Posted on Dec 30, 2015
PO2 Seabee
25.8K
27
33
3
3
0
I was active in 2008 until 2012. I got PTS denied out of active and decide to do Reserves with no breaks in service. I am a QM2 currently eligible for QM1 next year. I have a Government job on the civilian side which I really like and all. I love the whole Double-Dipping Government thing but My heart wants to go back Active Duty and get my retirement. I’ll be 38 at my total 20 years. I’m just not comfortable with waiting until 60 for retirement. I hope I didn’t entirely answer my own question but What should I do? Any advice or recommendations? Thanks to All
Edited >1 y ago
Avatar feed
Responses: 16
LCDR Sales & Proposals Manager Gas Turbine Products
7
7
0
Edited >1 y ago
PO2-If you can make it happen-I'd go back to active. I'm north of 37 now, and will be working for well...at least another twenty years, if I manage to stay alive that long :)

At 38, you'll be getting the well deserved retirement from the active side...or can continue to serve with the Reserves...and I'd bet money, you'll be just as marketable for a great career within the Government to follow. Best of both worlds.

That said, coming back from the "Dark Side" is next to impossible with the current manning...and making a career out of the SELRES just about as tough. If someone's offering you the golden ticket back to the the Big Navy...I'd think long and hard before letting that slip away.

It sounds like you miss the full time experience...can't say I blame you, Shipmate!
(7)
Comment
(0)
PO2 Seabee
PO2 (Join to see)
>1 y
Thanks for the input Sir, My only concern with going back is my new kind of big family I have but I suppose They would be taken care of long as I'm doing my job right. I agree whole heartedly though.
(0)
Reply
(0)
LCDR Sales & Proposals Manager Gas Turbine Products
LCDR (Join to see)
>1 y
Family is a major factor to take into consideration...I did my active time as a single sailor with no dependents, and that made life a great deal easier.

Now, as the single income for my household...I couldn't fathom being off the grid for nine months or more.

It all comes down to balancing opportunity against risk...but it sounds like you're asking the right questions to make an informed decision.
(0)
Reply
(0)
PO2 Seabee
PO2 (Join to see)
>1 y
LCDR (Join to see) - Definitely. I did basically 3 years single and my last year married and I was deployed so trust I know it wasn't easy. SO not jumping in head first but I always think about the long run so all this will definitely factor in.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Robert Striblen
3
3
0
I would consult a career counselor in your reserve unit, there may be some programs you havent investigated.
(3)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LTJG Communications Officer
3
3
0
Whatever you do decide to do, better move fast before that new retirement system kicks in.
(3)
Comment
(0)
PO2 Morton Scisco
PO2 Morton Scisco
>1 y
Arent the people who enlisted prior to 2018 stilling entitled to all current benefits, active or reserve? Kinda like grandfathered into the old system when the new system is in affect.
(0)
Reply
(0)
LTJG Communications Officer
LTJG (Join to see)
>1 y
Not sure if they got out and then come back in after.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close