What motivates you to stay in?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:14:40 -0500

I've been in the military a just a couple months shy of 8 years!! I'm almost half way through. My biggest question is to all the others vets and services members is " how do you continue on....?" Some days the army is great has my back others I feel I get stomped on. Some words of encouragement are much need today brothers!!!

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 12:16 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:16:38 -0500

I kept reenlisting because I liked the people and the challenges. They motivated me to exceed what I thought I could do.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 10 at 2015 12:27 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:27:07 -0500

My goal is to teach high school JROTC. You have to be a retiree to do that. So, it's short term suck for long term goals.. Plus the Army is fun, and there are tons of schools and credentialing opportunities you can use to better yourself in the meantime..

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Nov 10 at 2015 12:28 PM

SFC Maury Gonzalez — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:28:43 -0500

I started at $16 hr, been here going on 14 yrs. Don't be like the "gifted and entitled " millenials expecting $27 hr job with company car and stock options. Too many of the with BS Degrees are no working at Starbucks or Applebee's

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Nov 10 at 2015 1:18 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 13:18:05 -0500

A few thoughts:
- A Soldier who does not consistently evaluate their options and possible off ramps throughout their career is a robot, a follower, or something else but not a leader who should stick around in the military.
- Every job or career has its ups and downs. Only a naïve person thinks that every day will be an "up" day.
- No decision should ever be made in the "heat of the moment", except for combat of course. Never hurts to "sleep on it" before making a permanent decision.
- To specifically answer your question of "how do you continue on?". Like everything else, one day or step at a time. Just like in a marathon, a road march, or anything that requires more than one step to complete.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 1:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 13:27:14 -0500

the need and want of being a part of a big organization, to fight when needed and to lead when others are willing to listen.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 2:41 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 14:41:28 -0500

How do I/you continue on to serve?

Enjoying whatever it is you do. At 18+ years, I've heard SMs gripes on a daily basis (myself included) - but for the most part, we like or love what we are able to do on a daily basis. I definitely love my job and throughout my career, I've been afforded some amazing opportunities in which I'm thankful for. Every job, regardless if it's military or civilian sector will have its bad days - but you have to be able to "adapt" to overcome.

Response by MSgt Daniel Attilio made Nov 10 at 2015 3:12 PM

MSgt Daniel Attilio — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 15:12:51 -0500

It is a long term investment. Some years will horribly miserable and some will be exceptional. There were many older guys that I asked the same question of, some had EAS'ed and some had retired. All told me to stick it out. The ones that had EAS'ed said they would have stuck it out if they had to do it again. There is a reason that so many attempt to re-enter the military after they get out, there is a reason we all join groups such as RP.
For me, and I assure there were some horrifically miserable years the 20-years was a valuable investment in my character, in my present being and for my future.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Nov 10 at 2015 3:48 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 15:48:17 -0500

Personally, I wish you, and those like you, would stay in for a plethora of reasons, but truthfully, there is really nothing I or anyone here can say to make you stay in as ultimately, that decision and motivation to stick by that decision is ultimately yours... I will ask that you reflect back on your reasons and feelings for joining, and question if that motivation still exist, as maybe it is time to let it go, and there is nothing wrong with that... Either you have that motivation, or you don't... So, my question to you is, give this some thought, and tell me... What really motivated you to stay in 8 years? And why should Uncle Sam give you the privilege to let you stay in his Armed Forces for another 12? I asked myself that at 10 years... I'm now retired after 26 years... Amazing what a little self honesty will do for your perspective!