Is it worth going back on active duty now that I'm older, married, and more mature?

I had a 9 year break in service. I joined when I was 17, did 6 years on active duty. I discussed with my wife what WOULD happen (deployments, injury) I thought it was worth it. I missed the comradery, the cool shit we used to do. She was supportive. It takes somebody special to be a military spouse. If your relationship is strong, and you are both brutally honest with each other it is well worth it IMO. Results may vary. Search your soul and make sure this what you truly want. If there are children involved it can impact them as well.

A caveat to the above. Dont sugar coat your job, you deployments. The brutally honesty I was talking about was to ensure she knows (for the most part, and can what be told due to OPSEC) Explain to your spouse that you may be limited what you can talk about with, but that you'll be as forthcoming as you can. The more information you provide the easier it will be for both of you. Have your spouse join a support group with other spouses. If your spouse needs to talk to somebody, my wife said she was willing to help out anyway she could. Best of luck to you brother!

I was in the same boat as you. Reserve for 8 years, hated it. Got out, had a 3 year break in service. I re-enlisted Active in June and now I’m back at school for an MOS that will have major civilian side benefits. Like you I have a family and am older. It’s definitely been worth it for me.

The reserve components arent for everyone and ive seen many a young Soldier lose motivation over slow OPTEMPOs. When they get back they miss the structure of training, the paycheck, and the benefits. Its hard to say the grass is greener on the other side without knowing what pushed you out of the guard. Just keep in mind that units are made and broken by their command teams and your experience will also be impacted by your mentality. As a junior medic look forward to doing your job whether it be in a clinic, field hospital, or line unit. It all depends on what your end game is, active duty comes with the perks of giving you experience and access to the post 911 gi bill after service as well as a myriad of other opportunities.