Why did you leave service before retirement? Do you regret your decision?

COL Lee Flemming — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 06:12:37 -0400

Right now there is someone contemplating leaving for the same reason you did!! Share your thoughts...

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Sep 7 at 2016 6:16 AM

TSgt Joe C. — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 06:16:47 -0400

I had 2 friends; each got out at 16 years because they were sick and tired of the bureaucratic BS in the military. I plan to get to 20 or more though.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Sep 7 at 2016 7:02 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 07:02:13 -0400

No once the decision was made I felt greatly relieved and have no regrets, although I did benefit greatly from service life. I mainly regret the combination of circumstances which led to getting out early.

Response by Jordan Gaudard made Sep 7 at 2016 7:33 AM

Jordan Gaudard — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 07:33:17 -0400

I know a few people in my first unit had over 10 years of service but less than 15 and they decided to get out because they couldn't take all the deployments. Two of them were married SSG before deployment, divorced after. It was ones second deployment, the other third deployment. I plan on staying in the full 20. The plan would be to make all my promotions and stay enlisted, but the fall back is to switch to officer. I don't want to retire as a 20 year SSG in other words.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 7 at 2016 8:09 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 08:09:07 -0400

They medboarded me at 18.5 years kicking and screaming. I was a 30 year man all the way. Have a damn tattoo of a Bradley on my arm. Worst time in my life. For all of you planning on getting out before retirement, I will give you some words of wisdom shared to me over and over and over by those who didn't cross that finish line.........'biggest mistake of my life'. All that pathetic medical care that we all complain about? When you are paying $600 minimum for a family of 4 every month in the civilian sector, that pathetic medical care will look a whole lot better. If you don't finish your 20 with at least a bachelors degree, you I'll hate yourself. Competing with 20 yr old somethings when you are 40 something yourself requires an edge. Get on it and stay on it. The first 10 years of your career seem to drag ass and take forever. The last 10 years vanish right before your eyes. Stay in and retire. All the cool kids are doing it.

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Sep 7 at 2016 8:16 AM

SSG Steven Mangus — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 08:16:04 -0400

I retired at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Do I regret it yes and no. Yes, for the reason the Army was going in a direction I did not necessarily agree with and it was not fun anymore. No, there were a lot of good people and had some good times sharing the "suck" most will never experience. I am proud to be one of the less that one percent..

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2016 8:52 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 08:52:09 -0400

Thanks for the post sir. I am planning on getting out after 6 years of service so it's great to get some perspective!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 7 at 2016 9:01 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 09:01:15 -0400

Had an active duty spouse and was tagged for a B-Billet (Recruiting). Was happy to go, but I needed to know "where" before extending or reenlisting. Needed to be able to plan. The Marine Corps was either unwilling or unable to provide those answers (and in many cases used misdirection to give disingenuous answers regarding them). In essence, I had to choose between family or career. Took less than a minute.

I don't regret getting out. Was the right decision at the right time for the right reasons. That doesn't mean I wouldn't jump at the chance to go back if offered (I have researched and not feasible at this point).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2016 9:36 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 09:36:23 -0400

When I left in 2003, I had 10 yrs in. But I was in a not so good frame of mind and attitude, so it was get out or get put out. So, I got out. But I did eventually come back in so I could get my retirement.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2016 9:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 09:40:08 -0400

4 more years and I'm hanging it up. It's a new era and I don't like it. I'll get my 20 and then I'm done.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 7 at 2016 9:43 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 09:43:56 -0400

If you modify the question slightly for my situation
" Why did you leave the service before mandatory retirement?"
I have a response....
I was in a authorized duty position (1CD G3 SGM) I was welcomed to stay in that position i had held less than a year by the G3, ADCMs and the CG. No SGM was slotted to move into this position. either internally from III Corps or from outside post.
I had already decided Texas was to be my home post retirement, I had been on Fort Hood, 5 years at that point.. having deployed three times. And only one last assignment before RCP.

I had significant institutional knowledge, personal relationships both on post and off that allowed me to successfully complete tasks others may not be able to at all, or as efficiently.
Sergeants major branch decided for the good of the Army I needed to move.. and refused to hear and consider any other options.. It was move or get out...
I got out.

Response by SrA Chris "Shadow" McGee made Sep 7 at 2016 9:51 AM

SrA Chris "Shadow" McGee — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 09:51:19 -0400

Unfortunately left due to a med board after a head injury. Would have much preferrred to stay in and do my 20. would have retired 4 years ago.

Response by CW4 Anthoney Lowry made Sep 7 at 2016 10:27 AM

CW4 Anthoney Lowry — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 10:27:13 -0400

Got tired of moving around. got tired of missing birthdays, holidays, anniversaries. But mostly got tired of being told where I was going with little to no say in it. I always thought that the more rank I had the more I would be able to decide where I was going. that's not the case. what finally made me decide was my last PCS move. I was offered Alaska, Alaska, or Alaska. I picked secret option #4, retirement. Don't regret a thing and neither does my family.

Response by PO2 Kristy Williams made Sep 7 at 2016 11:10 AM

PO2 Kristy Williams — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 11:10:06 -0400

I had a daughter to raise. My husband and I got divorced it was the right decision for me. But I miss it everyday. If love to go back now that she's older.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2016 11:21 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 11:21:11 -0400

I would have stayed, if I could have been promoted. No, not a single article is in my SRB. Unfortunately, we were top-heavy in my MOS. My cutting score for E-4 was over 1900 when I pinned on CPL and the second CO we had in the fleet was partial to S pukes taking promotion boards.

At the end of my contract, I was told I could only extend two years because a four year reenlistment package would put me past service limits as an E-4. The QEP (guaranteed E4 six year enlistment package) was never offered to me by my recruiter so everyone who did took billets that artificially inflating the cutting scores.

Response by SPC Michael Mead made Sep 7 at 2016 11:27 AM

SPC Michael Mead — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 11:27:11 -0400

Well, like many I suppose, the answer is Yes and No. I got out after one enlistment because of the reality of serving under NCO's having a mix of a fourth grade intellect and authority without accountability. The hypocrisy of seeing posted everywhere that say Don't Do "X", and then getting a "lawful order" to do "X." Criticism without encouragement. No espirit de corps, or pride in who and what we were.
On the other hand, I would've been pensionable 11 years ago, had stuck it out. I was proud to serve my country, but disgusted with my army.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Sep 7 at 2016 11:33 AM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 11:33:01 -0400

I was young and stupid. Getting out after 4 is the biggest regret I have.

Response by SGT Bobby Ewing made Sep 7 at 2016 11:41 AM

SGT Bobby Ewing — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 11:41:36 -0400

I was Riffed after Desert Storm. i didn't have much of a choice, and Yes, I wanted to stay!

Response by SPC Anthony Landon made Sep 7 at 2016 11:57 AM

SPC Anthony Landon — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 11:57:49 -0400

I joined when I was really young and angry at the world and I attributed all of my failures on the Army instead of myself. It was a dumb reason to get out, and I do regret it. I have contemplated going back in knowing that I have matured a lot since I got out and found out the Civilian world was just as bad if not worse.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Sep 7 at 2016 12:29 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 12:29:09 -0400

My reenlistment package was denied 4 months before my EAS date due to lack of available boat spaces. They said if I wanted to stay in I'd have to lat move, but I needed a more definite answer than a maybe because my daughter was soon to be born. So I used my remaining time to lock down a job, a place to live.

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Sep 7 at 2016 12:31 PM

PO3 Sandra Gomke — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 12:31:02 -0400

I also had to choose between the Navy and my son. No apology there. But it's very hard to say I regret leaving when it was a decision that brought me here. I have a wonderful husband, a jewel of a son, a job I'm very happy with and living a lifestyle I love. If I had stayed none of this would have happened. That old chestnut "Everything happens for a reason" is a true one.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2016 12:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 12:44:30 -0400

I am getting out after 10 years for the following logic: Today's workforce no longer views 20 years at one company as positively as they did 30 years ago. Employers look for versatility and growth on a resume, which the military does offer; however, the current mass exodus of military means that veterans are flooding the civilian workforce. If I retire in 10 years time, my experience as a platoon sergeant may not be as impressive as the next platoon sergeant or warrant officer in my MOS.

Also, in the Army MI world, you are pretty much pulled out of the MOS once you become a SFC, which means that certain technical skills will atrophy. I was fortunate enough to have consistent experience in my MOS, and I qualify for several mid-level contracting positions. I would rather get out now and add a degree to my years of experience in order to compete against other mid-level applicants who have no degree. Once the degree is complete, I can apply for federal positions, which means that I could buy back my retirement.

Essentially, I'm getting out because I see it as a good move to stay competitive in my MOS, and I'm not entirely out of the running for retirement. I have comrades who just want to retire and work for Walmart. So, it makes sense for them to stay in the military for the retirement pay. Lastly, I am single, so I can afford to take bigger risks with my career by gambling with stability and options, whereas my fellow service members with dependents are looking at the future for their families.

Today's military has several avenues to retirement, so to each his own when it comes to prioritizing one's retirement.

Response by PO2 Marty Sharpe made Sep 7 at 2016 12:48 PM

PO2 Marty Sharpe — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 12:48:06 -0400

I left active duty after 4 years. The last year was really rough. I look back and wish I had walked off the brow and gone to a recruiter and shipped over. Hind sight is usually 20 20.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Sep 7 at 2016 12:54 PM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 12:54:39 -0400

Growing up I thought the military would be my life. Enlisted in DEP at the start of my Senior year in High School. I always considered the Army as my place to be, but my mother not so much. Wound up in the Air Force as a wanna be grunt (Security Police then, AF Security Forces now). Watched Just Cause, Desert Shield and Storm on TV. Watched as the military starting hacking people left and right during the draw down after Storm and decided I was ready for college. Knew I made the wrong choice within a year of getting out and have regretted it ever since even to this day. Hindsight is 20/20 and I wished I would have pushed to get back in the military via the Army after that first year.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Sep 7 at 2016 1:38 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 13:38:54 -0400

Excellent post COL.

Counseling, had I received any, would have helped me. It could have provided me with a wider view of the military. There are other roles in the greatest military this world has ever seen than grunt life with ticks, chiggers and snakes. Plus, the civilian world is Mars for a hard charger who thinks they are smarter than everyone else.

For those who are young and read this, stop for a second. Look at the military you are in. You can be anything in it. You are already a part of it. You can go to school there. Transfer to tanks for a while if you desire. If you think you have had enough, wait until you are in the civilian world sitting in a compassion training class for telling some food blister to get a dam hearing aid.

If my post doesn't stop you, you better get an education. A trade with certifications, a doctor, or lawyer. You want to come out and be dumb. Then, get ready to be poor!

Kill!

Mark A. Morris BS, RDMS (AB-OB), RVT
ARDMS #42771

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 7 at 2016 1:42 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 13:42:45 -0400

Upcoming RIF. Biggest mistake I ever made.

Response by SGT David Eckstein made Sep 7 at 2016 1:45 PM

SGT David Eckstein — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 13:45:02 -0400

I was forced to leave under RIF. 13 years gone. I would love to get back in but my body and my health won't let me do it anymore.

Response by Sgt William Straub Jr. made Sep 7 at 2016 2:04 PM

Sgt William Straub Jr. — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 14:04:49 -0400

I left after 4 years active duty. There were two reasons. I had just gotten married to a foreign national, (Irish) and was concerned that I would be assigned to another place similar to where I was. I was in the USAF and assigned to a US Army installation in Germany. Part of an 82 man detachment in Moehringen, Germany. Kelly Barracks, Hdqtrs VII Corp. Because of the size of the detachment, it started feeling like an inbred family. Of the first termers that were there, the vast majority had never served on an actual Air Force Base. They got to Germany right after Tech School and had no idea what the USAF was like. It was an extremely insular feeling. The remaining first term guys had mostly just returned from Southeast Asia. And because of the fact that so many of the first termers had never been anywhere else, they were conned by E-5's and E-6's with 12-16 years in. The few E-6's that were career as opposed to lifers were slim in number. I had a good friend that was an E-6 with 12 years in that decided to get out because of the type of people that permeated this detachment. Even the officers weren't much better. Of course you here the rumors about this Major, or Captain, but the Colonel who replaced the CO who was there when I arrived, was actually rumored to have no issues against him. He was a combat pilot, distinguished and professional. He didn't stay there long. Got re-assigned to an actual Air Base. Sadly, I became a civilian again after 4. But there have been more times than I can count, that I regretted not going career. I am proud of my USAF time. Just bitter about the last PCS.

Response by LT Michael Watson made Sep 7 at 2016 2:23 PM

LT Michael Watson — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 14:23:44 -0400

Even looking back at my time as a reservist, I would have stayed, but gave it up for the ideal of climbing the corporate ladder (someone convinced me it was career inhibiting to be a reservist). It was bad advice then, and it is bad advise now.

Response by SGT Steve Lovegrove made Sep 7 at 2016 3:40 PM

SGT Steve Lovegrove — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 15:40:32 -0400

I left due to a poor decision to save a dying marriage, that died anyway. ..I regret leaving every day.... I was in for 10 years... 11B2

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2016 4:20 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 16:20:16 -0400

I'm finishing these 4 years and getting out. I'm not valued at all. I'm far without a doubt the best at my job in my shop, so much so that the NCO's in other shops with MOS's that require more technical training are considering training me in their MOS as well. Yet, I'm still not valued, I'm treated like shit and called a shit bag for next to no reason. My room mate has been pushed to the point that I've had to stop him from committing suicide several times, and NCO's that know about his issues still push him and ask more out of him than others. People are applauded for flying off the handle with no understanding of a situation, so they end up making it a habit to go ape shit on others and making a show of humiliating others before fully understanding what's going on. We're treated like children and SNCO's go through our barracks rooms every day, and I have no privacy. I make more money, even when benefits are considered, modeling on the weekends, and I'm treated very well.

Honestly, the only reason I haven't done what I need to in order to get admin separated is that I don't want that negative discharge screwing me over the rest of my life.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Sep 7 at 2016 4:43 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 16:43:05 -0400

Well if I knew in 1987 what I know now, I could have put in 20 years in the Military then moved into Civilian and put in another 20. Back in 1987 things were different and you saw the folks over 40 being discriminated against on the civilian side so it felt as if I was on a clock and had to choose between career Military or exit to civilian life and fast........things have changed on the civilian side, 40-50 year old can easily start a new Civilian career and be accepted by a lot of companies and get paid really decently as well. Civilian job market has changed since 1987 for the better for AD Military with 20 years in and retiring. Having said that, I'm OK with my choice to leave in 1987, I have had second thoughts at times but still happy with the choice I made to leave. The biggest change is I can do whatever I want without having to clear it with anyone first. Enjoy that freedom a lot. Job security is about the same or a little better than it was in the Army based on the occupation I choose (Information Technology - Programming). Yes there are trust issues on the civilian side at times but if you have a decent skill set, you can get past those fairly easy.

Response by PO2 Dave Cutsinger made Sep 7 at 2016 4:48 PM

PO2 Dave Cutsinger — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 16:48:30 -0400

I figured ten years was about enough for me. I've regretted not staying in for another ten from time to time - especially as I saw that would-be retirement date pass me by. In any case I try not to dwell on such things that are now beyond my control and try to look to the future.

Response by 1SG Pauline Mabry made Sep 7 at 2016 6:02 PM

1SG Pauline Mabry — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 18:02:34 -0400

I was stuck at E-5 for 6 years. The only way I would have attained E-6 was if I was a 20 year old PT stud. Finished my time in the Reserves. Now I have to stay alive until I am eligible for a pay check! Lol

Response by SFC George Smith made Sep 7 at 2016 6:54 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 18:54:41 -0400

I made it ... but know a Bunch who did not make it... and most did regret it...

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2016 7:28 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 19:28:12 -0400

From what 99% of anyone I ever asked has told me, "worst mistake I ever made was getting out - I'd join in a heart beat if they let me." - This is another reason, on top of so many, that reinforces my decision to stay in.

Response by COL William Oseles made Sep 7 at 2016 7:40 PM

COL William Oseles — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 19:40:45 -0400

I was going to write a short and quick response on ETSing and it turned into a multipart essay in my mind.

Part I.
First major point to cover is that the individual responsible for making sure your records are complete and correct is YOU.
If you are planning to get out, a couple of things to do, some even if you are going career:
* When ever whoever handles ANY of your records is going to dispose of hard copies (Personnel, Security Clearance, Medical or Dental) you want those copies. If you can, get/keep copies all along. If you get injured and treated in the field oftern those records will not make it to your permanent files. They can come in handy later.
* At least on an annual basis download your electronic records in PDF format and probably send a CD-Rom/DVD copy to be maintained at your HOR.
* I suggest doing a download when ever you PCS, as records can get lost. And about that time ask for a copy of any paperwork in the works because we all know things can get lost.
* When you have your ETS Physical, make sure EVERYTHING is documented. Many injuries will not come to be an impact on your health until you get up towards retirement age.
** Because my Enlisted ETS Physical documented hearing loss in 1975 I was able to get my Hearing Aids issued by the VA in 2010. That saved ~1,000 plus free batteries and cushions for life. That is documented at 0% Disability because it can be corrected, but if it gets worse I get VA Treatment for it.
** That Physical also justified my tinnitus claim as well, 10% Disability and treatment if it gets worse.
** When I was mobilized I threw Out My Back and it was documented and I threw it out several times over 2 years. Once you do that it is a recurring issue. That is at a 0% Disability and I hope to keep it that way, but if not the 0% acknowledges the military is responsible for treatment.
* Note, those are all non-combat related injuries on active duty. So when you come up for your ETS/Retirement Physical all those things you toughed out avoiding a Permanent Profile.

Response by COL William Oseles made Sep 7 at 2016 7:41 PM

COL William Oseles — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 19:41:19 -0400

Part II.
If you get our are you going to go Reserve Component?
If you signed up for or were commissioned and wend only 2 to 4 years the answer is Yes. You will be in the Inactive Reserve to complete your 8 year commitment. The Question really is, do you intend to pursue Retirement through the Reserve Component.
In THEORY your new employer CANNOT discriminate against you for being a member of the Reserves or Guard based on the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
Some do.
* In My Opinion the single biggest benefit to a Reserve Component Retirement kicking in at Age 60 is Tricare for you AND your spouse.
* Probably the second is your Security Clearance. I know many posts will see Security Cleartance based Job Fairs. As a Federal Contractor I had no problem getting a Contractor SECRET Clearance because my IMA Position had a Top Secret with SCI Clearance.
* The monthly check nice and access to the PX and Commissary is not bad but the last two are being whittled away at as the Budget hawks seek to force them to be self supporting.
If you are going to go Reserve Component, there are a couple of options:
* You need to earn 50 Retirement Points a year to have a good retirement year.
* Active Guard and Reserve: Full time positions that you need to be selected to fill. Those positions can be dropped whenever the Active Component says they do not need them anymore.
*National Guard: Have to find a slot in your MOS and Grade, that or retrain. National Guard units tend to be parochial about their promotions and selections from what I have been told by people that went that route.
* TOE Reserve Units: Same as Above.
* Troop Program Units: Same as Above.
* Reserve Training Units: Give you the opportunity to drill on a regular basis and get Retirement Points for Good Years, more on that later.
* Individual Mobilization Augmentee positions: These are what they say they are. Soldiers are assigned to an Active Duty Unit to be mobilized based on Mobilization Authority to fill positions that are needed in case of National Emergencies, i.e. Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, etc.
* Stay in the Individual Ready Reserve (you have to say you want out) and take correspondence courses and do Temporary Active Duty tours.

If you go any of the routes above you need to keep in mind both Mandatory Removal Date based on your Age (60 unless you make MG) and Mandatory Retirement Date based on Grade.
* Our Reserve unit had a Capitan that was fed up after Nam that eventually decided to work towards a Reserve Retirement. He did the Reserve Schools needed to finally get promoted to LTC. Unfortunately he hit his Mandatory Removal Date (age 28 years Federal Service) before he hit the 18 year lock in because he came up short by 2 months of getting that 18th Good Year.

So, if you are half way to retirement or more you have something to think about once you decide to get off of Active Duty.

Response by COL William Oseles made Sep 7 at 2016 7:41 PM

COL William Oseles — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 19:41:42 -0400

Part III.

And if you think that age 60 is a long way away, it is set there for a reason. When the Reserve Component Retirement Age was set at 60 it was done so to be "fair" and tied to the Federal Civil Service age. And when the Federal Civil Service Age was lowered to 55, the military was in a peace time environment and did not see any reason to lower it as recruiting was good.
After operation desert Storm the Reserve components and Congress considered lowering and the single largest block of opposition was the Active Component with the Argument that it would be "unfair" for a weekend warrior to get retirement immediately upon retiring like the Active Component, after all, they only drilled weekly or monthly. What that argument ignored was that the average retirement for the Reserve Component was 8% as opposed to 50% for 20 years active duty. Reserve Component Retired Pay is based on Retirement Point, having achieved 20 good years over 20 to 40 years service.
There have been several attempts to at lowering the Retirement Age for individuals mobilized after 9-11 due to the increased OPTEMPO for the Reserve Components. But in these days of budget cutting they have not gotten past the budget cutting hawks.

Response by SSgt Dustin Coy made Sep 7 at 2016 10:48 PM

SSgt Dustin Coy — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 22:48:01 -0400

Never had any delusions that I was going to stay in for 20. From the very first time I enlisted, I knew I was not looking for a long term military career. I was however, perfectly willing to trade the 6 years and change of my life for the education and experience I got out of it, that would translate to a good career in the civilian world.

So, when the economy was white hot, and the operational tempo was constantly increasing, where we were constantly doing more and more with less and less, while those in a position to improve things appeared to really care very little to do so, it really was a no-brainer for me. I've never regretted my time in, nor striking while the iron was hot and leaving when I did. In my estimation, it was all a perfect trade, the military got theirs out of me, and I got mine out of them. I do recognize that's not necessarily the norm, and I was very fortunate that things worked out the way they did.

Response by Sgt Patrick Tofflemire made Sep 8 at 2016 4:19 AM

Sgt Patrick Tofflemire — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 04:19:29 -0400

I got out in a different era. 1980 was long ago. Looking back a large part of me wishes I had done at least 20. Each person has a different set of circumstances to contend with. Just think long and hard about all your options. It is a decision you usually can't undo.

Response by SSgt Paul Esquibel made Sep 9 at 2016 10:49 AM

SSgt Paul Esquibel — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 10:49:07 -0400

Well sir, I can't say that I left willingly. My situation was a bit unexpected however it was preventable in the long run. I had plenty of times to make E-6 from the first time in 2010 until I was separated in 2015 due to higher tenure. There are no good excuses, while I had outside factors that complicated the matter of studying, staying motivated etc it's still not a valid justifiable excuse at least not in my eyes. In the end I was given bad career advice that led me to have to separate in 2015 because my career assistance adviser was under the impression that if your DOS was after the test cycling began and results but before you line number if you were selected then the USAF would extend your enlistment to that date of sew on, however that had changed. What I would tell anyone is that the military to me is like living at home for free and getting paid, people don't realize in the grand scheme of things how much the military takes care of you, so because I have seen the other side of thing and this might be a little long I'll do my best to show someone all the perks they don't see until your out:

1. 30 Days paid leave and up to 60, no company in the world offer's this, the most you will get is two weeks vacation plus some holidays and sick hours.

2. Paid education while getting paid: While your GI Bill does pay for college and BAH it's not remotely compared to you still getting paid BAH/BAS/PAY Check etc while still being in.

3. Free medical, you can get see for anything, get surgeries that cost civilians thousands in dollars and debt, sure they may prescribe you large amounts of Motrin but in the end if you need surgery you going to get it.

4. Free dental. Our teeth usually the last thing we think about, every year free cleaning, identify any issues, do filling, do surgery etc.

5. Travel Pay/Relocation. Many company will not pay you to move to a new location unless you have been invested in the company or hold a position of more authority.

6. BAH/BAS. Budgeting your rent, food, utilities is something you never had to do because it was supplied to you, now you will have to adjust your lifestyle in order to adapt to paying these things which will take time getting used too.

7. Pay. While your take home is maybe 37K a year as an E-5, when you add all the additionally amenities above, BAH/BAS/COLA/PAID LEAVE/TAX FREE/DENTAL/MEDICAL/RELOCATION you are actually make 70K a year if not more. Mind you your taking home 37K to spend on whatever your lifestyle is.

These are the major areas I think most people to realize they give up when they chose to separate. I advise anyone if your thinking about you need to have one thing completed "A BA IN A GOOD CAREER FIELD" without that degree your going to be struggling, YES experience matters however Experience + a degree equals allot more pay and opportunities as you not only have proven you know the job but have shown it, that's what employers want and that's what the military can provide.

Response by SPC John Lebiecki made Feb 27 at 2017 2:53 PM

SPC John Lebiecki — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 14:53:09 -0500

There just comes a point where it becomes a "gut check." I made it to the 10 year mark, realized that I was no longer motivated. Since I left the service, I completed my Bachelor's degree and have been pursuing my technical certificates along with working in a good paying job being able to think for my own. I dont have any regrets for leaving.

Response by Sgt William Straub Jr. made Mar 8 at 2017 2:17 PM

Sgt William Straub Jr. — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 14:17:36 -0500

Honorable after 4. Many times in the last 40+ years I wished I had stayed the course. But 2 years in Germany serving the Air Force on an Army Kaserne, with many NCO's that at least to me seemed more interested in drinking and putting in 20. There were a few of what I called career NCO's. But the majority that I saw were LIFERS. Seeing a few E5's with 12-16 years in made me wonder if this was what I wanted. Maybe if I had been on an actual Air Force base with people that actually cared it may have been different. I do miss the friends I made and was absolutely proud of my service.

Response by SPC Bill Earl made Aug 10 at 2017 3:49 PM

SPC Bill Earl — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:49:23 -0400

I left for policy and personal reasons after eight years. At that time are economy was not doing good. But with the training from the army I was able to always make money to raise my family. I am not a millionaire by any means not even wealthy!! But my family never went without. I have the training I had gotten from military to thank for that. I am not just talking about the occupation training I'm talking about the training to make decisive decision, adapt to overcome any objective, the self confidence and knowing sometimes you just have to suck it up buttercup!!!!

Response by SFC Ronald Moore made Feb 5 at 2018 9:19 PM

SFC Ronald Moore — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 21:19:11 -0500

I left in 1992 with 14 years active army enlistment as E6 taking the VSI. In 2006 mobed from irr to oif with another 17 months active. Did correspondence courses to get my 20 year letter. Became a automation controls engineer. Dont regret a moment of the decisions.

Response by SSG Greg Miech made Nov 4 at 2020 10:34 AM

SSG Greg Miech — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 10:34:59 -0500

Regret the Reduction in Force from President Clinton. As far as putting in your 20 I have seen too many NCOs that just came to punch the time clock and basically worthless. Worse were some of the ones from Vietnam that came back to do their 20. If you plan to get out have a plan, a back up, and another one.

Response by SGT Bobby Ewing made Apr 16 at 2021 12:07 PM

SGT Bobby Ewing — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 12:07:26 -0400

Basically for me, I was not given a choice. After Desert Storm, they had a Reduction in Forces, or RIF as it was called then. I was an E-5 on the E-6 promotion list. I had been on the list for nearly 5 years because the points maxed out just after I went to the board and stayed there. I was told there were to many E-6 and above, so promotion would be questionable for possibly years, and I was in a shortage MOS, so there was no lateral transfer to another MOS. I was told take the contract buy out or they would just find another reason to get rid of me. I had never had any detrimental actions against me, and made Commandants List at schools I had attended. So to save my family and myself any future hardships, I took the "Early Retirement" and went home. Mind you being RIF'ed does not include any type of retirement benefits. It wasn't what I wanted, it was "for the good of the Army."