What made you stay in longer than 20 years?

2016-09-12T20:27:45-04:00

I read a comment on here saying "Once you're eligible for retirement, you're working for half your pay". What made you decide to stay in longer?

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 8:28 PM

2016-09-12T20:28:13-04:00

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 8:31 PM

2016-09-12T20:31:29-04:00

Not there yet, but there will be several reasons when I get there. TSP and pension are two big ones. However, I feel that the military is a community that is hard to leave. After two decades it's all you really know. It's "home". The best memories and people are here. Your leadership and wealth of knowledge are best served there. For me, I plan on staying in until the MAs escort me out. Look up Admiral Lockleer - the man came in as an enlisted man, earned his commission, and spent 44 years in before retiring. He didn't really want to leave either. ;)

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Sep 12 at 2016 8:36 PM

2016-09-12T20:36:30-04:00

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member Loved serving and dual status requires my military affiliation to maintain my civil service gig. Also brought me through 30 years and depending on how long they let me stay and I am effective- just shy of 40.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Sep 12 at 2016 8:59 PM

2016-09-12T20:59:11-04:00

I stayed a few years past 20 because I had a service obligation to complete (due to the Army having sent me off to obtain my PhD). Aside from my service obligation, I was still having fun, so I was really in no rush to retire. Regardless, I did retire shortly after my service obligation ended due to receiving a very good offer for my post-retirement job. No regrets here.

I don't agree with the argument that "Once you're eligible for retirement, you're working for half your pay." That comment ignores the fact that every additional year of service increases your retirement pension, which for most of us will be many years of pension payments. So, in essence, you're trading some post-retirement cash flow (new salary) for a different post-retirement cash flow (increased pension). Is it a good tradeoff? That answer will differ from person to person.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Sep 12 at 2016 9:03 PM

2016-09-12T21:03:46-04:00

I returned home from my overseas tour with 21 years. I had no intention to retire until I had at lest a year stateside, so that I could get all of my ducks in a row. I kept deploying, and couldn't get a solid year for my first 3 years. Finally I decided I could piece a complete year together and dropped my paperwork. I retired at 25 yrs

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 12 at 2016 9:17 PM

2016-09-12T21:17:34-04:00

I got a 1 year waiver to do being they needed an Old Salty Dog to work on an Equally Old Computer System.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2016 9:32 PM

2016-09-12T21:32:02-04:00

Waiting until I can draw a check.

Response by PO1 Ernie Johnson made Sep 12 at 2016 10:02 PM

2016-09-12T22:02:30-04:00

The military is a great life and a family in many sense of the word. But one recommendation is prepare yourself for whenever. Even if you don't do 20, don't get out and find you are stuck because you didn't set yourself up for that day.

Response by MSgt Patrick Needham made Sep 12 at 2016 10:32 PM

2016-09-12T22:32:13-04:00

Every year past 20 you get 2.5% more retirement, so staying to 24 years gives me 60% of my retirement pay versus 50% and I loved flying so I stayed in! Jobs will always be there so I wasn't in a hurry to get out! Now I'm in school full time flying airplanes and loving it!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 12 at 2016 11:18 PM

2016-09-12T23:18:25-04:00

On the officer side, if you made it to LTC and BN Command, you were finishing said command at about 20. At that point, if you succeeded in command, you were competitive for O6. It takes about until year 22 to see O6 if you made the cut, 23 if you got it AZ. Then you need 3 years TIG to retire as an O6. So 25-26 years. You can go until 30. That is actually 75% of your pay at O6. You may not have to work again. You can go until 28 as an O5. That is just percentages and numbers. I am retiring with 22, still over 50%. On the O6 example you are also waiting to see if you are selected for War College and Brigade Level Command all after 20. Then...you are theoretically competitive for BG and may wait that out. Lots of ifs.

Some just derive satisfaction from doing the job. As an over 20 officer, you know lots of things, you are essentially living out your highest potential, at the highest levels, with the most challenging work. While it is hard to top Battalion Level Command, some post command assignments can be very rewarding, or drive you to retire. Individual experience may vary.

I have not mentioned NCOs or Warrants. Command Sergeants Major may retire at the same number of years as the GO they serve with in nominative assignments live Division and Corps level CSM. So I imagine it is a lot like the O6 conundrum I mention above. Can only speculate as I am not a Sergeant Major.

Warrants that make it to CW4, are now competitive to be their respective branch honchos as CW5s. I would say warrants are the official "know stuff" people, and now also have highly honed judgement, coupled with a ton of practical experience. They are then postured to influence programs, branch management, and other key influences. A rising trend is the utilization of senior warrants as Command Warrant Officers, like a Command Sergeant Major. I have also seen Command Warrants leveraged like a second Executive Officer/Chief of Staff. Again, can only speculate because I am not a Warrant despite having the highest esteem for my dotted brothers and sisters.

Something I would say regardless of rank is that life happens. You have kids, you get married, spouses pursue careers/education, kids go to college, kids have their own kids, etc. If you made it in the Army over 20, what is a few more? Pay, benefits, TSP, doing what you know while your life back-story plays out with reliable resourcing.

Response by SFC Craig Starr made Sep 13 at 2016 1:45 AM

2016-09-13T01:45:38-04:00

When you love what you do and after 20 years still wake up eager to go to work and contribute to training the next generation war fighter to take the lead, 20 turns into 24 pretty fast. The extra 4 years helped offset my financial plan I set when I commuted to a career at my 20 year mark. That was before retirees had to pay for Tricare, medications, eliminated social security at open that had been in place since WW2 and other reduced bennifits that we got slapped in the face with since 2001.

The extra 10% harped absorbed those costs and taxxes to put my end game financial plan right

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Sep 13 at 2016 4:53 AM

2016-09-13T04:53:22-04:00

I was having too much fun, enjoyed my job. HYT at the time was 22 yrs, so i figured why not?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 13 at 2016 6:18 AM

2016-09-13T06:18:00-04:00

The great people that I served with.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Sep 13 at 2016 9:24 AM

2016-09-13T09:24:18-04:00

As said, after 20-years you can bank a retirement and each additional year you add to your retirement 2.5%, and if we are lucky to get a decent pay raise a portion of that pay raise (50+). Its especially a good gig if your equivalent civilian pay for same job is less, you continue to build wealth for retirement not to mention your monthly income.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 10:30 AM

2016-09-13T10:30:36-04:00

need for a retirement benefits and that feeling that I did something good in my life.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 13 at 2016 3:08 PM

2016-09-13T15:08:55-04:00

My Soldiers!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2016 4:47 PM

2016-09-13T16:47:17-04:00

I was still having fun.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Sep 13 at 2016 7:39 PM

2016-09-13T19:39:49-04:00

I did 22 years... I quit when it just simply stopped being fun... That and Clinton took office...

Response by MSgt Richard Rountree made Sep 13 at 2016 9:07 PM

2016-09-13T21:07:00-04:00

I stayed in longer than 20 years because you have to retire on the 1st of the month. I started on 18 July 1972 and retired on 1 August 1992. That was 20 years and 13 days. Looking back, it was a very good decision and I have no regrets.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Sep 20 at 2016 6:22 AM

2016-09-20T06:22:15-04:00

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member I enjoyed what I was doing, so I stay for a total of 37 years (9 years enlisted and 28 years commission). I really liked being a Commander and making things happen, mentoring young officers and senior enlisted soldiers to reach their maxium potential, developed long lasting relationships and hopefully made a difference in a lot of lives. Retirement was secondary for me, making a difference and serving was the primary goal! Finally decided to hand it up when I was at the top of my game as a Brigade Commnander, so other LTCs could get promoted to Colonel!

Response by SCPO Don Baker made Sep 20 at 2016 7:42 AM

2016-09-20T07:42:20-04:00

My dad (30 year retired SGM) was asked that question a lot. He would tell them in last 10 years of his career he made two ranks received the 75 pct. SFC with 20 or SGM with 30, the math works out better with the latter.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Sep 20 at 2016 8:45 AM

2016-09-20T08:45:34-04:00

If at any time you are asking yourself, why, it's time to leave.

Response by SFC Joseph Dunphy made Sep 20 at 2016 9:17 AM

2016-09-20T09:17:50-04:00

Someone pointed out in a briefing that the fine print in retirement is that the government can recalculate what constitutes good retirement, so people were staying in a bit more than 20, just to protect themselves against losing retirement benefits in a recalculation event. How long extra you stayed depended on indivudual circumstances, like job prospects, moving, kids in school, etc.

Response by MSgt Jeff Greene made Sep 20 at 2016 9:18 AM

2016-09-20T09:18:21-04:00

I did 25 years in the Air Force. My reason was simple - I loved my job. First as an administrative superintendent and then as a First Sergeant. The ability to connect and prepare the next generation of Air Force people to not only take over for me but improve the Air Force made we want to stay forever. I was on active duty when the rules were changed about high year of tenure. In 1990 HYT was changed for E-7s from 26 years to 24. I was already over 24 but was allowed to stay another year. I didn't make E-8 so I had to retire. I was lucky that they gave me a year to prepare. I would have stayed forever if allowed (although in today's Air Force I not so sure).

Response by SFC Paul Smith made Sep 20 at 2016 9:21 AM

2016-09-20T09:21:18-04:00

If you are in it for the money, you should not have been in to begin with. I stayed till 60 (24 AGR and 13 M-day), retireing completely so Jobs didn't matter. I simply enjoyed what I did.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2016 9:42 AM

2016-09-20T09:42:19-04:00

The assumption in the statement is that the individual is Active Component. Since RC does not receive their pension until age 60 (or earlier for age reduction), then it is not applicable. Serving longer provides a couple of benefits though: More points/retirement credit, COLA adjustments (maybe in the next administration at least), promotions, and skills development. You don't mark time after reaching 20 years, you continue to grow and develop, while earning a higher pension.

Response by MCPO Robert McCombs made Sep 20 at 2016 9:42 AM

2016-09-20T09:42:30-04:00

At 17 years the wife and I sat down and calculated the best time to retire. We looked at not only retirement, but family situations (had 2 daughters in college). We thought that 26 years was the best point. From 21-26.5 years I was having the best time in the Navy I'd ever had helping to oversee the Navy Advancement System and many changes to the formulas that are used to advance Sailors. I was allowed to the travel the country and mentor peers and Sailors on how advancement really works. This was one of the highlights of my career. I was having fun, so why retire. So, I transferred to a new command. At 27.5 years I wasn't having fun anymore, but I wasn't allowed to retire. The last 2 years (retired at 29.5 years) while not the hardest time in my career was one of the most challenging. Instead of going on the ROAD program I focused my energy on my Sailors. I'm grateful for those last 2 years because it did allow me to mentor some great Sailors allowing them to grow and get them advanced (many to Chief, Senior Chief, and Master Chief).

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Sep 20 at 2016 9:44 AM

2016-09-20T09:44:46-04:00

SPC Cody Bernardy,
The reason I stayed for more than 20 was I was still having "fun". I enjoyed what I was doing so very much. I saw that I was making a difference.
I dropped my Retirement packet when I wasn't having "Fun" anymore. When I started getting more HEAT rounds from BEHIND me than in FRONT of me it was time to go.
To quote my father Richard, he had always said, " ... when a job has more dislikes than likes, it is time to find another. But insure that you have a 2ns job before you quit the first." Thanks dad.
Make your career go the way YOU want it to go. Get all the education, certifications , and financial savings as you can while you are still in.

Enjoy what you are doing.
HtH
Tim

Response by MAJ Mark N. made Sep 20 at 2016 10:08 AM

2016-09-20T10:08:35-04:00

Staying longer than 20 years is more than just pay. If you like what you are doing and have adapted well to military like (a big "if" for some), then staying past 20 might make sense. Also, most who retire at 20 are in their late 30's or early 40's and unless you have a good civilian job lined up, the 20 year retirement under the "new" system won't go very far.

Response by MSgt Don Dobbs made Sep 20 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-09-20T10:31:21-04:00

What you said is true however at the time I would have retired for 1/2 of my BASE PAY only. You fail to see Separate Rations and quarters allowance. Also for each year beyond 20 your retirement pay goes up 2.5% until it reaches 75%. I stayed 24 years which at 20 I would have received $900 a month, with the pay raises and tenure raises I retired at 24 years @ 60% and received $1400 a month. Also selling back leave is not smart. If you take leave you still collect rations and quarters. Just my 2cents.

Response by SFC Justin Rooks made Sep 20 at 2016 10:34 AM

2016-09-20T10:34:08-04:00

I stayed in longer because it was still fun to me. Each day, I was able to wake up and find a reason to stay in. Whether it was the Soldiers or the job I was doing, I was able to find something. If I had gotten picked up for MSG, I still would be in.

Response by SFC Freddie Porter made Sep 20 at 2016 11:03 AM

2016-09-20T11:03:16-04:00

I didn't join for fun travel and adventure. This was my career. I guess that's why i post on this site. I was a career soldier and until the Army said RCP or too many years, I was staying. I joined in 71 for Service to Country. Nothing more, nothing less. I stayed AD for 25 years and 7 in the Guard when I went to college. I enjoyed being an NCO. I got to work with troops.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Sep 20 at 2016 11:21 AM

2016-09-20T11:21:13-04:00

You stay until its no longer fun or you can not be retained. I signed up at 17 and retired 35 years later. The good stuff outweighed the sucky stuff 2 to 1. I more than likely could have stayed longer if I wished as I had just recently been retained by the MRD board something that I would most likely not have been retained again due to my rank and TIS. I looked around at my peers and saw roughly 30% that were doing nothing, stealing O2 and collecting a check while poisoning the ranks and then I saw younger NCO's that had no slot to take for their progression and told myself it was time. When the party is over its is best to leave before you overstay your welcome get tossed out, Anybody that tells you that they stay in the Army for the money is either a liar or a fool. You stay for your brothers and sisters, you stay for your troops so you can train, mentor and defend them. You stay because you like your job and it gives you a sense of accomplishment. When all that stops then the ride is over and its time to pop smoke and make way for the youngins.

Response by SFC Bill Mace made Sep 20 at 2016 11:34 AM

2016-09-20T11:34:13-04:00

I could have retired at 20 but my unit was getting ready to deploy. I figured I owed my country one more deployment for everything she has done for me.

Response by COL John Power made Sep 20 at 2016 12:06 PM

2016-09-20T12:06:07-04:00

First let me say that if one is serving for the paycheck they can leave any time. It is called serving your country - period. I got some great advice from a general officer for whom I worked. He said one should plan to retire like one plans an offensive - at the time and place of one's choosing. When you are no longer inspired to serve and no longer have opportunities for professional development then that is probably the right time.

Response by SSG Karl Fowler made Sep 20 at 2016 1:08 PM

2016-09-20T13:08:40-04:00

I stayed way past 20 because at the time my job required me to be in a TPU unit to keep my civil service job and the number one thing that kept me there was crewing acft. I love flying at the time, but now I sit back and watch the younger generation do it

Response by CMSgt Gary Fichman made Sep 20 at 2016 2:12 PM

2016-09-20T14:12:27-04:00

Made CMSgt & always said I'd change stupid stuff if I made it.
Hey I got to change stupid stuff!

Response by CWO4 Paul Dangreau made Sep 20 at 2016 2:17 PM

2016-09-20T14:17:07-04:00

There were a lot of reasons for me staying past 20.
I was enjoying my job. I was an engineer and we were supporting a lot of ships, boats shore facilities and infrastructure. We were making a difference in readiness and quality of life for a lot of people.
I was worried about what would be available when I separated and still had a wife and home to support. I'd been in since I just turned 17. Finished High School in the service, technical schools...a lot of training but it all seemed very job specific and I wasn't sure how that would translate into civilian live.
My kids hadn't committed to living anywhere specific and my wife very much wanted to be near the kids and grand kids. We'd moved a lot and when I separated I wanted to put down roots.

The service wanted my to transfer to a Washington DC Headquarters desk job for my next tour and I just couldn't see myself working in that kind of environment so I separated. Took all the available resume and job search seminars I could my last couple of years. (Good move-good info!)
Turned out that my skill set was a good match right in the local community and I was working full time while still on terminal leave.
The kids wanted to stay near us as well, so the furthest is now about a 2-1/2 hour drive and the rest live within 40 minutes or less.
I had a great second career with a second retirement. My wife and I were able to retire completely She at 50 and I retired at 55-years old.
Separating at 24 years was the right move for me. If I had been able to stay out of a desk job I'd have probably stayed for 30 anyway. But I'm very glad I didn't stay for the HQ tour.

Response by SPC Jesse Barber made Sep 20 at 2016 2:40 PM

2016-09-20T14:40:58-04:00

I was forced to take an early retirement at 16 years in due to medical problem. The last twelve were National Guard, and I would have stayed as long as I was allowed. Like most comments here, I enjoyed it, and the fellow members.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Sep 20 at 2016 2:56 PM

2016-09-20T14:56:47-04:00

Mainly because I loved what I was doing. Don't understand the comment about working for half pay after 20. That implies you're in the military for the money in the first place, which surely isn't reality.

Response by MSG Chuck Pewsey made Sep 20 at 2016 3:02 PM

2016-09-20T15:02:18-04:00

I was hoping for one more good assignment - The last two weren't that great and then I got caught in the post Desert Storm draw down.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Sep 20 at 2016 3:28 PM

2016-09-20T15:28:22-04:00

When I enlisted, it was my intent to serve my enlistment to pay back my country for the Freedoms I enjoyed and then get out. I turned down a commission for that reason. When my first enlistment was over I was a 1st Class Petty Officer and eligible for Chief. SO, I re-enlisted. I was told that I set a record for making Chief as it was accomplished in just 10 years. I knew I was smart enough to be promoted to Senior Chief and when I took the advancement test, I completed the entire test. I was informed, 30 days later, that I was the ONLY CHIEF in the Navy who had passed the test BUT there was no billet so I would not be advanced. The following year, the E-8 advancement test was no longer required and eliminated. After my 23rd year in the Navy, an E-8 Lithographer was advanced. He was a Naval Reservist who had not worked as a Lithographer for over 12 years BUT he was black and his Korean War service trumped my Vietnam War service. 3 years later he was advanced to Master Chief and the E-8 billet he vacated was never filled. In the middle of my 29th year, I was informed that I would be retired in 3 months. When I asked why I was not being allowed to finish out my 30 years, they told me it was because I was not advancing in rate. I informed them that if they checked their records, they would find that they had only made one E-8 and one E-9 in the past 18 years. SO, how did they expect me to advance when the only billet went to someone else only because he was black?

Response by SFC John Davis made Sep 20 at 2016 5:20 PM

2016-09-20T17:20:32-04:00

At 10 years, I started regarding my options. a big one was my age and whether after 20, would I be marketable with my skill sets in the civilian work force. I decided that only if I finished my degree would I be marketable. The military provided a comfortable lifestyle for my family and only if I could match, or surpass that, would I stay in. I decided to stay in, retired with 27 years active duty, and surpassed my active duty income as an employed retiree. My education made the difference though. Start planning early, finish your education if you can while on active duty, and start networking at least a year out from your retirement date....
Good luck!

Response by SCPO Frank Carson made Sep 20 at 2016 5:33 PM

2016-09-20T17:33:30-04:00

When I joined I thought I was going to quit at any moment. Once I completed my initial enlistment my goal was to stay as long as I could and get as many promotions as I could. With 19 years in I moved into Aircrew and stayed another 12 years logging 4000 flight hours and visiting 71 countries. I would have stayed longer...

Response by MSgt Walter Thomason made Sep 20 at 2016 6:13 PM

2016-09-20T18:13:14-04:00

I made E-7 at 19+ years and had to extend for 2 in order to sew it on. I was all set to retire at 20 until my wife started fussing that I had earned the stripe so I better sew it on. Now, my wife is 4 feet, 10 inches so you'd think she couldn't manhandle me. Well, she had me by the gonads. Not more explanation is needed by that I figure. End result is that I am enjoying my house the retirement is paying for. Since the kids are all grown now I'm considering selling the house and getting something a bit more cozy for two and investing the rest. And yes, my wife still has my gonads slung over her shoulder.

Response by CDR Eric Ford made Sep 20 at 2016 8:27 PM

2016-09-20T20:27:38-04:00

A lot of great comments by those who posted already from love of the job to the fact that you are not really working for 1/2 your money. The bottom line is do what is right for you. I loved the CG and would have stayed if it was right for me, but it wasn't due to my family and don't regret it. Regarding the money, assuming you did not take any Redux bonus at the 15 year mark you will only get 40% of your base pay (yes, you read that right) averaged over your past three years at 20 years of service if you entered the service (DIEMS date) after July 1 1980. That means your time in service pay raise at 20 years is averaged over the past three years and is basically nothing. Your retirement pay also does not include subsistence, housing, flight, hazardous duty, or any other special pay. Then you will earn an additional 3.5% per year for 10 years. Generally speaking you are not allowed to stay more than 30 years unless you make the ranks of Admiral (or General) or are promoted from enlisted to officer, at which time your 30 year clock starts over and then you can stay up to 40 years and earn up to 100% of base pay at retirement. Some services may also have some slightly different requirements, such as the CG requiring members to stay in for a minimum of two years after a promotion or advancement in rank in order to be eligible for retirement at the higher rank. Good luck with your choice.

Response by SFC Ron Gitzendanner made Sep 20 at 2016 9:17 PM

2016-09-20T21:17:31-04:00

I went beyond 20 for several reasons, any one or two alone would not have cut it. I enjoyed the service community, my job, believe it or not the pay and benies were fine, just being a part of the US Military, and so on. Also, for every year beyond 20, you just "sweeten the pot". Lastly, I told myself the first thing that came along that really pissed me off, I would be history....LOL....a few years later I was telling my friends "it's amazing what you'll put up with, when you know you don't have to be there". Anyway, overall, the service was really good to me, I just wanted to give back what I could. No regrets what-so-ever!!

Response by Lt Col Shamu XEagleDriver made Sep 20 at 2016 10:15 PM

2016-09-20T22:15:55-04:00

Becuase I was still having a lot of fun and doing something important, no regrets.

Response by MSgt Doug Miller made Sep 20 at 2016 10:22 PM

2016-09-20T22:22:41-04:00

I retired at 22 years, 2 months, and 22 days in 1989. I played that number and it didn't come out. Anyway I'm Air Force and had a great time while I was in. I enjoyed the camaraderie which is not on the outside except being a public service officer; police, fire, etc. I had been told not to retire at port so I did 2 years in Central Command HQ. I did see that the military had set me up pretty well as far as relocating, since I had done it many times before. I don't think I ever had a bad assignment. I never got to homestead as I moved about every 18 - 24 months. I considered it a great time, including VietNam but I don't know about now.

Response by MCPO Kurt Stauff made Sep 21 at 2016 1:40 AM

2016-09-21T01:40:01-04:00

I was having a good time and felt that I was affecting my Sailors in a positive way. And after I made Chief, I knew that I could do good things for them in a more positive way. I got myself into a position where I was a Command Senior Chief to a squadron division in a war zone, and felt that I did a good job there, with ships, helos, and EOD under my command. Then I went on to be a Command Senior Chief on an overseas MCM, and succeeded there, as well. I became a CMC at a shore ordnance facility, then went on to become a primary advisor of MIW to two admirals, who advised Fleet Commanders and the CNO. That was all worth my 29 ½ years.

Response by SMSgt Gary Yonchak made Sep 21 at 2016 7:16 AM

2016-09-21T07:16:30-04:00

I enjoyed the job, felt empowered with the challenges, and actually had supervisors willing to listen and accept changes as needed. The mission was good; unfortunately national politics reared its snakely head and through everything to the wind. Realized what I thought was "duty" became a job
I disliked, then decided it was time to move on. Some regrets for not watching the winds of change, but not many.

Response by SFC Louis Willhauck, MSM, JSCM, and ARCOM made Sep 21 at 2016 8:30 AM

2016-09-21T08:30:18-04:00

The regulations... forced me to do 20 years and 13 days! But in answer to your question, I think if you are enjoying it then stay, if not, get out... economic reasons be damned! Since 2009 I have been out longer than I was in and haven't regretted it at all, though I do miss some of the elements of military life and friends I had then. But one of the main issues that drove me out (and I guess I am a "traditionalist" at heart), was I started seeing too many NCOs who were wishing they were Officers (but weren't) and Officers who must have been secretly longing to be NCOs. It just went against my grain.

Response by SSgt Nicholas Hoskins made Sep 21 at 2016 10:28 AM

2016-09-21T10:28:46-04:00

We was offered 75% of our retirement pay up to the early 70s until it was passed by Congressional to 50% and each year after your 20 is a 2.5% added to the 50%.

Response by CW5 D.C. Bean made Sep 21 at 2016 10:43 AM

2016-09-21T10:43:09-04:00

I stayed in the Army for 36 years because I had the best job as an Aviation Warrant Officer. My goal was to do 40 years but my health said time to get out. Bottom line, if you like what you're doing, do it for as long as you can. If you don't like it, go find something you like and pursue that. I only wanted to be around fellow soldiers that had passion for what they were doing.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 11:53 AM

2016-09-21T11:53:51-04:00

Everyone's situation is different. It was no longer fun for me, so I retired.

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Sep 21 at 2016 12:00 PM

2016-09-21T12:00:50-04:00

I had to retire at 20 years due to high year tenure. I would have stayed in longer if I could have. I am now fully retired at 30 years after 10 years Fleet Reserves. I get the same amount of money that I was getting when I started fleet reserves.

Response by MCPO Dennis Didier made Sep 21 at 2016 12:21 PM

2016-09-21T12:21:40-04:00

I retired after 31 years as a Navy Master Chief. The difference in retired pay for an E-8 with 20 and an E-9 with 30 is significant. Another reason to stay is after 20 and making MCPO, you have significant input into how the command operates, you are involved in policy matters. But the best part for me was I was able to go back to sea, and I loved sea duty. But, the most important part is the ability to mentor and train young leaders.

Response by LTC Gregory Davis made Sep 21 at 2016 12:58 PM

2016-09-21T12:58:23-04:00

I received my "20 year letter" while overseas on my first of three combat tours. It never really occurred to me that the end, I would have gone 34 years and 20 of those were active duty....as a "traditional" Guardsman. Whatever that means. My love of the military and caring/training/leading of service members was the biggest reason why I stayed. In the end, I was just too broke to stay. Missing being around soldiers every day....

Response by MAJ Judd Clemens made Sep 21 at 2016 2:03 PM

2016-09-21T14:03:18-04:00

I joined the PA NG when I was 16. (A MSG asked how old I was; I said 16, and he said, "That's okay, I'll back date your birth a year".) That was an enjoyable experience and I learned a lot from our WWII NCO's , so I figured I would have a leg up by enlisting RA. There wasn't a day go by that I didn't look forward to going to work (well, maybe a couple in Vietnam). Had the opportunity to do a lot of different things -a medic and transportation corps in the NG, armor, infantry as an RA and then special forces and aviation in Vietnam. What I enjoyed most was that there was something different every day, and I decided to stay as long as I could stay with the 20 year olds on the mountains. I retired with 27 year.

Response by SGM Bill Johnson made Sep 21 at 2016 8:59 PM

2016-09-21T20:59:48-04:00

I stayed in for 36 years after enlisting at 17. Why? Because I loved what I did and there was no way I could ever do that kind of work as a civilian. I enjoyed deployments and did many of them. I enjoyed traveling and I've been to 31 countries. I enjoyed developing young people, I worked with thousands. Yes, there are pay advantages too. I get 83.6% of E9 over 36 pay. A right proper retirement pension and a lifetime of exciting memories.

Response by MSgt William Barnett made Sep 22 at 2016 8:02 AM

2016-09-22T08:02:48-04:00

I screwed up and got promoted to E7. But seriously, the difference in retirement between a TSgt at 20 and a MSgt at 23+ was do good to give up.

Response by MSgt Gary Hinkelman made Sep 22 at 2016 12:45 PM

2016-09-22T12:45:52-04:00

Let's look at this another way. You've worked for the military for 20 years. Now after that time got can begin to work for yourself. Remain in the service because you want. Now you can stay in until you choose not to. Don't worry about what you are not getting. You are still getting a decent paycheck and benefits. You know the company (service). Why would you want to leave.

I'm USAF retired, E7 served 22 years active duty. Now looking back I should have stayed until I couldn't any longer. Civilian life isn't easy nor what I expected. I am fully appreciative of my retirement and my paycheck. Do not sell yourself short, by thinking you are working for half pay. Stay in while your can, yes it's still serving the military. However, you now have a choice where for 20 years you had none.

Stay in, make rank, goto school, take that assignment. Better yet know that after 20 you don't have to go anywhere you don't want. You'll know when it's time to retire.

Take it for what is worth. I'd come back if I could.

Response by SFC Bruce Wilson made Sep 22 at 2016 2:17 PM

2016-09-22T14:17:26-04:00

SPC Cody Bernardy I think there are many valid reasons to stay past 20 years. The equation that "you're working for half-pay" is wholly inaccurate as your retirement is whatever % of your base pay and when you're on active duty you receive much more than base pay. One of the key factors for me was my age. I retired after 22 years at age 42. 42 is not old, but when you start considering a civilian career (we all know you can't live on military retirement alone except for a very few) age is a key factor. There must be a balance between staying in because you consider what you to do to be valid, worthwhile and even fun, family obligations and planning for the rest of your life. For me that balance was 22 years. Well, that and the fact that a tour to Korea was in my immediate future! Seriously though, there is no one size fits all formula here. I absolutely loved being a soldier and saw tremendous value in what I did but I also saw the need to say enough; to accept the fact that I made a difference and get on with the rest of my life. Best of luck to you.....

Response by PO1 Jeff Malloy made Sep 22 at 2016 8:02 PM

2016-09-22T20:02:38-04:00

I didn't, 20 years to the day. High year tenure as E6. Passed over for 7 twelve times, that was enough.

Response by LTC Leonard M. Manning, Sr made Sep 27 at 2016 9:49 AM

2016-09-27T09:49:14-04:00

I spent 6.5 years as an enlisted soldiers and 28.3 years as an officer. I left the service when I reached my MRD. When I was informed that I had to retired I was upset as I was still having fun doing my job as a combat engineer.

Response by CPO Michael Callegri made Feb 22 at 2017 3:48 PM

2017-02-22T15:48:24-05:00

I figured after 10 years, it would have been a waste of time not to do 20. At the 20 year mark I was on a HYT waiver and then surprisingly made E-7, which of course I had to complete the extra time to accept the appointment. I then retired at 24 years due to HYT. I don't regret a moment of it and would do it again.

Response by MSgt Don Dobbs made Mar 2 at 2017 4:40 PM

2017-03-02T16:40:58-05:00

I looked hard at out in 20 however the math said to stay longer. 1/2 pay I disagree, at 20 my retirement pay would have been around $900 a month. AT 24 when I retired it was 1450 a month now if one takes into account quarters, rations, and allowances your pay is much higher than just base pay which your retirement is based on. This was not the driving factor though, I was enjoying my job and the folks I worked with. During my last four after Desert Shield/Storm I deployed to Operation Provide Relief (The Somalia Ficasso), Then to Travis AFB for a conference, then to Yakota AB for a planning trip, Then to Charleston AFB, Then to Barksdale AFB, and when I got a call to go to La Paz to work for the DEA I said Mr. is the promotion I want so I dropped paper. Ended up with 24 and Never regretted it.

Response by SMSgt Roger Horton made Mar 2 at 2017 6:37 PM

2017-03-02T18:37:52-05:00

I stayed till I couldn't. Loved the people, the job, the command, and saying bye to all that was difficult to do.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2017 11:51 AM

2017-03-09T11:51:10-05:00

I stayed in retired at a little less than 22 years, as my son was graduating from High School. I was overseas and if I ended my tour, he would graduate from a stateside High School. Depending on the state he may have to take required courses that may not have been available for him to take as the class may have been full. The DoDDs school district may have attempted to go to bat on our behalf, but the battle may not have been fruitful. The old adage of a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush applied. I ree-enlisted and everything worked out perfectly. My son graduated, was able to participate in my retirement ceremony, start college and eventually commission as an Army Ordnance Officer after completing ROTC and graduating from college. I got a great job offer right before I retired, accepted it and everything fell into place. I was able to retire debt free and now my pension pays my mortgage!

Response by MSgt William Barnett made Mar 9 at 2017 11:58 AM

2017-03-09T11:58:31-05:00

If I would have retired at 20, I would have gotten about $800/mo as an E-6. I got promoted to E-7 right at 20 and stayed an additional 3 and got over $2200/mo. It was kind of a no brainer for me.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Mar 11 at 2017 9:58 PM

2017-03-11T21:58:37-05:00

It's all about serving for me and is reason why I'm still going today.

Response by COL John Power made Mar 16 at 2017 1:49 PM

2017-03-16T13:49:28-04:00

It was simple; I loved what I was doing. Also, the Army kept promoting me or sending me to a school I wanted at just about every decision point. Retired just shy of 30 because I knew at 30 it was mandatory and I got a good job offer. Looking back, I'd do exactly the same. Wasn't the plan, but it worked out exceptionally well. As a retiree and veteran I still serve in many ways and always enjoy being with troops. Servicemenbers are a special breed that those who haven't served just can't understand or appreciate fully.