Why leave after 10 years?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 13:23:21 -0500

There are a plethora of reasons why people join and leave the Army. However, would you advise someone to leave after serving 10 years or more barring retirement? How do you talk one out of it?

Response by PO1 Julio G. made Feb 17 at 2014 1:33 PM

PO1 Julio G. — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 13:33:35 -0500

You can apply this question to any branch - and I would say that unless they have a very good job lined up that they can't pass up, and that job outweighs the benefits of military retirement, then go on.

However, jobs come and go. Opportunities are there for those that look for them. But military benefits for retirees are a one time deal.

I would encourage any service member on their halfway mark to really think about their career and opt to stick it out.

Many employers see 20 year Veterans extremely valuable because they see longevity and dedication.

Another point to drive home is the recent issues related to health care. Retire at 20 and you won't have to worry about dealing with the civilian medical issues.

And don't forget about the pension check...for life. Not many companies offer pensions these days.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 1:38 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 13:38:04 -0500

On the other hand if you can't count on the military to keep you to 20 the best move is to get out whenever you have a job offer.

Also if you are going to a federal job there is no bad time to get out as you can buy all of your time into the civilian system.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 1:41 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 13:41:18 -0500

SSG,

Sometimes a Soldier just sees the military for what it is. All of the corruption takes a toll when they are busting their butts and seeing others get over on the system. Some see doing the wrong thing as a way to advance but have too much integrity to give in.

Response by SFC James Baber made Feb 17 at 2014 2:21 PM

SFC James Baber — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 14:21:40 -0500

SSG A.,

When I was a retention NCO, the one thing that I always professed to all my potential re-enlistees was that I understand that the Army is not for everyone and support a Soldier either way, but I would go on and ask them if they had a plan. Most would always say that either they were going back to school or had a job lined up back at home. I would usually get the yes for the job or I don't know which school or what I want to do, so I then would go into detail about having a solid plan for their and their families future, if they were planning on school they needed to have a degree choice in mind and a school already set up as well, and if it was a job did the job they have lined up equal the benefits they were giving up. Did their projected pay provide enough for health insurance that they currently didn't pay for, and did they know the price of private or work related health insurance, and the dental that they had was going to be another extra expense.. I would cover the free schooling that the military offered for their specialized field, the correspondence course that were free that could be converted to college credits, the DANTES course, etc., etc. There were many benefits that they didn't think about along the way that was now put in front of them, especially ones with families that was what helped many decide on their own that staying in when they were past the halfway point a better option if they didn't have a plan in place.

I also used to tell many of my E6/7s that they also had to think about the fact that if they got out then they were basically saying they had just wasted the last 10, 12, 13 or more years because they weren't getting anything from the Army for it, so it was basically a waste other than the experience and knowledge gained. That was a big factor for many of my NCOs that I re-enlisted.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 3:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 15:27:13 -0500

I've always wondered that. Why guys would leave after 10. You're already half way there! Unless they have a good job lined up or have some serious personal issue, I don't get it. Some soldiers just get fed up with the Army though. Don't like the way they think it's heading. At least for them.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Feb 17 at 2014 4:57 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 16:57:58 -0500

If their heart is no longer in it and they do not feel that they can give it their all anymore I do not see a reason why you should try and convince them to do something that they no longer want to do. I do not feel it is in the best interest of the individual or the Service to convince them to stay. What should be done however is make sure that they have a full understanding of everything and that they are making an informed decision.

Response by SSG Zenia Boswell made Mar 3 at 2014 12:28 PM

SSG Zenia Boswell — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 12:28:50 -0500

I wouldn't say that it is necessary to talk one out of it. In my opinion, as a well-rounded leader, we must be versed in both military and civilian opportunities that could best benefit the Service Member. In some cases, people who leave after or at 10 years, might have a job lined up, school planned, or other goals, that don't agree with them staying on Active Duty. This would be a great opportunity to assist them with their transition plan - whether it be remaining on Active Duty, joining the Reserve or National Guard, or totally separating. My question to any leader who feels the need to talk a Service Member out of separating, is Why? Why shouldn't they leave the military? How will staying in best fit their needs, their family's needs, and their specific services' needs? Part of counseling, is ensuring that we best equip them for whatever their choices are, and providing them with the tools to execute their goals.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 4:59 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 16:59:39 -0400

Why leave? Single parent comes to mind. You suddenly find yourself as a single mother in the Army. Husband is gone and PCSed to the other side of the country. The Army is a tough job to raise a kid by yourself. Deployments, Staff Duty, CQ, long hours, Weekend duty etc. It can all add up. And unlike being a regular single mother "back home" family and friends can be hard to come by and help you with raising the kids. Your kids will end up spending more time in day care then with their parent.

Would I advise someone? Everyday, not everyone can do 20 years. 10 is a good time as any to jump ship and find something else to do.

Response by SGT Shon D. Hill made May 31 at 2014 4:43 PM

SGT Shon D. Hill — Sat, 31 May 2014 16:43:55 -0400

I had a similar situation myself, I left after 8 years of active duty, mostly because I didn't want to climb the NCO ladder in my MOS. I was a great "first-line supervisor" type, but knew I had no interest of having the responsibility of E7 through E9. A couple years later I missed being in the Army though, tried to go back Active Duty, and was declined due to problems with my left ear. An awesome state Army guard recruiter got me back through their "channels", and 1 year later found myself in a light infantry batt as a line medic in Baghdad, lol. Several years later my civilian life was more important, so again I just took the old ETS and went about my business. Retirement never meant much to me, I'm a rather chaotic person and sort of a free-spirit that doesn't follow the usual route...ever..lol. I don't recommend it, but it has made my life quite interesting :) Had I gone over 10 on active duty though, yes, I would have just stayed.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Jun 1 at 2014 11:23 AM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 11:23:38 -0400

10 years is the half way mark, either stay and go all the way or get out now.

In 1991 after Desert Storm, many of us got out at 10 years. Like me, alot of people were E-5 (P), no promotions in sight and cutbacks was coming.

Otherwise we didn't see it as a good career choice...........

Response by SSgt Michael Hacker made Jun 1 at 2014 11:47 AM

SSgt Michael Hacker — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 11:47:06 -0400

I got out after 11 years.

A meager retirement is no reason to waste one's life doing something one no longer feels passionate about. Time is too short.

Response by SGT Carissa Lara, RCS made Jun 5 at 2014 11:59 PM

SGT Carissa Lara, RCS — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 23:59:04 -0400

I get this question all the time because I'm getting out and next month will be 11 years in the Army for me. There are a lot of reasons that I'm leaving that I won't get into right now but my husband (who is staying in) and I had several very long talks about my continued service and we decided together that is was the best course of action for our family and where we ultimately want to be in life. I've been talked to by my career counselor, my supervisor, my OIC, and my hospital CSM. I told all of them the same thing. The only person that can convince me to stay is my husband and I already know his answer.
As long as the person is making an informed decision I don't think anyone should try to talk them out of it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2014 12:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 00:01:11 -0400

Not so much into talking them out of it, only they know if they are still doing what they felt like they were called to do. I would make sure they had a plan before they transitioned and that their family was prepared for the adjustment of returning to civilian life.

All in all I would just wish them well and do everything I could to make the transition smooth and get them everything they need to be successful.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 24 at 2014 1:53 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 01:53:47 -0400

I heard too many times from veterans over my career that said "I'd be retired with benefits by now." Medical care for my girlfriend without dental is $1,260 a quarter for ONE person.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Sep 8 at 2014 3:17 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:17:48 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member, I got out after 10 years 1 month and 23 days, another 9 years is no real problem. However when the president of the United States extends retirement pay from after retirement to your 70's, and when the Military makes 20 years to retire, to 30 years, well were playing a different ball game here. Being in 10 years and seeing people get killed 1 month short to retirement kind of makes one think or it made me think. The question here is 9 vs. 19 years, retirement at mid 70's and never knowing what will happen, well it is time for a change. Now I'm post Vietnam, so if this is what took place at my time and the war is over I can only wonder what todays government has planed.

Response by SSG Robert Poorman made Sep 9 at 2014 12:59 PM

SSG Robert Poorman — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 12:59:26 -0400

After 8 years I had to make a decision, get out or make it 20 years.

While I loved being a Soldier my wife didn't like being a Soldier's wife.

We remained married for 25 years. But hardly a day passes where I don't regret the decisions I made on some level. While I've had successes in my civilian life, nothing yet has felt as right as being a Soldier, an NCO, doing a job that really matters.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Oct 11 at 2014 8:47 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 20:47:54 -0400

My husband would have stayed in when he hit the 10 year mark for but one, maybe two reasons.

1. Everyone just expected him to stay in. No one encouraged him in any way.
2. After two reserve bases, he wanted sea duty, an advance school, anything to give him a challenge and the detailer was only offering him more of the same.

So, one good ET1 with two NAM awards took his training and left.

10 year folks need encouragement and a good reason to stay in. Don't think they will stay just for the retirement when they know they can do better elsewhere. All they have to do is look at a jobs board and see what the options are.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 12:56 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 00:56:31 -0400

Wow..Understand the viewpoint of passion for the job...got it..

Some personnel reach that point though where they are done, or they "think" they are done. Warrants a discussion with the SM. I would def encourage them to stay. 10 years is a blip.

At a minimal, encourage them to join the USAR or NG. Show them the retirement point calculator. I make a decent earning on the civilian side with a pension and 401K. BUT, that extra retirement income from the USAR is going to be nice. Not to mention the health insurance piece.
If the SM is a subordinate, have them list out the pros and cons..reasons to ETS etc... Give them your honest opinion. Best of luck!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2014 5:00 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:00:38 -0500

I think there are multitude of possible reasons as to leave after serving for 10 years. One might think that just "sticking it out" would be worth it. Maybe, maybe not? Depends on one's personal view.

Response by PO1 John Pokrzywa made Nov 3 at 2014 5:51 PM

PO1 John Pokrzywa — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:51:51 -0500

I'm in the camp of get out if you're leaning that way. I did 20, and now I'm thinking I should have gotten out at 10. I was up for E-7, though, and stayed. Enter the Navy with a 3 year advancement freeze, and then a forced rate conversion, and by the time there was a chance to promote again, there was little chance. I retired E-6.
The biggest reason, though, is future employment. Something I've run into again and again, is that unspoken, or tactfully reworded "You're too old". While you serve, you are not building seniority on the civilian side, and companies that pride themselves on hitting veterans? They don't mean you, Mr or Ms 40-ish retiree. They're talking about the first tour officer with a degree, maybe 25 years old, or enlisted with very specific jobs. If I had a nickel for every time I heard " we're just not sure if your skills are still relevant " or worse, during recruiter feedback, finding that an interviewer who asked absolutely nothing about how you would do things, insisted you were "too rigid and set in your ways".
So unless you are on the advancement fast track, and love what you do (also) don't walk, RUN to the first school with a degree in what you do, and apply. Odds are your increased pay and seniority will MORE than make up for any petty retirement you could have gotten, (assuming they don't kick you out early with some PTS /ERB type program) and honestly, even that's in jeopardy, as more and more benefits are either going away, or do not require military service.
For my case, knowing what I know now, I'd have gotten out, possibly remained a reservist or something, and started working on something that would actually support a family without relying on all sorts of special pay...

Response by SSgt B Mac made Dec 8 at 2014 1:20 PM

SSgt B Mac — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 13:20:50 -0500

Wise words a friend once told me, "Don't make hasty decissions based on emotions."

For me, I was physically beat, angry, disappointed and ambitious.

I've seen people at the end of their military careers. Some had glorious exciting careers but a lot were wash outs that just did their time to collect their pension. I don't fault them for it, it's a good deal. I originally planned to be a lifer but in the end I wanted something more than mediocre.

My dad, AD Enlisted, retired after 28 years of service. My 10 years active was concurrent to his retirement years. Mom had health problems and was taken care of so I knew how the retirement benefits weighed into everything. Dad has not worked a day since retiring in 99. That's what he wanted to do, and he is very happy.

I had many reasons pro/con, on the fence, changing my mind as often as every day. 10 years is that tipping point, midway to retirement. My long answer shortened: poor leadership and career stagnation. Not all career fields are equal, nor do they fare well outside of uniform

One way of looking at it thay everyone understands, money. At 10 years my reenlistment bonus was maxed at $90k for another 5 year commitment. After taxes, $60k, averaged an extra $12k per year. Even if I could pull a tax free deployed reenlistment it would average out to $18k per year. I had faith I could do better year to year.

I've now been out for those 5 years and am years ahead of myself had I stayed in. My career has progressed down paths I would not have been awarded in service. I had to fight to get selected for opportunities but I have more impact on where my career goes. I've held positions reserved for officers. Some of my unobtainable goals have been reached and I've been young enough to enjoy them. Not living paycheck to paycheck, I'm happier and more satisfied with my life.

I've run into a few Veterans that were the same AFSC/MOS/Rate as I was now doing the same thing I am doing. Some did 6 years, some 10-12, some 20+. We are all peers now, and the salary gap between us isn't very wide. That's where the retiree wins out, that suplimental income. They can survive easier on a lower paying job with that extra check coming in every month.

"Don't make hasty decissions based on emotions."

Response by SGT Justin Lamb made Dec 10 at 2014 2:01 AM

SGT Justin Lamb — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 02:01:06 -0500

SSG,

Sometimes it's just time for some to go. Take the years that one has served and be proud. If you have served 10+ years and are deciding to leave, there are reasons and believe me that when I say that the thought process didn't come over night. If you are trying to talk them out of it, simply ask the reasons why they want to leave and go from there. If they continue to battle why they want to leave then maybe it is just their time to go on to the next adventure in life.

Response by SSG John McClendon made Jan 1 at 2015 8:06 AM

SSG John McClendon — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 08:06:10 -0500

I got out at 9 years and some change.

Got tired of people that never led a patrol or plan a mission (No, FRG meetings/picnics don't count) trying to tell me how to do my job.

Got tired of higher-ups breaking their arms trying to pat themselves on the back with little Bronze Star kisses and ARCOM hugs when they only left the wire to fly home.

Got tired of trying to explain to young Soldiers why they got in trouble for things senior "leaders" did not (COL. F, if you're on here, yep, you.).

There were too few real leaders, was fortunate to know a few and serve with them. Too many d-bags.

So I left and made a whole, whole lot more money doing the same thing with another company.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Jan 1 at 2015 2:37 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 14:37:13 -0500

SSG Akwaowo, my TTPs for counseling my subordinates or just talking with junior Soldiers can be summarized in the following TTPs.
- I provide added value by walking a subordinate through how to think, not what to think (talk you out of leaving the service).
- The first question I ask is for the Soldier to lay out their personal and professional goals over a 1, 5, and 10 year time period.
- The second question I ask is for the Soldier to lay out how either a civilian or a military path enables the Soldier to meet (or not) their personal and professional goals.
- The third question is for the Soldier to lay out the probabilities and risks associated with each path.
- By going through the above, I hope to enable the Soldier to discover for themselves the following:
- The questions are basically a way to go through a problem solving process (like MDMP and/or TLPs) for which they are already familar.
- Probability and risk is merely a way to incorporate composite risk management (CRM) for which they are already familiar.
- At the end of the day, it is the Soldier discovering for themselves what they need to decide and therefore what they need to do in order to implement their decision.
- A senior leader advising someone to stay or go is not as productive as a Soldier working through the decision for themselves for several reasons.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Jan 1 at 2015 2:38 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 14:38:00 -0500

As I already stated; after Desert Storm many of us were right at 10 years. I served with and had several friends in that boat! Also, with the Cold War so-called finish, many of us saw the writing on the wall. Promotions were on hold and the Army started tightening their reigns to find ways to put people out! It was getting ready to become a game of Russian Roulette with the military and so we all decided to get out.

2 friends of mine and I were offered contract jobs at the time, better money and stabilization. I was also in a middle of a 2nd military divorce and a single parent who was combat arms.

So I felt for the better of the Army, my family, and me; it was time!!!!!!

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jul 23 at 2015 5:39 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 17:39:26 -0400

I left after the first major drawdown in 1991. Reason, MOS 15D no longer existed, my options were cook or MP, I thought both options sucked.

Response by SA Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 5:56 PM

SA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 17:56:27 -0400

Thats the Interest i have and how i have planed my life

Response by SA Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 5:57 PM

SA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 17:57:27 -0400

is it possible for a Naval officer to retire after 10 Years of service ???

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Oct 27 at 2015 9:25 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:25:36 -0400

After Desert Storm I was ready to depart from the Army, but my mother talked me into staying and I am very grateful and glad I did. I was able to retire and receive a check the rest of my life. I say all that to say this, if you are sitting at 10 years try and tough it out and finish the other 10, trust me it will be well worth it.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Oct 27 at 2015 1:39 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 13:39:37 -0400

Only a fool steps away from a solid job before he has a better solid job to step into.

Response by SGT Chris Hill made Dec 26 at 2015 11:38 AM

SGT Chris Hill — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 11:38:28 -0500

I just got out this past week after 10 years of service, I was not happy with what I was doing and my pursuit of happiness directed me back to the civilian life. I watched officers, NCO's, and soldiers walk around in several units with a miserable look on their faces and constantly stressed out. I realized that this isn't for me anymore, I would rather get out and spend 30+ years in a job I enjoy, than to serve 10 more years feeling miserable. I no longer have to be under the control of a pissed off bi-polar 1SG/CSM, getting recalled because some idiot chose to make a bad choice, no more deployments (saying goodbye to my wife and kids), babysitting grown adults, the list could go on and on.

I did have several different people try talking me out of getting out, but I've heard all the efforts and scares, bottom line is nothing is guaranteed in the army and there are so many loopholes. News flash, there IS good life on the outside, despite the false statements "there's nothing on the outside".

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2016 3:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 15:26:24 -0500

No, I would not advise somebody with ten (10) years to leave because that is the halfway point to the other ten (10) years needed to retire and be compensated for the rest of your life!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 4:57 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 16:57:37 -0400

I resigned at 17 years of active service.

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made Jan 7 at 2021 12:25 PM

1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 12:25:37 -0500

Life goals change. I figured that our country is broke, and me drawing another pension for hanging out for the final 10 years wasn’t worth it. I did active and then reserve. My career/vocation went in a different direction. I had just about 10 years when I decided to resign my commission. By the time I got all of my needed credentials to serve in the Chaplain Corps, I was too old to get recommissioned. No regrets.