Posted on Jun 25, 2014
SFC Air Defense Enhanced Early Warning System Operator
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I whole-heartily agree that all members serving in the military regardless of their branch or position are to be respected and I am thankful for all my brothers and sisters in arms.

However I sometimes question what certain personnel have done with their career. For example, I can't for the life of me understand why an NCO in Air Defense Artillery would be satisfied retiring as a SSG/E-6. I for one believe that the Army's RCP (retention control point) system is great. The only flaw I see is that is should be tailored to the MOS. I would love to hear your opinions on this.
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Responses: 44
SGT Retired
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Respectfully, I think it’s important to continually ask yourself the same question about what hove done with your career. You don’t appear to be on the fast track to E8/E9. You don’t appear to be any more decorated than average.

This is not an insult. But, what makes your career special enough where you can wonder about others, “wow, how can that guy be satisfied?” If there service is honorable, their mission is always completed, they are technically and tactically proficient, and their soldiers are taken care of, for some, that is more satisfying with the acquisition of rank.

Before September 11, retiring at E6 wasn’t all that uncommon. It was far more uncommon to make ‘7 in 7’. Two wars, though, have a funny way of speeding up careers and changing perceptions. As the wars have slowed down, the lightning fast promotion rates are going back with them. However, the perception that retiring at E6 is somehow shameful or indicative of an inconsequential career will probably stick around for a while.

Like any organization, The Army needs middle management. Not everyone is able, or wants, to get above middle management. That’s not to be inherently looked down upon.

Best of luck.
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LtCol Robert Quinter
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Wanted to retire after my tour as CMC, but family needed me and I figured E-1 to O-5 in 24 years, 6 months was respectable.
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1LT Medical-Surgical Nurse
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LTC is my goal rank for retirement.

My father was prior enlisted as well and he retired at MAJ.

I want to get one over on the old man :-)
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LT Pad (Patient Administration) Officer
LT (Join to see)
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Any rank you are able to retire at is respectable whether enlisted or commissioned. Twelve years enlisted, 10 years commissioned, retired at O3!
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MSgt Jim Pollock
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Edited 11 y ago
Rethought, reposted.
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