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

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

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).

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.

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!

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!)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.