I could really use immediate advice: Drill, Recruiting, Instructing, Re-class or ETS & become a Federal Employee.

2015-10-23T01:01:43-04:00

Sit rep
o 11B, 7.5 yrs TIS
o On station 3 years, almost finished w/ rated SL time in current unit.
o Two 18y/o children-Still (somewhat) relying on wife and I as they transition out on their own.
o One 16y/o EFMP-Who I take to see his mother 4 hours away; currently on track w/ IEP at school and AMC.
o Wife-Currently employed w/ DOD contractor, making good/steady income.
o Ill mother in-law, family and entire support system 4 hours away.
o Body is breaking down, sleep deprived w/ sleep apnea and I long for the time when the kids are out of the house when I can go to sleep by 21:00..
o Retirement-do 13+/- years and get full AD retirement or ETS, become a federal employee, buy back my time and retire through an agency. 20+/- years later (but with 28yrs federal service).
o I love the Army and want to continue serving as long as I am physically able to.
o Considered re-classing into a feeder MOS, becoming SME and becoming WO.

In my field, Drill is best for career progression. It would be long but rewarding hours. I love training Soldiers, there would be plenty of schools to attend and I'd keep my edge as an Infantryman. Drawback: wife doesn't support the idea and for good reason: It places my family in a state of hardship in our current situation. Three years from now, it would be a no-brainer.
Considered NCOES Instructor. There's a WLC on post. This would stabilize my family up through my youngest graduating HS and leaving the house. Drawback: it seems as though it doesn't look as good compared to DS or Recruiter. Most PSG's, 1SG's & CSM's (that I've seen) in the Infantry have either been DS's or Recruiters...
Considered Recruiting to give my body a break. I'd become very familiar with the process and could offer valuable insight in the event my children decided to join; ultimately setting them up for potentially life-long success. Drawback: being away from home, instability for the family and loosing my edge in my MOS.
Considered re-classing into either an application MOS or Cyber. Something that would be a feeder for WO. Drawback: at this time, it would be an 18 (SF) or 17(Cyber) series. 18's the course is long and just as physically demanding. 17 series the door has closed (for time being). Re-classing now increases my chances of making the long transition.
AND the kicker: I was researching my options this week. Turns out, my CSM has requested HRC put me on assignment. Today I was notified of my report date for Drill in Feb. Talked to Branch today, they said I'm not on assignment and that they can't put me on orders because my EFMP is not current (though I have a slip stating May2015, but that's a different topic). So that buys me a little time, I guess..
I apologize for such a long post. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Oct 23 at 2015 7:12 AM

2015-10-23T07:12:27-04:00

Are you prepared for the transition to become a civilian? I suggest you pursue that route, which would stabilize you, your child throughout high school, keep relatively close to the family member(s)with illness and gives you the stability you might be after. Your next step is to go the to Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program Center. Get the training and you will know for sure what is best for you and your family.
I wont even get into the options of a two year tour of duty as a DS on your own if the family is set at staying where they are because many times it leads to relationship challenges, which is about the worst thing to have while on the trail....please let us know what the SFL-TAP center offers you.

Response by SSgt James Howerton made Oct 23 at 2015 9:34 AM

2015-10-23T09:34:14-04:00

I don't know what a lot of the Army acronyms you use mean. Personally, I'd pick Drill Instructor. If I had been able to remain on AD, I would have applied for it. But I can't speak to a situation that I'm not involved in. Sorry, SSG. I wish I could be of more assistance. Good luck whatever you decide.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-10-23T10:36:58-04:00

It sounds like a big situation that not many people are qualified to assist you on. I can give you some insight on Recruiting since Im on that right now. There is minimal time away from home. Recruiting Course is 7 weeks long. My office is open from 9-5. Yes, there are times where I get up early and come home late, but that is the nature of the beast. There is alot of autonomy, you are as successful as you make yourself. My family life is stable, my wife is using my post 9-11 to finish her Bachelors and Im also doing school. You have the option to go full time Recruiting if you like it. My chain of command support my extension so my wife could graduate. You have alot to think about but wanted to give you some insight. Message me if you have more questions

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 11:28 AM

2015-10-23T11:28:57-04:00

Hmm. One way I see you could have your cake and eat it too is switching to a reserve drill sergeant unit and take the federal employee job. You are still in the army and have a chance to train soldiers. You still have the career progression. You still have a great job that pays well. And then you always have the option of jumping back into active duty. Biggest plus here-no break in service so you maintain your years towards retirement. The disadvantage is if you don't retire as active duty you will have to wait longer for your pension. I'm reserve Drill Sergeant and I know we could use someone with your experience as an 11B. They are always needing more drill sergeants, reserve or active alike. Just a thought. Wish you the best brother.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Oct 23 at 2015 1:05 PM

2015-10-23T13:05:07-04:00

I say consult the magic 8 ball and go from there! No, just kidding, I realize that this is a serious question. There are advantages and disadvantages of each option, in the end, it will come to what decision is best for you and your family. I wish you all of the best and pray your decision is the best for you and your family.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 23 at 2015 1:19 PM

2015-10-23T13:19:37-04:00

Staff, the CSM said it best, but in the mean time, I'd make a Pros and Cons list, fill it out and be honest with yourself. Hold NOTHING BACK. Once you've written down everything you can think of, read it to yourself out loud and see if it makes sense to you. Revise as required. When you "think" you have it figured out, bring the wife into it. Show her what you've come up with and have her give input to the list. Have her repeat everything you did and once that's done. Sleep on it and discuss it together one more time with a clear mind. I'd hate to see you make this heavy decision quickly and hate yourself for it later, even if your family's "happy". I forgot to add in that list make "short and long term goals". You can get out and think you're going to make a lot of money just to find out that a lot of that money's taken back through taxes, or fee's. I know a few 120K a year Soldiers who got out and once taxes, rent, food, misc bills and fees came out, they're actually making dollar for dollar LESS than they were while serving.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 23 at 2015 3:36 PM

2015-10-23T15:36:04-04:00

Be creative about the federal jobs search. Take a look at all the federal agencies.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 4:35 PM

2015-10-23T16:35:40-04:00

I like being a recruiter. I converted to 79R because I enjoy it. I didn't convert for rank, I truly enjoy the job. It has ups and downs just like any other job.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 3:51 PM

2015-10-24T15:51:36-04:00

It seems you have a few issues that you've mentioned that lead me to offer this suggestion:

Think of transitioning to Active Guard. There are several jobs out there in the Guard that will keep you stabilized so you can actively serve but stay in place. Also, think of Battle Staff or Digital Master Gunner. Both of these require (most units) to stay in the current BCT if they send you to school.

These are "broadening assignments" after you complete your SL time. While serving in these positions, try to compete for Audie Murphy and NCO of the Year. This way you can serve at your current assignment and show progression while working in a greater capacity. Served 14yrs. as an 11M/11B before going to OCS - FYI.

I did the DS assignment but it will require you to basically be deployed at home due to the long hours. Remember, there always is a price to pay no matter what choice you make. Since you have a child that is EFMP, do you have a job that would medically provide you the support for your family? Just asking.

Good luck, wish you the best in your career and life.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-10-25T12:15:16-04:00

I feel that in your case going on the trail may exacerbate your situation. I felt the trail was one of the most rewarding thing I did but I had little time for my family or sleep. I would do what's best for your family at the moment because they are going to be what's left when the Army is gone. Becoming a WLC SGL is still a good option and would still be a broading assignment.

Response by SSG Keith Fosmire made Nov 19 at 2015 6:55 AM

2015-11-19T06:55:49-05:00

I was left with the choice between drill or recruiter. I only wanted to be on the line, so I gave the one finger salute and I am now finishing my degree in Software Engineering. I miss the infantry, I don't miss the military.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 9:04 PM

2015-12-05T21:04:07-05:00

I re-enlisted for Drill. Thank you all for your input.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 3:43 PM

2015-12-28T15:43:55-05:00

I'm a drill sergeant in the Army Reserves and I work for DOD. I get the best of both worlds. I chose drill sergeant because it was outside of my comfort zone and I figured it would be the most rewarding. I was right. It's making me a better NCO. I'm not going to lie, being a drill sergeant is FUN. You get to be out front leading from day 1. You also get to work along side other great NCO's. I've learned a lot since going to the Drill Sergeant Academy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2016 3:43 PM

2016-04-04T15:43:00-04:00

I'm an Army Reserve drill sergeant and I work for DFAS.