Why did you separate after 10 years or more instead of retiring?

The Reduction in Force kind of made my decision for me. I was really hoping to make a career out of the Corps, but I guess the Lord had other plans for me. I could either look at it as sour luck, or divine intervention for a greater purpose. I prefer to see it as the latter, I've led a fairly successful life since getting out. That is not to say I don't miss the Corps every day in one way or another.

When I got out at the 10 yr mark, the reason was to either get out with an Honorable, or get kicked out. The last 2 yrs of my initial 10 yrs, I was certainly not the best Soldier, and I had to struggle more and more every day to not say something that would have landed my 6 in a hot tub of court martial. So, I got out. Came back in after 5 1/2 yrs, and now everything is right as rain so far.

I separated from AD at the 9.5 mark and joined the Reserves - I can tell you I don't regret anything! I know I would have if I just left and didn't continue my military career. I think I had the best of both worlds for 21 years - but a LOT of that has to do with an extremely supportive employer - which I realize is not the case for many others!
So - I separated - AND - retired! :-)