What is your opinion on all the Specialist ETSing after their first contract?

2019-10-19T00:13:04-04:00

I recently transitioned from active duty to NG after finishing my three years. I got a lot of negative reactions from my leadership for getting out. I am just curious as to what everyone generally thinks of soldiers with potential, getting out after their first contract.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2019 12:20 AM

2019-10-19T00:20:34-04:00

I would still thank you for your honorable service and give you my phone number as a means for you to use me as a reference for your next job, assuming you served well if you served with me. You still did more than 99% of your countrymen. I never did understand this reaction. Hell, at 17 years in now, I get negative reactions to my consideration of retiring at 20 years. I don’t think it matters what rank or time you are. There seem to be people who think you should die of old age in the Army and do not understand any other alternative.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Oct 19 at 2019 6:00 AM

2019-10-19T06:00:19-04:00

There is nothing wrong with a person doing one enlistment and then walking out the door. It's nice to want to keep good soldiers in, but there needs to come a time when a leader has to accept the fact that the soldier does not want to enlist. Perhaps your First Sergeant felt insulted that you were rejecting what he feels is a great life. It sucks that he treated you like that. He behaved like an immature boy instead of behaving like a man and wish you good luck in the future. Try not to feel too bad about the way he treated you. He is out of your life forever and you can move on and vow not to treat other soldiers that way if you stay in the NG long enough.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Oct 19 at 2019 8:37 AM

2019-10-19T08:37:41-04:00

Had a couple of Airmen who got out after their first enlistment period was over. They were great troops, good workers, and solid performers. I hated to lose their talents and skills but it was obvious the military lifestyle just wasn't for them. I never made negative comments, wished them well, and gave them permission to use me as a reference in any job applications they submitted.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2019 12:57 AM

2019-10-20T00:57:22-04:00

Why would it bother anyone? You've taken years out of your own personal life to serve and nobody should frown upon that. You've done something only 1% of the United States does.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2019 1:16 AM

2019-10-20T01:16:26-04:00

My opinion, not everybody is meant for the military. Some I am happy as hell didn't reup, and some I wish would've. I tell every subordinate the same thing, if you decide you don't like the army, while there are ways to get out before your ETS, don't be stupid. Serve honorably and as much as I'll miss you I'd still have respect for you.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 20 at 2019 6:45 PM

2019-10-20T18:45:53-04:00

I see you as having continued your service in a different component. You're still part of the military and deserve just as much respect as when you were in the Active Component. Be the best Army Guard Soldier you can possibly be and move on with the rest of your life.