Extremely hard decision to make... help?

I read some of the post- and everyone has their opinion. The biggest thing is to have a solid plan if you decide to get out. Military isn't for everyone- even if you kick ass at it. I have seen too many people get out because of the redundancy, tedious and long work hours. The would say they would have a better job, but end up trying to get back in or end up working at a job that's even less desirable. Most of them miss the lifestyle and commaderie or job opportunities weren't as great as they thought. Like most everyone, I initially joined for college and was going to do my 4 years and get out. I deployed as a soldier and now I'm about to wrap up a deployment as a 1SG. I'm at 12 years. I hate the stupidity as much as the soldiers, but someone has to do it. What I love the most is it is rewarding to see my soldier grow as a person and in their profession. I know I can't drastically improve the military as a whole, but I know I have more control over the impact of those whom I am in charge of or how we execute the mission utilizing common sense. Being in the military has its pros and cons like with anything else. For me- it has more Pros that's why I decided to stay in. It's not just about the retirement check for me, but making sure when I retire- we have competent and confident soldiers that can continue to watch America's six- even if it feels like no one else does. It's a thankless job and it requires a lot of sacrifices- to include time from both you and your love ones.

 

Dude, if you can stay in, do so. I was med boarded out in 96 from the Corps and miss it every day. My bro retired with 22 years in the Army and now works for the VA. He gets his full retirement (as a SFC), has his disability (90%), plus his VA pay and has 18 years to go and loves his job. By the time he is 65 he will have two retirement checks, his disability check, plus social security.

 

If you have to think this hard about it, you should just collect that dd214.

I wouldn't want to depend on someone serving with me if they felt burnt out or their heart wasn't where it needs to be. Situation permitting, you can always come back in if you wanted to.

Please don't take offense to this. Thank you for your service.

 

I love my job, it's the stuff that isn't work related that frustrates me. I know my job really well and love seeing the impact that my unit has. We helped take away $500,000,000 from the cartels last year, we helped save lives in Haiti during Hurricane Matthew. We do awesome stuff. I'm waiting to find out my assignment after Korea but I'm like 97% certain I'm going to keep going at this point. I'm not really burnt out, I'm just ready to try a new assignment.

 

Sir, Finish and get your 20 yr ticket. Don't know your MOS but you will always get a Gov job and no more push ups LOL

 

Just a curious civilian here. What does 20 years get you in terms of retirement benefits?

 

Stay in you are half way to 20 your pension is guaranteed and you will get subsidize medical care for the rest of your life. Then you can press on with civilian life. I myself retired back in 2011 with over 24yrs in the AF/SFS E-7, the pension is great but I still needed to work full time I took a state job and life is good. One option is to look for an AGR job with Guard and Reserve units which tend to be a little more stable with deployment's etc.

 

I retired from AD then got a Civil Service position retiring as a GS-14. With that said, I recommend you take the GS-12 billet and seek a Reserve or National Guard position. Buying back your ten years of military will bring ten years to the GS position. Staying an additional ten years in the guard or reserve will grant a military retirement and you become a double dipper. Win, win. Good luck.