What rank/grade did you exit the service or retire with SHARE OF THE DAY?

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 22:34:38 -0400

I Retired in 2014 with the rank of Sergeant First Class/E-7 and I am proud of it!

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 14 at 2016 10:36 PM

SFC George Smith — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 22:36:25 -0400

The Same in 1999... E-7

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Oct 14 at 2016 10:38 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 22:38:56 -0400

I had two goals:
1. Get a retirement - Check
2. Make SGM - Check

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Oct 14 at 2016 11:32 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 23:32:06 -0400

1976. E-7

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2016 11:38 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 23:38:49 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL I was discharged in 1972 with the rank of Sergeant/E-5.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Oct 14 at 2016 11:52 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 23:52:27 -0400

E-4/Cpl... Would have been nice to stay in long enough to pick up a rocker, but I'm happy I got my Bloodstripe and didn't leave as a Terminal Lance.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 14 at 2016 11:53 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 23:53:17 -0400

Wound up here from E-1. An interesting ride.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 12:00 AM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 00:00:50 -0400

I'm never getting out. I'm staying in until I die - or make 4 star. At which point I will consider taking on Secretary of my branch, SecDef, or running for President. ;)

I plan on staying in so long that the military needs to create a new age group for the PT test specifically for me. ;)

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 12:39 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 00:39:16 -0400

I retired in 1994 as a Chief Warrant Officer 3, and enjoyed every single day of my life as a Marine Corps Officer. I came in as a private in 1972 and have been blessed to be selected to the Warrant Officers rank in 1985 as a Marine Gunnery Sergeant with 12 plus years under my belt.

Semper Fidelis,

James

Response by SP5 Bobby Thompson made Oct 15 at 2016 12:54 AM

SP5 Bobby Thompson — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 00:54:52 -0400

Ten years, E5p.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Oct 15 at 2016 2:36 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 02:36:26 -0400

Retired from the US Air Force as a SMSgt, (Senior Master Sergeant) E8, My Uncle who lives about 4 miles from Me retired from the Army as a SFC, My Mother's Aunt retired as a Navy, CPO, My Dad was a ET1C in the Navy, He got out, Father in law a SSgt in the Army, He got out another Uncle a Sp4 in h the Army, He got out. From the French and Indian War in the 1600s, the Revolutionary war in the 1700s, the Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII and Korea, I have had relatives in the Military right up to Me in Viet Nam, I'm proud of My service and theirs as well !

Response by MSgt Dennis Dudley made Oct 15 at 2016 8:46 AM

MSgt Dennis Dudley — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 08:46:05 -0400

Retired as Master Sgt, USAF 1998

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 9:13 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 09:13:50 -0400

I held ten (eleven if you count the retired Army grade separately from the Air Force grade).

I am a retired Army Captain even though I was never an officer in the Army. Ranks were E-1 through E-7 and O-1 through O-3.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 12:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 12:35:39 -0400

msg 2014

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 2:16 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 14:16:00 -0400

E-7 Master Sergeant

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 7:08 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 19:08:55 -0400

My first go-round I left as a SPC. This time around, Im planning on SFC.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Oct 16 at 2016 2:52 AM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 02:52:21 -0400

You should be damn proud! NOTHING gets done in the Army without E7s.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Oct 16 at 2016 7:32 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 19:32:21 -0400

O3E but most proud of my Cpl E4 rank and responsibilities. I reached the limit of my competence at the E4 level.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Oct 17 at 2016 7:49 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 19:49:59 -0400

SPC. I had no desire to be career military when I joined. I had things planned out for my medical career before I even went to MEPS. I told the guy there that I wanted 91W (then) and had to wait 5 months before I could ship.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2016 9:00 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 21:00:28 -0400

Still in, not sure where I want to stop. I'm contemplating going Warrant Officer, Green to Gold is still an option but I don't know if I want to be a Commissioned Officer. At the moment I think I'd prefer to be an NCO over an Officer, and a Warrant seems to be a nice balance of that. A lot of thinking to do.

Response by Sgt Lawrence Amster made Dec 1 at 2016 3:07 PM

Sgt Lawrence Amster — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 15:07:53 -0500

In Corps 1969-1975...exited E-5 SGT...

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Nov 12 at 2017 1:22 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 13:22:59 -0500

Retired 2014 as a CW5. A rank that didn't exist when I joined the Army in 1974!

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Nov 12 at 2017 2:01 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 14:01:34 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL: I retired from the Army as a Specialist Four. I was a Squad Leader, a Graduate with Honors and a Sports Director for Dependent Youths during The Cold War- in Pirmasens, Germany. -Love to You Sincerely My Dear Friend Joe, Margaret

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 12 at 2017 3:08 PM

MAJ Alvin B. — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 15:08:33 -0500

I retired as a Major on 1 June 1998.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 12 at 2017 4:06 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 16:06:31 -0500

I transitioned to the retired reserve in May 2008 after 30 years military service at the grade of U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL. There was no ceremony or honors to commemorate that moment. We serve the nation not for glory or reward but because we have dedicated our lives to serve.
I fully retired from the U.S. Army in October 2016. I intend to request my retirement packet by next year.
I Enlisted in November 1974 and was accepted as a cadet at West Point in July 1976 and served as an infantry officer from May 28, 1980 through October 2, 1992 and then served primarily as an ORSA officer until May 2008.
Here is an image from 2004.
FYI SSG Diane R.LTC John Griscom SPC Andrew Ross Brig Gen Jim Jaeger SSG Donald H "Don" Bates SP5 Jerry MuchaSP6: Roy WiltSGT John Meredith MSgt John McGowan MSgt David M.LTC Jeff Shearer SGT Philip Roncari CPT Jim Gallagher Cpl Gabriel F.SSG John Ross Lt Col Jim Coe Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen CWO3 Dennis M.SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Nov 12 at 2017 4:59 PM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 16:59:20 -0500

As you should be Joe.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Nov 12 at 2017 5:06 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 17:06:52 -0500

I left the military in 2010 as a Sergeant First Class. I was working towards Master Sergeant.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Nov 12 at 2017 5:49 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 17:49:33 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Retired on February 1, 2012 after 37 years of Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, and deployment as a full Bird Colonel.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 12 at 2017 5:56 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 17:56:02 -0500

Sgt. E-5.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Nov 12 at 2017 7:11 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 19:11:59 -0500

E-5 /Sergeant, through no fault of my own, ordered to the NCO Academy by my range Officer ,he must have saw something I didn't,luckily I did not screw up and actually did well in the rank.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 12 at 2017 7:25 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 19:25:25 -0500

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL CTO1 USN(R) Saintly, Politically Correct I Wasn't but My Techs were the Best, Although they Could be Thugs Socially and Professionally That Might Have Something to Do with I Only Made E-6 . I Had an ET2 that Liked busting the Chops of LCDR at the Pentagon (He was Much More Knowledgeable about Computers, Networks, Telecommunications) than She Could Ever Hope to Be. I Had a CTO3 that in a Bit of Drunken Stupidity Struck a Seabee and almost Caused a War between My Beloved Seabee Shipmates and My Fellow Spooks I had a CTO2 that Called Out the Admirals Flag Ship for their Lame Support of Mode Bravos when I expected My Techs to Always Support Mode Bravos (Mark of an Old School HF Master)

Response by MAJ Don Bigger made Nov 12 at 2017 7:38 PM

MAJ Don Bigger — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 19:38:47 -0500

Started as a Private in 1970, made it to Sgt, then started over as a 2LT and retired as a Major. Don’t know which I was more proud of—making NCO as enlisted, or Field Grade commissioned. I will say that when I was promoted to Corporal I considered it the first time I was given a real measure of responsibility in my life.

Response by SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity made Nov 12 at 2017 8:08 PM

SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 20:08:00 -0500

I left as a sergeant..still kicking but and taking names!

Response by SGT Charles H. Hawes made Nov 12 at 2017 10:40 PM

SGT Charles H. Hawes — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 22:40:26 -0500

SGT. E-5 After 6 years and 8 months of service. I really wanted to make a career of the army but my knees had other ideas. No regrets though, I would do it all again.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Nov 13 at 2017 9:06 AM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 09:06:31 -0500

At ETS in 1971, after 2 years, 11 months and 2 days of total active service, I had been a Spec-5 for 1 year, 11 months and 24 days.

Finance, for some reason, had paid me as "E-5, over 2 years in grade" for a couple of months. Every time I had my finance records audited to correct errors in pay grade, they wound up giving me more money. Eventually I got the hint and stopped asking for audits.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Nov 13 at 2017 9:19 AM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 09:19:32 -0500

E-4 Senior Airman. I wish I had put forth the effort to properly prepare when I was given an opportunity to test early for E-5 Staff Sergeant.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Nov 13 at 2017 11:58 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 11:58:58 -0500

CSM, my goal was 1SG.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Nov 25 at 2017 3:27 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 15:27:20 -0500

I was promoted to SFC E-7 (T) while in 23rd Arty GP in Vietnam. They assumed that I would Reenlist. But that was what the (T) was for. I needed to have a year in grade and have enough time within my enlistment to complete the (T) for a (P). I had a good job lined up and there was no way I was going to put up with that bean counter nonsense. They took E-7 back and removed all trace of it. Just as they had done to both CIBs. It made no difference for the next 15 years. In 1991 I was retired retroactive to 1987. I guess I could have argued it but my 100% VA is more than either.

Response by PO1 John Y. made Nov 28 at 2017 8:30 PM

PO1 John Y. — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 20:30:48 -0500

E-6, PO1 USN

Response by SFC William Farrell made Nov 29 at 2017 12:35 AM

SFC William Farrell — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 00:35:30 -0500

Like you SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, Sergeant First Class, E-7 and also proud if it. I think I would have gone higher except I was too busy going overseas for extra tours when I should have been going to NCO School.

Response by SPC Roberto Figueroa made Nov 29 at 2017 12:55 AM

SPC Roberto Figueroa — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 00:55:08 -0500

Specialist (P). Never made my five! I was in a "deadlocked MOS" (91G Patient Admin). Either some E-5 had to get promoted to E-6, die, or retire, in order for me to take that 5-slot, but "No"! Never happened.
But there's a little curve ball with my rank. So as I impatiently waited for promotion, I went to OCS. While in OCS, you get "promoted" to E-6 (for pay purposes). Needless to say I was medically discharged while in OCS, so my NGB-22 (the National Guard's DD-214 equivalency) says I'm E-6...
Now I'm more confused than ever...

Response by PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith made Nov 29 at 2017 1:39 AM

PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 01:39:39 -0500

After I found out I was color blind and realized that most of the military was cut off to me, all I ever wanted to do was retire with my anchors. Sadly, that didn't come to fruition. Partly my fault, partly those of my chain of command. But, mostly mine. I was too young, proud, and thick headed to play the game. I got out as a PO3 and love every bit of my time. Luckily, I've found a second calling in life as a beer brewer.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2017 1:24 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 13:24:07 -0500

HMCS (SW/FMF) 26 years

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Nov 29 at 2017 1:29 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 13:29:06 -0500

I retired 1 March 1980 with the one shown with date of rank of 14 Jan 1969. I declined E8 so I could retire and devote myself to family matters.
Besides, it's a distinguished one.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Dec 4 at 2017 7:24 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 07:24:56 -0500

I retired from the US Air Force as a SMSgt, Senior Master Sergeant, (E8)

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2017 10:00 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 10:00:03 -0500

I exited the Naval Service as an E4 (Petty Officer 3rd Class) and reentered ans an O1 (Ensign)

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 6 at 2017 11:33 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 11:33:14 -0500

Proud to have retired as an Air Force Lt Col (O-5) in 1991.

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Dec 16 at 2017 5:51 PM

CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 17:51:22 -0500

Worn as BOTH MW4 and CW5

Response by MSG Mel Trout made Dec 16 at 2017 10:30 PM

MSG Mel Trout — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 22:30:03 -0500

Retired 1996 as MSG. I was formerly a 1SG but wearing MSG on that date. I've been told my retirement orders should have been 1SG. Haven't researched this, but I was proud of the Diamond and it is just an ego thing.

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Jan 21 at 2018 12:56 PM

SP5 Robert Ruck — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 12:56:26 -0500

Spec 5 and proud of it.

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Feb 4 at 2018 6:14 PM

SPC Mike Lake — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 18:14:38 -0500

E4 medically retired

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Feb 4 at 2018 6:51 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 18:51:19 -0500

SFC

Response by LTC John Griscom made Feb 19 at 2018 7:23 PM

LTC John Griscom — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 19:23:55 -0500

Retired from Army Reserve in 1992 with 11+ years active and 16+ Reserve as LTC. Got first retirement in 2002.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2018 9:06 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 09:06:14 -0400

Staff Sergeant (P), strange set of events for me, I was cross leveled out of my reserve unit as a 92L already in a SFC slot to another unit for mobbing to Afghanistan, I made the promotions list while overseas, when I got back the only E-7 92L slot within 500 miles of me was my unit which was deploying as I got back, so my upper command moved me down the hall into a 92F slot in a unit that I did not want anything to do with. Already having 23 years in, I opted to retire than be promoted into a MOS I did not want and a unit I did not want to be in. I was told I would have to stay for 3 years to get the retirement pay. Very happy with my decision.

Response by 1SG Dave Carello made Mar 19 at 2018 9:27 AM

1SG Dave Carello — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 09:27:24 -0400

1SG/E8 Infantry Retired 2013. "Diamonds" are forever

Response by SFC Patrick Bigness made Mar 20 at 2018 6:23 PM

SFC Patrick Bigness — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 18:23:10 -0400

I retired in 1981 as an SFC E7 and am proud of my service. I required a waiver for promotion because I didn't have 9 years active duty.

Response by SSG William Jones made Jul 4 at 2018 12:41 AM

SSG William Jones — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 00:41:26 -0400

Exited in 1974 as SP5
Exited AGAIN in 1999 as SSG
(Yep, TWO DD-214's)

Response by SSG Donald H "Don" Bates made Jul 4 at 2018 8:36 AM

SSG Donald H "Don" Bates — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 08:36:37 -0400

Staff Sgt E-5

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jul 4 at 2018 8:59 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 08:59:38 -0400

I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of service

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jul 4 at 2018 1:28 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 13:28:20 -0400

Retired in 1993 as an Air Force Lt Col. Loved every minute of it and my classic line always was, and always will be, 'they actually pay us to do this'.

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Jul 4 at 2018 2:59 PM

Maj Robert Thornton — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 14:59:17 -0400

Retired at 17.5 years as a Major. It was a great ride.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2018 3:13 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 15:13:57 -0400

I am three years and three months away from saying this but I will be retiring at Lieutenant Colonel since I just was informed I made the list yesterday. I'll be pending on next month when I fly my family down since I live in Canada and I drill in Southern California.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2018 4:51 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 16:51:00 -0400

Response by SSG Shavonde Chase made Jul 4 at 2018 5:34 PM

SSG Shavonde Chase — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 17:34:00 -0400

I medically retired 23 January 2017. Was on my way to AIT Platoon Sergeant school/duty and sure I would soon have made E-7. I was heartbroken about mu injuries as I looked forward to fulfilling my assignment.nonetheless, I am a proud of my accomplishments.

Response by SGT John Meredith made Jul 21 at 2018 4:18 PM

SGT John Meredith — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 16:18:02 -0400

I left the Army in 1977 as a Sergeant E-5.I had to change my MOS because of my hearing loss.Instead of changing my MOS I decided to leave. A decision I regret to this very day.

Response by MSgt Eugene Fielder made Aug 25 at 2018 1:00 AM

MSgt Eugene Fielder — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 01:00:39 -0400

USAF, Retired as an MSgt(E7), 46170/2W070, September 1, 1995

Response by COL Ed Gibson made Nov 26 at 2018 2:41 PM

COL Ed Gibson — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 14:41:37 -0500

I retired as a 06 on 1 December 1972 after 29 years of service and at age 46. I will be 93 years old on 1 Jan 2019. For the past 25 plus years I have been running a free transition service for Military Engineers as a way of giving back for all the help I received during my Military and Civil service careeers

Response by PO1 Charles Birkby made Jan 23 at 2019 4:36 PM

PO1 Charles Birkby — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 16:36:51 -0500

PO1, USN. Retired 31OCT14.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 26 at 2019 5:18 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 17:18:35 -0400

Retired in 1991 as Lt Col

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2019 4:48 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 16:48:38 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., Sir, I retired from the United States Marine Corps January 31, 1994 as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 and I’m also humbled by this. CWO3 James K Kaupe, Jr. 1972-1994.