Posted on Oct 19, 2019
What is your opinion on all the Specialist ETSing after their first contract?
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I recently transitioned from active duty to NG after finishing my three years. I got a lot of negative reactions from my leadership for getting out. I am just curious as to what everyone generally thinks of soldiers with potential, getting out after their first contract.
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 6
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I would still thank you for your honorable service and give you my phone number as a means for you to use me as a reference for your next job, assuming you served well if you served with me. You still did more than 99% of your countrymen. I never did understand this reaction. Hell, at 17 years in now, I get negative reactions to my consideration of retiring at 20 years. I don’t think it matters what rank or time you are. There seem to be people who think you should die of old age in the Army and do not understand any other alternative.
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SPC Charles Babcock
That is actually one of the biggest issues I had transitioning. My 1st SGT was great and had a big part in my development as a soldier in my three years. ( he was a platoon SGT in our company than came later to assume responsibility, as our 1st SGT after getting promoted). Once I made it clear to my command that I was set on getting out, everything changed. He attempted to convince me to stay continuously but once I started to refuse he became more aggressive and targeting me in a way. Which I found extremely unprofessional. It also didn't settle well considering I looked up to him as a leader and as a man. The thing that got to me was that he preached how he has been in since he was 18 and had one short break in service ( around 6 months), it was the worst decision he has made. He continued to claim that the civilian world will consume me and that it does not have all the support the army provides. In a way this is true, but at the same time it is an extremely manipulating approach to someone that is about to make a major transition. Well considering the back story... what I am getting at is one of my leaders that has virtually never experienced the civilian life tried to manipulate and intimidate me into staying somewhere where I am miserable to benefit himself (him knowing i was about to fill a very important E-5 slot). I was border line ready to sign another contract until I started to experience the front end of this whole situation. I thought it could give a little insight sharing this knowing other soldiers have and are experiencing something similar. Its just a little unfortunate I let this push me away from the active duty side, because i truly did enjoy it. I also want to thank you for offering your support and understanding where I am coming from.
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SGT (Join to see)
Sounds like he had good intentions, but went about it completely wrong. I've been out of the Army for 19 years (after my first term), then supported my husband through the end of his 20 years, and now work in a somewhat joint environment with servicemembers and DA civilians. I've found that for long-term Soldiers, it's *really* hard for them to envision success out of the Army. I think it's a comfort zone thing.
If you truly want to get out and you have a workable plan for what to do next, then get out. You'll be fine. There *is* life on the outside. ;)
If you truly want to get out and you have a workable plan for what to do next, then get out. You'll be fine. There *is* life on the outside. ;)
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Why would it bother anyone? You've taken years out of your own personal life to serve and nobody should frown upon that. You've done something only 1% of the United States does.
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