| Author | Message | ||
     Pkforbes87 |
I've been active duty Navy for the past 5 1/2 years and have recently begun considering a career change. Just wondering what some other veterans here have to say about their experiences in the military and afterward. Do you regret leaving the military before retirement, or do you feel like you got everything you could out of it and that it was just your time to leave? Maybe I should just stress about this a lot less and make a decision already, but I don't want to look back 15 years from now and regret that I'm not retiring from a 20 year Navy career. Even worse, I don't want to start collecting those well-deserved retirement benefits only to look back at 20 years of "wasted" time spent hundreds if not thousands of miles away from everyone and everything that is truly important in life. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
It's a double edged sword. I've been thinking a lot about this lately, wondering if I made the right choice when I got out. Staying in to retirement absolutely has its advantages. As for getting out, the big question you have to ask yourself is, what are the prospects of finding a job? I've been out of work since October with no good prospects even now. If you aren't in a MOS that is in demand on the civilian side, I'd strongly encourage you to stay in for two or three more years. | ||
| Malott442 |
I did not have the right personality to survive 20 years in the Navy, did my 6 and out. Much happier, and a completely different person now. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
My first thought is to tell you to stay in. 14 years will go by in a blink... the older you get the faster it goes. If you don't have a job waiting for you when you get out... guess what... you aren't going to have a job. Support the troops my ass... I thought being a Marine Corps vet that just got out after the first Gulf War would have a EASY time finding work.... not so... or at least not the kind of work I wanted... What happens when you run out of money while you are in the service.... nothing for the most part if you are single and live on base.... food, housing... the whole 9 yards is taken care of and you only need to wait until the 1st or the 15th and you will be back at the PX buying beer. Stay in. Go on every deployment you can. See the world... it may suck at times but someone will ALWAYS have your back I will say this, I am glad I got out. I was in a combat MOS and given how the United States has taken on the roll of world police... I know I'm on the correct side of the dirt today.... If I stayed in... ya never know. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
and before I forget.... you're a SQUID!! a lower form of Marine life.... now go bust some rust and paint it grey | ||
| Sayitaintso |
I did a 3 year stint with the Army. I was undecided about a career when entering, the military was a very strong possibility. My dad was a career Marine so I knew what to expect (for the most part) and in many ways the idea appealed to me. However, I had bad experiences with several junior NCOs. You know the type, 10+ years in and still an E-5. Well, they really soured me on the idea of a career in my MOS and I didn't want to go back through training. I got out and went straight to community college and got an Associates, then to a university and got my BS degree. The biggest shock I had after getting out and going to college was the immaturity of the other students and how much easier it was than high school (solely because I was more mature) and actually cared. Looking back, I sometimes wonder if I made the right choice by getting out. However, when I actually sit down and think it though, I know I made the right choice. I would have retired with 20 years a few years ago and would have had to find a new profession.... there isn't much need for missle fire direction in the civilian world. As it is, I'm 15 years into a good job, have a great wife and two great kids. Most importantly (to me) though, I've been able to give my kids the stability I never had as a "military brat" and been able to shield them (for the most part) from the less than savory types that hang on around military bases. I have to admit though, I do miss the comradrie that isnt found anywhere but the military. I may not have liked all the guys around me but I knew I could count on them. | ||
| Crackhead |
I am in the Coast Guard Reserves and since we drill with the active duty it put me in a unique position. Out of the last 15ish guys that got out from active duty side (small boat station) only 2 of them have landed good paying jobs. The rest are scraping by. If you don't have a job lined up, extend for a few more years. If you have it in you to do 20. Do it. You will be 40? and be drawing retirement. + working what ever job you WANT to work. My father in law was a YNC and only moved 2 times. From DC to Italy and back. If you are willing to transfer to Norfolk area, you could finish your career with out ever moving your family again. | ||
| Trojan |
I did 13 years in the Royal Air Force and was pretty much ready to leave once I made the decision at 30. I missed the social life and camaraderie most but not the constant moving about and 'doing as I was told' by people I didn't respect that much  It can be a big culture shock going back into 'civvy' life and I'm pretty sure the US is exactly the same as it is here in that respect. The big thought and ultimate deciding factor in my mind was 'If I stay until I'm 45-50 what do I do then?'. I don't know about the US but a UK service pension isn't enough to live on without another job for most people, so a second career is a must. Also of course it depends on whether you have a burning desire to do somehting else or if you are happy doing what you are doing now? If you are thinking of leaving I would suspect that the former applies  | ||
| Nillaice |
do you have a wife and/or kids? what made my mind up for me was coming home to my 7-month old son. i had missed so much. forget about the SRB. it ain't worth it. sometimes i get all pensive and wonder 'waht if i had stayed in?' but then i spend a half hour playing with my son, and nothing else matters. it'd be great to have the retirement, but at the cost of the last 20 years of your life? and with the post 9-11 GI bill; you can really make it pay out, and college will be your 'job' getting your degree will be your severance package. if school is your 'thing' all this is my personal opinion and may not transfuse into your current life situation. | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
I just made the transition after 9 years in the army and right now it has been a mixed decision. I feel great to be doing what I want but I am having a tough time finding a job until I start school. Then again I have unemployment money coming in and I do not have many bills to worry about so I am doing ok for now. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
I loved my time in the military, great tours, fun training, and some of the best people I have ever met (I still have yet to make a HC; so dont get offended here) IF they would have me back, I would in a second. downside; not much civilian work for a linguist with capabilities focused on the last war...the Soviet Union. The languages in demand today are Chinese, Arabic-dari-pashtu-farsi...... and my brain is full. The leadership and organization skills transferred; but none of the NECs/Mos's 10 in the Navy Reserve 2 in the DOD attached to the Marines 3 in the National Guard; you could say I got around. | ||
| Joshinga |
Marine always riding in navy equipment Now with that said keep your A** in it my suck now but not nearly as bad as it will on the outside.Trust me the economy as it is is not the time to go on a job hunt. I got out after 5 years and regret it each and every day. Ya I was away from home a lot but i would not trade a day of it. I made some great friends and seen some awesome things that would never would have happened with out my time in. | ||
| Sayitaintso |
I do not have many bills to worry about so I am doing ok for now This is where my wife an I were when I got out. We lived in a rat hole apt (now that I think back it was much like the one that we lived in when I was in (E3s and E4 didn't make squat). We ate lots of Ramen noodles, mac and cheese and pork and beans. We got by until school was over and I could get a full time job. After that things made a major change for the better....for me. But then there are also plenty of vets living in homeless shelters and under bridges. Don't get out and think the world owes you something b/c your a vet, not that I believe you feel that way...but I have seen it in others. | ||
| Two_seasons |
I'd have to advise you this way... 1) your age at active duty entry 2) your rate (and do you like it) 3) your pay grade after 5+ years 4) your current permanent duty station If you were very young when you went active and feel you have good advancement chances, I'd say stay in. Otherwise, re-up for the minimum the USN will allow. | ||
| Geforce |
Phillip, going through the same decision points now with my career. I will have 9 years TIS when I can get out. Lots of changes in the military that I don't agree with... my body is broken, and is pain (just had surgery on my right knee this week, left knee is in a couple of months)... lots of choices to make. I would like to be able to walk, and play with my kids when I am older. Maybe it's time to fold the pride up and put it on the shelf and take care of my family and myself for once. | ||
| Tpoppa |
If you have the opportunity to stay in. Then STAY IN! Being able to retire at 38 (assuming you went in at 18) will give you financial flexibility for the rest of your life. After 38 you have plenty of time to go to school, start another career, travel, whatever. Having that retirement money isn't everything, but it makes everything else easier. --former USMC. | ||
| Joshinga |
Tpoppa +100,000,000,000 on that | ||
| Orman1649 |
I loved the job (I was an avionics tech working on EP-3Es) and most of the people but I got tired of the "extra military bullshit" ...uniform inspections, change of command, watch. Also, the pay isn't bad but it's not great either. Gain as much experience while you are in as you can. Get any qualifications and training you can that will carry over to the civilian world then get out. I miss the work...then I remember dumb shit like the shop lead telling me to ignore maintenance control and have my shift clean the shop instead of working on the planes. | ||
| 03fatboy |
I was in the air force the first time for 8 years active duty. I happened to find a job just before I reenlisted and decided to jump ship. I didn't miss the BS that goes with the military but did miss the camaraderie. I worked for a defense contractor. After a year of the joined the reserves and did that full time for another 8 years. Again at reenlistment time the perfect opportunity presented itself where I had all the benefits of the military but being a civilian doing the same job, I got out again at 16 years service. I am still loving my job after 4 years and do not miss the air force. If you want to get out all I can say is set yourself up for success first. If you don't have a sure thing before getting out then stay in until you do. | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
Well, I'm not incredibly worried about the job market right now.. the Post 9/11 GI Bill is calling my name. As for my age and advancement.. I'm 24, been active duty for 5.5 years, been an E-5 for the last year of that. The Navy has started doing a new program called PTS (Perform to Serve) which is causing a lot of good sailors to seriously explore their options as a civilian. The very idea behind the program disgusts me.. Every couple of years I'm now expected to apply to keep my own job. Maybe it's an improper "sense of entitlement" for me to have considering what the civilian job market is like, but if I commit myself to years of military service at a time, I expect a certain level of commitment in return. My situation is one of the better ones right now. A lot of the guys being affected by this have been in between 6 and 14 years and have families to worry about. The program is designed to weed out non-productive members who have been flying under the radar and just collecting a pay check while waiting on retirement. What can't be analyzed on paper though, is that the guys who are being forced out of active service are being replaced by new guys with the same qualifications but less TIS. This looks great on paper and it's precisely what PTS was intended to do, but you can't put the extra years of experience and knowledge on paper. It's frustrating to me because I work with a one specific young man who is a perfect stereotype for who will be taking my place if/when I leave. He's also an E-5, but he has less than 2 years TIS and quite honestly doesn't know shit, but he looks better on paper and he works cheaper than I do On top of the decreased job security, I've just never felt much job satisfaction from doing what I do. I work in a community of "Strategic Nuclear Deterrence" so do not have the mental benefit of watching fully loaded aircraft launch and then return minus ordinance. In TACAMO, there is only one possible result to see. A bright flash and mushroom cloud on the horizon means I just had a bad day. A good day shows no results at all. I wasn't particularly interested in this job field when I enlisted, it was just the rating that got me shipped off to boot camp the quickest so I didn't have a chance to get in more trouble with the police. My dad spent 4 years in the Navy, then got out and enjoyed what I see as a stable, successful life until he died in a plane crash at 39. Just seeing the things he accomplished after getting out of the Navy makes me think that getting out is the right move for me. I'd hate to work in a job I'm not happy with for the next 15 years just to earn a retirement check. Whew, if a freak accident took my life immediately following retirement, I bet I'd feel pretty stupid for having pissed away the latter half of my life Well without a PTS approval I don't have a decision to make anyway. I have a few more months of being eligible to apply, but the outlook isn't promising at the moment and to be honest I might not reenlist even if I got an approval today. Being turned down the first time motivated me to explore my options, and those options are looking more appealing as every day passes. | ||
| Joshinga |
PTS is a Bull S**T program the first time it reared its ugly head was back in 03. we were told it was to even out manning levels by making people in over manned jobs crossover or get out but all it did was screw everything up. Alot of good sailors got the boot because of it. | ||
| Ljm |
I was in for a tour, loved it really but given what I do, couldn't justify the salary I wasn't getting. I ended up getting a State job, bought my military time and was retirement eligible 2 years before I would have been on active duty. In my situation, made sense. That being said, I still miss the discipline and the sense of the mission. My son is active duty now. He is at 11 years, will pin on Gunny this year or early next. He is still building career skills and after another school or two, a job posting or two, will be right on track to be employed after retirement. In his case, makes sense to stay and he is going to retire at 38! So, really, I guess depends on if you like what you are doing, feel like you belong and it makes sense for you and your family both financially and otherwise. Hope it all works out, but whatever you decide, thanks for your service. LJM | ||
| Brumbear |
Let me tell you a story. I went to high school with a guy named Pete we both decided to go into the Army we ended up leaving together. After my hitch I got out he stayed in. Now I was 21 when I got out missed my friends and home and such well, when I got home it seems most of my friends were starting to get married and were very into there careers. I got to working and soon found I had no time for friends and family events except the important ones. I had a son then got married after the boy was almost 5 and I have been with the same women for 26 years now married 19 this June. GOD bless that woman I'm a pain in the ass. Pete stayed in and what do ya know his life was pretty much like mine. Then he turned 44 and retired he still works and does so because he wants to NOT because he has to!!!! I on the other hand have to... I don't regret my choice for a minute but then again neither does he. And being only 24 you need to realize something the first 18 years take a long time and there's lots of fun your learning new things you have summers off. Mom cooks ya dinner if your one of the lucky ones I was.The rest of life goes by in a rush that I can not explain to you ,you will have to learn it for yourself. It is work and care for your family if you are LUCKY enough to have one. So really think about what you are about to give up for what you are about to gain. If you do this and really weigh your decisions you will probably not regret your decision either way you make it. Dave | ||
| Brumbear |
BTW I was in a Pershing missle unit "NUKES" and I met that girl I spoke of in Wiesbaden Germany and dragged her all the way to these United states " she can't escape"!!! | ||
| Brumbear |
Geforce you better keep in mind one thing it cost me $22k out of pocket last year in medical bills and I have medical ins. I pay $1000.00 a month for.Make sure they fix what ails ya for you echo tango suitcase | ||
| Geforce |
Brumbear, good advice and I'm tracking that aspect. I have left leg fracture with hardware, destroyed knees and knee caps. Wounded in 2007 with a tension pneumothorax, minor frag wounds, moderate TBI, occipital neuralgia... Needless to say all those items are well documented and will be claimed before I ETS. One of the biggest concerns I have if I do leave will be the health care for my family and myself. But no amount of health care is worth being handicapped for the rest of my life if I continue to try and "tough it out". | ||
| Blk_uly |
Stay put. There's nothing going on out here in the civilian world. I did my time in the blue and got out. It was the right decision at the time, For me. But these days I really miss it If I was single without kids I would have gone back in for sure. And there is plenty of time for that(kids,family) later.Enjoy,travel,adventure, until your heart's content. I never met anyone who regretted staying in too long! | ||
| Brumbear |
Sound thinkin Geforce, my crazy uncle got out with some knee damage and gets a DAV pension"partial" and the VA takes him for anything major but like you said it's the family that has to be covered not just you I didn't even think of it that way. | ||
| Ourdee |
Stay in with the mindset to advance. Get all the travel you can, even if you have to work at it. Go everywhere! Get off base! AF for 6 years. Out in 84. | ||
| Treefrog |
Ultimately, this is a decision that you have to make and you will always wonder what it would have been like if you would decided the other way. Here is my story...I am from Po-Dunk, Arkansas, grew up in the same place for the most part. I joined the Army in 86 because I needed a job and I liked stuff like food and a roof over my head, plus I figured it might do me some good to see "what" was out there.(I was single then). I only intended on doing 4 years and then heading home. Well, I got stop-lossed during the first Gulf War and ended up doing 4.5 yrs. Re-upped into the Reserves and went home. Got a job working my butt off for decent money, but grew to hate my job. It was BORING. I missed the excitement the military offered and the wanderlust of seeing the world was too far engrained in me now to live a "normal" life back home. I also got married during this time. My wife agreed to let me go back in the active Army and I made the jump back to AD in 94. Same wife, 2 kids, and 5 knee surgeries later, my retirement packet is up at HRC right now. The pay didn't really get good until I made E-7 and I am retiring as an E-8. I have had 8 duty stations and fought in a war. I don't regret anything. Time has taken a toll on my body, but I have treated it pretty badly the last 2 decades. I will be hanging up the uniform in December of this year and plan on spending a couple of years using my GI Bill to learn to do something I want to do. Under the new GI Bill, you get BAH at the E-5 with dependent rate while you are full time for the schools location. Between that (it will be $1000 a month where I am going to school) and my retirement, I will be ok. As far as medical benefits, I will be able to get treated for free at any MTF because I am a retiree. Health insurance for my family of 3 will be $480 per year. Can't beat that with a stick. Prescriptions will only cost me a co-pay, free if I get them at a military pharmacy. The med benefits were a big influence to stay in for me. The military isn't for everyone, but I think it turned out ok for me. Weigh all of your options. If you are in an MOS that is overstrength, consider reenlisting for something else for a change of pace. Not sure about the Navy, but in the Army it's not hard to do something else from what you enlisted for. Good luck with your decision. You'll be ok no matter what you decide. Sorry if this is long. I just wanted you to see it from the side of someone who decided to stay in, and when I close the door behind me on the way out, I will have given 22 yrs, 5 months and 23 days to this country. One last thing...I reserve the right to kick anybody's ass I see protesting a military funeral because I'll be damned before I let some a**clown disrespect a service member who gave their life for this country. |
