Opinions or even updates

[WHIT3C3LL]

I'm teetering on the edge of staying in or getting out need some opinions to help me make my decision.

[iamthesgt]

Well, what are the pros and cons of your current situation and what do you want to do once you get out?

[Rickety Rob]

Like Sam said, what are you pros and cons.

I would weigh your options too.

What is the likeliness of you getting a job doing what you want when you get out?

Are you planning on going to school?

Will the money from the GI bill be enough to support yourself and your family?

The military might be the best thing right now.

Jobs are becoming really hard, even for military personal.

[KaNtSt0PMeH]

With a kid? I would stay in. Unless your wife has health insurance. I don't know how the Army does it but I would look into changing jobs if you can.

[CrzyChinook]

DUDE i hate to say it but STAY in if you can... jobs are not fun.. IM going through this now.. ive got a good education.. experiences out the waahzoo in Both my fields . IT and Aviation.. and ive got a ton of IT certs and Aviation License's ... in the past 3 weeks ive applied to over 250'ish jobs online... got 3 call backs... and 2 solid leads... im like WTF.. it shouldnt be but it is very hard right now!! even when youve done all the right things!..

[jxspyder]

Make a list!!

Like everyone's said, seriously weigh the pro's and con's before pulling out, and make sure you have guarenteed work before doing so.

Sent from the muddy banks of the Wishkaw

[GhostOverride]

Are you still at your first duty station, how long have you been in, is it a supervision problem, don't like your job? Fill us in and we can aid in the decision, ultimately you must do whats right for you and your family. I love to see dedicated members stay we as a military need experienced people to carry on the mission and lead by example, but I support and thank those who served their time honorably and decide to leave and move on. Just need to know more about your specific situation.

[toby2533]

like spyder said make a list and every day look at it to add the pro and cons then talk the list over with someone.

[A1000YrdStare03]

Civil service fellas. That's the way to go when exiting the military. It's just a test to get hired in some jobs, and most give extra points to veterans. It's like the military minus the deployments, oh, and you make 3x the money depending on where you live. Plus it is secure, way more than the private sector. Just something else to think about!!


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[NwG_SnakeEyes]

I think it really depends on your situation. I know I have been at that crossroads every time my enlistment has almost been up. I have chosen to stay in each time, not because I wanted too but it was the best for my family at the time. I have since grown to really enjoy my job in the military and that decision is no longer hard. I made a long list of pros and cons and noticed most of the reasons I wanted out were more selfish than what was right to keep stability for my family. Since I have been in a leadership role in the Navy I always sit down with my guys and ask them, What's your plan, Where do you want to be in 5 years etc., and help them make an educated decision for themselves. The military isn't a career path for everyone so I never push them to that. Either way you decide I thank you for your service and commitment to our country. If you would like to talk to someone about it or like some advise PM me and I will give you my number.

[BigFreeze99]

I agree with the members suggesting making a list... But, remember. There are things you know and things you don't. I mean you know the military and the life you are serving now... Ask a retiree (from the forum or around your area) we all came to those crossroads before, that you are facing now. I even had broken time.
So I know even with a pros and cons list; not knowing the outside world until I got there didn't figure into that list. I was fortunate to be able to return to active duty, to finish my time... (the road lesser traveled... for you poetic fucks....)
The last thing to take into account is... Whatever decision you make, look forward, not backward... live with it... make the most of it... no regrets.

Semper-Fi

[GhostOverride]

I agree with the members suggesting making a list... But, remember. There are things you know and things you don't. I mean you know the military and the life you are serving now... Ask a retiree (from the forum or around your area) we all came to those crossroads before, that you are facing now. I even had broken time.
So I know even with a pros and cons list; not knowing the outside world until I got there didn't figure into that list. I was fortunate to be able to return to active duty, to finish my time... (the road lesser traveled... for you poetic fucks....)
The last thing to take into account is... Whatever decision you make, look forward, not backward... live with it... make the most of it... no regrets.

Semper-Fi

Well said....always look forward in life, don't want to live in the past, if you decide to get out remember things may be tough, or they may not, either way you have your family and things always happen for a reason.

[NwG_SnakeEyes]

To add onto what Mike said about broken service. A lot of people are lining up at the door to get into the military now. Recruiters jobs are easy for the most part they don't even have to leave the office. My friend is a recruiter and says that people that recently got out and are trying to get back in they are not accepting them back, even if they are stellar performers. So that is something to think about on your list as well.

[GhostOverride]

To add onto what Mike said about broken service. A lot of people are lining up at the door to get into the military now. Recruiters jobs are easy for the most part they don't even have to leave the office. My friend is a recruiter and says that people that recently got out and are trying to get back in they are not accepting them back, even if they are stellar performers. So that is something to think about on your list as well.

Hell the Air Force still needs to get rid of almost 3,000 Airmen because of the sequestration

[NwG_SnakeEyes]

Hell the Air Force still needs to get rid of almost 3,000 Airmen because of the sequestration

Yea the Navy is downsizing as well. Don't know how many more they have to get rid of but I know it's quite a few.

[WHIT3C3LL]

Same with the army

[WHIT3C3LL]

I'm taking everything into account especially since the last time I was teetering was because I wasn't over the death of my buddy while we were deployed now the big thing for me is and granted in July I will have been in for 5 years but the army seems to be getting even softer than back in 08 and granted since guys like Corey were in it got soft after his time was up it seems worse because customs and courtesies seem to have just been through out the window in most of the soldiers I've seen come in after my deployment

[GhostOverride]

I'm taking everything into account especially since the last time I was teetering was because I wasn't over the death of my buddy while we were deployed now the big thing for me is and granted in July I will have been in for 5 years but the army seems to be getting even softer than back in 08 and granted since guys like Corey were in it got soft after his time was up it seems worse because customs and courtesies seem to have just been through out the window in most of the soldiers I've seen come in after my deployment

Ive seen customs and courtesies go down since my time in, I'm going on my 12th year in, it is up to everyone, especially the NCOs to maintain and uphold the standards and traditions of each service. Hold your ground and lead by example, remember its not always a popularity contest, just be consistent with enforcing

[WHIT3C3LL]

Ive seen customs and courtesies go down since my time in, I'm going on my 12th year in, it is up to everyone, especially the NCOs to maintain and uphold the standards and traditions of each service. Hold your ground and lead by example, remember its not always a popularity contest, just be consistent with enforcing

Don't get me wrong I enforce but I'm the type of NCO that likes to keep things interesting until they pass the line ya know what I mean but since I got to Irwin which btw this place sucks lol it just seems worse

[GhostOverride]

Don't get me wrong I enforce but I'm the type of NCO that likes to keep things interesting until they pass the line ya know what I mean but since I got to Irwin which btw this place sucks lol it just seems worse

Fighting an uphill battle huh

[NwG_SnakeEyes]

Ive seen customs and courtesies go down since my time in, I'm going on my 12th year in, it is up to everyone, especially the NCOs to maintain and uphold the standards and traditions of each service. Hold your ground and lead by example, remember its not always a popularity contest, just be consistent with enforcing

This is all based on generations. The same thing in the Navy. I remember when I came in you never thought to disrespect a Chief and last week a junior sailor told me to F off. He still got his but if I had said that I would have got my head knocked off

[CrzyChinook]

Don't get me wrong I enforce but I'm the type of NCO that likes to keep things interesting until they pass the line ya know what I mean but since I got to Irwin which btw this place sucks lol it just seems worse

As i have always said your chain of command can make or break your unit.. if the 1sg and company commander are great..... the unit is a great place to be.. if one link is broken its a living nightmare.. and sometimes when one is good and one is bad its the psgt that makes the balance...

[BigFreeze99]

Hell the Air Force still needs to get rid of almost 3,000 Airmen because of the sequestration
The services go through this every so often... sequestration (Squeeze-Frustration) or not. Ebs and flows... I seen this after every conflict and before every political budget battle. It also influences your leadership quality.
While we are engaged in this current conflict the entry and standards in the services are more permissive. Now with the drawdown underway, watch for those standards to be more strictly enforced. (Weight control, urinalysis, physical fitness standards, slow promotion and MOS freezes.) Entry into the service is also more permissive.
I remember after Viet Nam, I was greeted at the doorway of the barracks by a guy with a bottle of 'Wild Irish Rose' in his hand and a joint tucked behind his ear..."Welcome to 8th Marines!". Many of the guys that enlisted back then, were not educated to standard and some served an enlistment in lieu of jail time.
Without a conflict the DOD (and Veterans in all times) is a favored target when the budget comes due.
Quanity vs Quality issue.
Mike

[GhostOverride]

The services go through this every so often... sequestration (Squeeze-Frustration) or not. Ebs and flows... I seen this after every conflict and before every political budget battle. It also influences your leadership quality.
While we are engaged in this current conflict the entry and standards in the services are more permissive. Now with the drawdown underway, watch for those standards to be more strictly enforced. (Weight control, urinalysis, physical fitness standards, slow promotion and MOS freezes.) Entry into the service is also more permissive.
I remember after Viet Nam, I was greeted at the doorway of the barracks by a guy with a bottle of 'Wild Irish Rose' in his hand and a joint tucked behind his ear..."Welcome to 8th Marines!". Many of the guys that enlisted back then, were not educated to standard and some served an enlistment in lieu of jail time.
Without a conflict the DOD (and Veterans in all times) is a favored target when the budget comes due.
Quanity vs Quality issue.
Mike


very well put Mike, I have a retired Master Chief friend who works for the Navy recruiting command, he was saying they are making it Arden to enter the Navy to help with their draw down. As someone else wrote, if you leave right now and decide you want to come back....you better have a very special MOS because its not happening. It's easy to lead when conditions are favorable, it is only through adversity that we find out if we truly are meant to carry the mantle of leadership

[toby2533]

Never cut yourself short either, I go out applied to be a PA state boy, but it take over a year to get into the academy, so I also signed up for college playboys top 50 party school's IUP applied they wanted me to pick a major (navy times had the to 10 jobs need in the civian sector) Respiratory therapist, after a summer of basic college algbra and sentence writing , then I first semester grades I pulled my application from the state police. Became a respiratory therapist worked in Pittsburgh then north Carolina at Duke, then got into pharmaceutical research, now I'm at the top of my field: most people including my family gave almost 0% chance of finishing college. So also never give up on one's self.

[GhostOverride]

Never cut yourself short either, I go out applied to be a PA state boy, but it take over a year to get into the academy, so I also signed up for college playboys top 50 party school's IUP applied they wanted me to pick a major (navy times had the to 10 jobs need in the civian sector) Respiratory therapist, after a summer of basic college algbra and sentence writing , then I first semester grades I pulled my application from the state police. Became a respiratory therapist worked in Pittsburgh then north Carolina at Duke, then got into pharmaceutical research, now I'm at the top of my field: most people including my family gave almost 0% chance of finishing college. So also never give up on one's self.

Great point!

[BigFreeze99]

Never cut yourself short either, I go out applied to be a PA state boy, but it take over a year to get into the academy, so I also signed up for college playboys top 50 party school's IUP applied they wanted me to pick a major (navy times had the to 10 jobs need in the civian sector) Respiratory therapist, after a summer of basic college algbra and sentence writing , then I first semester grades I pulled my application from the state police. Became a respiratory therapist worked in Pittsburgh then north Carolina at Duke, then got into pharmaceutical research, now I'm at the top of my field: most people including my family gave almost 0% chance of finishing college. So also never give up on one's self.
Great points Toby.
I forgot to mention... if you do get out.. Federal Law states, that if you left a job to join the service, that employer is required to rehire you. Yes, I know it may not be the best job... but it's a living until something better comes along, such as in Toby's case. When you are rehired, you are given the same seniority and pay as if you never been away... <-- part of the Fed Law.

Mike

[toby2533]

I had to throw that in, we have to remember we are so much different then when we go. I still partied in college but I knew when to do it, not the night before a huge anatomy exam. Plus the professors give you a break if your a non traditional student sometimes they know that you have been out in the world not some brat who's parents are paying the bill.

[iamthesgt]

Great points Toby.
I forgot to mention... if you do get out.. Federal Law states, that if you left a job to join the service, that employer is required to rehire you. Yes, I know it may not be the best job... but it's a living until something better comes along, such as in Toby's case. When you are rehired, you are given the same seniority and pay as if you never been away... <-- part of the Fed Law.

I did not know that. That is awesome.

[GhostOverride]

Is there a time limit on that...or is it mainly for guard and reserve members

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[WHIT3C3LL]

Great points Toby.
I forgot to mention... if you do get out.. Federal Law states, that if you left a job to join the service, that employer is required to rehire you. Yes, I know it may not be the best job... but it's a living until something better comes along, such as in Toby's case. When you are rehired, you are given the same seniority and pay as if you never been away... <-- part of the Fed Law.

Mike

I thought it stated they can hold your position and rehire you up to 4 years? And after that they didn't have to

[BigFreeze99]

Read:
http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/userra_fs.htm
Link from Dept of Labor.
Mike

[WHIT3C3LL]

Read:
http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/userra_fs.htm
Link from Dept of Labor.
Mike

Hey mike huge question to ask you if I'm looking into benefits that states provide where exactly would I find that because I've seen a school thing through Missouri (still need to read more into that one) and job related. And also guys I really appreciate y'all's opinions reason I started this thread is household stress is getting worse between me and my wife everyday (been like this before but not quite so bad) that me and jordon are to the point saying we'd rather be happy and miserable in the civilian world around family than stressed and miserable in the army ya know

[BigFreeze99]

Hey mike huge question to ask you if I'm looking into benefits that states provide where exactly would I find that because I've seen a school thing through Missouri (still need to read more into that one) and job related. And also guys I really appreciate y'all's opinions reason I started this thread is household stress is getting worse between me and my wife everyday (been like this before but not quite so bad) that me and jordon are to the point saying we'd rather be happy and miserable in the civilian world around family than stressed and miserable in the army ya know
Try here:
http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory.html

I think either River or I have posted simular links in the sticky section above.

Mike