Why did you decide to reenlist in the Army Indefinite Reenlistment Program?

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 00:02:14 -0500

On Saturday, the 1st of November, 2014, I reenlisted into the Army Indefinite Reenlistment Program at the UTEP sport stadium in El Paso, TX along with other service members who were reenlisting for other options.

Under this program I basically reenlisted for the needs of the Army, and I get to keep my pay check which is fine with me.

Why did I decide to do this and carry out the next 6 years of my life until I retire unless I get promoted?

I actually love being in the Army; I love being around Soldiers, other service members, and other respectful civilians who share a common mission goal, and I like to mentor not only to Soldiers, but to other leaders as well. The retirement package is nice too, but its not all about a retirement package or stability for I truly care about people, individuals, Soldiers, leaders, other service members and the community where ever the Army puts me and my family, and I enjoy helping others.

I know that not all leaders can't or don't want to reenlist indefinitely, and I don't hold that against them. This was a personal choice, and between now and when I retire, I hope to pass my lessons learned, my knowledge, my experiences, and mentor to as many Soldiers and leaders as I can as I have been doing for a while now.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Nov 3 at 2014 12:08 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 00:08:18 -0500

As long as you can continue to experience the values and principles that the Army is supposed to live by, continue to enjoy your service. I loved what I believed I was doing and the principled actions of the commands I had served in allowed me to continue with pride, doing that which I did and convinced me that indefinite was what I wanted out of life and out of service.

Why I didn't stay in was I finally found myself in a command that failed. I wish you continued success and the strength of quality leadership in the balance of your service.

Response by SFC Walter Lovett made Nov 4 at 2014 10:47 AM

SFC Walter Lovett — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 10:47:04 -0500

I reenlisted for indefinate on my birthday... I was over 10yos and had no other choice to meet a TIS obligation and get the last bonus before time ran out. I came in the Army with the plan to retire, so it was nothing but my last reenlistment. Also, I recieved my first MSM and it was the first time my mother was able to be there for any of my military cerimonies, so it was very special for her.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Nov 4 at 2014 2:28 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 14:28:30 -0500

Congratulations on your reenlistment. Thank you for your service to our country and for your commitment to carry on in that same vein.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 10:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 10:14:08 -0400

I knew almost immediately that I was a career Soldier. I just love what I do, and I am fantastic at what I do.

When I was told I was going to have to reenlist in order to meet the time requirements for my assignment to Germany, it was all to easy to make it happen.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 18 at 2015 11:36 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 18 May 2015 11:36:47 -0400

Its sad though, some SMs want to stay in while they have to get out and the ones who want to get out, don't want to be in the military anymore.