Does anyone have a pros/cons list of staying active duty?

Everyone is different. It ultimately depends on what your goals are. You won't be able to stay in the Army forever. So if you have a plan for life after that works for you, go with that. If you aren't quite there yet with your plan, reenlist.

For me, I planned on doing 4 but then I came up against stop loss so I reenlisted. Then I got bonuses and duty station of choice. Then I hit 10 years and had my child and she has had a lot of medical issues so I stayed for TRICARE. Now I'm just under 3 years from retirement.

You have to list the pros and cons for YOU staying in or getting out.

I think that is a VERY personal decision. I applaud your effort to reach out, to make a best decision. But how much value can come from advice from people who do not know you and your priorities. Decide what you want your life to look like short-term, mid-term and long term. Then ask yourself if what you are doing now helps you get there, stops you from getting there or is a safe resting place until you know how to get there.

I loved being a company grade officer. No amount of money would have made me leave. I hated being a field grade officer. No amount of money would have made me stay.

Near the end of my time I realized that my priority was my wife and kids, and that I was asking too much from them to allow me a Peter Pan military life. [Before I piss anyone off, I don't think what is true for me is true for all.] It took me almost 10 years after separation to put my life on the track it should have been.

I now work 7 days a week. Ten hours is a short day. I haven't had a day off in 23 years except when medically required. But I love what I do. I wake up everyday with my wife and go to sleep with her every night. My daughter and her kids see me almost every weekday and my grandkids love to work side by side with me in the barns and in my shop. My dogs are with me almost all day and life is ggod.

SGT (Join to see) It definitely a personal choice -- Are you having fun? Is what you are doing professionally and personally rewarding? Retirement checks are nice and my family's medical is less annually than most pay monthly... I will say your skillset and clearance are sought after here on the east coast -- easy 6 digit salary and you can build a family, career and lifestyle with that foundation -- I'm assuming you are a 20-something. That said, again, are you having fun? The people you work with, the places you go and the things you do --- you won't find that in too many places outside the military, and you will still have the clearance and skillset if and when you do hang your boots up. Best of luck with your decision - Airborne All the Way!