DOD must let go 35,000...

SFC A.M. Drake — Sat, 10 May 2014 23:07:01 -0400

... military members via email notification, if YOU are chosen for whatever reason, What have YOU done to prepare? family? financial? What is your course of action and why?

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 10 at 2014 11:11 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Sat, 10 May 2014 23:11:46 -0400

SFC Drake,

In the current environment one has no option but to prepare. The key is finding the things you can do that help both while your career progresses, and if it where to end tomorrow. Things like getting that degree you have had on the back burner or socking away the savings cannot hurt no matter what lies ahead.

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made May 10 at 2014 11:14 PM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Sat, 10 May 2014 23:14:40 -0400

I'm a financial coach/author and I teach people to have an Emergency Fund of 6-12 months of living expenses saved up regardless of where you are in your Military career. All the more important now that many are in the danger of being forced out.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made May 10 at 2014 11:19 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 10 May 2014 23:19:01 -0400

DoD is releasing 35,000 of its members through email notification?

Response by SSG Robert Burns made May 10 at 2014 11:53 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Sat, 10 May 2014 23:53:19 -0400

I'd delete the email.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 9:09 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 May 2014 09:09:48 -0400

And people are surprised that the economy is still lagging. The private sector is in full rebound, but the overall employment status is being killed due to public sector layoffs. You can't add 100k private sector jobs, then cut 50k public sector jobs and expect things to improve.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 9:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 May 2014 09:45:13 -0400

The elephant in the room is always to me, what about the civilians running the military? All these contractors seem to be taking up our money and duties. They hamper our efficiency and in the end, lower morale therefore degrading our military.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 3:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 May 2014 15:21:08 -0400

I would likely be thankful that I am able to retire and move on to the civilian sector and start the second career.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 6:46 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 May 2014 06:46:45 -0400

I have prepared myself to avoid such emails! I have strived to set myself ahead of my peers while also helping those along that want to better themselves.

If I had to go today......... Guess I don't have a rock solid plan. But in 5 years when I do retire, the plan will be complete, then I can transition out of the Army comfortably and move into a new civilian life/job.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 13 at 2014 5:49 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 13 May 2014 17:49:56 -0400

I'd file the retirement paperwork first. I certainly would want to know why I'm being RIF'd when my performance puts many others in the shade. Now, that's not bragging -- it's fact. Four combat deployments, three languages other than English, DS badge and a 290 last APFT - I'd certainly question the basis on which I am be being separated.