Will the next President voted into office dictate if you're going to continue your career in the military?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 15:24:59 -0400

Some Service members that I've talked too have said that they will leave the military (ETSing/retiring) depending on who gets voted into office. Does that play a role into your decision/plans?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 3:27 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 15:27:22 -0400

I am no longer in. But, I would have had to be very sure that the CIC was wrong to give up my career because he/she became CIC. VERY SURE.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 3 at 2016 3:51 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 15:51:18 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, when I enlisted on 9AUG69, Lyndon B. Johnson was President, and when I was assigned to the Retired Reserve on 11MAY98, Bill Clinton was President. In between, I served at the pleasure of Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In my opinion, these were some of the greatest and also some of the worst presidents to ever be elected. I never let the man in office be the deciding factor as to whether I would continue to serve or not. MSgt Private RallyPoint Member CW4 Angel C.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 3:53 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 15:53:01 -0400

No, because a boss is a boss. Plus, I will never work directly under them. There are too many layers for that. We may get a poor leader that must find their balance, but the checks and balances of our government will keep us afloat no matter who is elected. I will just do my job the best way I know how.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 4:13 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 16:13:47 -0400

I served under Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton and Bush. Never let the POTUS dictate your career.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jul 3 at 2016 4:19 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 16:19:05 -0400

Tee Hee, people saying that are drama queens and posturing.

Response by TSgt Alex Benningfield made Jul 3 at 2016 4:53 PM

TSgt Alex Benningfield — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 16:53:42 -0400

The ones I've heard say it will determine if they stay or go, usually are already eligible for retirement. I'm already ETSing for other reasons but whoever POTUS is doesn't change my mind. There is so much hype over POTUS that people forget about the other branches of government like Congress.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Jul 3 at 2016 6:08 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 18:08:32 -0400

I served under Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush I, and Clinton. Who is president is much less important than what you do and how well you do it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 6:13 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 18:13:10 -0400

Short answer. Yes.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Jul 3 at 2016 7:26 PM

CW4 Angel C. — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 19:26:08 -0400

The key to making the military a career is focusing on your piece of the pie. That's your team, squad, platoon, and company. Your big picture would be battalion, BCT, and Division/Corps. Most of us Soldiers will never deal with higher echelons, especially POTUS. Your company level leadership will impact your everyday life like no one in Washington can. I say do your 20 and come enjoy retirement with the rest of us!!!

Response by SSG Vincent Jauregui made Jul 3 at 2016 7:47 PM

SSG Vincent Jauregui — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 19:47:18 -0400

IM RETIRED NOW SINCE 2011

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 3 at 2016 7:48 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 19:48:37 -0400

Nope! I served under Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr and Clinton. Commander in Chief didn't come into discussion or play. I was a Navy Spook and I don't care what your Politics are they due tend to change once you are given the "Brief" and you learn about the Real World.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 8:42 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 20:42:36 -0400

Not really. Our military is still top of the line in the world regardless who our POTUS is. I enlisted under Obama. Despite my political differences I'm still glad to be apart of the US Military. It hasn't effected me at all.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 9:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 21:50:25 -0400

Nope. Its never really matted to me who was holding the position. As long as I'm able to put food on the table for my family, thats all that ever really matters in my book.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jul 3 at 2016 9:52 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 21:52:18 -0400

After serving under Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, I can honestly say that Clinton probably had about 20% of the weight in my decision to retire.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 10:10 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 22:10:53 -0400

No. I have 3 years until my 20 in the reserves. After that I'm a free agent so my continued participation will depend on if I am still having fun or not.

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Jul 3 at 2016 10:21 PM

SPC Todd Hanson — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 22:21:03 -0400

Doesn't matter whom is president. If the order is unlawful or against the Constitution as soldiers we don't follow it. I have faith the senior leaders of the army in this.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2016 6:51 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 06:51:44 -0400

Those that want to leave based on who is in office are just like the celebrities who claim they will leave the US if so-and-so gets elected. Idiots. Not a single one has ever left. Babies throwing tantrums.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2016 10:34 AM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 10:34:13 -0400

I did know a few butt-heads that swore they'd get out if Obama was ever elected.

They were still in when he was reelected, and got quite testy when I called them out for their lack of spine.

You can lobby for your new boss, but once someone is hired, you get to work for them no matter what your opinions are of their performance or qualifications. What do you like more - your career or some joker at a big desk that you'll never meet?

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Jul 4 at 2016 12:06 PM

TSgt Jackie Jones — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 12:06:33 -0400

That's like all these people saying they will leave the country if so-and-so is elected. Some things may change under new leadership. Some things may not. Do not let others decide your fate. Do what you do and do it well with a smile.

Response by SPC Dave Elzinga made Jul 4 at 2016 2:43 PM

SPC Dave Elzinga — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 14:43:44 -0400

Don't worry who is in DC support your people around you

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2016 3:04 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 15:04:44 -0400

Good or bad, your service is for the country, not for the POTUS.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2016 3:48 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 15:48:18 -0400

no. I will still serve my country honorably.

Response by SPC Dee Bartlett made Jul 5 at 2016 1:36 AM

SPC Dee Bartlett — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 01:36:52 -0400

I don't know how it is for our current forces, but I rode through two elections when I was in, and I never paid any attention to what they were doing because all I knew was I didn't question my Commander in Chief. I voted. I served. The people chose and I served. I never looked very far beyond the oath. But then again, I never banked my own success on someone else.

Good question. Thank you.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jul 5 at 2016 3:50 AM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 03:50:34 -0400

Yes. Whether I continue volunteering is up in the air.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 6:10 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 06:10:53 -0400

POTUS has no influence on whether or not I will continue to serve my country. I serve to defend the constitution and the American People (including the bigots, leftists, and racists).

Response by SPC Christopher Doff-Sotta made Jul 5 at 2016 9:07 AM

SPC Christopher Doff-Sotta — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 09:07:57 -0400

It's hard to really say. I really don't like clinton. She does not nor did she care about those 4 people in benghazi. She abused her authority with her so called legal server. I don't give 2 shits about the woman or her family. I do apologize if I'm pissing people off with my crass words but ill do my,last 3 yrs then get out. .. I won't serve under her.

Response by SSG Mike Busovicki made Jul 5 at 2016 9:41 AM

SSG Mike Busovicki — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 09:41:23 -0400

It didn't when I was in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 9:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 09:47:32 -0400

No. It doesn't matter who's in office. We don't "work for" the president. We work for the American people and the constitution.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jul 5 at 2016 10:55 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 10:55:12 -0400

Not going to be redundant. Everyone has pretty much said what I would. POTUS impact at wing/base level is pretty insignificant. The quality and philosophy of the senior leader of the organization where I am assigned would have way more impact on my thoughts to leave or stay.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 11:22 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 11:22:00 -0400

They more than likely are already planning on getting out of the Military, in my opinion. They probably don't like it and are using the future POTUS as a scapegoat to exit the Military with reason. The President shouldn't have any effect on your career, just like a college professor shouldn't dictate which Major you decide to obtain. Poor leadership shouldn't effect how you as an individual operate. Also, don't forget that the POTUS is strictly a political leader, he has no direct communication with you. Therefore, his effects on your career are minimal. ETSing should be viewed as how you as an individual can better your career/educational standing as well as looking at the risks and rewards of your actions; not who the CiC is.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 11:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 11:30:29 -0400

No, it change some but the military will keep going who ever is elected. At my level the influence of me leaving is minimal at best to the army as a whole. Me staying on the other hand could impact my soldiers and that's more important for the development of the younger soldiers.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 3:19 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 15:19:15 -0400

I'll be eligible for retirement under the next President's term, but it's unlikely the specific President will play a huge roll in whether I choose to retire.
One of them might lay me off, which is a retirement anyway.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 5:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 17:34:13 -0400

yes obama and his clown act helped me decide to retire after 31 years. His weak lead from behind style is dangerous for all.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 9:56 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 21:56:50 -0400

I will still serve my country

Response by SSG Jim Beverly made Jul 5 at 2016 11:19 PM

SSG Jim Beverly — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 23:19:55 -0400

My service oath says "I will obey the orders of the President, and the officers appointed over me." There's no caveat for whether or not I like them.

Personally, and I don't mean to condescend or offend, but letting the selection of a president dictate someone's personal military career choice, especially anyone working outside of a direct staff/cabinet position, feels really narcissistic to me.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2016 1:26 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 01:26:12 -0400

It shouldn't matter who's the Commander in Chief. The main reason why many of us serve this great country of ours is to protect and safeguard the Freedom that "WE" as a people enjoy so much and to also ensure that our children, and their children and their children's children get to enjoy it as well, for a long time to come

Response by SPC Thea Davis made Jul 6 at 2016 8:58 AM

SPC Thea Davis — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 08:58:53 -0400

No trust in the government. Truly believed its rigged so Hillary will win.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2016 2:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 14:53:31 -0400

No, I retire in 20 months.

Response by SPC James Cook made Jul 7 at 2016 3:40 PM

SPC James Cook — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 15:40:01 -0400

(What you describe has happened before. One such time was the 1990s.)
About voting? Not at all. Does it play into my plans for my future? Not any more than it has ever. If it had, I would have left the USA long ago.
Regardless of which of the Big Two gets the office, I am frightened for my child who will soon be of age and plans on joining up. Either one could get a lot of people's lives ruined or ended for something stupid. But those are the risks you take if you are in the Service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 10:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 22:54:22 -0400

Why would you let anyone dictate your military career? You came in for a reason and let that be your force in progression. The POTUS is not worried about if you continue in the military because one way or the other, He/She will get what they need from the military forces, one way or the next! If it is about you and your retirement or career, then that's what your focus should be on.

Response by SFC Daniel McIntire made Jul 10 at 2016 9:20 PM

SFC Daniel McIntire — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 21:20:20 -0400

I'm not happy with the choices for President. Despite that, to stay or left is up to you! I have serve under the Regan, Bush, Clinton, Geo W., and Obama administrations. Remember that change accompanies military service. Focus on your goals and adjust.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Jul 21 at 2016 12:02 AM

SPC Christopher Perrien — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 00:02:15 -0400

After being in and seeing Bush SR. drag our army in that Iraq farce for his oil company and defense contractor buddies, and Israel's security , yes , when Bill "draft dodger" Clinton was elected it had some minor effect as to why I did not re-enlist. It was not the big reason, but it was another thing that added to my decision to not re-enlist.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2017 11:06 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 11:06:21 -0400

No. It is a shallow commitment to plan your military career on who is POTUS.