To those who have made the armed forces a "career", what is it that keeps you going and attacking your day-to-day job, versus ETSing?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 23:56:06 -0400

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 12:25 AM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 00:25:04 -0400

I enjoy the environment and training new people. I learn new things all the time. I have a lot of opportunities and can move around as to mitigate boredom. Honestly, my quality of life and the amount of sh*t I get away with is a lot better in the military than in a civilian job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 1:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 01:31:15 -0400

I'm not always eager to still be in (although I'm indef), but I always try to find the passion I once had that always made me want to keep reenlisting. Not always an easy task but it's definitely out there for finding when I lose it. Could be the joy of training, educating, or mentoring my younger Soldiers. Or, could be the comradery between fellow battle buddies that's hold things together when the smoke gets thick. Everybody has their own reasons, but those are two big ones for me. Retiring at 39 is definitely sweet icing on the cake though

Response by 1SG David Niles made Sep 21 at 2016 2:27 AM

1SG David Niles — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 02:27:33 -0400

The new adventure and the next duty assignment

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 21 at 2016 3:01 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 03:01:56 -0400

Ken, this career sells itself, brother. Awwwww yeah.
http://youtu.be/DxfwEk4ItIw

Family Guy US Army recruiting video

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 4:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 04:57:08 -0400

A lot of my soldiers (and fellow NCOs) asked me the same question at some point. Having worked on both sides of the fence, I can honestly say that I am much happier in than out. When I worked as a civilian, I was working for money. I wasn't doing bad, but the only thing that got me out of bed for work was knowing that I would lose that money if I didn't go to work. In the military, on the other hand, I've found a better reason to get up. Some days it's the mission that drives me while other days it's my soldiers. It's not glamorous or deeply spiritual or bombastically patriotic. It's a sense of purpose that I didn't get on the outside. Ultimately, everyone that's reenlisted has thought about Not reenlisting. It's a choice each individual makes by weighing expectations against outcomes. Hope that gives you something to think about and an alternate perspective.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Sep 21 at 2016 6:40 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 06:40:03 -0400

I never had to worry about what to wear to "work".

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 7:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 07:49:17 -0400

I originally joined because I love the USA, and wanted to do my duty. I still feel that way, but I've also garnered other reasons. Chief among them is the caliber of people you can and will meet at different duty stations. Sometimes that caliber is so great that you think, "How is this person a human being? He's a freaking superhero." And other times that caliber is so low you think, " There can't be anyone stupider than this." But there always is...there is always some more stupid.

Response by MSgt Lionel (Leo) Rondeau made Sep 21 at 2016 7:56 AM

MSgt Lionel (Leo) Rondeau — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 07:56:20 -0400

I kept going as long as I enjoyed it and the frustration of the politics and other BS didn't outweigh the fun. After almost 21 years it got to be too much and I had to step away. I loved every minute but at a certain point I had to say enough was enough and I needed to do something new.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 7:59 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 07:59:10 -0400

I was going for 30, but, the times were such that it became unfeasible. I loved the Air Force.

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 21 at 2016 8:03 AM

SGT David T. — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 08:03:19 -0400

Several of the others explained the why they stay, so I'll do the opposite and explain why I left. I ETSed with 9 years in. My career was plateaued, I wasn't having fun anymore and the OPTEMPO was not at all amusing. So I figured I would roll the dice in the civilian world. After some initial set backs of not finding a job, I decided to go to college. I got my degree and two months after that, I got a Federal job. I have been a Federal employee ever since. I went from GS-05 to GS-12 in just under 6 years. So in my case it worked out. You have to look at what works for you and your family.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 8:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 08:11:10 -0400

in my case, earning that paycheck to support a family. its what I know best and I should start already preparing myself for the transition to civilian sector.

Response by 1SG Billye Jackson made Sep 21 at 2016 8:59 AM

1SG Billye Jackson — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 08:59:39 -0400

I Loved It, I had an almost 3 year brake in 72 to 75 and I was Miserable. I got up every Hating that I was going to work. Wife told me one Night if I missed it that Much, Go Back In. I was back in Uniform 2 weeks Later. She never heard me complain about having to go to Work Again. Even on worst days I was up and going before Alarm went off. Even after 20 Years in Combat Arms with Body worn out and Aches and Pains I still looked Forward to a New Day. If my Body hadn't broke down so Bad at 23 Years I would have stayed 30 but when I reached the Point where I could not stay in Front of my Troops in PT I had to Hang it up. Still Miss it to this DAY.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 9:06 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 09:06:37 -0400

Family responsibilities

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 9:10 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 09:10:29 -0400

For me its mostly my commitment to my family. That retirement at 20 years is also a goal that I am working towards. In todays economy it is hard to find a career that offers everything that the army has to provide.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Sep 21 at 2016 9:39 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 09:39:07 -0400

I really liked the people, and the challenges in military construction. As I got older it became for me about being able to help more folks.

Response by CW4 Anthoney Lowry made Sep 21 at 2016 9:58 AM

CW4 Anthoney Lowry — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 09:58:05 -0400

For me, I was good at being a soldier and enjoyed most of it. I don't mean the day to day powerpoints and briefings, I'm talking about the real reason for having an Army to begin with. in my 25 years I spent 3 years at a desk job and the other 22 was out in the real army. I was never good at being a politician or "accidentally" running into the Battalion commander on the weekends and talking about his golf game. I truly enjoyed being out in the fight. Now that I am retired, I don't really miss it. I have other things to keep me busy. If I was 30 years younger, I would do it again.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Sep 21 at 2016 10:16 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 10:16:34 -0400

The challenge, the people, and what we stand for SPC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Sep 21 at 2016 11:23 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 11:23:23 -0400

That what I am getting right now - MY RETIREMENT CHECK!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 1:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 13:52:06 -0400

Lots' of things:

1. The democratic socialist dream of (relatively) free healthcare, a basic income and the opportunity to continue working and earning more money. My family will always have healthcare, I will always have a basic income and I am able to leverage the education and experience I acquired into a decent paying job.

2. New places, new people, new experiences... that's huge. I can't imagine working the same job at the same location, with the same people for 50 years.

3. Your job matters. This country needs people who can do your job well, to be where you are, doing what your doing.

Response by MSgt Shawn Sones made Sep 21 at 2016 6:27 PM

MSgt Shawn Sones — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 18:27:26 -0400

Loving the job that you did, regardless of all of the other b.s. associated with it -- if you don't like/enjoy what you're doing, even a little bit, you should find something else to do.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 22 at 2016 10:51 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 10:51:16 -0400

Teamwork, Camaraderie, Loyalty to ones brothers and sister, the love of country and a mission that is clear. There has been no greater reward than watching a new Service member taken under someones wing and guiding them to greatness. The service is a Family like no other, trust me I am on the outside after serving more than 30 years and still have not found that same sense of self. Hooouh!!!

Response by LTC Tim Ellis made Sep 22 at 2016 12:58 PM

LTC Tim Ellis — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 12:58:32 -0400

I have had varied assignments throughout my career, every 2-3 years you do something different. That has kept my interest level sparked. Compare that to my father-in-law that worked at a manufacturing plant for decades doing the same thing in the civilian world. I guess it depends on what you want out of life.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 8:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 08:15:23 -0400

I love my job as being a mechanic. And I love the fact I get to serve my country but the reason I get up every day and go to work is because of my family (and my wife makes sure I get out of bed). I want to support them and make a good living for my wife, daughter( no longer with us

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Sep 27 at 2016 8:16 AM

TSgt Thomas Monaghan — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 08:16:31 -0400

Health insurance when you retire

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 10:39 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 10:39:42 -0400

Calculate your retirement points and multiply that figure by the retirement income you will receive for a lifetime, then ask a Financial Advisor what kind of personal wealth accumulation would you need to have in an Annuity to pay out that same amount without ever reducing the principal! Then calculate how much your spouse will receive should you opt for her to receive your retirement should you die before her! That's my position or what it's worth! All the best to you all as you aim for retirement! I love my "hunting & fishing money!" Ha! - Top

Response by MSgt Jeff Greene made Sep 27 at 2016 11:13 AM

MSgt Jeff Greene — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:13:36 -0400

The people and the job. Early on I had the opportunity to work with and for some amazing people. They showed me what being a leader was like and I wanted to be in that position. When I became a NCO and then a Senior NCO I had the opportunity to return the favor by providing training and mentorship to the people who worked for me. I had numerous troops tell me later on that if it hadn't been for my mentorship, they would not have survived at the next level. That made me feel better than getting promoted. I've been retired since 1991 and would still be wearing the uniform if I could. I miss it every day.

Response by SSG Dwight Thompson made Sep 27 at 2016 11:19 AM

SSG Dwight Thompson — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:19:01 -0400

After BT & AIT I looked at the Army as a job. There's always gonna be someone to tell you what to do (Boss, SGT's ETC). Unless you owe your own business. On an average day the typical Soldier works about 6.5 hrs a day. If you include PT its. 7.5.

Response by SFC John Giersdorf made Sep 27 at 2016 12:56 PM

SFC John Giersdorf — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 12:56:00 -0400

1) Get into an MOS that you actually enjoy doing. 2) Get into a good unit. 3) There's suck even in good units, so what you do after work and having good (non-criminal) friends makes a huge difference. Life on the outside isn't a bed of roses and in a lot of ways has even more pitfalls and a lot of uncertainty.

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Sep 27 at 2016 1:07 PM

MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 13:07:33 -0400

I really enjoyed my AFSC and since it was the Cold War I had to do my part; that doesn't make me "super-patriot", but I felt an obligation to continue what my Dad and many others accomplished 1941-45.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Sep 27 at 2016 2:38 PM

CPO Jack De Merit — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 14:38:04 -0400

My day to day job was always a challenge. As a Chief Lithographer, it was my job to TEACH my subordinates anything I could to make them better at doing their job. The better I taught them, the less problems the whole Print Shop would incur. When we were busy, with 8 other men at my disposal, we seldom had anyone who was not working on something. The thrill of seeing your men advanced in rate, knowing that YOUR drive is what made it happen is exhilarating. The bonus was the various ports we would go to and how much trouble we could get into. Being a 27-year old Chief to my crew, I was not only their boss, I was also their friend, shipmate and protector. That was what made me stay in AND the thought of making Senior and Master Chief.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 3:11 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 15:11:06 -0400

Military career is not for everyone. It is 'you either hate it or love it' kind of thing. We all have rough days and good days. We sometimes ask ourselves, "why am I here?" However, the environment and types of work, and benefits are motivations that help us through the hardship. If at least one of these can motivate you, ETSing would be a better decision.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 3:32 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 15:32:33 -0400

Don't fight it!

Response by SSG Ken Gilder made Sep 27 at 2016 4:08 PM

SSG Ken Gilder — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 16:08:11 -0400

I would guess a lot of it has to do with the job you are doing. If you like what you do, chances are, that you'll stay with it. If you don't like what you are doing, your ETS can't come soon enough.

Response by CPO Mike Castro made Sep 27 at 2016 5:25 PM

CPO Mike Castro — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 17:25:23 -0400

I wanted to help people, the Navy provided me the venue to do that and it was fun

Response by MSgt Doug Miller made Sep 27 at 2016 6:04 PM

MSgt Doug Miller — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 18:04:09 -0400

I managed to make it 22 years and I can say that I really never had a bad assignment, even after 19 months in the Nam. The outside world will never understand the military. We all fight under the same flag no matter what branch. Another thing if you had a conflict with someone one of you would be relocating in a couple of years. I really enjoyed my time. I was young when I went in and am still using some of what I learned. I'd do it again.

Response by 1stSgt Michael Davis made Sep 27 at 2016 6:11 PM

1stSgt Michael Davis — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 18:11:36 -0400

A family friend advised me befor I left for basic "You'll get out of it what you put into it". I guess that goes for anything in life though. I went 25 yrs and don't regret a single day!

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 7:37 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 19:37:19 -0400

I just retired last month after 30 years. Told the wife I would get out when it stopped being fun or the Navy said it was time to go. For me knowing I was making a difference was the key. I don't mean on a grand scale, changing the world but on a personal level. Knowing that I interacted with people whose lives I made a difference in. How do I know that happened? Because several times throughout my career I have had Sailors come back to me and say thanks for something I had done in their life in the past. I have had several seek me out years after I knew them and they ask me for a reference or advice on something. Usually these incidents typically happened right about the time I was ready to toss in the towel and say enough is a enough. But the fact I was still making those differences encouraged me to stay for a full 30 years.

Response by MSG Jacqueline Case made Sep 27 at 2016 9:44 PM

MSG Jacqueline Case — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 21:44:03 -0400

Individuals make the military a career for several reasons; they NEED to take care of their family or they love being in the military, etc. Whatever the reason THAT usually creates the drive...My opinion.

Response by MSG Jacqueline Case made Sep 27 at 2016 9:44 PM

MSG Jacqueline Case — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 21:44:51 -0400

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Sep 28 at 2016 7:07 AM

SFC Dennis A. — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 07:07:45 -0400

It started out as something to do between high school and college. It turned into a job that I really liked doing. I traveled a lot and was able to do and learn a lot of stuff both on and off duty that I would have never been able to do or experience if I’d have stayed home gone to college and got a job. Once I got out I realized what it was that I missed the most after going to work in the civilian world. Teamwork, Camaraderie, being able to depend on the people that you lived and worked with like a big family. I also worked with a lot of great people and enjoyed the job that I was doing.
If I had to or could do it over again I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Response by GySgt Ed Gartland made Sep 28 at 2016 8:19 AM

GySgt Ed Gartland — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 08:19:07 -0400

I spent 10 yrs active duty and 17 yrs reserve. Most of my reserve time was spent as a DOD/DA employee. I earned 2 college degrees, mostly free. My military and civilian duties took me all over the world except Antarctica. And most importantly I enjoyed my job (Cryptologic Linguist/Analyst). I was a "double dipper" retiring as a GS-14 and a E-7.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Sep 28 at 2016 8:20 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 08:20:18 -0400

Easy, especially this time of the year. The ability to fly over Maine, Vermont, New York and New Hampshire at 500 feet during fall foliage season. And they actually paid us to do it!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2016 8:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 08:55:01 -0400

Knowing that I have an opportunity to have an effect or change on another persons life for the better, to be apart of an organization that damn sure cares about each and every person enough to be invested in their future. Also knowing that my passion for others and their success is what I wake up in the morning for continues to benefit the greater good keeps me going. I've been in for 10 years and realized this around my 7th year in that this would be the profession I carry out, as I used to be the problem child in my units with more Article 15's than anyone else I know lol. The army is the way to go, you gotta want it though, you gotta want to invest your time with a profession that mirrors your goals!

Response by SFC Dorien Ah Sam made Sep 28 at 2016 10:02 AM

SFC Dorien Ah Sam — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 10:02:43 -0400

What kept me going? The benefits. I retired Active Duty Army after 22 years at 43 years old. People look at me all crazy with amazement that I am receiving a pension already at 43. Plus, healthcare for life for my wife and kids. Regardless how good or bad or challenging the run was, I kept focus on ensuring I go all the way for the benefits. It is definitely worth it. I've had NCO's, 1SG's, and CSM's that were straight dicks but I didn't let them dictate my future. I stayed focus on my goals and kept my family in mind. Remember, there's always light at the end of the tunnel.....HOOAH!!!

SFC (RET) Ah Sam, Dorien

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Sep 28 at 2016 3:16 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 15:16:06 -0400

I get treated very well, I get paid well, and my family is very well taken care of. Enough for me to continue serving.

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Sep 28 at 2016 6:54 PM

PO1 Kevin Arnold — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 18:54:57 -0400

If you made the military a career, then you can not ETS back into the military. For it messes up your retirement. Yes it is messed up that I have to keep working just to make ends meat but I do get a retirement check now to which does come in handy every month. What keeps me going is the fact that I have been working for my whole adult life from the age of 15 and will continue to work until I can no longer work. For me it is a sense of pride that no matter what I will work as long as I can find work and do it well.

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Jun 10 at 2019 5:15 PM

MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 17:15:56 -0400

Joined AF in 1970 to avoid the draft...draft notice came the day I raised my hand at MEPPS...separated in 1977 to be the "hero" of a sort of 3 musketeers group (I could be the first to do so, so I won)...some may dispute this, but in mid 1980, sitting in church I heard that voice that many talk about and it simply said, "Go back in the AF!", so I did...the next 141/2 years were some of the most fun and rewarding I have ever had in my life...my family support line was great! That's it in a nutshell.

Response by 1SG Billye Jackson made Jun 10 at 2019 6:41 PM

1SG Billye Jackson — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 18:41:36 -0400

I Loved each and every Second of it.