I am trying to decide if I want to re-up or get out or go Guard. What was your experience?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 23:11:19 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2020 11:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 23:15:01 -0400

What’s beat for you depends on your circumstances. If you want applicable information you’ll have to let us know what your plans, goals and intentions are. Both routes offer incredible opportunities and incredible head aches, depending on your needs and life circumstances

Response by SSG Brian G. made Sep 18 at 2020 11:35 PM

SSG Brian G. — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 23:35:16 -0400

That is going to depend a lot on you and your goals in life. I have seen a lot who get out and regret it after they do and go back in but find that they have lost ground in that "out" period. Evaluate where you are, and where you want to be in ten years. How is your continuing education? Are you competitive if you get out and go into the civil work force? You have two lanes in front of you, both offer possibilities and headaches.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2020 12:12 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 00:12:30 -0400

I have found that combat arms Soldiers don't always enjoy the much slower OPTEMPO that guard and reserve units have. To be blunt, they become bored with the activities (or lack of) in part time forces.

Response by SFC Steven Borders made Sep 19 at 2020 1:05 AM

SFC Steven Borders — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 01:05:35 -0400

I battled that issue when I left active duty. I went back and forth and really it comes down to you. What do you feel, do you feel you have more to contribute to the Army? Do you feel you want to pick up the E5 and make a difference in your soldiers lives? I left active thinking I could not leave those stripes, I felt I had so much more to contribute. The Army is what you make of it, and if you are willing to put in the work so many opportunities lay before you. Just know its up to you to make that decision and you alone. I wish you the best SPC Private RallyPoint Member in whatever you decide.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2020 7:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 07:00:01 -0400

Re up or go guard, keep that tricare if possible. Depending on the state blue cross or other health care insurance is is expensive, I have basic blue cross of Michigan and it’s $175 a paycheck and my wife and I don’t smoke.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2020 8:49 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 08:49:15 -0400

Stay in... the Guard is great, but only if you can not serve active. If active was an option for me... I would have never went guard when I re-enlisted. Not sure what your education level is, but the civilian side of life if expensive and difficult right now unless you are well established. Best of luck!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2020 1:06 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 13:06:35 -0400

Like many I regret leaving active duty and wish I would have stayed active. But I do not regret at least staying in the Reserve or Guard. I will be retiring from my civilian job at 60. And that is due to me finishing my career in the military and having my benefits of that service. Ultimately it comes down to what is best for you. I would strongly recommend considering the Reserve or Guard if you choose to leave active duty and finish your career. Best of luck.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Sep 19 at 2020 1:09 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 13:09:29 -0400

In my 20's I did not really understand the mission came first. If I could do it over again, I would take the offer to go Officer training and try and make 30yrs. If you come out, make sure you are ready to be compassionate and sensitive to these civilian pukes. Or else SPC.

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Sep 19 at 2020 1:26 PM

SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 13:26:55 -0400

Ask yourself these questions:
1. Are you in the military because of the uniform?
2. Are you in because you want to serve in the best military in the world that prides itself in servicemen and women has a high moral value while disciplined enough to follow orders?
3. Are you going to miss this sh**?
4. Do you have a concrete plan of what you want to do after getting out? Not that, "I'm going to college and it will be great," because it's not.
5. Who are you? What the military has taught you who you are not you thought you are.
6. Have you done all that you want to do when you signed up for the service?
7. Aren't you going to miss this sh**?
8. What other things that you want to be when you grow up?
9. Seriously, aren't you going to miss this sh**?

Good luck. May fortune have mercy on your soul.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Sep 19 at 2020 7:57 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 19:57:46 -0400

I've done all three; Regular Army, Army Reserves, and Army National Guard, with no break in service. Now a days, ALL three will deploy, and all three DO train to deploy. All three components supplements each other to enhance our military forces...I don't think you can go wrong with any of the components, if you're serious about your career.