had a GS-9 job lined up and movers scheduled to come in a few weeks later. Knees were giving me issues after multiple surgeries was another reason. I loved my job/assignments and positions. I'm doing the same this as most of my active duty time, just in civilian clothes.

Response by SSG Patrick Williams made Apr 21 at 2017 11:44 AM

2017-04-21T11:44:36-04:00

I had no plans of getting out, but after 9 nine years 4 months, torn knee cartilage, bones spurs, bad disk in my spine, bad wrist and migraines. I was tired of pushing my body. Command thought I was faking because the torn cartilage didn't show on x-ray. I paid for my own MRI, to prove there was something wrong. On my way to BNOC I said that's it. I've had enough. VA retired later.

Response by LTC Francis Irwin made Apr 21 at 2017 11:45 AM

2017-04-21T11:45:52-04:00

Once you get twenty, it's like working for half pay and bennies. I figured even if I got a yearning to serve again, DA civilian would suit me as well as bucking for full bird. And frankly, an honest assessment of my potential didn't see me making more than one more promotion and no guarantee on the one. After twenty years you figure these things out about yourself.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2017 11:50 AM

2017-04-21T11:50:05-04:00

I got out last week due to an overall lack of leadership caring for subordinates -- at all levels-- lack of focus on combat, poor and ineffective training, utter waste and mismanagement of training funds, and focus the Army's model Soldier and NCO switching from a toughened, hardened, well-trained and resilient killer prepared to fight for his country to a college educated, perfectly groomed, ironed uniformed, yes-man, PowerPoint warrior who can color inside the lines, type out pretty 4856s, and make the public think the military is for holding hands and providing disaster relief instead of winning wars and killing every single enemy we have until the enemy stops fighting.

I love my job, I love the Infantry, I love my country and my family has served, fought, bled and died ever since the Revolution, but after seven years and three deployments with 4-2 and 3-101, I'm done. Walking away is the hardest decision I've ever made.

Response by SSG James Harbison made Apr 21 at 2017 12:42 PM

2017-04-21T12:42:45-04:00

Two things: 1, it was brought to my attention that none of us who crossed from the Navy to the Army as part of the Blue to Green program were getting promoted past E6. But the biggest moment was when my Soldiers were being moved out of their barracks two weeks earlier than scheduled, with no place to go. The SGM and 1SG that was making them pack up was making them put their stuff in the halls and outside. I asked where my guys were going to sleep that night and was told, "I don't care, they aren't my Soldiers." When the seniors who should be looking out for Juniors talk this way, it's time to go.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2017 1:24 PM

2017-04-21T13:24:32-04:00

I got out for a multitude of reasons: poor/toxic leaders, lack of opportunities, to the softening of the military with the rapid changes of rules (it seemed like it was a different army every year) are just a few reasons, but my biggest issue was from my experience, anything you "achieve" is based absolute chance, it doesn't matter what kind of soldier you are or how you perform, and I'm not OK with that.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2017 1:54 PM

2017-04-21T13:54:08-04:00

I was in the Marines from 08-13. I was passed up for multiple deployments. And when my MOS closed out for promotion I tried to lay move and got denied. I said screw active duty and got out. I'm not in the Air Force Reseve and I'm slated for a promotion to SSgt. I'm so glad I made that move to the reserves.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2017 2:00 PM

2017-04-21T14:00:17-04:00

My third child was born and I did not want to miss any more milestones. The night he arrived I called my Chief (CMSGT) and told him I was done and will be submitting my retirement papers

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2017 2:34 PM

2017-04-21T14:34:20-04:00

I had an NCO that had an airman say she was sexually assaulted at his house by another airman. When osi got involved I pointed out she was a liar but that she and one other person were underage. The whole shop figured out who said that. He was reprimanded. I however was forever in his sights. That same nco was upset I was doing age maintenance longer than normal. To clear it up, we have a brace on certain trailers that would constantly crack. The whole area just needed to be replaced. I got tired of the band aid fix. Our ncoic like that my numbers weren't as high for age but none of my stuff ever came back. The ancoic did not. He sat me down in the flight office to have me explain to the flight chief how I wasn't good at my job. Being about a year in, I just followed what he wanted. I knew after my 4 that he was wrong.
When it came time for my reenlistment, he wouldn't allow since he became ncoic.

Response by MSgt Frank Martin made Apr 21 at 2017 4:03 PM

2017-04-21T16:03:54-04:00

I myself would have been willing to go another one or two years. But after 22 years the USAF moved the Multimedia Group to Public Affairs Group, the Photographers and Videographer's were transferred over. But Graphics Career field was eliminated. Our Career Field manager never lifted a finger to keep us in the move as she was ready to retire anyway. Another high ranking videographer contacted me and tried to convince me to become a 1st Sergeant.. but I did not want that so retired a month before the elimination of the Multimedia Group.

The only regret is.. I was a High-3, and wanted to keep the rank three years on. I missed it by 31 days.

So basically.. the USAF got rid of my career code.. I went with it.

Response by SPC Tyler Frampton made Apr 21 at 2017 5:32 PM

2017-04-21T17:32:34-04:00

I had just re upped for 6 more years and was getting ready for my 2nd deployment when I slipped on the DFAC floor during lunch Service. 1 week later found my self on my bathroom floor in level 15 pain! Went for an MRI. then my Dr. Asked me how long I was planning on staying in the army!? I was planning for 20, he said well looks like it's cut short. Lots of appointments and paper work later I was med boarded with 90% for my issues they found. Wish I could go back every day....

Response by SSG Kirk Benke made Apr 21 at 2017 5:56 PM

2017-04-21T17:56:49-04:00

It was my time to retire after a little over 20+ yrs and glad I did. SSG Kirk Benke U.S.Army (retired)

Response by SGT(P) Daniel McBride made Apr 21 at 2017 6:29 PM

2017-04-21T18:29:16-04:00

Currently going through a MEB. Considered fighting it but then realized that, to me, it isn't worth it. Too soft of new soldier, too political of COCs, lack luster training....if there was any. There were way too many people kissing ass with nothing to show job or education wise being promoted. Soldier were treated worse than cockroaches but were expected to keep a high state of morale. I hope the army improves. If not, no disrespect but, our next full our war is gonna be a quick one.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2017 7:19 PM

2017-04-21T19:19:03-04:00

Recruiting

Response by LT Louis McKellar made Apr 21 at 2017 7:44 PM

2017-04-21T19:44:11-04:00

I was passed over once for LCDR, so even though I had one more look, I put my papers in and retired. The benefits of being a mustang.

Response by SPC Kyle Williams made Apr 21 at 2017 8:07 PM

2017-04-21T20:07:01-04:00

I had a man hating lesbo xo. A 24 year old female commander who had zero real life experience, plus no backbone to stand up to our Douche 1sg who treated it like it was his unit and basically openly had no regard for unit policies the commander put out. Married E-5 fucking single privates in our unit. Plus a strongly supported rumor that a e-5 ruffied another private in our unit to fuck her. My first and only unit was just tore up from the floor up. I dreaded work. I hated the army. Good old 324th nsc, 41st fires brigade, fort hood Texas.

Response by LCpl Joe McDonough made Apr 21 at 2017 9:40 PM

2017-04-21T21:40:24-04:00

Very simply put in honesty. As much as I loved and been proud of being in the Corps. My decision was simply personal independence. Sure I could say it was that final MRE that I thought I couldn't take any more part of it or the BS games that was played with the constant threat of getting F*&#d by the big green weinie, In reality for me I have always been some what of a free thinker with a desire like to live a life that I choose in a place of my own choosing where I myself am responsible for the destiny of my own fate. I would be lying that at the age of 22 with out parents or a family to move back home to it was a bit scary and somewhat tough trying to strike it out on my own. And the temptation to run back into the Corps for safety and security was just that, very tempting. Once out I knew I had to do whatever it takes to get up on my feet and move on with my life. Fortunately I had a few dollars saved up that helped me to get set up with a place until I got a job. Looking back now. I think to myself that had I stayed in sure I would be enjoying a nice pension today but I would not have lived the life that I made. And otherwise would've missed out on so many things that I may not have been able to do or experience if I was still in. I would not had the freedom or experience to have grown my hair long and lived a rock & roll life style in LA, or got some really good paying jobs doing things that I loved such being a cross country truck driver, also some one who got his hands dirty in starting my own businesses. And even though I may have got some traveling in but most likely I wouldn't have got to travel the way I did as I have as a civilian going to places I wanted to visit. As a civilian I have been able to exercise my creativity and have the environment to think for myself and form my own opinions that I may not have had I stayed in a regiment military situation. Basically stating, my years of serving in the Corps was one of my proudest and it was those years that I credit in helping to shape me in who I am today but for me personally it was not the end all of everything in my life but only one of many portions of my life that has made me who I am. For those who do decide to stay whom tends to be those in the minority of all of those who served deserves the highest respect to continue on to devote their lives serving our country.

Response by SFC Kevin Zoll made Apr 21 at 2017 9:58 PM

2017-04-21T21:58:42-04:00

Retired at 24 years. Keep getting passed over for E-8 even though I was in my 4th E-8 position when I retired. ISG 2x, Bn Ops SGT, and BDE Intel SGT.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 21 at 2017 10:31 PM

2017-04-21T22:31:40-04:00

Wasn't my idea. I was happy enough, but I had a wife and kid who deserved better. Got a job with one of the best Police Departments in the country. The guy I replaced was already back in country

Response by SPC John Blackburn made Apr 21 at 2017 10:45 PM

2017-04-21T22:45:28-04:00

1.When I looked at my ERB and saw that I had more time deployed than I did at home.
2. Hounded to get my E-5. Didn't want it. I saw that all they did was constant paperwork. I'm not a desk jockey. I'd rather work alongside my joes than tell them what to do from behind a computer.
3. Other than NTC and Iraq, couldn't get the heck out of Georgia. Basic at Sand Hill, Ft. Benning. AIT in Ft. Gordon, GA. Finally back to Kelly Hill, Ft. Benning for my permanent duty station.
4. Tired of my paycheck being threatened by the government when it comes to budget cuts.

Response by SGT Joe McNeil made Apr 21 at 2017 10:59 PM

2017-04-21T22:59:37-04:00

Complicated situation, but in a nutshell:
Told retention I would reenlist for nothing less than duty station of choice (had a son with an ex who lived a 2 hour drive from where I wanted vs the 12 hour flight I had to take from where I was)
Command even agreed, signed the 4187 to drop the fence, but went under my 90 day window waiting for the glitch in the matrix to fix itself.
No regrets, my family was always first priority... would have been nice to be a lifer; did 8.5 active as it was.

Response by SGT Patrick Hawkins made Apr 22 at 2017 12:26 AM

2017-04-22T00:26:09-04:00

Deployed to Kuwait in 1999 because Sadaam decided to act up. Got everything ready went to Ft Stewart did all my paperwork boarded the aircraft only for the General to come aboard and tell us that Kofi Anan had settled the issue. The General basically said we've spent the money getting you here from Ft Benning so we'll send you there for 30 days consider it a mini NTC. Thirty days go by and the CSM briefs us by saying we don't have the money to send you home right now so we'll stay another month. Lo and behold 60 days go by and the CSM briefs is by saying we don't have any available planes to send you home so next update in 30 days. Now it's 90 days and the briefing goes Congress is not in session therefore we can't send you home. As you can see this turned into one big CF (cluster f**k). They continue this trend for another month. At the 148 day mark the 1SG comes out to brief us and he says pack your gear tear down the tents and burn the wood you're going home. So of course we're all thinking in a few days but it wasn't our marching orders were you have three hours to be ready. My mind was made up at that point that this wasn't for me as I hate liers. Tell me the truth regardless of how bad its gonna be or sound.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2017 12:40 AM

2017-04-22T00:40:21-04:00

Many reasons but a big one was that i was told that since no one liked me i was not eligible to go to the board. My e-5 said people thought i was a dick and because of that i had no chance for rank. I did my job better than every nco in my platoon except 2. I knew how to take care of other soldiers. Hell the same people who thought i was a dick came to me for help. This was pretty much the final nail in the coffin for me.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2017 1:02 AM

2017-04-22T01:02:57-04:00

My unit just didn't care. About anyone.

Response by MSG Carl Clark made Apr 22 at 2017 7:28 AM

2017-04-22T07:28:44-04:00

The Army is loosely controlled chaos, rife with politics , big on bluster, and hard on family and the notion of homeostasis. All that said, it is the first best risk vs reward career any young person should take.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Apr 22 at 2017 11:05 AM

2017-04-22T11:05:47-04:00

I had relocated 21 times in 24 years and was due for a tour overseas. My daughter was just entering High School and I decided I needed to give my family the stability they had been denied due to my service.

Response by SFC Walt "Butch" Deal made Apr 22 at 2017 11:51 AM

2017-04-22T11:51:40-04:00

I seriously considered getting out after being a detailed Recruiter for 3 years. USAREC is the most screwed up, poorly led organization in the Army. I actually received an impact AAM and a letter of reprimand in the same day! I toughed it out and have been collecting my retirement now for 24 years! I'd do it all over again in a heart beat! SFC "Butch" Deal, USA Rtd, Homer Alaska

Response by SGT Aaron Hall made Apr 22 at 2017 12:00 PM

2017-04-22T12:00:16-04:00

Fort Bliss, repeated deployments to Iraq, sleeples FTX, the Army turning soft, a bad divorce, toxic chain of command. How I was treated by my chain of command once I decided to ETS. It all made me say enough was enough. Not all of it was bad. 4/1 BCT 1/9 CAV CTROOP 2ND PLT, OIF 2006-2007. That was the best group of guys I have met. I knew we all would of died for eachother. Every deployment and unit after that felt empty.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2017 12:43 PM

2017-04-22T12:43:50-04:00

Incompetent "leadership" who would burn you and try and ruin your career so they could advance instead

Response by SPC Pamela Rosser made Apr 22 at 2017 2:16 PM

2017-04-22T14:16:52-04:00

I was disabled a year before my ETS. They let me stay and finish but I couldn't reenlist.

Response by PO1 Greg Lundberg made Apr 22 at 2017 2:24 PM

2017-04-22T14:24:01-04:00

1978- I was a Machinst Mate First Class in the Navy with a secret clearance and 4.0 quarterly marks with no blemishes on my record after almost six years of service. The Career Counselor talked to me and I wanted to go LDO or Warrant Officer. Counselor said no way, you have to be E-7 to apply. Okay, let me sit for the exam. No way, not enough time in rank.....He offered Recruiter duty, pushing boots or teaching at Great Lakes....None were attractive.

I countered, let me switch rates to the then new Gas Turbine rate....No way. MMs were a critical rate.

I left the Navy became a machinery inspector for a global insurance company and made a career of it.

Would have been Navy for 30 years if they had bent a little.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2017 4:28 PM

2017-04-22T16:28:46-04:00

Too much toxic leadership. No common sense from Big Army on down to the units themselves. Mostly good about caring for the family in my unit but it was wishwashy sometimes. Hypocrites everywhere. Just looking to kick soldiers out. The injury I got just added too it. I couldn't have ingnorant control freaks control my life anymore. Medically retired.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2017 6:20 PM

2017-04-22T18:20:00-04:00

I was 20 and thought I was missing something on the outside. Plus the Marine Corps had a alot of racist things going on just beneath the surface. I struggled for the 5 years I was out. However in the end it all worked out for best, I joined the Army and life couldn't be better.

Response by PO3 Stephen Bruce made Apr 22 at 2017 6:59 PM

2017-04-22T18:59:48-04:00

An 0-3 who knew it all put our ship into a hazard He spinned the wheel that caused our ship to be in a continuous right turn that threw everyone out of their bunks including the C.O. He was almost court martialed he was the last one of a string of LT's that helped influence that decision

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Apr 22 at 2017 7:47 PM

2017-04-22T19:47:30-04:00

When I got off active-duty, it was mainly due to the fact that the Army couldn't put me anywhere close to my family. I had just spent two years overseas, and the closest place they could come up with was Fort Drum. And since I'm from GA, that wasn't going to fly, so I went into the reserves for a few years before getting out for good (or so I thought).

I came back in three years ago, this time to the Guard. I'm currently going through that decision as my time is up this time next year. Even in the Guard, I've spent a lot of time being away from my family for various things. After a few things happened personally, I was able to get on ING status to take care of those things. Right now, it's the consideration of whether or not I'll ride out my time on ING (which I can be on for up to 2 years), or go back to finish the last seven months of my contract, and then get out.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2017 8:45 PM

2017-04-22T20:45:23-04:00

My Navy Seabee unit was severely under funded, our equipment and supply were outdated, we received everyone's "hand me downs" from weapons, to support gear. It was in the Clinton era and he had cut military funding. I decided to get out because morale was so low.

Response by MSgt Christopher Schoen made Apr 22 at 2017 8:50 PM

2017-04-22T20:50:31-04:00

Did 21 yrs TIS...retired. Med board, divorce, "last minute" PCS (crock of shyt IMO), low morale, almost zero common sense/care for the individual, and an E-9 "offering" me my 7th chance to the AOR...all this happened in the last 18 months. So...to hell with it, I hit eject. Good luck to all those still in! At the end...unless "they" like you, expect the worst and plan accordingly.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2017 9:11 PM

2017-04-22T21:11:58-04:00

First time was right after I got back from Korea with a busted marriage and questionable bunch of folks in my unit. Got shipped off to a temporary assignment that was supposed to only be 90 days and ended up being a year. Fast forward after 9-11 and I got picked up for an AGR slot and played that game and the politics that went with it. Came home one Sunday night after putting all the "part-timers" to bed and could not stop bitching about the BS that was going on. My wife asked me if I still enjoyed being in the Army and it dawned on me that I actually hated the one thing I loved. The next day, I started the process to begin retirement.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2017 9:28 PM

2017-04-22T21:28:31-04:00

It was just time. I lost my motivation my last year in. Wanted to get back to the civilian world where the promotion system made more sense for me. I liked my MOS 12P, but lost interest in the regular military things. It was a great experience and I would not be where I am today if it were not for the Army. Also made some really great friends and connections.

Response by SFC Pat Mattson made Apr 22 at 2017 9:29 PM

2017-04-22T21:29:14-04:00

Three major life happens at the same time. Detailed USAREC as I was getting separated from EX my kids stayed in Germany. Then my dad passed.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2017 9:57 PM

2017-04-22T21:57:35-04:00

Got tired of hearing you're a soldier first. Who cares how you feel or your emotional state. Having a daughter die only to hear sad situation but you're a soldier first made me realize this is not an organization I want my name associated with.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2017 10:21 PM

2017-04-22T22:21:53-04:00

I was overlooked for 4 deployments we sent 2 women instead they got recommended because they weren't inferior... I was the one who trained them

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 23 at 2017 2:26 AM

2017-04-23T02:26:56-04:00

None...

Response by PO3 Chris Johnson made Apr 23 at 2017 8:38 AM

2017-04-23T08:38:25-04:00

I'm getting out due to good 'ol Navy Medical. We were on deployment to the Gulf, and I had started to develop a rash. Simple shit, right? I was given tons of Prednisone to take and a pat on the ass. 3 weeks later, I'm pissing all the time, won't stop eating or drinking and I'm passing it out all of the time. Go to medical, find out I have a glucose level of 780+.

Medical chemically induced Diabetes.

I got shots of insulin for 3 days, flown off my boat with ONE FUCKING MONTH left in our deployment, sent to Norfolk to go on Limdu. Complications with diabetes got me depressed, unmotivated and now I'm gaining weight drastically.

Worst part? My C-Way was approved. I was going to reenlist 2 weeks before they flew me off my ship. My EAOS is in 5 months and I'm in TAPS. They denied me reenlisting at MARMC due to "health complications"

Fucking hell. I'm just getting out, fuck it. I'm single and young, I'll finish college and take my chances.

Response by SrA Debbie Mead made Apr 23 at 2017 9:05 AM

2017-04-23T09:05:30-04:00

Getting deployed last minute because the lady that was supposed to go was trying to get pregnant. I was still breastfeeding my daughter so had to quickly dry up. Ship both my daughters to my family because my ex-husband was deployed at the time. It was rough when I got back my youngest daughter didn't know who I was. So my boyfriend (now husband) and I made the decision for me to get out. Sone days I miss the military other days I am glad I got out.

Response by SFC Robert Escher made Apr 23 at 2017 9:33 AM

2017-04-23T09:33:23-04:00

I was a 62F in 1982when DA decided they were going to change all 62F to the MOS that their unit was ( 62F is a crane/Firklift operator) I had become disillusion with the army after being in a overstrentgh MOS 95B that had cutoff scores of 998 for three years so I had changed) but anyway I was in a ammo unit so I would have become a 55B with a ASI of forklift operator) six months after doing so they decided that wouldn't work so they changed all 62F back to being a 62F well they did but I was on the SSG promotion list and they left my promotable MOS as a 55B. That put me in limbo. I didn't go to any schools, didn't get promoted didn't have a change of station for six years. I came off leave in 88 and was told that they corrected the error ( after 6 years of myself and my 1st SGT changing it every month on my dream sheet) they told me that I had to catch up on everything I missed so I was going to Go to school, PCS and do it in the next week. I asked when I was to report to school ( this was on a Thursday) they told me next Wednesday? ( and then go to Korea immediately afterward) What I can't clear post ( FT HOOD) in three days. Can't we hold off? No DA has a opening for you in ANOC well that presents two problems, I'm on physical profile after having my foot operated on three weeks ago and you want me to clear post in two days. I can't do that what are my choices I asked.
The choices were either go to school or sign a bar to reenlistment. Well they didn't give me my promotions that I missed ( two) and the BN commander was going to offer me a field grade 15 for flunking out of school and I refused to do that because none of it was my fault. I signed the bar
Funny thing is I had four months left ( yes I would of had to renlist for school and change of station) butbthey also promoted me to SSG for all of two months even after I signed the bar go figure ( I had 17 1/2 years total service)
That's ok I'm now 100% VA disabled due to injuries sustained in the army. Had a successful 23 year career as a computer consultant

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2017 10:17 AM

2017-04-23T10:17:40-04:00

All the rank chasing and political bull crap that went on. Had known frat going on and guy gets promoted

Response by SSG Daman Gilmore made Apr 23 at 2017 11:09 AM

2017-04-23T11:09:15-04:00

I went from Afghanistan to Cuba then to Ft Gordon. While my family stayed at Bragg. 2012 till 2017 I was just visiting my family until I retired

Response by SPC Patrick Lambert made Apr 23 at 2017 11:32 AM

2017-04-23T11:32:42-04:00

I got out due to educational opportunities. I had finished my associates degree, and my CoC was not supportive of me going on and getting a second degree, so I got out started working on my bachelors degree.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2017 12:36 PM

2017-04-23T12:36:09-04:00

Cav leadership

Response by SPC Ryan Larsen made Apr 23 at 2017 12:43 PM

2017-04-23T12:43:19-04:00

I left due to a promotion. Not that I didn't get it but that I refused one. Let me explain. Wrapped up my first deployment and had about six months left with my current unit before I was due to PCS. I had just over 2 years in and had been promoted to E-4 at about my 18 month mark. So spent what time I had left with my unit studying and prepping for the next step in my career. I was placed in leadership role because a lot of people were ETS'ing and new soldiers were being placed in unit a getting ready to deploy. My squad leader was grooming me for promotion. However I did not have enough time in to be eligible for a waiver at that time. When I PCS'd my company commander wrote a letter of recommendation for early promotion. In all honesty I did not expect to be promoted when I got to my new unit. Sure enough, when I got to fort lewis, I was told that they would be using their waivers to promote soldiers they had been grooming. No big deal, I would go on my second deployment and when my time was up I was sure I would be promoted when I had enough time in where a waiver wasn't required. So about five months into my deployment our company commander called me into his office. He said he was impressed with my performance and understood that I was interested in being promoted. Then he told me me he was interested in making me his new headquarters team leader. I was always in line platoon. I wanted to be out on patrol with my squad, not being in charge of radio duty and fetching the company's mail and laundry and keeping the commanders Striker nice and shiny so it would never leave the motor pool (when he did go outside the wire he would jump in with one of the platoon's). So I told him how I felt, and he informed me that his offer was contingent on me going to headquarter's. So I refused. He was furious. He informed me that he would write me a letter of reprimand on monthly basis and that he may just go ahead and transfer e to headquarters regardless. Once again I told him I joined the military to be outside the wire and that I would sign is letters of reprimand and informed him on the spot that I would not reenlist. He was true to his word and I was true to mine. To his credit he left me with my current platoon. My platoon sergeant was impressed with my backbone, and on numerous occasions told me the army would be losing an excellent soldier. Sorry for the long post.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Conroy made Apr 23 at 2017 1:42 PM

2017-04-23T13:42:32-04:00

I had done 6, and had every intention of re-upping for 6. I had just missed E-6 by 13 points, so I knew I'd be up for E-7 within my next enlistment. The chances of making E-7 are diminished if you choose skate or lackluster duty, and my reenlistment would coincide with my choosing my next duty station. I actually drove to DC to see the detailer personally. I told him I needed "career enhancing duty." He told me, "I've got a maintenance depot in Newport, Rhode Island." I suggested everything under the sun; duty outside my NEC (MOS,) and even stuff outside my rate. He'd respond blankly, "I've got a maintenance depot in Newport, Rhode Island." This was 1991; the Gulf War was wrapped up and Papa Bush was looking to spend the "peace dividend" from the collapse of the Communist empire, meaning the Navy was going to get a lot smaller. Not making deals for reenlistment was part of the manpower attrition strategy. I figured it was high time to start a career elsewhere. Good choice, too! A few years later I started running into ex E-6's and E-7's from my old specialty who were basically given a check and kicked out. BTW, just before I got out I ran into an old buddy I'd gone to A and C school with. He said, "Hey, I reenlisted! I'm going to a maintenance depot in Newport, Rhode Island!"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2017 2:56 PM

2017-04-23T14:56:28-04:00

Retired in 2015 after 20 years and I can tell you this. Civilian or military life is what you make of it. The same people you meet in the military you will meet on the civilian side. The only person that will ever change is you. I ignored half the ignorant people and learned a lot from the smart ones. I had enough resilience to put up with the b.s and enough silliness to still laugh and enjoy the good moments. 5x combat tours as a 13F (Great times spent with the Infantry) I have been with mostly every known division in the Army; I have come to realize you cannot change people you can only change yourself. So, I decided to become one of the best NCO to lead Soldiers and also guide some Officers. My reward is to know there will be some good leaders in the Army and the percentage retirement check i get; And believe me that retirement check comes in handy with a second job i can retire from. My only regret is not getting enough college I was too focus on the Soldiers and our mission; but i get to do college now, i started having kids toward the end of my career so now I can spend time raising them. So I didn't do everything right but things worked out

Response by SSgt Marshall Richardson made Apr 23 at 2017 3:44 PM

2017-04-23T15:44:50-04:00

I did ten and a half years. Dying for God and country is one thing. Dying so some politician can get reelected, not this guy. EOD is inherently dangerous, but even more so when the senior leadership are idiots running the country and the military.

Response by SGT Greg Davis made Apr 23 at 2017 4:22 PM

2017-04-23T16:22:57-04:00

I owe everything that I am professionally to the Army but I eventually outgrew it. That seems very arrogant as I read what I am typing but it is the truth, at least for me. I grew tired of the mind-numbing dumbassery that fuels the beast. I was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma at about the same time as I had began weighing not reenlisting and my command's change in attitude towards me once I was "broken" made it an easy decision to take the out when the medical board offered me a choice. Today, I am an IT leader for a Fortune 200 almost 20 years after I called it a career with the Army. I never would have achieved what I have in the civilian world had I stayed in so in a way, I owe a debt of gratitude to my commander and the other leaders who made my decision to leave an easy one.

Response by SFC Thomas Rowan Jr made Apr 23 at 2017 4:32 PM

2017-04-23T16:32:42-04:00

It just got to political for me

Response by MAJ Glenn Lasater made Apr 23 at 2017 6:28 PM

2017-04-23T18:28:08-04:00

I had the greatest assignment of my career with the 7th Signal Brigade in Germany and I was looking dead into an assignment to the Pentagon. As a Mustang with over 8 years enlisted service, I was blessed to spend almost my entire career with troops in maneuver units and I just couldn't see myself flying a desk in the "Puzzle Palace." After 23 years, I knew the family was getting tired of the constant moves and frequent separations. Our son was getting ready for high school and really needed some stability in his life.

Of course, we don't talk about it while on active duty, but I was getting tired. The changes in the force from 1963 to 1986 were, in some cases, extreme. Having experienced the ravages of Vietnam, the confusion and disintegration afterwards, and the rebuilding attempts in the early 80's I watched as the urgency of combat preparedness was replaced by politics and maneuvering to get all the right "tickets punched." Performance seemed to be based more on connections and statistics rather than demonstrated results.

Many years before, when I was promoted to Sergeant, CSM Helton advised me that when the day came, and he assured me that it would, when I became critical of more things than I was enthusiastic about -- it was time to go. He was right. I had a great career and the privilege of serving with true heroes and I'll never regret a minute of it.

Response by LCpl Aaron Freeman made Apr 23 at 2017 9:19 PM

2017-04-23T21:19:51-04:00

I got tired of the zero defect mentality... I got tired of the unremarkable, underachiever asskissers getting recognition over people who actually made a contribution to the military! Got tired of the CYA, and was extremely tired of the brass court-martialing people for bullshit! Instead of simply separating them with an admin seps, they have to convene a court-martial! What a waste!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2017 9:21 PM

2017-04-23T21:21:03-04:00

I've been in over 12 years. I'm likely getting out at RCP. I have always been the irreplaceable asset, the go-to, the single point of success or failure. As a result I've only ever been to 1 school, WLC aside. I've been tasked and called in on leave. I've worked 30 and 40 level slots only to have my NCOERs reflect a 20 level slot elsewhere in the unit so someone senior could be rated in my slot.

In short, I've always been overworked, under appreciated, and poorly led. I can no longer justify service to a military that takes my investment in them and refuses to invest in me, personally or professionally.

I could shoot for E-6 or Warrant and draw a retirement, but frankly I've become so bitter and cynical these last 2 years it would likely just make me a "toxic leader."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2017 9:53 PM

2017-04-23T21:53:46-04:00

I'm still in but I passed my 20 year point a few months ago. It was a sobering moment and I looked back and realized that I could walk away and not look back and it wouldn't bother me. It's been fun and all but for years an organization asks 110% and you give it, and you still get treated like a child or have to put up with childish people... or overly uptight people who take themselves ENTIRELY too seriously. I'm going to go a bit longer with the National Guard but it'll be nice when I finally throw in the towel.

Response by SPC Lyle Almy made Apr 23 at 2017 10:29 PM

2017-04-23T22:29:45-04:00

Steadily deteriorating knees. When it got to the point that I couldn't pass the run, I got out.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2017 10:32 PM

2017-04-23T22:32:49-04:00

I did 12 years and 3 deployments. 2 Iraq and 1 Louisiana for Katrina. I could do my job but the injuries to my body made the run on the PT test impossible. I tried for a walking profile but they kept "losing" my paperwork so it was either fail back to back PT test or get out at the end of my contract. I loved the people in my unit as they never required me to do the test but after trying to get the walking profile for 2 years I knew eventually they would require me to take the test. Instead of flushing 12 years down the drain I took the chance to get out clean. Felt more like being forced out imo.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2017 11:24 PM

2017-04-23T23:24:39-04:00

Uummmm. I would have to say the incoming administration! At the time.

Response by PO2 Michael Sayre made Apr 24 at 2017 1:33 AM

2017-04-24T01:33:19-04:00

Our reasons for leaving probably have something to do with why we join. I wonder how many join believing one thing only to separate without that same belief? Did it grow or was it shattered?

Response by MSG Michael McEleney made Apr 24 at 2017 4:13 AM

2017-04-24T04:13:35-04:00

Col E @CentCom, she bad mouthed everyone behind their back, stated that Enlisted people were too stupid or lazy to go to college and become officers. Stated once she hated reservists, everyone in her section was a reservist-including her. Last step was when she told me that as an E-8 in an E-7 slot she would replace me with the next E-7 who reported in, she didn't know she had a SFC within the section. My ETS was coming up so I got my release from AD and left that toxic environment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2017 4:14 AM

2017-04-24T04:14:15-04:00

It is very educational to read the different stories. Although they are all different there a lot with similar situation. One that I agree on is how we promote Soldiers. Another one is how we waste times on paperwork, meetings, procedures that make no sense. A pilot can fly an apache faster than a Soldier can dispatch a vehicle or piece of equipment. We loose a lot of good Soldiers to the lack of training and lack of hard discipline. When I say hard discipline I'm talking about a Soldiers fearing but respecting his/her NCOs and Officers. I was an AIT instructor at Fort Eustis and even at that early level I met Soldiers who were already disappointed because they said " I was expecting to have my world rocked and turned upside down, yet we don't even do formations or inspect uniforms" We loose Soldiers because many leaders are worrying about their next position or rank. We need to make this military profession appealing and oh yes not everyone is meant to be in the military so letting everyone in the military still is a bad idea.

Response by SGT Jeff Everhart made Apr 24 at 2017 8:37 AM

2017-04-24T08:37:11-04:00

It's not easy to make it 20 years, because there are a lot of cut-throat, back stabbing, snakes in authority.

Response by SGT Kelly Boling made Apr 24 at 2017 9:32 AM

2017-04-24T09:32:29-04:00

Being in the MP's 95B points were high to get promoted. I was extremely lucky and was an E3, E4 and E5 all within the same year. I was on the E6 list and had more than enough points needed to get promoted. I updated my records and 5 months later when the points came out I was excited that I was getting promoted to E6. But when I contacted administration they said nothing was added to my records for over a year. Come to find out the lazy E7 that I gave all my new records to failed to enter them. Went to the 1Sgt and Commander and they said there was nothing that could be done and I'd have to wait until the next promotion points come out. So I thought if this is the way the Army is going to, I'd get out. I would of been a 30 year solider. So thank you Mr. Lazy E7

Response by SPC Steven King made Apr 24 at 2017 10:51 AM

2017-04-24T10:51:41-04:00

For me it was money. As a 96D who's first duty station was a strategic command in the Beltway, I spent my first two years in the Army working next to civilians who did the same job I did (imagery analysis), worked half as hard, were practically un-firable above a GS-12 level and made four to ten times the money I did. This seemed to be one of the biggest factors among my junior enlisted peers at the time as well. Hate to say it, but sending intel MOS people into positions where they're going to be working side-by-side with civilians doing the same job for far more money isn't a good assignment for a freshly minted PV2.
I spent several months working at the Pentagon during the dust-up in Kosovo and that was eye opening as well. My first real initiation experience working with officers outside my assigned unit was basically watching O-4s fetching pizza and the general feeling that most of those guys hadn't seen a PT test in several years.
When I initially enlisted in 1997 I didn't know if I wanted to make the military a career or not. Within a few months of getting my first duty assignment in D.C. I knew I was going to be a one-and-done enlistee (although that didn't quite work out, thanks IRR!)

Response by SPC Travis Dillon made Apr 24 at 2017 11:03 AM

2017-04-24T11:03:16-04:00

Kinda woke up and realized my heart and mind weren't in the job anymore. I knew staying longer would just be detrimental to myself and those I served with, so I finished my time and left, just shy of the ten year mark.

Response by SSG Jimmie Jett made Apr 24 at 2017 11:08 AM

2017-04-24T11:08:39-04:00

I never wanted to get out. I enjoyed every post and the personnel where I was assigned. Forced medical retirement at 15 years. Currently 100% disabled from V.A.

Response by SGT Jason Miller made Apr 24 at 2017 12:11 PM

2017-04-24T12:11:54-04:00

Shit pay and terrible leaders.

Response by TSgt Stanley Pimble made Apr 24 at 2017 12:53 PM

2017-04-24T12:53:41-04:00

Watching snot nosed A1C's come in and get promoted over me ! Too much brown nosing, and it stopped being fun ....

Response by MSgt Kerry Lundy made Apr 24 at 2017 1:32 PM

2017-04-24T13:32:01-04:00

With all the political correctness that was prevalent in the mid eighties I had reached the point where I actually hated going to the base each morning. I was the senior E-7 in the division and while I was on emergency leave back to CONUS (Father passed) the Captain made a junior E-7 the Div. Supt. this man was excellent in the job and I had no hard feelings at all toward him. My first staff meeting after I returned this young Capt (Academy Grad) made the remark I made Msgt ------- Div Supt while you were gone and I hope you are going to be a team player. My retirement orders had already been approved and published so I replied Capt I have been playing on the USAF TEAM for 21 years. Whose team are you playing on? BTW my terminal leave papers are on your desk for signature and don't call my quarters while I am on leave. Smartest thing I did was retire when I did before I really did anything dumb.

Response by SSG Kevin Manning made Apr 24 at 2017 3:07 PM

2017-04-24T15:07:54-04:00

2nd Duty station..Army selected recruiter. Ruined everything about the Army for me.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Apr 24 at 2017 4:55 PM

2017-04-24T16:55:34-04:00

I retired after 24 years because I didn't want to leave my family anymore. It was as simple as that.I have been retired 28 years and I still be leave bring a chief petty officer at sea is the best job in the world.

Response by SPC Travis McGaha made Apr 24 at 2017 5:11 PM

2017-04-24T17:11:12-04:00

Poor leadership. When I went in, my 1st NCO's used their rank to shield lower enlisted from BS inter-company politics. Their attitude was do your job, we'll cover for you. Into the middle of my 3rd year, those NCO's had moved on to new duty stations or retired. The crop of NCO's that came in believed in using lower enlisted to shield their own rank. I'm lucky, my MOS was 64C Heavy Equipment Driver which changed to 88m (generic chauffeur), when I left service, I got a job driving over the road and made way more money than I ever did in the Army and never once thought, "hhhhmmmm, it's too hard out here, I've got to go back."

Response by SrA Jauqita Melton made Apr 24 at 2017 5:18 PM

2017-04-24T17:18:24-04:00

The reason I got out is because the stuck me in the tool cage when I fell off the top of a jet. Then when I got better they left me there. I also couldn't deal anymore being a female on the flightline. I felt that I was underestimated because I was a female doing a "mans" job. It felt like I was having to prove myself way more than anyone else, even the new Airmen coming in.

Response by SPC Lindsay Siegfried made Apr 24 at 2017 5:59 PM

2017-04-24T17:59:37-04:00

That's a loaded question. Bad leadership that was checking off blocks to get their next promotion. I spent most of my career in an enormous company that didn't do much in garrison, to be totally honest. A lot of the time it felt like they would stick SFC's in the company because their platoon would be as large as a small company, so they could see how they handled 1SG level responsibilities. Ditto with moving Commanders and 1st sergeants in. Company level positions that were testing grounds for battalion level jobs. The soldiers got reduced to impressive numbers for OER's and NCOER's, and I could count on one hand the number of leaders I had there that genuinely cared.

A branch manager that would purposefully game the system to screw you over. Seriously. Korea is a 12 month unaccompanied tour. I was sent over there 18 months and 2 weeks out from ETS. So were no less than 7 other people in my battalion, within a month, with the same dates to ETS. They did this so they could give us 12 month orders unaccompanied and tell us we didn't have 6 months on our contracts left so we couldn't PCS back to Garrison to ACAP (because 6.5 months, minus 30 days for PCS leave, only left 5.5 at your new unit) and they could then get an extra 6 months out of us without paying us anymore, or force our hand to extend or reenlist to bring our families over. As I said, 8 of us in the first month, and then there'd be another batch screwed the same way every few months after that showing up to the battalion, until that branch manager moved on to another job.

A rank structure that valued gold stars over effective leadership. I watched time and time again, PT studs with Airborne, Air Assault and a bunch of board time get promoted when they were incredibly ineffective leaders, and technically incompetent. On the other hand, I also worked with 10 year specialists who were great shift leads, looked out for the younger soldiers, and were technical experts in their field. But hey, you only run a 15:30 2 mile, so you're not going to the board. Fix it in your own time after you get off your 12 hour shift. Btw, we need you at the hangar in the morning, so don't go to PT.

Garrison games. Standing in a field for hours for a change of command or a pass and review, when there's work that needs to be done at the hangar. Putting off critical maintenance or working weekends because there's a division run that takes precedence over everything. Wasting entire days once every couple of months so we could hear speeches on how sexually assaulting your wife while driving drunk and brandishing a weapon on post on the way to a Klan rally is a bad, and should not be done. (and Christmas is coming. Lights are a fire hazard, don't burn your house down with your christmas tree, hooah?)

Most critical though, was the overwhelming feeling of having someone breathing down my neck constantly. Want to take a long weekend four hours away? Fill out your risk assessment, TRIPS form, vehicle inspection, strip map, leave form (in case you're late, and we have to charge you) and then get it approved by your squad leader, platoon sergeant, platoon leader, 1SG and commander. Monthly checks to make sure, yes, my insurance is still valid. Getting sent to Korea and going from having my own apartment to being forced into the barracks and getting constant room inspections. Getting restricted from certain areas of town, or entire regions in Korea, because some other guy I've never met got in a bar fight. Ridiculous. The last straw was when they decided to combat domestic violence by requiring that every married couple in the division have their first line supervisor visit their home, sit down in their own living room, and give them and their wives a brief on domestic violence and who to call if your spouse hits you. My wife was irate.

Since getting out, I get off work, and I'm off work. I make a little less money, and the benefits aren't nearly as nice. I pay my own gym membership fees now, and I do genuinely miss seeing the world, living in new places and the camaraderie of the service. All told, it's somewhat less interesting, but so much less stressful on the outside. I used to come home pissed virtually every day. I'd down a bourbon before I even got out of uniform. There's none of that on the civilian side. 100% the right decision for me.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2017 6:39 PM

2017-04-24T18:39:39-04:00

I got our for my wife at the time and started contracting for the department of justice. She rolled out a month after I got out but I'm making 6 figures so I can't complain.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2017 7:20 PM

2017-04-24T19:20:00-04:00

JRTC and NTC every time. I don't care about the liars and crappy leaders. They teach you everything not to be. I'm in the 82nd coming from FT Richardson Alaska. I really enjoy the 82nd. The Army is truely the only job I've ever had where I don't dread going to work.

Response by SPC Tim Fox made Apr 24 at 2017 9:32 PM

2017-04-24T21:32:12-04:00

My first ACAP appointment was 9/11/2001. Ya, I left.

Response by Ryan McMasters made Apr 24 at 2017 10:20 PM

2017-04-24T22:20:25-04:00

I joined for the brotherhood. I was nieve enought to think everyone was green...nope, I was wrong. never in my life had I seen more racism and division. SGT pissed hot on a drug test...didn't get demoted. Found out after I left SSGT lied about his rank and got busted (for the second time). Top and CO (female) supposedly got knocked down a notch or two for screwing around down range, both with spouses state side. My entire chain of command made it pretty clear that the black guys take precedence and the white boys came last. I was just disappointed more than anything. Thought I could earn my way without the politics and ass kissing. In an E-2 out an E-2.
However, I can't talk trash without bringing up the SGTs who knew when to be the boss and when to be your brother. Always doing the right thing even when the right thing wasn't the popular thing. They are few and far between but they are there and I wouldn't have made it out with my sanity without them.

Response by Cpl Paul Richardson made Apr 24 at 2017 10:30 PM

2017-04-24T22:30:39-04:00

Field day cleaning. Without that crap I would have stayed in

Response by SGT Michael Root made Apr 25 at 2017 1:58 AM

2017-04-25T01:58:05-04:00

Short version: I was tired of missing important events because of someone else's mistakes or decisions.
This happened to me twice, the first time was missing a family reunion that had only happened about every 10 years prior to that. Instead of attending what turned out to be the last reunion that side of the family has ever held, I sat in the TOC during gunnery for 12 hours a day playing video games on my personal laptop (with the full knowledge and permission of both my section leadership and the S-3 SGM). Since I was Intel, the only assignment my section had during Gunnery was to brief the CO on the weather forecast each day which was 15 minutes prep and 2 minutes talking (and we had 8 people to share that arduous task). My leave had been denied, however, because "we need every man." That was annoying but not enough to push me out on its own. It was the second one that really put the nails in the coffin.

The big one was when, I missed my sister's wedding because my leadership forgot to put me on the list for leave for that month. I'd done my due diligence and informed both my platoon sergeant and my 1SG several months prior to the deployment (almost a year out from the wedding) and then reminded the platoon sergeant monthly until he got annoyed and told me to stop reminding him because "he wouldn't forget." A few months later, I attended the leave prep briefing and wasn't on the list. By that point,the leave roster had already gone up to Division Headquarters and back so there was no changing it short of a family emergency (which a wedding doesn't qualify as). Full credit to my leadership, they put me at the front of the list for the next month and I got home only 2-3 days after the wedding. By that point, of course, almost all of the relatives had gone back home and I only saw my sister for a few hours before she left for her honeymoon instead of the several days we'd planned on. I appreciated the efforts my leadership had gone to in an effort to correct their mistake but it drove home how easily paperwork could screw you over (intentionally or otherwise) and how much it was outside of my control.

I'd originally joined the Army to give myself more time to figure out my chosen career. To this day, I don't regret enlisting one little bit (I almost re-upped during my second deployment but the missed wedding put paid to that idea). I'm proud of my service but glad to have more control over my fate.

Response by SPC Ben Titus made Apr 25 at 2017 2:20 AM

2017-04-25T02:20:25-04:00

Being recommended for E-5 board by 2 of my NCOs, but told no by 1SG because "They wrrnt

Response by SPC Ben Titus made Apr 25 at 2017 2:24 AM

2017-04-25T02:24:23-04:00

Being recommended for the E-5 board by 2 of my NCOs but told no by 1sg because "they weren't giving out anymore waivers." This was in the last 2 months of deployment.

Response by SGT Cliff Warren made Apr 25 at 2017 7:12 AM

2017-04-25T07:12:29-04:00

Well, for me, I'd been promoted to Sergeant and during my time at Walter Reed, my final duty station, I'd been going to college for a degree in computer science for computer service and network engineering. During that same time, if watched two fellow soldiers pull strings down in PERSCOM to get reclassified into the computer field at a time when nobody was supposed to be allowed to reclassify. One of them was offered work in the field less than a year after being granted a reclassification and was then allowed to leave the Army to pursue that work under the premise of it being a "once in a lifetime opportunity". The other came up hot for marijuana usage not the weeks after he'd come back from school and opted to be busted out of the Army.

For my part, I've never had any disciplinary action taken against me in my entire eight years. To the contrary, in my career, I've earned two AAMs, one of those being an impact award given to me by the post deputy commander, a brigadier general, at my first duty station, two ARCOMs, and completed my term in the military front awarded an MSM. I've also been decorated by the Maryland House of Delegates and Maryland Senate for heroism. I have a natural aptitude for computers and would have gladly spent the rest of my time as much as would have been afforded to be in the military had they allowed me to reclassify. So when word came down from PERSCOM that anyone E5 nonpromotable and below within their first or second term of service could reclassify into the computer field, I jumped on it...and was told that "it's not in the Army's best interest to retrain me". So I figured it was no longer in my best interest to stay. I guess it was my time. And it worked out best for me. I've found my way to county government after several years in the private sector. In my present capacity, I'm in charge of my own department charged with the responsibility of the computer network infrastructure and phone systems in to counties and the public safety information infrastructure for all first responders in both counties and three major PSAPs in the state. I've been happily serving my community now for over twelve years and intend to be here until I retire. If you ask me, in the long run, the Army did me a favor. ;)

Response by CPL Mark Taylor made Apr 25 at 2017 7:27 AM

2017-04-25T07:27:55-04:00

Wrist injury in Iraq, lead to them saying it was a case of tendinitis for the next six months of a 15 month deployment and handing me naproxen to keep the swelling down and a wrist brace and told to get back to work.

on my PDHA they asked if "anything hurt" took one look at the tendons in my wrist piano keying around the bone and got me in for an MRI, turns out I had torn all the muscle away from the ulna, and it was a damned miracle my arm was as usable as it was. 3 surgeries later, and I have people constantly question my permanent profile (no push up, no run (causes swelling)) I opted for a medical on the third surgery. Then the company hemmed and hawed about it for another 7 months before allowing me to ETS.

Fort Meade, 2012, two hurricanes and a derecho later and I finally managed to be medically discharged a full 3 months after my goods pickup... During that time I had two different job opportunities in my field dry up because of the delays, and ended up working at an autodealership near my fiancee's parents. To say I got screwed by the Big Green, is a bit of an understatement, but my disability is high enough to pay my mortgage... so there is that.

Response by MAJ Luca Luca made Apr 25 at 2017 7:53 AM

2017-04-25T07:53:59-04:00

It is simple, it isn't dad's army. More specifically, it wasn't my army any more. Everything things, that is a given, but if it is not for the better, then it is time to put cord. When leadership is just a nameplate and not a skill and your MOS is just resumé fluff, this thing is getting too far gone. More pros than cons, more complaints than you have solutions, there are just so many fingers you can put in the dyke (when you get a EEO complaint for that reference). It just was a lot more work to motivate myself to have a good day. That is the line. I used to enjoy it, even the shitty days, at least there might be a small accomplishment. In the end, it was draining and I felt like it was pointless on all fronts. Time to tag out. No one needs a downer.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 10:46 AM

2017-04-25T10:46:40-04:00

One phone call while I was in the hospital...to see when I thought id be back to work after a chunk of my calf was cut out. No CC phone call no CO phone call. No "hey how are you?". Just when are you coming back.

Response by SPC Nicholas Bettinger made Apr 25 at 2017 11:20 AM

2017-04-25T11:20:01-04:00

Toxic leadership, they should bring back the spc corps, not everyone is meant to be a leader

Response by SGT Paul Croas made Apr 25 at 2017 12:06 PM

2017-04-25T12:06:30-04:00

After four years in the 82d ABN and deployments to Panama and DS, I was short, I got into an argument about having four dead-line tracks and painting shit white with an acting Platoon Sergeant (E6). The Acting First Sergeant (E7), all are guys were in Leadership schools after Desert Storm, threatened to end my request for Drill Sergeant School, unless I kissed and made up with this E6. I took terminal leave the next day! I miss the military, I don't miss living outside or the BS! I make three times the money and will have over Million Dollars in my retirement account. It's just not worth the long haul, especially now they are eroding their benefits.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Apr 25 at 2017 2:50 PM

2017-04-25T14:50:36-04:00

I was going to re up but family obligations at home (Parents with financial and health problems) their misfortune probably saved my life,with another tour in good ole Vietnam in the wings for me,buck sergeant infantry my odds at coming home in one piece were not good to say the least.

Response by SGT Tj Casiano made Apr 25 at 2017 4:19 PM

2017-04-25T16:19:32-04:00

Broken relationships due to multiple deployments.

Response by SPC Timothy Garrity made Apr 25 at 2017 6:11 PM

2017-04-25T18:11:03-04:00

I was simply a young(er) kid chasing after a girl and decided to get out. Alot of my gripes while I was in were truly bs, and what I probably really needed was some R&R.
One of the issues with joining around the winter and then getting sent overseas is the army sends you home for Christmas and then sends you home after AIT to get your affairs in order before you move overseas. So by the time I reached my duty station I was in the whole on vacation, and then actual deployment R&R put me back in. So I was constantly waiting to earn free time while others were going home and what not.
Fortunately my unit was great, living aboard had great perks, but when I got out, I was tired and wanted this dream life......5yrs later, I'm still trying to get back in. Should have taken the offer of going reserves automatically upon discharge.

Response by SPC Dakota Stafford made Apr 25 at 2017 6:11 PM

2017-04-25T18:11:44-04:00

Went on deployment, rear det stayed back, reorganized our unit, split us all up, promoted rear details guys up and told us ranks were full and stripped everyone's ranks we'd earned overseas, had guys with no experience in leadership roles, literally went from an NCO slot opportunity to having a Spc fresh out of basic as my team leader on weapons squad.... Stopped caring, Troop cuts hit, I sought an opportunity to cut my contract short and exit honorably so I cut load and bailed, politics ruined the military.

Response by SPC Ronald Henson made Apr 25 at 2017 6:36 PM

2017-04-25T18:36:41-04:00

I loved the Army and would have stayed 20 years or more. The reason I did not reenlist was the fact that I seen them kicking guys out with 18 years for being like 5 lbs or less over weight because if the cut backs. I decided right then that I wasn't gonna be one of those that give 18 years or more just yo get screwed over by elected officials that do not give a crap about you

Response by SCPO Kelly Jernigan made Apr 25 at 2017 7:47 PM

2017-04-25T19:47:09-04:00

19 of 21 years on Sea Duty. Was looking at a shore tour after 9 years at sea. Detailer told me I was getting another boat (out of Guam) and I had no other options.
Except for that other one involving retirement.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 8:20 PM

2017-04-25T20:20:23-04:00

Well, I am going to get out. I have 18 Months left. It's funny, I joined to deploy, and it took me 4 years to go. I would be deployed for years on end if I could have when I first got in. Now I have a wife and kids, so that's honestly a reason to debate staying in. But, being in 1st ID is a goddamn nightmare. It is fucking terrible. I am a good soldier, I generally keep to regs and do the right thing. But, 1st ID is down right miserable. But, the army will pay for me to get a CDL-A. I will drive trucks to pay for the wife's schooling and then use the GI bill to pay for mine.
I'm tired of getting treated like a kid by people my age, I'm tired of kids straight out of high school back talking me, especially when I am one of the guys who respects and listens to them. I'm tired of being told what I can and can't do to the point of micro managing my life. I don't mind rules or direction. But... it just goes too far, and drives me fucking nuts hahah

Response by SPC Austin Rountree made Apr 25 at 2017 9:58 PM

2017-04-25T21:58:50-04:00

Joined up as 11B/C with RIP in contract....Made an 87 on my ASVAB as a HS dropout. Found out I was colorblind and my 200+ job opportunities got narrowed to 5. Asked the recruiter which one would get me close to the grunts. 68W Combat Medic it was for me. Re-upped for Flight Medic while in country in Afghanistan. Hot orders to Germany 1st CAV with Flight Medic training at Rucker in route. Then I was reassigned with no notice to work for NATO in Belgium. Lost my Flight Medic spot, and was relegated to pediatrics and an NCOIC of a small clinic within the hospital...As a SPC. Mind you, got every excuse thrown at me in the book of why my promotable status didn't matter because I wasn't going to be promoted...But they sure as hell wanted me to do an NCO's job. Considering I deployed with 1st I.D. in a light infantry unit, CMB decorated, my warrior spirit was crushed at the thought of not fulfilling a true warriors duties on the front like I wanted. I lost my drive and motivation. Got fedup with the social reconstruction and soft mindset and direction of the Army. Eventually a couple of mine helped me. I took my 90% and got the fuck outta Dodge, because at the rate I was going I'd have ended dishonorable discharge, or worse, in Leavenworth...Disappointed in myself and my once beloved Army. Totally defeated and lost in the civilian worlds sauce. Felt like an outcast and unwanted for 3 yrs...In the end my nearly 8yrs of service, my commitment meant jack shit to big Army, instead they wanted sissy fags, joker's for leaders, and the ass kissing brown nosers for their knew Army, and that's not me nor was it an environment I could see myself being apart of. Along with me, I saw many solid, hard-charging warfighters who never lost a battle in the shit walk away from what we once thought was our calling. My life was consumed by being a better, more proficient soldier and leader to the new greenhorns babies that like us, signed that line vowing to give up all, including life for our country and buddies within the ranks. A damn shame fellas, Obamas overhaul to dwindle and weaken the ranks was just what I needed to realize, the U.S. Army was not an Ay I wanted to serve, because they will not serve you. Demoralized, pissed and ashamed is all I remember the last couple of yrs of my service, as so many others before and after me felt....A travesty it has become. Lost 10x's the buddies to their own actions...What the enemy couldn't due they did to themselves, and I was dn near one of them. I live with a constant reminder on my wrists of how low I had become and how bad my psyche had become....It truly was a matter of survival for me to leave the only true family Ive ever had. And it still hurts to this day. I will always be proud of myself and my men, that will never change. We could have done so much more and utilized so many more hard lessons learned if combat that we could have trained and prepped the new blood to be even better tactical fighters than us. To prepare them for the inevitable war they were and are now fighting. The Army failed us and we failed the next warfighters. Disgust is an understatement. We were meant for so much more guys. But, we did our damnedest and that's all that counts in the end. I love all my brothers, before and after my time. And wish them the best, even though they've been hogtied and had the reins pulled on them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 8:52 AM

2017-04-26T08:52:20-04:00

One word. "PROMOTIONS"

Response by PO2 Gilbert Moore made Apr 26 at 2017 12:20 PM

2017-04-26T12:20:41-04:00

Got married halfway through and we had my daughter. First time I deployed after marriage, my wife found the nearest shrink and told her she was thinking of killing herself and got me flown home from the med. I knew then and there that marriage to that woman was not compatible with military service and I had to make a choice.

I chose my family and got out. I've done fine, have a great civilian career, but I hate that I didn't have the option. I did enjoy service and was good at my job and could have had a fine career. I left $25,ooo SRB on the table in 1989.

I did 25 years with princess psycho, then in 2013 my son moved out in April and I moved out in May. It's OK, I was there for my kids.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 1:15 PM

2017-04-26T13:15:15-04:00

The S3 a job that can be done by one or two people is being done by about 20 so its kinda boring. People also just make more unnecessary work such as that slide has an extra space I. It go back and reprint the whole slide.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 1:29 PM

2017-04-27T13:29:36-04:00

I was part of a pretty good unit in Korea, but when i got to Fort Bragg i was put in the TSC, 14th HRSC and at one point i considered re enlisting but then when i told them i wasn't going to end up deploying with them if i did re enlist (due to re-class) they stopped sending me to IT Cert classes and really just started doing whatever they could to ostracize me it felt like, i got transferred to 1st TSC HQ and was put in a position that was essentially made up and i ended up doing absolutely NOTHING (Which is cool for like a week) and they basically didn't account for me ever, the commrodery i once had didn't seem to be there with that unit, i also got offered a good job in the civilian world so essentially made my mind up. Sometimes i miss it, more or less i miss my unit in Korea, but looking back, im proud of what i did and the things it taught me and the ways it matured me and im okay with being out. Plus the beard isn't too bad of a perk.

Response by SGT Jeff Everhart made Jun 8 at 2017 1:06 PM

2017-06-08T13:06:07-04:00

Too many self interested individuals who are in positions of authority abusing their power. I was able to finish my grad degree and said good bye! Not missing one second of the military.

Response by PO2 Michael Sayre made Jun 15 at 2017 1:12 PM

2017-06-15T13:12:28-04:00

I walked away from the military with 15 years of service (9 active/6 reserve) and frankly being awarded my Combat Action Badge was a huge wakeup.

I joined the military (1999) because staying home after high school wasn't an option and because I had this belief that I needed to go to college; so I also joined for the GI Bill. Even worse, I had this misguided notion that military service would prepare me for a civilian career.

So I joined the Marine Corps out of high school, met some really great people and really loved my job. Damn terrorists did 9/11 so I hedged my bets on being accepted unto college over reenlisting. Not only was I not accepted into college; but I wait too long for me to reenlist.

So I separated from the Marine Corps and joined the Army National Guard. The armory was right behind the community college I ended up attending and it was only supposed to be for 1 weekend a month.

I "earned" my Combat Action Badge on my first deployment (2005). I like to think of it as my Not-A-Purple-Heart-Award in that nobody was injured; but it was a good wakeup all the same.

I volunteered for two more deployments (2006 - 2009) and I managed to squeeze a semester of college in between each. Time wore on, I grew frustrated with leadership and was convinced I'd simply finish college and hop back into the Marines.

The draw down after the surge and my desire to remain in college and join the Marine Reserves just didn't work out. Despite telling the recruiter that I would deploy the next day; he just couldn't find me a spot.

362 days later, I hopped into the Navy Reserve (2010) to finish college. When it became clear that the Marine Corps wasn't going to be my future I decided that it would be best for my civilian transition to simply separate from service, as I didn't want to spend the rest of 20 years trying to hobble together a career out of temporary orders.

I separated in 2014 and now I'm on the fence between regretting having joined or not completing 20 years.

Response by Sgt Danny Billingsley made Jan 22 at 2018 2:22 PM

2018-01-22T14:22:38-05:00

I requested to be cross trained to combat control. I was denied and I separated and finished college instead.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 12:33 PM

2018-12-21T12:33:04-05:00

My COC was toxic and would throw troops under the bus any chance they got. The politicization and uber-sensitive "soldiers" caused it to be a chore to do the job of an NCO. I also had some medical issues in which my chain of command treated me like I was a dirtbag for. Even though I had ample medical documentation. There was just a lot. I miss the people I served with, but getting out was one of the best decisions I ever made right next to enlisting.

Response by SGT James Murphy made May 16 at 2019 1:10 PM

2019-05-16T13:10:23-04:00

Lost 3 Friends in Two Weeks.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made May 16 at 2019 2:06 PM

2019-05-16T14:06:16-04:00

Thank you!

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Oct 14 at 2019 7:15 AM

2019-10-14T07:15:29-04:00

It wasn't a job but a very bad boss. The AF Miliary Personnel Center (MPC) convinced me to stay, take a PCS and a new job.