What was the deciding factor that made you decide to leave the military, stay for the full 20, or come back into the military?

2017-09-03T21:58:59-04:00

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Sep 3 at 2017 10:04 PM

2017-09-03T22:04:00-04:00

SGT Joseph Gunderson: Sergeant, I was honorably discharged with two disabilities. Thanks for asking. -Warm Regards, Margaret

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2017 10:07 PM

2017-09-03T22:07:33-04:00

I decided I wanted to go to college. In the 1980's they did not have the college programs they have today for serving members. It took a while , but I decided to leave the military. I often wonder what would have happened had I stayed, but I feel I have done well nevertheless.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2017 10:13 PM

2017-09-03T22:13:29-04:00

I joined because of 9/11. Got put the navy because of PTS. Rejoined because of Parris and Brussels.

Response by PFC Lisa McDonald made Sep 3 at 2017 11:15 PM

2017-09-03T23:15:33-04:00

Multiple reasons contributed to my leaving and not returning to active duty.
I saw so many people with 10 plus years get burned.
I got offered nursing school after getting out and never put any thought into it including me becoming commissioned.
If I had back then I might have went for it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2017 12:21 AM

2017-09-04T00:21:40-04:00

I left the Army once before about the time I hit 10 years of active service (around 14 yrs total service). For me that was the crap or get off the pot moment of my military career. Honestly at that point I was burnt out and pretty miserable. There was no way I could hang around for another 10 years. With the support of my then fiancee, now wife I decided to get out and head back to school. At that point I didn't really have any intentions of coming back in, but when I was given the chance to attend one of the Army's grad school programs as an Officer I couldn't pass on the opportunity. Some days I love it and some days I remember why I left the first time around. By the time I finish my program and the accompanying service obligation I'll be just a few years short of 20 so I imagine I'll stick around. At that point, who knows?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2017 2:28 AM

2017-09-04T02:28:36-04:00

SGT Joseph Gunderson The tipping point was the drug problem that I felt was not being fixed by the Marine Corps. The problem was eventually cleaned up.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 4 at 2017 6:48 AM

2017-09-04T06:48:39-04:00

I went IRR after serving with the MIARNG for 24 yrs. Health and my feet were part of the deciding factors.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Sep 4 at 2017 8:17 AM

2017-09-04T08:17:40-04:00

I stayed for 20+ because I knew from a young age that is what I wanted to do. I retired due to various health problems and burn out from back to back deployments. Sometimes I wish I could have done another 5-6 years but such was not meant to be.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2017 8:49 AM

2017-09-04T08:49:46-04:00

Oboma hahahaha

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2017 9:52 AM

2017-09-04T09:52:40-04:00

I was dead set on staying at least 20 when I enlisted. That hasn't changed, really. I've told many junior Marines who hate life that once you get the hang of everything and know your job and responsibilities, the military is a cake walk. The Corps has treated me well so far; got stationed outside the U.S. my first station, I've done exercises in a few different countries, and now I'm on embassy duty and seeing even more of the world. The only box left unchecked is an actual deployment.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2017 10:21 AM

2017-09-04T10:21:58-04:00

After 28+ years of service, I've grown used to it. Now this is combined service mind you with about 7 yrs active and the rest with the ILARNG, but it can still be a struggle at times when trying to balance it with my civilian job. I still enjoy it. I like being out in the wood line and training soldiers. I like passing on my knowledge to the younger troops ensuring that they are prepared to defend this country in the future. Plus, as an engineer, the dynamic of how we fit within the combined arms role is always evolving as technology and doctrine changes and that creates a constant challenge, which I enjoy.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 4 at 2017 10:37 AM

2017-09-04T10:37:34-04:00

Have to say it was a matter of being shrewd in planning out a retirement. Although I got put out (13% promotion opportunity), I stayed reserve because I didn't want to toss what I had built up. So I redirected the plan to add a full CS retirement in addition to CS TSP. Didn't plan on the VA disability bump. So as long as the work was interesting and I enjoyed chasing the goals, it was a win-win. Glad I was shrewd now. When I decide to take SS, I'll be a quadruple dipper. Nowadays, you have to have multiple income streams to stop working and make the same income.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Sep 4 at 2017 11:19 AM

2017-09-04T11:19:47-04:00

I enlisted about 10 minutes after signing up at the draft board. Army, to piss off my old man who was a 26 year AF man. Never any thought of going 20, I got out after 1 enlistment that included 22 months in Viet Nam.

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Sep 4 at 2017 11:42 AM

2017-09-04T11:42:25-04:00

my intension was to stay and make a career of it. During desert storm a civilian contractor tried to hire me to run that operation as we had just finished getting it up and operational.. i declined the offer as i still had several years on my enlistment. Got back to the states was sent to BNCOC after completion got married to an MP. I got out to preserve my hard work and service

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 4 at 2017 12:22 PM

2017-09-04T12:22:11-04:00

-Stayed for 22 because I wanted to be an Air Force pilot since I was a kid. When I was promoted out of operations at 16 years and forced to quit flying, I decided to stay because I thought I had more to contribute to the Air Force and a chance of making Colonel.
-At several break points in my career, particularly around 7 years, I considered getting out. At that time I could have gone to grad school or law school on the GI Bill. Possibly found work as a commercial pilot. I stayed in because my family needed regular income.
-I retired when the Air Force decided I didn't need to the a Colonel. Fortunately, I found a private sector job and never missed a paycheck in the transition.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2017 12:24 PM

2017-09-04T12:24:30-04:00

Well, I was in three branches of the service for a total of 33 years. I stayed in because it was fun, and mutually beneficial to myself and the military. I choose to retire when I did because there had been only one promotion to E-9 in my rate in four years.

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 4 at 2017 6:33 PM

2017-09-04T18:33:30-04:00

In no particular order.

1) I loved being a company grade officer in company grade billets. If it were not for "up or out" I'd have stayed until my body was no longer capable. I hated every second of the field grade billets I held. None of my mentors, (some flag grade) could say it would stay the same or get better. I was determined not to be the field grade officer, who was hijacking a company grade officer's time in the sun. Those guys drove me nuts

2) My seven year old son did not handle my deployments well. He was not a misbehaver. He just became depressed, lost weight, and withdrew when I was gone.

3) I'd served two tours in a row, where for a significant part of the tour, one or both of the CO's (changes of command at both posts) were not honorable men, were not very intelligent, put their interests ahead of the command, and were surprisingly petty.

4) The right opportunity came along.

Response by CW5 Ranger Dave made Sep 4 at 2017 6:45 PM

2017-09-04T18:45:19-04:00

Went in the service at 17 on the first bus to basic after HS graduation. I was an Army brat and knew exactly what I was getting into. I volunteered to be an 11B and continued to be All I Could Be. Airborne, Ranger, Pathfinder, Jump Master, 7th Army NCO Academy. College at night for a Bachelor Degree in Business Management and eventually I had the opportunity to go to Flight School where I flew both Rotary and Fixed Wing Aircraft. Ended up being a Regular Army Commissioned Warrant Officer when that concept was new. I never ever thought about getting out of the Army from the day I enlist as an E-nothing and grateful for the 21 plus years on active duty. My military career let me right into a second career with the FAA where I just retired. Now in project transition to be a gentleman farmer and a triple dipper.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Sep 4 at 2017 10:17 PM

2017-09-04T22:17:11-04:00

When I left Active Duty I was burned out and ready for something different. I did a stint in the Reserves a year or so later to finish up my IRR time, mainly to learn some skills I had wanted to learn in the Army when I first went in. The issue with that, though, was that after being Active I couldn't handle living as a civilian and then up & drop everything to perform my Army duties again. I had to be "all or nothing".

I've thought a few times that perhaps I should have stayed in, but I'm not sure I could have made it a career. The skills and experience I have gained since returning to the civilian world, though, are far more than I ever expected to.

All in all, I feel that with what I now know I would make a far better NCO than I ever was when I was in. That, I suppose though, comes with age and experience regardless.

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 5 at 2017 8:17 AM

2017-09-05T08:17:21-04:00

There wasn't a single factor for me to get out. It was a combination of repeated back to back deployments with no end in sight, not trusting my chain of command, and no longer enjoying it. I got tired of doing pointless tasks and being told to support my chain of command when they were blatantly wrong in their handling of some situations. All in all, it was just time to go.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Sep 5 at 2017 8:35 AM

2017-09-05T08:35:28-04:00

A number of reasons. I had some family issues I was dealing with at the time that made it difficult for me to be away for extended periods was the big one. I was S-1 during that time and really didn't find the job very satisfying after company command and the only thing really happening at the time were a bunch of Peacekeeping missions, a number of which I thought were misguided at best.
I turned down a tour in Panama that in hindsight I wish I had accepted, but it didn't seem prudent at the time.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Sep 5 at 2017 1:13 PM

2017-09-05T13:13:35-04:00

For me it was family. My wife and I both felt like it just wasn't in the cards to continue, and it just didn't seem like our boys would handle the military brat lifestyle to well, and I wouldn't do to well in trying to encourage them in the military brat lifestyle.

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made Sep 5 at 2017 1:18 PM

2017-09-05T13:18:25-04:00

I didn't join to do 20 years. I honestly didn't think I would make it the first enlistment. As the first new private in my unit, I got all the details, took all the crap, I was always wrong, I drank a lot, you get the picture. But one man took me under his wing and started training me on my job. He taught me how to be ready for inspections and to look past the jackasses. He told me if I put soldiering first the day would come I would out rank all of them. I took his advice, I stayed in and made rank. Most of them ended up getting out for different reasons. I never looked past the day I woke up. Twenty years came pretty quick and I like to think I passed on a lot of that man to other soldiers, some who went on to make Sergeant Major or joined the officer ranks.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 5 at 2017 1:36 PM

2017-09-05T13:36:18-04:00

I initially wanted to leave before the advanced course, but my first window was at the 6 year point. By then I racked up an ADSO through PCS. I came to my senses and stayed. I finally retired due to similar events as Lt Col Jim Coe . The service made plain my services were no longer required.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Sep 5 at 2017 3:04 PM

2017-09-05T15:04:27-04:00

Had I re-up'd in '71, I would've wound up right back in Vietnam. One tour was enough for me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2017 3:08 PM

2017-09-05T15:08:26-04:00

I retire in March with 29 years +. I loved what I did and was blessed to have great Soldiers, Leaders, and Mentors. I'd would love to stay longer but Big Army says my time is up. Also at 54 years old, my mind says I can keep up with the youngsters but my body says nope.
It is what you make it's been a hell of a ride. "HERE'S TO US AND THOSE LIKE US, DAMN FEW LEFT!"

Response by CPO Roy Thornton made Sep 5 at 2017 3:10 PM

2017-09-05T15:10:14-04:00

Not sure if anyone else pointed this out but the original link says I was burned out after 10 years-PFC if you are a PFC at ten years were you burned out or kicked out?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2017 3:30 PM

2017-09-05T15:30:50-04:00

The deciding factor? Med board doctor's opinion.

Response by SPC Rob Lewis made Sep 5 at 2017 3:44 PM

2017-09-05T15:44:52-04:00

Short answer….politics in the unit. Should have played the game and stuck it out to get what I wanted to re-enlist. Then after 9/11 tried to go back but was given the run around by the recruiter. Didn’t want to deal with prior service.

Response by SFC Shane Funkhouser made Sep 5 at 2017 3:59 PM

2017-09-05T15:59:38-04:00

Well I've been in all 3 situations,
I was a Marine I decided to get out because
1. Hated my M.O.S. and they wouldn't let me out of it
2. Thought the pay sucked and I could do better in the civilian world.
Well I got out and found out how much civilians really suck. How lazy they are and the pay although initially better once I paid health insurance for my family I wasn't making anything.
So I decided to go back to the military and joined the Army.
Got stuck in the same M.O.S. for my first enlistment because I was prior service toughed it out and switched when I could.
Since I knew how much the civilian workforce sucked I stayed in and retired. Although the last 6 years it was tough. Mostly because of the changes. So damn political and NCO's take the blame for everything that goes wrong but have no authority to do anything about it. The soldiers could care less about losing a month or two of pay. They question everything and bitch about it when they are done questioning. No respect for anyone but God forbid you hurt their feelings. Promotions come to quick people making E-7 in 7 years E-9 in 13 to 14 years and think they are leaders. Nope glad my time is done.

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Sep 5 at 2017 4:33 PM

2017-09-05T16:33:50-04:00

I had ZERO INTENTION to leave the USAF. Unfortunately, my commanding officer slammed me because, in his words, my exemplary performance was “making the white guys look bad.”

Funny... I thought their radioing an active mission aircraft “…an enemy fighter has weapons locked onto you…” as a joke was what made them look bad.

Response by SPC Matt Johnson made Sep 5 at 2017 4:59 PM

2017-09-05T16:59:35-04:00

my tipping point was when senior NCO's at a firebase tried to use me as a decoy for a sniper by forcing me to go outside the wire when we had enemy snipers that would take shots at us, to carry and throw out a dead dog they(NCO's) killed and used as target practice with a shotgun. luckily I managed to get back inside the wire before the sniper noticed me. also when out 2nd LT got one of our guys killed because he didn't want to wait 30 min for EOD to go out in front of us. the result was one soldier dead and 2 wounded. I wanted to kill the LT.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2017 9:38 PM

2017-09-05T21:38:36-04:00

The Army offered to pay my student loans. When I join, I entered as an O2 with a direct commission in the Medical Service Corps. I was an Environmental Engineer and could do the job of a Nuclear Medical Science Officer. Originally, I was going to do 3 years, because that was the minimum time required for the Army paying my student Loans. I was deployed on my second year in. While in that horrid Iraq deployment, I decided to get out. However, my AOC manager who was a good friend offered me an O5 position in Germany. That way I could leave my unit 6 weeks after my redeployment and did not had to stay and finish my last year with that f-up unit. I accepted and decided to stay for 3 more years. In Germany, my supervisor convinced me to apply for a Training with Industry program. I did mostly as a dare and because the TWI was in Livermore California. I was selected and I stayed for an extra year, but by then I had insured in an ADSO of 3 more years. However, because I did not take care of myself from my f-up year in Iraq I was sick and was Medically retired at 9 years and 27 days. I loved being a Soldier, but the Army is not for Intellectual women that tell the truth and refuses to kiss behind.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Sep 5 at 2017 9:53 PM

2017-09-05T21:53:15-04:00

For me, I'd have to say the deciding factor was a lack of certainty.

I didn't expect to do the full 20, but I wanted a 2nd enlistment. I achieved all my goals in the military, so now I just wanted to reenlist because I enjoyed what I did. Put in my reenlistment package. Played the waiting game. 30 minutes before I'm about to check out on a month's worth of leave (because I only took leave once a year), I get a call from the career planner's office.

Your MOS is closed, the few spots available have filled up. If you want to stay in, you'll have to lat move into a different MOS, but it'll require you to route a brand new package.

By the time I would have gotten back from leave, I'd have 3 months left until my EAS. I'd also have 3 months left until the birth of my 2nd daughter. I needed a bit more certainty in my life than a "maybe".

I was bringing a child into the world, I needed a job. So I spent my leave polishing the resume and when I got back from leave, I routed my Terminal package and took 2 whole months of Terminal.

With the amount of leave I had, I was pretty much out of the Marine Corps the moment they told me I'd have to route a brand new package to stay in for another tour.

Response by SSG Michael Babker made Sep 5 at 2017 10:14 PM

2017-09-05T22:14:34-04:00

I wasn't given a choice and was told I was being put out (medical discharge). I never really got past spending the early part of my 20s not listening to the doctors when I was hurt and "toughing it out", and though it's not as bad now as it was my last year in I still live every day with mild pain to remind me of my 9 years of service. Still wouldn't trade any of it to do it again or differently, and I can honestly say that getting out when I did was the best thing for me at that time.

Response by SGT Tom Recupero made Sep 6 at 2017 10:43 AM

2017-09-06T10:43:52-04:00

I left because of Power Point. I joined the Shiney boot Cusp Gen X Army and then things changed. We went from going out side and doing stuff to staying inside and power pointing it up or usually just doing absolutely nothing I mean days of come in... thumb twiddle, coffee runs, more thumb twiddle and go home at least 10 plus hours later because we didn't want to look like we were doing nothing which is clearly what we were doing. We needed a 0-5 to sign off on risk assessments to actually do anything and this never happened and then they screwed some of us on pay. My buddy broke his leg and it took them 8 years to medical him out. People who can barely read shouldn't become NCO's, people who pop hot for Heroine shouldn't become NCO's because they're good plumbers. So completely FUBAR. We got fake attacked in training at NTC and this green Lt looks at me and is like "What do we do"? I could go on forever. After about 13 years I said F this.

Response by 1stSgt Mack Housman made Sep 6 at 2017 3:21 PM

2017-09-06T15:21:43-04:00

Spent 28 years. It stopped being fun. LOL

Response by CPL Clyde Willis made Sep 4 at 2018 12:42 PM

2018-09-04T12:42:58-04:00

I am the son of a career service member. Once I started a family, though, I decided I didn't want the same struggles for my family. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bitter about my childhood, and I know great career military families... it is just not what I wanted for my family.

Response by SGT Hubert Burchartz made Sep 4 at 2018 10:05 PM

2018-09-04T22:05:02-04:00

Did 10 years as a 91 Bravo, Medical Specialist (1977-1988). Was a civilian for two years (hated it). Came back in as a 19 D Calvary Scout. Break in service of 18 years. Joined the Reserve in 2010 as a 68 Whisky Combat Medic. Did 7 years, Retired with 20 years at 61 years of age last year. The mind is willing, but the body is not, I still do miss it.

Response by PO1 Alan Sparks made Sep 5 at 2018 12:01 PM

2018-09-05T12:01:44-04:00

initially, I joined because I was a patriot, and would have done so for room and board, and free haircuts. As time passed, I realized the Navy was the place for me and since you have to work somewhere, I just stayed in. The pay was OK, benefits were tops, instant friends, and I was able to travel.

Response by FN Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2018 1:22 PM

2018-09-05T13:22:44-04:00

I got out due to my command not trusting my level of knowledge. I was the ships diesel petty officer for over my last year in and my recommendations for the engine didn't mean shit to my chain of command. Two months after I got out and I'm a field mechanic who's sole job is to maintain and diagnose issues on roughly 20 large commercial engines at least 16 of which were the same as on the boat. Here I have full control of operations. Some people will just say I had a bad chain of command, my personal opinion is that they didn't trust me because I didn't have enough rank. Not taking into account I was a diesel mechanic before enlisting.

Response by Sgt David Hesser made Sep 5 at 2018 2:53 PM

2018-09-05T14:53:34-04:00

I was a 3522 diesel mech by Mos but had to write SOP,s and due budgets for the whole company , now I was treated with a lot of respect from the Major down but wanted to due something else, I was bored the Capt said I would retire there I didn’t like the answer so with 3 day,s before my EAS told them I leaving they where very upset and I was young and dumb with no mentor or guidance, wish I could do it over did not know my options.

Response by SGT Pete Masullo made Sep 5 at 2018 3:38 PM

2018-09-05T15:38:29-04:00

Well, I left the Army after six years. I didn’t leave angry. There was no precipitating event or unreconcilable circumstance. I just felt like I did everything I wanted in the military and it was on to the next adventure. But I can tell you that I looked forward to zero chance of ever working at a joint command again.

Response by SGT Tj Casiano made Sep 5 at 2018 3:49 PM

2018-09-05T15:49:38-04:00

I left the army 8 years ago because I had three deployments 8 years ago because I had three year-long deployments Within a short period of time and it destroyed two of my relationships. the stress was getting to be too much for me. When I joined, I had planned to make a career out of it and do the full 20, and then I became a little disillusioned. Not that I don't love the army, or miss it. I was just dealing with too much stress to stay in.

Response by SPC Mike Davis made Sep 5 at 2018 4:06 PM

2018-09-05T16:06:09-04:00

The decision to separate was an easy one. I was a geek (an electronic nut.) No place in the military for geeks. All that was expected of enlisted was: size 40 shirt and a #2 hat. make bed so quarter would bounce. Go to motor pool spot paint equipment. Know how to salute and say yes sir, no sir. Back to motor pool spot paint equipment. Stand inspection on Saturday morning, if good boy ask for Cinderella pass (must be on post by midnight.) Make bed so quarter will bounce, put on size 40 shirt and #2 hat. Go to motor pool spot pain equipment. Say yes sir, no sir when required. Back to motor pool spot paint equipment. If gong to a on post movie stand aside while officers enter first. Back to barracks remove size 40 shirt and #2 hat. Climb into rack falling asleep with excited anticipation looking forward to making bed so quarter will bounce. Put on size 40 shirt and #2 hat and back to motor pool spot painting equipment. What a wonderful life, what with such demands on your cognizant abilities twenty happy years will just fly by in no time. And I accepted an honorable discharge with such an exciting future ahead of me. Must have been real stupid (not!)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2018 5:12 PM

2018-09-05T17:12:47-04:00

Came from a military family. Grandpa was a WWII vet, Dad was a marine officer, brother was a marine cpl. i enlisted at the age of 17 and did 6 1/2 yrs and got out as Sgt. I initially wanted to do 20 but got out because of the politics. Took a 9 year break and with the new administration(trump), i decided to re-enlist. found out i was too old to go to OCS, so joined the national guard.

Response by SPC Rob Lewis made Sep 5 at 2018 5:54 PM

2018-09-05T17:54:50-04:00

Toxic leadership. ...

Response by SSG Steven Kelley made Sep 5 at 2018 9:25 PM

2018-09-05T21:25:52-04:00

Growing up I always wanted to join the military. I was sworn in initially on my 17th Birthday. I did take a break in service for a couple of years, but ended up with 22 and a half years. I left active duty basically to spend more time at home. I did move to the reserves to add a few more years and contracted to the Army just a few blocks from my previous AD unit. Contact ran out just before another tour. Due to injuries and heavy wear and tear over the years coupled with multiple combat tours in Iraq;, I eventually retired a short time later. Civilian life is very unstructured in comparison and I think about how much nicer it would be to be back. A lot of young recruits join the Military thinking the service is privileged to have them, they will be the ones more likely to filter out. We are actually the ones who are privileged to be accepted.

Response by SGT David Nicholas made Sep 5 at 2018 11:16 PM

2018-09-05T23:16:50-04:00

At the time I was in I ETS'd because when it came time to re-up there wasn't any other opportunity for an MOS change, promotion, bonus, or choice of duty station. My CO said he wished he had more soldiers like me and I said if you really meant that you'd show me you want to keep me! About 6 months later I got a letter from DOD saying that they had cut our experienced combat forces by too much and wanted me back. I called the number on the letter and talked to some Major. He said yep we need you back! I asked him is there a bonus? He said no. I asked is there a promotion? He said no. I asked can I have my choice of duty station? He said no. I asked can I change MOS? He said no.....I said then you don't need me bad enough!

Response by 2LT Brad Klopp made Sep 6 at 2018 1:21 PM

2018-09-06T13:21:18-04:00

I was an infantryman and Embassy guard in the Marines. 5 years total MC service. I got out to pursue my goal of being a Firefighter. I also was very interested in working on aircraft but couldn’t do that in the Marine Corps so I joined the National Guard and had an amazing aviation career. I retired in 2012 with 23 years service. I also became a firefighter about 2 years after I got out of the Marine Corps. I definitely missed the military when I got out of the Marine Corps and the Guard was a great fit for me.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2018 1:47 PM

2018-09-06T13:47:42-04:00

I’m a Warrant Officer. Why go to work somewhere when you don’t have to work here?

Response by GySgt Gregory Robeson made Sep 6 at 2018 2:22 PM

2018-09-06T14:22:13-04:00

After 20 years, my body just couldn't do it. Some of it was a mental softening too - I needed to work out/run more to maintain my weight at the proper standard...but my mind just wouldn't get me up and out anymore. It was a good run though and was probably the best for my family as well - I was in Sand Diego when I retired and just couldn't really see my daughter starting High School were we were (too many gangs and drugs).

Response by SPC David Glines made Sep 6 at 2018 3:11 PM

2018-09-06T15:11:35-04:00

I didn't get a choice I was medically discharged after I reenlisted for Indef

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2018 3:52 PM

2018-09-06T15:52:14-04:00

I stayed for the max time. But, the thing which almost made me leave was the “normal socializing” of the military. The standards were reduced and training eased. We were beat down on classes on how we need to change our way of thinking. Forget how to stay alive in combat, wasn’t a priority any more. Learning how to not hurt feelings, being fair and embracing your emotions became out focus. Total BS.

Response by SrA John Monette made Sep 6 at 2018 4:16 PM

2018-09-06T16:16:48-04:00

stupidity on my part. wanted to cross train to in-flight refueling from Security Police. Didn't reserve my SP slot in time. If only I could have done it differently. Of course, if I had, I wouldn't have my wife or boys.

Response by SrA Tim Belford made Sep 6 at 2018 4:46 PM

2018-09-06T16:46:27-04:00

Forced out in ‘87.Federal budget cuts.The Graham-Rudman Act sent thousands of us home,whether we wanted to separate or not.

Response by MAJ Vic Artiga made Sep 6 at 2018 6:35 PM

2018-09-06T18:35:50-04:00

I didn't like being a field artillery officer. It was a go nowhere field with very little applicability in the civilian world. I hated staff work. Too many officers were out for themselves and would stab their peers in the back for the sake of a positive bullet on their OERs. Finally, I worked for people who were abusive. The guys from West Point were the worst.

Response by SCPO Eric Thompson made Sep 6 at 2018 6:55 PM

2018-09-06T18:55:19-04:00

I stayed for 23 years.

Response by CPL Adam Gerischer made Sep 6 at 2018 7:34 PM

2018-09-06T19:34:54-04:00

I decided after the birth of my son. I went into IRR and was struggling for several months trying to transition to the civilian world. Turns out all of my experience in ancient construction equipment didn't get me any higher in the unemployment lines. About 10 months in I had a good job and things were starting to turn around. Then King George the 3rd decided to involuntarily transfer me to a unit across the country that was under stop loss, so I was forced a year after my ETS. I had re-upped once so I ended with 10 years. I have to say honestly the last stint put a sour taste in my mouth.
I had passed up some promotions early because I decided that I didn't want to take them from people who knew they wanted to make this life a career. I honored my obligation but felt betrayed at the very end when I was close to being done.

Response by PO1 Michael Turnbeaugh made Sep 6 at 2018 9:09 PM

2018-09-06T21:09:17-04:00

I processed a lot of discharges during my time in. I asked quite a few why they were getting out. The overwhelming response was, "My contract is up.". For the ones that I thought would give an honest answer, I asked, "Would you have stayed in if your contract wasn't expiring?" Probably 5 0% or more that was older than 22 told me they would have stayed in. So the answer for a lot of people, at least in the Navy, was that no one told them or convinced them to stay in. They weren't upset or dissatisfied but just figured it was the thing to do since the contract was expiring.

Response by SGT Thomas Mitchell made Sep 6 at 2018 11:18 PM

2018-09-06T23:18:28-04:00

My whole career field was in flux on the cusp of the digital revolution; many specialties were being deleted. The snot nosed Sp4 that acted as the reenlistment NCO (only in the 1980s Signal Corps) had a flippant attitude towards midtermers trying to change specialties and had a pat response "cook or infantry". I opted to take terminal leave. He followed me out of the company two weeks later as I was heading to Frankfurt whining that I had forgotten to sign reenlistment papers. At battalion, as I was signing out, someone handed me orders to NTC. Two weeks later I returned from a day of skiing and opened correspondence with new orders to report to Presidio. I don't think anyone had any idea I had separated. I checked my DD 214 to make sure the Feds weren't going to show up at my door.

Response by PO2 Alexander Gonzalez made Sep 6 at 2018 11:56 PM

2018-09-06T23:56:28-04:00

I left the Navy to be a Fed. It was a mistake I should have stayed in because adapting to life as a civilian was hard. Grass is not greener on the other side. At least you know where you stand in the military. Being a corpsman was awesome marines treated me right but my civilian bosses were fucken ass holes. Gunnies and chiefs know waz up and mine were locked on.

Response by SSG Kyle Stromgren made Sep 7 at 2018 2:11 AM

2018-09-07T02:11:37-04:00

RCP

Response by HA Jace Gallagher made Sep 7 at 2018 8:55 AM

2018-09-07T08:55:56-04:00

I ended up being put out due to going to Captain's Mast, the Navy's Article 15 proceeding. I wanted to go home on emergency leave because my grandfather was dying. He was the primary person who raised me and was more like a dad than a granddad. An Army Sergeant tried to deny the leave and my Navy NCOs backed me. I got really angry and cussed out the Sergeant. This wasn't the only reason. I was tired of NCOs not living up to what the core values meant. I would have gotten out anyways. I never once saw any of my NCOs do the right thing. I saw several NCOs sexually harrass female sailors but could not prove it. When I would say something, they would retaliate against me. I decided I had enough of watching people tarnish military tradition and values and knew I needed out.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2018 11:38 AM

2018-09-07T11:38:56-04:00

I'm on year 22 and counting. To me, it's about finishing what I've started. Nothing is more motivating than being the catalyst for change- eliminating toxic leadership and truly mentoring tomorrow's leaders is extremely gratifying.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2018 12:57 PM

2018-09-07T12:57:28-04:00

Had a buddy at my unit who was planning on getting out after his ETS. Then I showed up at annuual training and he decided to re up for another few years because i came to the unit

Response by SGT Timothy Strashinsky made Sep 7 at 2018 1:19 PM

2018-09-07T13:19:38-04:00

I did 6 honorably until the sequester found any reason to get people out. So they medically discharged me. Worst part i was up for my 3rd reenlistment, wanted to go back to Germany. But when the bde surgeon said go no one would gain say him. Being a tanker was a good life, pity i couldnt stay the twenty.

Response by SSG Clayton Waldron made Sep 7 at 2018 6:02 PM

2018-09-07T18:02:27-04:00

I went into the Army in Dec 67. After AIT I was sent to Germany. 6 months later I received orders for Vietnam. After Vietnam I was send back to the same unit in Germany for 3 years. After my tour I went to Ft. Hood. 18 months later sent back to Germany for 3 years. During that time I got Married. After my tour was completed in Germany I received orders for Korea on the DMZ (no family allowed) I tried to explain that I had no family support in the States and requested orders be changed for a stateside assignment. until I could get my family settled (Denied) I had to get out to take care of family. I loved the Army however not counting Basic and AIT I spend about 9 years overseas and just couldn't do it anymore at that time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2018 8:10 PM

2018-09-07T20:10:40-04:00

Service to country in time of war. Comeraderie with others

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2018 10:56 PM

2018-09-07T22:56:25-04:00

I initially joined for the purpose of getting the Student Loan Repayment Program. I had gone to Aviation Maintenance school and in 2003 there weren't many jobs in that field. I could have join to work on helicopters but that was a six year enlistment and I only required 3 for the SLRP. I chose an easier MOS with a 3 year contract. After a couple of years, I realized I really liked the Army, and I was pretty good at it. Second enlistment, I got to know my Warrant and decided that was the path I would go, and he started to mentor me. Haven't looked back since. Nearly 15 years in and I can't imagine my life being any different than it is right now. I had originally planned to stay around 26-28 years, but I'll likely leave around 21. It's getting taxing on my body and mind at times, and I want to be very happy and still mobile in my 40s.

Response by MSgt Dollar Bill Rutledge made Sep 7 at 2018 11:44 PM

2018-09-07T23:44:19-04:00

Got out briefly after first hitch but came back in one month latter and did the 20. No regrets.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 7:25 AM

2018-09-08T07:25:57-04:00

Tri-Care and transferring of college benefits to my kids has been the top reasons for staying in the military for over 20 yrs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 10:02 AM

2018-09-08T10:02:59-04:00

I am a SGT in the Army with 7 years in, my wife is also a SGT with 8 years in and we have two children. I have one deployment to Iraq, she is currently on her second to Afghanistan. The things she has to deal with and the recent death of CSM Bolyard have shown me that the benefits aren’t worth the risk of life or loss of time. Plus, I just personally don’t believe in the Afghanistan war anymore.

Response by SSG Cliff Karolak made Sep 8 at 2018 11:24 AM

2018-09-08T11:24:53-04:00

I stayed but by the end. I seen people promoted who couldn't lead their way out of a paper bag. And didn't have the technical expertise of a private.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 3:03 PM

2018-09-08T15:03:18-04:00

Honestly after I finish this last bit of time I just want to be out. It's nothing personal or towards any one event. I'm just bored and want to do something else. People have given me shit for my decision but I still try 100 percent while I'm still in and I'm man enough to tell the truth no matter who's asking.

Response by PO2 Hauke Powers made Sep 8 at 2018 5:05 PM

2018-09-08T17:05:21-04:00

My hearing became damaged..was already an E-5 at 20 years of age...I was so disappointed...I ate up my military service with delightful relish...loved every bit of it...I thank God every day for allowing me the opportunity to serve my wonderful adopted country..the wonderful USA !!!!! If I could go back in time and do it all over again, I would in a heart beat !!!!!

Response by Cpl Brian Golder made Sep 8 at 2018 6:06 PM

2018-09-08T18:06:55-04:00

I enlisted for four years in the Marines. I spent my first year in Iceland, did a UDP WESTPAC and Med float. I got what I expected out of it and at that point I was ready to get out and move on with my life. I was briefly recalled from the IRR during Desert Storm, but whatever I thought I might have missed quickly evaporated.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 7:41 PM

2018-09-08T19:41:53-04:00

After 38 years and being a CSM I was ready to go. Lots of changes that were helping Soldiers as well as Soldiers not giving a damn about what was expected of them. To many changes allowing the military to get “normalized” like society. The military isn’t an experiment for poor politicians to play with!!

Response by SGT Jedidiah Cotton made Sep 8 at 2018 10:42 PM

2018-09-08T22:42:42-04:00

I was injured in iraq, walked into a mortar blast oddly enough. Blew out 4 discs in my back and 3 in my neck, no penetrating trauma so my unit though i was faking it, got tired of getting crappy details and not getting any help for my injuries. I got med boarded, they said there was no chance of rehab and staying in. So i took the 10% disability severance pay. Dont ever do that! Fight for everything you can get. I have degenerative disc disease now and i cant do any job that requires heavy lifting. The good news is that the va rated me at 90% so that and my pay as a jailer makes ends meet. The reason i got out was no one was trying to help me, i was treated like a huge inconvenience and was given every single cq and staff duty and sgt maj detail they could think of.

Response by CPO Douglas White made Sep 9 at 2018 1:15 AM

2018-09-09T01:15:05-04:00

I was at 23 years and approaching HYT, I was offered a HYT waiver to go back to sea but my body was beat, ended up with 80% disability. The one thing I miss is the people , I served with some really great ones!

Response by SSG Brian Edwards made Sep 9 at 2018 9:40 AM

2018-09-09T09:40:42-04:00

My goal was to be a lifer that's we called it when I joined. I was having a good career made SSG at 7 years graduated top 2 of NCOS schools, the time I had 9 years in had already 3 years of platton Sargent time with above ratings, serving at the 101st. 1995 went to korea, and then returned 1996. 1998 came down on orders again for Korea, 1999 to 2000. This was bullshit. I friends in Germany that we're still there homesteading since 1991. The army in my veiw was just taking from a small part of the aviation branch and sending us on the crappy assignments while others had a nine to five job where they seen their families day in and day out. It cost me my family. When your in 1/101st you stay gone. And then back and forth to korea 2 years apart. I sometimes regret leaving but they didn't leave me much of a choice.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 9:59 AM

2018-09-09T09:59:03-04:00

Honestly, I joined because I needed a job and I wanted a way to go back to Germany to see family there. I’ve been in 11 years now and have traveled the world and was stationed in Germany twice.

I’m looking at a possible MEB within the next year and to be honest, I’ll happily accept and welcome it. For me, I’m just tired. I’m exhausted. I am ready to move on to something different. Don’t get me wrong, the army has provided me with values to live by, it’s taught me a lot, I’ve been able to travel and even take care of medical things I would never afford outside the military. But, eventually you gotta just leave and change up a bit. Hats off to y’all doin 20+

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 12:43 PM

2018-09-09T12:43:40-04:00

It’s a long list of why I got out, but a key was a conversation I had with my Platoon Sgt while in Korea. I asked if you figure in deployments, schooling, field time, overnight duty, etc......what percentage would you say you’re away from home for the night. He said “probably 50%”. Being newly married at the time, when my ETS day came 4yrs later I got out. After being out for 8+ years, I remember thinking “being married was one of the big reasons I got out, but I’m not married anymore....” ended up re-enlisting in the NG about a month after I would have hit my 20years.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 3:56 PM

2018-09-09T15:56:54-04:00

December 4th, 2014. My unit from fort hood was taking a PT test that morning. It was pouring rain and the field was flooded.
The PT field selected for the test was on west fort hood, and was in the low part of a baseball field.
One NCO approached our first sergeant and asked to move the test to the higher ground so we wouldn't be flooded, the first sergeant told him to stay in his lane and that we were taking the test there, because that's where he scheduled it.
I'm not exaggerating, when we did pushups our hands were completely submerged, when we did sit ups we were taking on water down the backs of our collars.
Rain continued to pour throughout the test. Everyone was soaked and miserable on the run.
I decided then that I was going to get out of active duty when my contract expired.. now I'm on the GI bill and chilling in the guard

Response by Cpl David Burke made Sep 9 at 2018 8:57 PM

2018-09-09T20:57:56-04:00

I joined the Marines for what I knew would be four years. I am proud to have served. I wanted a career in law enforcement. This was an excellent way to serve my country, and keep a family tradition going.

Response by SSG Kenneth Randolph made Sep 9 at 2018 10:26 PM

2018-09-09T22:26:30-04:00

After serving 12 years on active duty, I decided to join the civilian world and serve 8 years in the National Guard until I retired with 20 years. My civilian job used 4 years of my military time towards my retirement. I was about to retire with 20 years.

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Sep 9 at 2018 10:33 PM

2018-09-09T22:33:23-04:00

I wish I had stayed till retirement, I got out when kids starting school and wife tired of moving. But the time went by so quickly it was a shame as I did enjoy my jobs and the experience.

Response by SPC John Scheelk made Sep 10 at 2018 8:42 AM

2018-09-10T08:42:11-04:00

I was part of an elite Signal Intel Army Unit (ASA). Very high standards for acceptance unless: People thinking to reenlist were accepted without question and because of a lack of education, or lack or intelligence, or raging alcoholism, were put in supervisory positions because they could not be trusted to do the actual job. After 2 years, 8 months, 1 week, and 3 days I walked away with Honorable on my DD-214 (and later Discharge). I have never regretted my decision to get out and do something with my life.

Response by SGT Stuart Griffin made Sep 10 at 2018 10:21 AM

2018-09-10T10:21:01-04:00

I didn't think I would do more than 2 years when I first joined but got offered an MOS I liked and went for 4. Next thing I know, it became 8, then 12 and so on. I decided to try for 20. What knocked me off that bandwagon was when I returned from Iraqi Freedom, I had no support for PTSD issues (I was also in denial about it at the time). Even qualifying for Warrant candidate wasn't enough at the time. I bailed after 15 years. It took a few more years before I got into the VA system and addressed my PTSD problems. By then, I no longer wanted to return. Recently my cousin suggested returning as a technician in a DOD position that would get me into the NG at least to get my 20 done. Still on the fence about it since I'm now in my 40's. We'll see, I guess.

Response by SFC Michael Arabian made Sep 10 at 2018 10:33 AM

2018-09-10T10:33:05-04:00

When I first joined my plain was to stay in for 20 years, but because I was a shy and stayed to myself most of the time, I didn’t make many friends and one of the few times I did go off the the guys, we got into trouble and paid the price for it, and I felt like my Supervisors did stand up for me because I felt like I with the worsted of the punishment for it ( reduced in graded and 45/45) pretty much max out on punishment while the others mostly got 7/7. So at that time I made the decision to do my time and get out, yes after I served my punishment they all wanted to get to know me and the closer I got to ETS the harder they pushed for me to stay in, but deep in the back of my mind I really didn’t trust them anymore, so I ETS. A few years later I got married and decided in order to provide for her and the possibility of a family I re- enlisted in the Army, this time around it was different, my supervisor took the time to get to know me and yes I had that monster of mis-trust sitting in the back of my head, but when my wife decided she didn’t want to be a military wife and left, they where there for me no questions asked, when the COC asked about me, they said they had me. In time we got divorced and they we there for me. We deployed to Desert Storm and I started writing someone the last few month of the deployment, they were supportive of it but also warned me not to rush things, after we returned from deployment everyone went on leave I chose not to until the 1SG asked why and I told him I didn’t feel like I had anyone to go see my family was the Army, while he kind of made me take the leave and go see my mom in Florida, just so happens the girl I was writing lived in Alabama not to far from my mom and even knew her, so during my time on leave we got to know each other, and after I returned to my unit my supervisor was supportive of it, but warned me not to move so fast, well after a year of dating we got married and after 26 years and five kids we are still going strong. So for me it was the people I’ve meet along the way thet help make us want to stay for as long as we did. Thank you Rick, Frank, Mike you are my brother for life

Response by SGT Daniel Rocco Ames made Sep 10 at 2018 2:05 PM

2018-09-10T14:05:46-04:00

My Platoon Sergeant was shot in the face (He survived, and was a CSM last I knew) during my 2nd deployment (and 2nd enlistment). My Squad Leader was on leave, and I was filling his spot. Upon my SL's return, he was sent to a different Platoon, and my Platoon Sergeant was replaced by a soldier I didn't get along with. He was fast tracked to E-6, and we had personal issues outside of the Military. He abruptly bent the 1SG's ear, and brought his "gym partner" over to take my Squad Leader position, even though my NCOERs were steller, my soldiers were taken care of and squared away, and my replacement was Stop Lossed. Upon return to Bragg, I decided on surgery for previous deployment back injuries I had been pushing on with. After that, I was considered a piece of shit for having surgery, and was generally treated like it. I was moved to a new Platoon with leadership who didn't know me, or the things I had done the previous 7 years and 2 extended deployments. I called them out for their abuse of position to soldiers, and called out my replacement after a soldier new to the Battery committed suicide under his leadership, and one of my former soldiers from the last deployment went AWOL due to him. I was already physically injured, but became too jaded to stay in. I would never have made it in this new PC Army, because I spoke out way too much.

Response by CMDCM Dean Brown made Sep 10 at 2018 4:24 PM

2018-09-10T16:24:14-04:00

27 years.

Response by SP5 Hank Vandenburgh PhD made Sep 10 at 2018 4:33 PM

2018-09-10T16:33:23-04:00

1968 - I had totally lost respect for the leadership, particularly NCOs E7 and above.

Response by SFC John Fontenot made Sep 10 at 2018 4:33 PM

2018-09-10T16:33:40-04:00

I had no intentions of staying so long. But I actually loved my job. It was great. The army had a lot of BS duties.

Response by SSgt Dwight Deatherage made Sep 10 at 2018 8:10 PM

2018-09-10T20:10:40-04:00

We in the Army Ait Traffic Control MOS’s believed that the FAA needed us. Someone forgot to tell the FAA they needed us.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2018 8:49 PM

2018-09-10T20:49:21-04:00

I spent over 20years, In the AF @ multiple bases throughout the world. I really enjoyed most of the accounts.

Response by SGT Kyle Bickley made Sep 11 at 2018 7:49 AM

2018-09-11T07:49:57-04:00

Had a young son show up, was constantly away as he started to grow. Missed his first birthday, his first steps, his first words. I didn't wanna miss out on his life, or at the true point of when he needed me. Was time to make a choice, find something else to do so I could couch his little league team, help him with his homework, put him to bed every night. They are little once! I didn't wanna miss out. Being a soldier was the number job I have ever held. Being a dad was the toughest and the best job I have ever had in my life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2018 12:06 PM

2018-09-11T12:06:08-04:00

I'm at 11 years now. Have my sights set on leaving soon. Alot of my reasons involve Toxic senior leadership and toxic peers.

Response by SMSgt Barney Brown made Sep 11 at 2018 5:53 PM

2018-09-11T17:53:32-04:00

Was to much political BS along with butt kissing. I did stay for 22 years active.

Response by SSgt Mike Watson made Sep 11 at 2018 8:12 PM

2018-09-11T20:12:43-04:00

I got out because my career field was overcrowded and I didn't want to cross train be a 3 level SSgt for awhile when I was offered a job in my field with the US Forest Service.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2018 9:47 PM

2018-09-11T21:47:20-04:00

We had a cat go AWOL and no repercussions fell upon him and he got out on a medical discharge from a car wreck that he had while he was AWOL. Plus all the E3 and below we had dimed us out on shit thinking it was hazing (it wasn't)

Response by SGT Bruce Loomis made Sep 11 at 2018 9:47 PM

2018-09-11T21:47:26-04:00

SGT I was medical discharge after 10 years of service.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2018 4:55 AM

2018-09-12T04:55:27-04:00

I only did 4 years, but I decided I wanted to go get a computer science degree and become a software engineer. The money is great, I wear flip flops to work and I can live where I want and travel when I want, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss it.

Response by SGT Jim Humphrey made Oct 15 at 2018 2:15 PM

2018-10-15T14:15:24-04:00

At my age in 1979 (I know I'm old) the job of Intelligence Agent was changing. After 9 years, if I was going to move into civilian police work I would have to make a decision soon. Orders to a field office on the east coast was the last straw. We returned to Oregon where I was hired right away in my field of choice.

Family, job, location and finally pay. Not a easy choice so think hard and talk it over with the family.
One last item....you will be starting over....be ready.

Response by SSG Darrell Peters made Feb 22 at 2020 5:02 PM

2020-02-22T17:02:39-05:00

Going in I had good leadership. I always said if I had the leadership I had when I retired when I came in. I dont think I would have made it to retirement. Toward the end of my career I simply got tired of dealing with Bone Head Officers? I had three commanding officers I think were the product of the same assembly line. They were there just to get their command time in move up and the heck with the troops. I did have some good Commanding officers and I had some that really went to bat for the troops. I had some really great NCO's over my career and I have to say the NCO's made my career more enjoyable. All in all you do have to take the good with the bad.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Feb 22 at 2020 8:13 PM

2020-02-22T20:13:47-05:00

When I got out in Spring, 1971, anyone who re-up'd went right back to Vietnam. Once was enough for me.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2020 9:34 PM

2020-02-22T21:34:19-05:00

I got tired of Deployments and living out of a Seabag. I got out and didn't look back.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2020 3:40 PM

2020-03-02T15:40:05-05:00

I got off Active Duty at 17 years when the Army wanted me to PCS during a Divorce. I was also passed over for promotion so i already knew my career was a dead end. Getting out was the best career decision i ever made.