Should I stay in or get out?

2016-05-19T10:38:23-04:00

Sometimes I feel as if the military was not designed for people to succeed. I have been in 10 years, made Staff Sergeant by 23 and have been stagnant the last 4 years because previous commands have not been able to send me to my NCOES but I've been on every wait list. I have a Masters, that I paid for not the Army, but cannot seem to get a 110 on the ASVAB. I feel unappreciated for my hard work.

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made May 19 at 2016 11:16 AM

2016-05-19T11:16:23-04:00

I've known a LOT of prior military who 1. Did not have a plan and a job waiting for them by the time of their separation date and 2. Absolutely regretted not getting their 20 years to earn their retirement pay. There's a LOT to be said about getting paid 50%+ of your base salary for the rest of your life. Ultimately, you should do what makes you happy but always know (like another poster said), things are cyclical in the military. I've suffered through some lows in the military and some of the best times I'll never forget (and in the strangest places).

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 19 at 2016 11:16 AM

2016-05-19T11:16:41-04:00

What is your MOS? Is it one which has very few above SSG? What other MOs's have you trained in or gained significant experience in? If you could transferred to an MOS or position where you could use your Master degree knowledge would that interest you? Is it possible?
Does your graduate level work fit better with another service?
SSG Private RallyPoint Member do you have trustworthy career counselors that you can discuss this with?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 19 at 2016 11:17 AM

2016-05-19T11:17:57-04:00

I only have 2 questions, Are you Good at what you do in the Military? Do you enjoy what you do in the Military? If the answer to both is yes, stay in, if not, You might want to get out.

Response by SGT David T. made May 19 at 2016 11:22 AM

2016-05-19T11:22:57-04:00

A lot of folks will tell you to stay in. You have a Master's degree and a great deal of experience so you can find employment on the outside. If you look for a job as a Federal Civilian, you should have a good chance of landing a Civil Service job. As far as private sector stuff goes, I cannot say as I have never worked there. At the end of the day you need to evaluate what is best for you and your family. There are a lot of opportunities in the civilian world, but it isn't easy. The civilian world is harsh and unforgiving. If you have the drive and the determination you can be quite successful outside of the service.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 19 at 2016 12:08 PM

2016-05-19T12:08:57-04:00

Keep your head up and apply for OCS.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2016 12:12 PM

2016-05-19T12:12:03-04:00

Maybe stagnant is a bad word for your situation. You don't just get promoted to SFC, you gain experience until you're prepared to take on the next level of responsibility. And that's hopefully what you've been doing these past 4 years, gaining experience.

As for NCOES, speak to your schools NCO and contact your branch manager. Have you completed the pre-requisite SSD?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2016 12:18 PM

2016-05-19T12:18:28-04:00

SSG Collins, what is your MOS? Are you AD or Reserve? What are your career goals? Lots of questions you need to ask yourself and decisions to make. The Army is absolutely set up for soldiers to succeed, but never with ease. That requires you to do what you need to like change commands, and sometimes MOS. I cannot really address your issues without some info.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2016 12:57 PM

2016-05-19T12:57:31-04:00

At this current period in time, you're best bet is to stay in; stay active. I wished I did stay active but I made my bed and now I'm fighting to get Active again.

You say you are "sitting around stagnant". Are you not getting enough work to keep you busy? You have a masters, why not try for a doctorate? Think about going to officer if you aren't "satisfied" (I use that term loosely) or serve in a different branch. Look at programs available for someone in your position both with rank and situation. Always, Always, Always use your resources to cover your six.

Response by SFC Joseph McCausland made May 19 at 2016 1:01 PM

2016-05-19T13:01:58-04:00

I am assuming you are referring to a GT score of 110 on the ASVAB, which would be one of the qualification you would need to submit an "Officer's Packet" if that was your intention.
There are several books available which can help you increase your GT score. Look for which academic skills comprise your GT score and concentrate on those. Surely, if you have achieved a Master's, you can get a GT of 110.
Best of Luck

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2016 3:13 PM

2016-05-19T15:13:21-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member If you like what you are doing, stick it out. The military is like any civilian job - there are going to be low and high periods. Only you and your family can decide whether to stay or get out. I see that you are in the Army Reserve, Are you also working a civilian job in addition to your Reserve duties?

Response by BG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2016 7:10 PM

2016-05-19T19:10:26-04:00

SSG Collins - With the change to STEP on 1 Jan., NCOES slots are not adequate to handle the need. We have all of the NCOs who were already promoted that need their school plus we have all of those who need it in order to get boarded. Will be a little while before this backlog gets worked off. Have your CSM keep complaining about school slots, that's the best way to get results.

Response by Sgt Tammy Wallace made May 19 at 2016 7:35 PM

2016-05-19T19:35:35-04:00

stay in...I regret getting out...every single day...

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2016 12:45 AM

2016-05-20T00:45:11-04:00

The grass is always greener where you water it.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made May 20 at 2016 8:53 AM

2016-05-20T08:53:27-04:00

SSG Collins: I have served 32 years in the military and I was enlisted for 22 years, it took me three times to take the ASVAB and score a 110. I went from SSG to WO1 and CW2 to 2LT CC and now at the end of my career, I have three masters and I am working on 42 credits towards my PhD. Keep plowing the ground, keep planting the seeds, and in time you will reach the benefits of your harvest.