What are the benefits to remaining in the the military beyond 20 years?

2016-01-12T22:08:46-05:00

When I first came into the Army and up until 1-2 years ago I thought I wanted to stay in for life and then some. But as the months go by I am not so sure I want to do anything beyond 20 years. Things have just changed too much and the intersection of duty and personal sentiment are fast heading to an intersection where one will outweigh the other. I'm curious if there are others out there feeling the same or that have done the same recently. Of course, I'm looking for others to comment on their thoughts as well.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jan 12 at 2016 10:12 PM

2016-01-12T22:12:14-05:00

I think things have changed so much with benefits becoming less and less that the incentive has stay and retire is lost. You stay for a reason and it's gone now.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 10:12 PM

2016-01-12T22:12:33-05:00

It all depends on where you are at in your career. Have you met the goals you set out to accomplish? If there is still more you'd like to do then stay in a couple more years. Regardless of path you wish to go down, make a plan for eventual retirement.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Jan 12 at 2016 10:36 PM

2016-01-12T22:36:57-05:00

I am retiring in a few weeks... I don't know that I was ever a lifer, per se...but I am starting to see what I have been giving up all this time - mainly that I am tired of moving every 24 months, but not sure where, and not really my choice.
I want some control, I want to plant some roots and join a community....

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Jan 12 at 2016 10:43 PM

2016-01-12T22:43:00-05:00

I recognize that my experience was during a different time, but some things remain constant. I stayed for 24 1/2 years. Loved every minute of it, but as time went on the changes occurred and I realized I wasn't enjoying it as much as I had earlier in my career. There were still some challenges, but I found I had gone through many situations at least once, and often more. My oldest child was about to enter High School and I had dragged my family back and forth across the USA several times until they were starting to wonder how the kids whose fathers sold sailboats lived. Then I started looking at employment opportunities and realized second career opportunities decreased exponentially for every year I got older. Sat down with the family, decided where they wanted to live instead of where we were going to be told to live and started a new life with a large medical corporation. Did that for about 16 years and then started working for myself in a lower stress environment. I miss the Corps, but feel as though I paid back my wife and kids for the life they had to live for me to have my "fun" job.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 10:52 PM

2016-01-12T22:52:48-05:00

The military by its very nature demands extraordinary sacrifices that are often at the expense of family members. So it is natural as you grow older to reevaluate the existing balance between the service and the personal needs, desires and expectations. IMO it is a zero some game. To fully devote yourself to the military mission means that your personal life must give up things that would demand your time and attention. Likewise to fully devote yourself to personal/family matters, your military effort must by definition be less. You can't optimize both. Each person and family must determine if the tradeoffs required are worth the positive aspects of staying in.

Then separate from family considerations are your own professional goals and satisfaction. It's possible as you move up in rank and authority that you feel like the future holds mostly jobs that aren't ones that give you the most satisfaction. Generally speaking, the higher up you go, the more your time is spent in front of a computer rather than in front of soldiers. You may feel removed from the very things that you loved about being in the Army. Or maybe you may feel like the future holds more of the same rather than offering a new set of challenges. So you have to look at what you expect to be doing in those years after 20 and determine if that appeals to you or not.

I experienced the same situation myself. After battalion command, I was selected to attend the Army War College. But due to my personal situation I decided that it would be best for my family if I got out rather than stay in. So I declined attendance to the War College and consideration for promotion to COL and got out instead. My friends thought I was nuts. But it was the best decision I ever made.

But To me it was the right time to rebalance the scale so to speak. For others it may not be. But the fact we all face is that somewhere between 20-30 years your career will end whether you want it to or not. So you are only delaying the inevitable. You're going to transition out anyway, so 20 is a good time to really take a good look at the personal costs associated with "squeezing out" a few more years, so to speak.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 11:25 PM

2016-01-12T23:25:17-05:00

I'm doing my twenty and done. Id like to spend some time with my kids while they're still kids. If I didn't have kids, I'd consider a few more years.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 12 at 2016 11:27 PM

2016-01-12T23:27:00-05:00

I stayed past 20, 25, and 30, because, I was still providing service to my Regiment, our Army, and the Nation. You should leave, when you are no longer having fun and enjoying it. My initial feeling was I would leave when the Army no longer was offering me opportunities, and I had to start looking for jobs. After Brigade Command, the options are limited in my branch, so the timing was right. Eventually, we all have to go. We all know when it is the right time.

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Jan 12 at 2016 11:38 PM

2016-01-12T23:38:38-05:00

Thee are a lot of different things that effect when a person actually retires. I planned only 20.
My cases is such: I came down on orders for a special NATO assignment as a USASMA grad the middle of my 18th report date in my 19th year. I would not be eligible to retire with less than 22 years.
I was select for SGM seq# 1 a service obligation that adjusted my retirement date forcing me to PCS stateside. When all was said and done I had 26 years active service

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 11:39 PM

2016-01-12T23:39:02-05:00

In about three weeks I will be put out to pasture by the Air Force at my 30 year point because that is the limit put on enlisted careers. I stayed past 20 and would gladly continue to serve because of the incredible men and women I got to serve with, the satisfaction of knowing I was doing something that had significant impact, and because I felt I was needed.

Yes, the Air Force I am leaving is considerably different from the one I joined and the challenges we face in uniform now are greater because of the political climate and demands of our society, but it is still my Air Force and I will miss the daily camaraderie and sense of family.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 2:42 AM

2016-01-13T02:42:13-05:00

I am on year 23 now.
I have often told others that I would stay as long as I felt useful and my body could keep it up.
There is still plenty in the tank.
I'll probably go until year 26 or so.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 13 at 2016 5:41 AM

2016-01-13T05:41:59-05:00

When I reached the 20 mark I also did the step back and look. Two factors were major players in my retiring when I did.
1. My personal standards- I'd needed to get a profile to stay in as due to left shoulder injury from OIF. I always told myself if I needed a profile, I'd get out.
2. The effects on my civilian job. I'm self employed and three deployments factored heavy on my decision and the fact the more were looming in the future(at the time). I had to think how it was going to effect my business which is the main stay for my family.
I'd achieved my two long term goals, make SGM, 20yr retirement, so at 22yrs, 4 months, 18 days I did the deed. It took about two years for me to come to grips with this decision, but now I'm glad for the decision and won't look back.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 6:14 AM

2016-01-13T06:14:37-05:00

Thanks to everyone for the insight and background you've given on your personal experiences.
I still enjoy what I do and feel like I am contributing to the Army in what I do and to the soldiers I have. None of that has ever changed. I aspire to reach certain goals that I have not hit yet, so I'm not there in that regard either.
But, my political sentiment and personal feelings are slowly starting to weigh the same,if not more, when it comes to certain matters. I do not let that make me be unprofessional or insubordinate, but the disdain is there and getting louder. I think many of you know what I mean and I wonder how long I can ignore it. That's really what this is about. I continue to look forward to all of your insights and advice. Thanks to all of you.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 13 at 2016 6:47 AM

2016-01-13T06:47:35-05:00

If there is one thing all of us have in common, from Private to General, from the best of us to the worst of us, in time, inevitably the Army will get rid of us. Whether it's ETS, RCP, QMP, Chapter, QSP or Retirement, eventually we will all be replaced with a younger model. When we are inevitably shown the door, it will be our families that we have for the rest of our lives. It's up to each of us to ensure that we haven't allowed the mission/military to destroy those relationships so that they are available to us as we leave the service. I can't think of anything more depressing than being alone with nothing more than a shadow box on the wall to provide cold comfort on lonely nights...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 8:50 AM

2016-01-13T08:50:35-05:00

Personally, I think the two reasons why I continue to serve are to defend the nation and to take care of those under my charge. We do the first one at any TIS. The second is more effective the higher you go. As a senior NCO, you can affect Soldiers' lives more than anyone else.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jan 13 at 2016 11:08 AM

2016-01-13T11:08:03-05:00

I will stay right up until my MRD, and will likely try to extend that as well - one way or another. That said, while currently on ADOS, I am a reservist, and don't have the joy of a PCS every couple of years. Were I an AC Officer, I would likely have left at 20/22 years. If I made LTC in that alternate universe, I would have stuck around long enough to see if I got BN command, and retired immediately upon completion of that tour - if offered.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 11:13 AM

2016-01-13T11:13:42-05:00

Like you CSM Private RallyPoint Member , my initial plan was to stay in until I am dead or the Army doesn't need me anymore. Now, my plan is to stay in long enough to make SFC, spend the time needed to retain at retirement, and hang the boots up. But, in order to do that, I will have to stay in past 20........because if my math was right, I will need 22 yrs before I can retire with SFC (and keep it).......and that's if I get picked up on 1st look.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jan 13 at 2016 11:28 AM

2016-01-13T11:28:29-05:00

Well beyond my 20 to retire now, two full careers as enlisted and commissioned. I'm still living the dream but also waiting until the wife fulfills her High-3 for colonel retired pay...then we plan on full retirement, no more work unless its a hobby.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 12:06 PM

2016-01-13T12:06:43-05:00

I just think this is an interesting question for those whose been in the military for 10+ years. There are many factors to stay past 20 years, but money should be one of many reasons. Some will stay for the higher retirement pay. Some will stay because they are afraid to do something else after being in the military for 20 years. Some will stay because of the steady money and medical benefit. When you are over 40, financial consideration should be on top of your list to stay or go past 20 years. More interestingly, when the new retirement plan (which I'm not in favor of) is implemented, I believe this will be a mute point. The question should be "Staying in past 5 ...why?". And Senior Captains and E6s will have to make that decision whether staying in is beneficial to them and their family, and how important is being with "Soldiers/Airmen/Seamen/Marines" to stay longer as many have stated. Just Food for Thought.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 13 at 2016 2:51 PM

2016-01-13T14:51:55-05:00

Because you LOVE IT! and you have a deep appreciation for being a leader and growing soldiers.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 13 at 2016 2:54 PM

2016-01-13T14:54:20-05:00

If you (1) are expected to be in positions where you can both help train others soldiers to perform better personally and professionally; (2) have the support of your immediate family; (3) realize that your service to this nation while in uniform will affect more people than you can possible know then I would recommend staying in uniform beyond 20 years.
If the above three conditions are not true for you then retiring at 20 years may make sense especially if you have a strong idea about what you are going to do after you retire.
Whichever path you chose continue to be as active as you can. I have known too many soldiers who left active duty and died a few years later because of a heart attack. So many of them ramped down their activity too much.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 7:25 PM

2016-01-13T19:25:27-05:00

I was all set to do 20 and bail out. I hit 19.5 and was still having a blast, so I stayed. I was advanced and got a great job, so I stayed. Then I was advanced one last time and got a crappy job... and it wasn't fun any more. I stayed JUST long enough to keep my new collar devices and then I retired with just over 26 years of active service.

You have to consider the mental anguish of your job and job prospects on the outside... and don't forget that family!!!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 13 at 2016 11:04 PM

2016-01-13T23:04:02-05:00

At the end of the day, you know when you are ready to call it quits. If you are even thinking about retiring, you are more than likely ready to retire.

I was never lucky enough to be selected for advancement to Chief Petty Officer, so I had to retire at 20 years. However, even if I had been allowed to stay over 20, I knew in my heart that I was ready to move on.

The main benefit (without knowing anything about your personal situation) to staying beyond 20 is an increase in the amount of money you will make in your pension.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2016 2:48 AM

2016-01-26T02:48:18-05:00

I share the same sentiments as SGM Mikel Dawson on this topic. When I first joined I thought it would be for an initial tour and I would get out. I ended up serving and the people I served with. I loved being apart of something bigger than me. Recently, I have been giving some serious thought to what would sway me to stay longer than 20 years or get out at 20.
1. My personal belief in how my body can handle continued service is one reason why I would get out. As SGM Dawson pointed out I have also always said that if I needed a permanent profile I would hang it up. I have some strong personal thoughts on permanent profiles and none of them support me continuing to serve as a leader in the Army.
2. How much it would affect my family. Moving around so much has not allowed for my kids to develop roots anywhere and though this may not be seen as a bad thing, my kids have expressed the desire to have a place they call their own.
3. There have been so many changes that have occurred during my time in that I don't necessarily agree with. I have enforced the changes regardless of my personal feelings but many of the changes have also influenced the thinking in the Army in what I feel is a "negative" way. I often think about the things I see and hear from my Soldiers and leadership and I think that the thought processes are not always consistent throughout the military. Again these are only my personal feelings on this topic and I know others will disagree, but I do not mean anything to be offensive to anyone or for others to adopt my feelings on this. I think this is a good topic to discuss.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 12:56 AM

2016-02-01T00:56:43-05:00

Having the same thoughts exactly and the answer seems to change daily.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 15 at 2016 11:07 AM

2016-03-15T11:07:27-04:00

Unless one is guaranteed (which we know is not gonna happen lol) they will be promoted, there honestly is no real benefit other than a bigger retirement check. One has to really love what they are doing to continue doing it...I stayed past 20 because I was one of those who chose the CSB and "gave away" a portion of my retirement, so I decided to stay till 23 to make up the 10% I had lost, I also stayed because I honestly believed that my assignments and training as well as my ratings and experience would get me promoted to MSG, I didn't think about "being too old or having too many years in" which is pretty much what the case turned out to be. At that point I decided to go ahead and stay to my RCP and get the most of my retirement checks, even though it became apparent I wasn't going to get promoted. I do not regret a second of the 26 years I wore the uniform or my service, however, hindsight being 20/20, had I known in '02 what I knew in '12, I would have not taken the CSB and would have gone ahead and retired at 20 and then jumped onto one of them cushy GS positions that were far more available then than now!!