Posted on Apr 22, 2018
Is retiring as a Major just like retiring as a Staff Sergeant?
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Is retiring as a Major the same as retiring as a Staff Sergeant? Whether officer or enlisted, doesn’t retiring at such a low grade imply that the soldier was a slug and simply managed to stay in for 20 years without being kicked out rather than be a motivated and involved member of the service?
I'll stop my charade right here. I, of course, will always honor any service to our country. Whether Major, Ssg., Private or any number of civilian support groups. I was simply calling out the pointed nature of of many of the 'Questions" that I've seen posted. Many are thinly veiled attacks or weighted opinion pieces that are only posited in order to bait dissent or elicit a vitriolic response. I am no more an enemy of this country or it's service members than any of you. I just wanted to hold a mirror for those that want to call others "Bitches, Snowflakes,Commies or any myriad taunts." This is a forum of comradery built on respect for one another. Keep in mind how your opinions and comments are received.
Respect and gratitude to all who have served,
John A. Smith
I'll stop my charade right here. I, of course, will always honor any service to our country. Whether Major, Ssg., Private or any number of civilian support groups. I was simply calling out the pointed nature of of many of the 'Questions" that I've seen posted. Many are thinly veiled attacks or weighted opinion pieces that are only posited in order to bait dissent or elicit a vitriolic response. I am no more an enemy of this country or it's service members than any of you. I just wanted to hold a mirror for those that want to call others "Bitches, Snowflakes,Commies or any myriad taunts." This is a forum of comradery built on respect for one another. Keep in mind how your opinions and comments are received.
Respect and gratitude to all who have served,
John A. Smith
Posted in these groups: Maj
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Edited 6 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 43
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So, here I am, a Major. I'm looking at retiring at 20 years, as a Major. Why? Because I'm a slug? Eh, maybe. Or... maybe there's an alternative. Maybe I've done my 20 and I'm ready to move on to other things while I'm still young enough to do them. Maybe I'm looking at a SECOND career and want to finish it in time for the usual retirement age.
For me, best case is that I get picked up for LTC AT my 20 year mark (roughly). Then I wait another year to get pinned. Then I stay in for AT LEAST three more years in order to really get the benefits, in retirement, of that rank. So, I'd be postponing my retirement by at least four years. Four years when you are mid-40s mean a lot. It pushes my second retirement past my 65th birthday, closer to 70.
Nope, I'm good. I did three years enlisted and will retire at 20 as a Major. And I'm ok with that - slug or not. ;)
For me, best case is that I get picked up for LTC AT my 20 year mark (roughly). Then I wait another year to get pinned. Then I stay in for AT LEAST three more years in order to really get the benefits, in retirement, of that rank. So, I'd be postponing my retirement by at least four years. Four years when you are mid-40s mean a lot. It pushes my second retirement past my 65th birthday, closer to 70.
Nope, I'm good. I did three years enlisted and will retire at 20 as a Major. And I'm ok with that - slug or not. ;)
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MAJ Bryan Zeski
CPT Lawrence Cable Oh I know. I have a lot of friends in the up or out boat and it's scary for them.
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SPC Bob Ridley
Well said Major. The man who inspired me to join the Army Reserve retired as a major. He was a West Point graduate, Airborne Ranger, served in Vietnam as an advisor to the ARVN for two tours, was wounded twice in action, was awarded at least one Bronze Star, & was an ROTC instructor before moving on to a highly successful career in the coal industry. Additionally, he is a farmer & has served as chairman of his county’s board of supervisors for decades. Major William Chase of Culpeper, VA .
I am sure other veterans on RP can cite other examples of men & women who have retired at the rank of major who have done very well in both their military & civilian lives.
I am sure other veterans on RP can cite other examples of men & women who have retired at the rank of major who have done very well in both their military & civilian lives.
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Well, now, I am a retired Capt. What is you judgement of me? Bear in mind you know nothing about me.
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SPC John Smith Anyone that serves our country for 20 years or more is not a slug and has my admiration no matter what their rank. Two of the best officers that I served under were enlisted first. There are other good reasons that someone might be a certain rank when they retire.
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