After Taking Care of Soldiers for 22 Years, Who Takes Care of Me?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:06:07 -0400

For the past 18 years as a Non-Commissioned Officer, I have been taking care of Soldiers and their families. From adverse action chapter cases, unplanned pregnancy chapters, routine ETS, and even my senior NCO’s as they ease into their transition period in preparation of exiting the military after years of faithful and unwavering service to start a new life in the civilian world. As I look back on the past 22 years that I’ve been wearing (multiple) this uniform, I have always seen the old crusty senior NCO’s being “taken care of” as they start their downhill slide out of the Army, by way of the Soldier For Life, Transition Assistance Program, formerly ACAP. As a company First Sergeant, I have always looked out for my transitioning seniors, and with the help of the CSM’s, assisted them to be placed into positions of less-responsibility at battalion or brigade. Now it's my turn, and I'm the proverbial "old crusty b**tard". I have always thought that this was the right thing to do, and that eventually it would be my turn to be taken care of.

My question to the masses, and without sounding like I’m ‘whining’ is how do I ask to be taken care of without sounding like I’m “quitting the team” or “checking out”…?

Your input would be welcomed.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Sep 29 at 2015 2:07 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:07:39 -0400

No-one takes better care of Vets that our self.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 29 at 2015 2:18 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:18:07 -0400

MSG, Assist, Protect, Defend, and This We'll Defend are hallmarks of the MP Corps and the Army itself. With your transition you won't forget those along with the creed, and you'll meet those like minded as you. Many of whom are on here. There comes a point where YOU have to take care of YOU. Taking care of yourself is still taking care of Soldiers, except that Soldier now is you. It's not whining, bitching, or moaning in doing this, and if you didn't you would be failing the Corps, Army, and yourself. BTW when in doubt look at Household6 and your kids (if you have either) and see the pride in their faces. I think they're going to enjoy having their 1SG home on a more regular basis now.

Response by SFC Michael Seiber made Sep 29 at 2015 2:20 PM

SFC Michael Seiber — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:20:42 -0400

I'm going through that now. Thankfully my CSM put me on rear d while my unit is down range. That is part of it. I am also the PSG in charge of the chapters and medicals getting out.
I wasn't sure I would be able to take care of myself being in charge of the "special" Soldiers, but I just sat and talked to my 1SG and he understands and is willing to help me out by letting one of my other NCOs take my PLT so I can handle my retirement appts, classes etc.
Just talk to your boss. More often than not they will help you by bringing someone in to replace you "if you don't have someone standing by" so you can "handle your business".
They will be retireing eventually and they will greatly appreciate all the input you have. I know my leadership already does.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 4:24 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 16:24:47 -0400

Seems like the best thing to do would be to simply let people know that you're stepping out. You've been a team player for 18 years, and that never stops, but not being given enough time to check out properly can take a serious toll in a number of ways. I'm sure you know that already.

I guess the best thing you can do is start delegating those authorities to those beneath you the best you can and leave a good turn over binder. Then it's time to fly the coop. You have to take care of yourself, right?

Response by SSG Benjamin Raymond made Sep 29 at 2015 4:57 PM

SSG Benjamin Raymond — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 16:57:38 -0400

I ask for help and I don't ask for forgiveness, I did my part. I am transitioning now MSG, and being a career counselor was an absolute pleasure, knowing I helped so many. But I now have to look out for myself and if I need help I ask, if they perceive it as whining so be it they will goddamn help me anyway.

Response by SSG Jesus Sijalbo made Sep 29 at 2015 11:35 PM

SSG Jesus Sijalbo — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 23:35:49 -0400

MSG, No guilty feeling what so ever. You said it yourself 22 years of Faithful and Selfless Service. It sound like the Army Values to me. Yes, its your turn for some TLC, so get some and enjoy it. Not many service member had the chance to make dicission and have impacted individual lives and carrers. Its just now your getting your reach around at this time. I thank you! Well DESERVED! Just Ask for It.

Response by MSG Tim Gray made Sep 30 at 2015 7:57 AM

MSG Tim Gray — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 07:57:19 -0400

I had amazing support from my unit as a retiring MSG. They allowed me to transition, I believe in a way which showed soldier care from beginning to end. I never had to feel guilty, nor was I overburdened with mission objectives. I had performed well enough during my last few years with this unit that, I believe they wanted me to gain their support. I think that is key-our legacy is a framework for our successful transition.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 3:59 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:59:55 -0400

What do you mean by "taken care of"? If you are looking for guidance, I think it's found in individuals who have transitioned. If you are looking for assistance (physical, financial, emotional, etc.), I think you'll find that in various organizations (veteran service organizations, other non-profits, state and local government, etc.).

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Apr 8 at 2016 7:19 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 19:19:19 -0400

I went from a duty day to clearing the base. That was my being taken care of. But i was the 1st Sgt with no replacement.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jul 14 at 2016 2:34 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 14:34:46 -0400

You may find my answer crazy, but is true, the Bartender.