SSG Private RallyPoint Member1306099<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For those still in service, are you going to make it a career or get out at ets time? why or why not.2016-02-16T10:49:54-05:00SSG Private RallyPoint Member1306099<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For those still in service, are you going to make it a career or get out at ets time? why or why not.2016-02-16T10:49:54-05:002016-02-16T10:49:54-05:00CW4 Private RallyPoint Member1306102<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>3 Years to go!!!Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 10:50 AM2016-02-16T10:50:33-05:002016-02-16T10:50:33-05:00SrA Private RallyPoint Member1306165<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm still young in my career & enlisted late in life. I'd love to stay in but time will tell what the future holds for this old lady.Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 11:08 AM2016-02-16T11:08:01-05:002016-02-16T11:08:01-05:00SSG Private RallyPoint Member1306171<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The army is changing. The direction is debated by many. Personally I feel I need a purpose. I mission to work towards. An impending deployment or a known enemy we know we will be facing. Many call it a peace time army now. I'm not sure even what that is but I don't like the sound of it. I am on the fence when it comes to extending in four years. I'm just going to wait and see what happens.Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 11:09 AM2016-02-16T11:09:06-05:002016-02-16T11:09:06-05:00SSG Private RallyPoint Member1306177<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm staying in because I love being in the Army and I love what I do, I also love wearing the uniform and taking care of troops. I just reenlisted for 6 more years and I'll have 21 years of service, I plan to reenlist again.Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 11:10 AM2016-02-16T11:10:19-05:002016-02-16T11:10:19-05:00CPT Private RallyPoint Member1306181<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As long as I remain healthy and my soldiers are being taken care of, I'll stay in.Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 11:10 AM2016-02-16T11:10:53-05:002016-02-16T11:10:53-05:00SSG Derek Scheller1306232<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not sure yet the cyber field is booming so we will seeResponse by SSG Derek Scheller made Feb 16 at 2016 11:25 AM2016-02-16T11:25:59-05:002016-02-16T11:25:59-05:00SSG Private RallyPoint Member1306299<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Staying in, love what I do and wouldn't give it up for anything else.Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 11:44 AM2016-02-16T11:44:33-05:002016-02-16T11:44:33-05:00MSG Private RallyPoint Member1306315<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>AS long as I'm capable of fulfilling the missions and taking care of troops, then I'm still useful and will stay. When I no longer have it in me, I'll leave.Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 11:48 AM2016-02-16T11:48:36-05:002016-02-16T11:48:36-05:00SSgt Private RallyPoint Member1306328<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Staying until I'm too dead or too old to continue to serve. One of my biggest regrets is not staying Active. Last march was my rye date had I not taken breaks in service.Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 11:50 AM2016-02-16T11:50:52-05:002016-02-16T11:50:52-05:00MSG Private RallyPoint Member1306349<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'll be doing the 20-25 yr mark.Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 11:57 AM2016-02-16T11:57:05-05:002016-02-16T11:57:05-05:00SPC Private RallyPoint Member1306351<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Why don't you try out for NG SF sergeant get a feel from a different beast in the armyResponse by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 11:57 AM2016-02-16T11:57:16-05:002016-02-16T11:57:16-05:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member1306417<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A lot of really good NCOs are getting out because of the army "changing." The Army, just as any corporation or business you may work for in the future is a fluid environment. People that work for any of these entities will be urged to change with the evolving environment. <br /><br />When this nation goes to war again, which it will,young commanders and sergeants without any combat experience will need a strong willed NCO to lead them into battle and fight alongside them. Commanders will need that experience to advise them and help them make decisions that could save the lives or cost the lives of friendly soldiers on the battlefield. <br /><br />Understanding this aspect is something our current NCOs have struggled and continue to struggle to grasp. If you look at the majority of sergeants major that serve today, many of them had a break in war, and served in a "peacetime Army" from the times of Panama to the Gulf War. And they offer tremendous insight and knowledge when it comes to today's battlefield. If you stick around, train your soldiers like you know how to, you will once again lead them in a war. <br /><br />I'm staying in, whether that means staying NCO, going Warrant, or green to gold.Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 12:18 PM2016-02-16T12:18:21-05:002016-02-16T12:18:21-05:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member1306428<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would like to make it a career but QMP will decide in March if I am going to be retained or return to the couch.Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 12:21 PM2016-02-16T12:21:27-05:002016-02-16T12:21:27-05:00SSG Private RallyPoint Member1306465<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have been in for almost 15 years it makes no sense for me to get out now might as well finish it outResponse by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 12:31 PM2016-02-16T12:31:28-05:002016-02-16T12:31:28-05:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member1306517<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>6 more years!!!!!!!!!!! Lol.Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 12:45 PM2016-02-16T12:45:54-05:002016-02-16T12:45:54-05:00CSM Michael Poll1306581<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>as of 1 March 2016 I will retire, so I think I'll make a career of it!Response by CSM Michael Poll made Feb 16 at 2016 1:04 PM2016-02-16T13:04:28-05:002016-02-16T13:04:28-05:00SSG Warren Swan1306599<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Gents while thinking of this VERY important decision, remember this: EVERYONE will tell you that you ARE the future of the Army. If you don't believe that, then maybe it's time for a career change. All the CSM/SGM's out there are at the twilight of their careers. Many 1SG/MSG's are too. For all of them there's five SFC's waiting to take one of those 1SG/MSG slots, and three 1SG/MSG waiting to take that CSM/SGM slot. Out of all of that, YOU are still here taking those SFC slots. (My math isn't exact, just an example) Each of you who stick around are going to be rewriting the regs, using the common sense you claim many above you lack now, and make the Army us old timers (ok THOSE old timers, I'm not old) left one way better than ever. I'd hope that each and every one of you HE-ROES stay in. Fix what's not broken, rewrite regs that make sense, and make more uniform changes. Jokes aside, YOU are the future, and depending on your decisions it's going to look great with a leaner and more capable Army, or it'll be a bloated mess where everyone is out to stab the other in the back for promotions, longevity, or for the sheer hell of it. We've ALL seen this and know those Soldiers. Make the right decision gents. It might seem like it only affects you, but if I have to give up retirement to come back to PT formation, me not having my PT belt will be the least of your worries.Response by SSG Warren Swan made Feb 16 at 2016 1:09 PM2016-02-16T13:09:32-05:002016-02-16T13:09:32-05:00SGT Private RallyPoint Member1306610<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Going to make it a career. Been in over 16 years and reenlisted back in October for six more years. It'll be 22 when I'm done.Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 1:11 PM2016-02-16T13:11:51-05:002016-02-16T13:11:51-05:00SPC Private RallyPoint Member1306750<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Initially I planned a career in army health care. Medic to PA/NP .... But as I find myself now trying to recover back to my internal acceptable standards of soldiering. Surgery after surgery following my last deployment... I'm almost back to 100% will find out soon but I couple that with now being under a COC from top down (generally... We've some good leaders too) that I watch every day fail the other soldiers around me and myself ranging from complete disregard of soldiers, failure to prepare soldiers, failure to develop young... and that lust for a career here has fast disappeared. So I'll settle with the "I don't know"Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 1:46 PM2016-02-16T13:46:35-05:002016-02-16T13:46:35-05:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member1306775<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Career as long as I'm physically and mentally able to make a difference. When I can no longer lead train and motivate I will hang up my boots.Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 1:53 PM2016-02-16T13:53:43-05:002016-02-16T13:53:43-05:001LT Private RallyPoint Member1306804<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am putting in an OCS packet. If things don't work out, I will most likely get out and find a federal job. I love the enlisted side but I would like serve in another capacity.Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 1:58 PM2016-02-16T13:58:55-05:002016-02-16T13:58:55-05:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member1306866<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Even though I'm reserve, I'm going to finish my time. 1: cause this is what I want to do ; 2: it was my grandpa last conversation with me. 3: I want to become CSM of the reserves!!Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 2:18 PM2016-02-16T14:18:26-05:002016-02-16T14:18:26-05:00MSG Private RallyPoint Member1307184<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm guard and currently a Title 32 dual status tech so staying for now. I think this question really depends on what u want to do where u wanna be and how much time you have put in. Over 10 years? Stay why not finish the 20 and get what u can at retirement age. Under 10 did u get what u came for? College, life experiences, big bonus, or a skll? If u have less then 10 and met your expectations then go. Don't hold others up and u will start to resent it so yeah go. Not sure? Look in mirror find out what it is u want in life and go get it!Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 3:50 PM2016-02-16T15:50:47-05:002016-02-16T15:50:47-05:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member1307195<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>22 years in. I think I will make a career out of it.Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 3:52 PM2016-02-16T15:52:29-05:002016-02-16T15:52:29-05:00SGT Kyle Taylor1307485<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I got 11 years almost right now. Was looking to do my 20 but it sounds like the Docs are saying I am done.Response by SGT Kyle Taylor made Feb 16 at 2016 5:21 PM2016-02-16T17:21:43-05:002016-02-16T17:21:43-05:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member1307667<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Staying in as long as I can keep making rank and the Army wishes to keep me. I got out for five years and had a taste of the civilian life and it was bitter (recession years). Getting out again would be completely foolish on my part. Not getting any freaking younger and I need a damn retirement. I feel as though God guided me back into where I'm slotted to be. Just hope I don't let him down.Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 6:26 PM2016-02-16T18:26:11-05:002016-02-16T18:26:11-05:00CPT Mark Gonzalez1307815<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am getting out, but out of respect for those still serving there is no reason to belabor the reasons. All of us are at different points in our life and some of us have reached the point where we have given enough.Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Feb 16 at 2016 7:18 PM2016-02-16T19:18:56-05:002016-02-16T19:18:56-05:00SGT Private RallyPoint Member1307828<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I had to get out due to I reached 15 years but didn't make the cut for staff, but 15 years would be waist if I didn't push for retirement so I joined the reserves to finish my service to retire when I am forced to. That the best thing about the reserves you can continue to serve till age of 62.Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 7:23 PM2016-02-16T19:23:03-05:002016-02-16T19:23:03-05:00PO2 Private RallyPoint Member1307935<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just made 8 this month. I couldn't imagine getting out. I dont know if ill be reserve or active at the point of my 20 but Ill definitely still be in affiliation.Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 8:10 PM2016-02-16T20:10:44-05:002016-02-16T20:10:44-05:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member1308172<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Staying in brother. Last may swore in for the last time on an indef contract. I love the job, Soldiers and it keeps me young.Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 9:51 PM2016-02-16T21:51:27-05:002016-02-16T21:51:27-05:00SSG Private RallyPoint Member1308448<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm going in for the long haul, especially since I'm INDEF lol. Besides, with the time already invested, why not see high you can climb.Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 12:40 AM2016-02-17T00:40:00-05:002016-02-17T00:40:00-05:00SSG Private RallyPoint Member1308542<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am at a bit of a cross roads myself being at the 9yr mark. I was looking at wanting to get out but I got picked up as a DA select recruiter so by the time I get done with that ill be close to 14yrs in. At that point if I don't get a pink slip for some reason I might as well try to finish it out. I'll likely reclass as a recruiter or maybe move to being a retention NCO.Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 2:16 AM2016-02-17T02:16:30-05:002016-02-17T02:16:30-05:00SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member1308725<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Well until you find me a job that pays to train me in my job field, allow me to switch sections, make it mandatory to receive leadership training, tell me to travel the world (and get paid for it), and not only allows me to help others but requires it no. I love being in the army. I might later on choose a different field but I love being in the armyResponse by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 7:47 AM2016-02-17T07:47:52-05:002016-02-17T07:47:52-05:00SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member1308878<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>when I first joined I wasn't sure how long I wanted to be in, I figured I would just do one enlistment and be done. I am now on my second enlistment and I do not think I could imagine life without the military in it. I love being a soldier as well as having the opportunity to lead soldiers.Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 9:09 AM2016-02-17T09:09:37-05:002016-02-17T09:09:37-05:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member1309236<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I plan on staying in for 20+. We shall see what happens. Times have changed and it's getting harder to tolerate.Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 10:58 AM2016-02-17T10:58:41-05:002016-02-17T10:58:41-05:00SPC Private RallyPoint Member1310123<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was actually trying to make it a career and was fast tracking my way up and was scheduled to go to the board and WLC (BLC now), and then I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and have been fighting to get it under control for over a year, fighting off going to a MEB. <br />Sad to say the doctors aren't able to get it controlled and now I'm forced into a MEB. I'm currently trying to secure a slot in the NG but it's all based on the MEB findings if that will even be possible. I don't really want to reclass because I love the Infantry but if I can't lead by example then I'm not being fair to myself or other soldiers. Any advice I can get from anyone would be helpful and greatly appreciated.Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 3:28 PM2016-02-17T15:28:44-05:002016-02-17T15:28:44-05:00SPC Private RallyPoint Member1312184<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am making a life out of this. I have laid out a very extensive plan and I have a great many goals for my life that all revolve around the Army. I refuse to accept anything less than the very best.Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 1:14 PM2016-02-18T13:14:23-05:002016-02-18T13:14:23-05:00SSG Ronald Colwell1313403<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I made a career 22+, I never understood why some would ETS at 15 or so years, if you stay that long a few more wouldn't hurt, retirement pay would help. So I see it as giving away free money that you earnedResponse by SSG Ronald Colwell made Feb 18 at 2016 8:59 PM2016-02-18T20:59:08-05:002016-02-18T20:59:08-05:00SFC Private RallyPoint Member1337911<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Most definitely staying in, I still love the job just like I did when I first joined. It doesn't hurt that at the end of my current contract that I'll have been in for 12 years so whats 8 more till I get the check?Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2016 10:07 AM2016-02-28T10:07:34-05:002016-02-28T10:07:34-05:00SGT Robert Cupp1342266<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>12 years in. I figure I'll just do it until they tell me I can't do it anymore.Response by SGT Robert Cupp made Feb 29 at 2016 10:10 PM2016-02-29T22:10:06-05:002016-02-29T22:10:06-05:00SSG (ret) William Martin1342380<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The Army has me employed until Oct 2020 after I reenlisted indefinite. I could stay longer if I am promoted to SFC, but I am mission complete at 2020. I am going to retire.Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Feb 29 at 2016 10:48 PM2016-02-29T22:48:35-05:002016-02-29T22:48:35-05:00SSG Private RallyPoint Member1525065<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Well since I am already indef, staying in is my answer. At some points in time I question my choice to stay is as I see the military changing so fast that it can't keep up. The fast changes in policy and how we soldier from day to day leaves me to wonder what kind of military are we becoming. But regardless of the changes I choose to stay in to offer my expertise and knowledge and sense of "old school" mentality to those that are under me. I fear with the traits of upcoming young NCO's and the work ethic and mentality of those younger than me that not all soldiers are going to get that quality training that is owed to them by leaders. It far and few that I see a good up and coming nco that can carry the flame that I leave behind and that I'm proud to call a great and outstanding nco. I just hope that when it's time to hang my hat up I will have someone as qualified as myself to take the reigns.Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 12:14 AM2016-05-13T00:14:10-04:002016-05-13T00:14:10-04:00SGT Ruben Lozada8278712<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Good afternoon <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="782572" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/782572-11b-infantryman-c-co-1-297-in">SSG Private RallyPoint Member</a>. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this. It wasn't easy for Me, but I decided to make it a career and retired at 20 years.Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made May 12 at 2023 4:48 PM2023-05-12T16:48:05-04:002023-05-12T16:48:05-04:002016-02-16T10:49:54-05:00