Separate early or Retire?

2014-06-17T08:55:02-04:00

I have posted this basic topic on other social media that has targeted veterans groups but I also want to post it here since this will reach a broader audience. If you have not reached retirement yet and are trying to decide to separate or retire, by all means go to retirement. If nothing else when you are able leave active duty and go guard or reserve. In 1992 the military was drawing down and we were offered an early out/buy out, I took the bait. For 20 of the past 21 years I have regretted that decision. During that time I had a family to support and a career to build and the next thing a new 21 years had passed. Shortly after my 51st birthday it hit me hard the mistake I made and I tried to join the Air National Guard but I was 3 months to late. I have a huge void in my life caused by getting out early and unintentionally I waited too late to be able to fill that void. From my experience I encourage anyone sitting the fence to stay in. I know retirement is not for everyone so this is for those who are uncertain. Please don't make the same mistake I made, you will regret it.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 17 at 2014 9:12 AM

2014-06-17T09:12:20-04:00

If after 10, definitely stay in. So far the benefits for a NG/USAR retirement package even with the wait factor (14+ years and counting) is worth it, IMHO. Just having Tricare available to me was a big deal when I lost my job - much less expensive and covers more than COBRA.

If before or at 10, I think you have to ask yourself how much you like it for it to be worth it. I was at the 12 year mark for my fist NG deployment in 2002 and knew, beyond a doubt, there'd be at least one more before hitting 20. Bottom line, do your home work, talk to your significant other and make an informed decision based on your stage in life. Don't jump w/o a parachute.

I can sympathize with you SSgt Clark. I remember that time period. Even West Point officers were being given early out options - and taking them - having not met their originally mandatory obligation. It can be a tough choice.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 17 at 2014 9:24 AM

2014-06-17T09:24:38-04:00

Hindsight is indeed 20/20. Sorry to hear of your plight, but thank you for sharing your story. Many have struggled with this decision in the past, and may more are currently facing or will face the same decision in the future. Hopefully your shared experience will assist them in their own decisions.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 17 at 2014 9:50 AM

2014-06-17T09:50:40-04:00

For me it was never really a question but if I could do things over I would have waited longer to retire. I think USAR/NG is a great option if you are leaving AD, but you have to do what is right for you.

You made the right choice for you at the time. I can understand where a 51 year old SSgt might have lost some value to the Air Guard...so a note to some, it does not always pay to wait.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 17 at 2014 10:50 AM

2014-06-17T10:50:37-04:00

SSgt Clark, I know your feeling (to some degree). I too separated from USMC in '91 then went to reserves for 2. I got out of reserves because nobody wanted to hire you as a cop if you were in USMCR.

I stayed out 6 years before going back in. One of my best decisions. It was tough coming back in, but was worth it.

I try and talk with all recently separated Vets I meet and tell them of the great and wonderful creature known as the Air National Guard. Have gotten a few back, but reserves/guard is not for everyone-it is tough on your full time job. And anyone who thinks that it is one weekend a month and 2 weeks in summer is in for a painfully large surprise.

But it is worth it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 12:37 PM

2014-06-17T12:37:34-04:00

I recent went through a TAP (Transition Assistance Program) class at my local AFB, ACAP (Army Career Alumin Program) for Army folk. When I attended the initial TAP brief, there was about 15 of us, of which 3 of us, myself included were going to actually retire. The rest were just completing their initial contract and ETSing and the others were given their 'pink slips'. Now there was a couple of service members that got into trouble and were being discharged and some were being let go due to the downsizing. When I got the actual 5 day mandatory class 2 weeks later, our initial 15 grew to a group of 55. On the first day of class, I asked how many explored the option of going to the Reserves or Guard, only a couple raised there hands.

If you are faced with a involuntary/voluntary separation, do explore your options, there are many opportunities in the Reserves or Guard. Keep in mind, you have to be willing to change your MOS/AFSC/Rating, be flexible, be open minded. Also there could be federal GS/WG grade job positions or AGR opportunities that may be available to you.

Also, if you have six years of active duty service, you may be given severance pay. But keep this in mind, should you ever have to file a VA claim for a service connected injury/illness that occurred while on active duty, you can't receive any money for that disability until that severance pay is paid back to the gov't.

If you do have to get out, look at all your options, review your benefits, things get a lot harder to change once your out.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Jun 17 at 2014 1:20 PM

2014-06-17T13:20:58-04:00

Retire if at all possible.Unless you have a plan with a career waiting stay in and retire. Even after retiring being an 11D, 11D combat arms person Had very little open. Even with the 76P background help some but I finally went back to building and own my own business. That is my 2 cents for what it is worth.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jun 18 at 2014 10:52 PM

2014-06-18T22:52:57-04:00

ETS but dont be forgotten...get in the Guards or Reserves; go to school option or work for public school system, or government agencies...

I dont know about other States but here in MN, the Guards and Reserve duty is tops and those selectees can work as a DoD Civilian, wage grades, and general service. Promotions in this state are good if going that direction.

Consider being a ROTC Instructor at a local participating college while getting a degree.

Check out your own State.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Aug 28 at 2014 8:06 PM

2014-08-28T20:06:20-04:00

I'm too close to retirement now. I always wanted to retire from the military and then retire from another job somewhere in the civilian world.

Response by MSgt Bj Jones made Dec 6 at 2014 1:06 AM

2014-12-06T01:06:51-05:00

I agree. If you can hold out till 20 at least and retire, then do so. My dad (a career Navy man) urged me to do my 20 and retire because of the benefits. He was right. As a retiree, I get to take advantage of military discounts, and as a disabled Veteran with two paychecks (retiree and VA), I get some additional perks not available to those who didn't retire and get VA disability. My husband is also a retiree, and even without his pay, if I had to, I could make it on just my pay alone. Not only that, but if you work it right, you can save up and invest while serving and build a nice nest egg for when you do retire via TSP, Savings Bonds, online Stock firms (like Sharebuilder or E-Trade), etc.