Posted on Aug 9, 2015
Ever met anyone who regretted staying in for 20 years?
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I've talked to plenty of people who lamented the fact that they got out of the Armed Services prior to making 20. Has anyone ever met a person who regretted staying in? We have a squared away E-6 in our section who is contemplating getting out after 7 years of service. It seems to me that it is always the good ones who get frustrated and leave.
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 21
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While I have not met anyone who regretted staying in for 20 years, I've heard many who retired at 20 years express regret that they didn't stay in for 30 years.
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Yes.....and I've know folks who punched at 15,16,17 and even one at over 18......just said they were done and moved on.
Well to be fair one of them did not want his retirement split between him and two ex-wives so he decided not to retire....he figured them getting nothing made him feel better than what would be left after they got they "fair share" for "supporting" him
Well to be fair one of them did not want his retirement split between him and two ex-wives so he decided not to retire....he figured them getting nothing made him feel better than what would be left after they got they "fair share" for "supporting" him
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I have not personally met anyone that regretted their decision to stay in for 20 years. I have seen a trend of talented young Captions leaving after their service obligation was up in my community over the last few years. It appears to me that some of the best junior leaders are frustrated and have ample opportunities elsewhere, and they know it. I truly believe that the 20 year mark is not meant for everyone, and as long as soldiers have a plan and goals they can be successful. What I don't like to see is the "grass is always greener" crowd influencing decisions for people, especially young kids that have not lived or worked in the civilian world.
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CH (MAJ) (Join to see) - No.. I have never met anybody who stayed in the military for 20 years or more who said they regretted it. However, I have met quite a few whom I wish had not stayed in 20 or more years... :-)
Seriously, as mentioned by others, I have also met many who stayed 20 who regretted not staying 30.
Seriously, as mentioned by others, I have also met many who stayed 20 who regretted not staying 30.
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I might have wanted to stay longer, if I had made CDR (O5) and hadn't wanted to go to Seminary after retirement. As it was though, I was seriously considering getting out after my initial obligation, but at that point I needed to stay in, because I couldn't get healthcare benefits for my kids with pre-existing conditions. This was in the 80's - way before COBRA, ACA, etc...
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