Have you really thought about the practical advantages of staying until eligible for retirement?

LTC David Howard — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 09:26:43 -0500

When I entered active service I was fulfilling an obligation I incurred from ROTC. My intention was to serve what I had to, then return to the civilian world. But I found a sense of purpose and meaning in my service. Even though I was a very small cog in a very big wheel it was a wheel that was truly important and of inestimable value to our nation. I stayed on active duty for 24 years and retired when I had to face the reality that the military is truly a young person's field, and it was time for me to move on to a second career. At the time I thought only a bit about the practical value of staying for 20+, primarily the pension and the health care benefits. I have been retired from the Army now for far longer than the time that I served. The military pension has been the foundation of my retirement income, and along with savings and Social Security has allowed me to live a good life as a senior citizen. The health care benefits for myself and my wife have been in many ways even more important than the pension. We are in a very rare status of people that truly do not have to worry about health care costs. I have been through quadruple bypass surgery, the removal of a kidney, replacement of both knees, and have had two extremely expensive corneal surgeries to correct a genetic condition of my eyes that would have blinded me. So while I never gave these benefits much thought while on active duty, the decision to stay until eligible for military retirement turns out to have been one of the very best decisions I ever made in my life, in addition to marrying the greatest woman ever and still being with her 53 years later!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2019 10:37 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 10:37:11 -0500

I've met folks who at every GMT, every PRT, every drill that they do remind themselves "TRICARE. TRICARE. TRICARE."
Not saying that's the only reason to serve. But on days when you need a little motivation to keep going for yourself or for the family, it sure does work!
Thanks for the wisdom sir!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 17 at 2019 11:41 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 11:41:28 -0500

People tend to look down on Soldiers who "joined for the money", but personally, I prefer Soldiers who are in it for the money. If you enlist for money, it's guaranteed you're getting it. Each paycheck is an affirmation of your decision.

People who enlist for lofty ideals like patriotism, hooah, or whatever else may or may not find whatever intangible they're looking for.

They're more likely to be disappointed by incompetence, poor leadership, illogical decision making, etc.. and later on a problem Soldier. The Money Soldier doesn't care much, he's getting his paycheck. His expectations are met. He's happy. Few things produce poor Soldiers more than disillusionment.

People joining for lofty ideals are very likely to be disappointed. Given how low retention rates are, I think it's safe to say most enlistees are..

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2019 3:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 15:39:11 -0500

I might note, even if you go into the reserves and finish the 20 years you get the health care at age 60 and in this day when corporations are cutting retirement health care,not a bad deal to have it as a back up.