Has anyone gotten out around that halfway mark and regretted it? Do you have any advice, tips, or constructive criticism?

Just a few things to consider before making a hard decision... I have two friends who got out around their 10-11 year mark. One absolutely loves the choice and never looked back. The other regrets it daily and wishes he had stayed in.

Best advice I can offer is to consider what is best for YOU and your family. If having a more stable home life, time with the children, career change, etc appears to be the best, then I would say pull the eject handle and enjoy the ride. You also mentioned possibly becoming a police officer. From personal experience, if that is what you have your heart set on, it's probably best to punch out now to pursue that career option. I tried at 38yo after retiring from active duty but every department I spoke with told me I was beyond their 35yo cut off line and none offered age exemptions for military.

Staying to retirement has its advantages as well. It's a guaranteed check every month plus you'll have access to TRICARE health insurance (such as it is). If you do go the Drill SGT route, that also could open up more opportunities down the road. The added experience as a supervisor/manager will often be looked upon favorably by potential employers.

I got out at six years, was out for six and went back active. When I hit 10 years, I faced a med-board and fought to stay in so I could finish my 20 years and then retire. Staying in tradoc for 10 years will be a hard feat to achieve, especially as a 19D. Going drill will never "hurt" your career if you are planning to stay NCO. That little badge will always be a separator on senior NCO boards. In the end, if getting out is the best choice for you and your family, get out and make the best of your life. When you look at the financials, make sure you compare things equally. Don't just look at base pay vs entry level pay for PD, but factor in all those things you get such as BAH and BAS. Those increase your standard of living but are sometimes left out of pay comparisons. Good luck to you!

I finished up drill sergeant duty in early 1991 as Desert/Shield-Storm was wrapping up. Three months later, I was selected for recruiting and was in a station in September 1991. Drill Sgt duty was great but recruiting was horrible for me. I didn’t have the “personality” and I wasn’t in a “walk-in” station. Anyway, I was at the 11-12 year point in my career at the time and hated recruiting so much that I tried to take the early out twice but was denied each time. When I left recruiting, I came out on the SFC list so I’m glad I didn’t get out. I was a 44B/44E (metalworker/machinist). I retired in 2000 with 20 years and 1 day due to the financial aspects of half my base pay was mine whether I went to work the next day or not. Since retiring at 38, I was young enough to go to college and eventually obtain a masters degree and am closely approaching the end of a second career (2-5 years) with another good retirement. So, one a month for the last 21.5 years, I get a nice reminder from the Army that has increased substantially over the years thanks to COLAs.

Just think through all the reasons to stay in with the retirement starting at a young age. If you get a really good opportunity soon that you can hang your hat on and sleep well at nights, do what’s best for you and your family.