What should I do if I really don't see myself being motivated for another 6 years in the Reserves and don't want to do IRR?

2023-07-07T06:03:35-04:00

I'm a recent bct graduate. I tried getting a ELS during basic but they scared me away, I graduated march 17th and i'm trying to ELS now, I'm not in the best position of my life right now and I really don't see myself being motivated for another 6 years though yes "It's only once a month" What should I do? I don't want to do IRR.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jul 7 at 2023 7:55 AM

2023-07-07T07:55:43-04:00

You should find some motivation and honor your commitment.

You signed a contract. You CHOSE this. Now go do it.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 7 at 2023 7:57 AM

2023-07-07T07:57:56-04:00

You are under contract, if you are having these type thoughts already you better get an appointment with your in service retention NCO.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 7 at 2023 8:28 AM

2023-07-07T08:28:05-04:00

I understand that starting a new commitment can be challenging, especially if you are not feeling motivated. However, it's important to remember that you made a commitment to serve in the United States military, and that commitment should be taken seriously.

If you are struggling with motivation and don't see yourself being able to fulfill your commitment in the Army Reserves, it's important to talk to your superior or a military career counselor (there should be one at your battalion level).

Instead of focusing on “I want to get out”, I would focus instead on “WHY do I want to get out” so you can address the underlying reason. There is a reason that you entered the military and I would revisit that reason and see if it is still applicable and discuss what short-term goals you can do to accomplish your ultimate reason.

I’ve encountered many Soldiers in your situation before where they are going through a period of uncertainty at the start of their military career. Things aren’t exactly how they appeared when they enlisted or they were put off by hitting a difficult obstacle as soon as they started. In most cases, just talking it out (i.e., in ‘real time’) that is in a position to know the challenges of the military, understands the commitment you have, and can give you the perspective of experience can address most issues.

If you want to discuss it with someone outside of your unit, one of the easiest options I suggest is to contact Military OneSource* by phone or chat and request to talk to a peer-to-peer consultant. Military OneSource is just one of many different resources that are available to you and other service members can take advantage of. There are tremendous resources available throughout DoD, but many times the personnel that can take advantage of them don’t know about them.
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* https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/peer-to-peer-counseling/

Military Life Peer-to-Peer Counseling | Military OneSource

Military service members can take advantage of peer-to-peer counseling to discuss personal or career goals or challenges of military life. Learn more.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jul 7 at 2023 8:59 AM

2023-07-07T08:59:15-04:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member, you are under contract. Aside from speaking to a Retention NCO and your Company Commander and 1SG to discuss your option for "getting out" of your contract, you are on the hook.

My advice is make the best of it. You signed up for one of the best MOS's (in my opinion), depending on your civilian career goals.

Set yourself some goals. One benefit of being a reservist is to give yourself an advantage among your peers in competing for jobs. It is understood that an Army trained Soldier has more discipline and motivation than the average worker. But you have to get after your Army goals.

Show up to Battle Assembly and learn as much as you can. Start training and learning now to compete for Sapper School. Knock out DLC I now so when you are eligible for promotion you are ready for Basic Leader Course. Prepare for Urban Breacher Course, Explosive Ordinance Clearance Agent Course, and maintain peak physical fitness.

Motivation is not a default setting. It is something you give yourself. Leaders here can be very good at helping you find yours, but in the end it is up to you. You have to rediscover the reason you wanted to join in the first place. Exploit that and "Be all you can be".

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 7 at 2023 9:56 AM

2023-07-07T09:56:55-04:00

You are already struggling? You haven't really even started yet. It feels like there has to be more to the story here.

What changed since you enlisted?
If the issue is the commute is there a closer Unit you may be able to transfer to a closer unit but not having a personal mode of transportation will be a problem regardless.

Life is full of challenges and solutions and Military life is no different. Personally I think you should honor your commitment and find a solution to your problems revolving around making it to Drill. Carpool, Public Transportation, or maybe you and your parents can pool together to get a family vehicle. Good Luck on what you decide.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2023 3:31 PM

2023-07-07T15:31:37-04:00

Everyone I served with thought they were in over their head in the beginning. Everyone I served with at one time swore they would never reenlist. For those that did, no one ever regretted it.

In college, I never met anyone ashamed of their degree, but a lot that regretted dropping out. In military service, I never met anyone who were sorry they joined, but a lot that regretted not staying in.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2023 4:39 PM

2023-07-07T16:39:14-04:00

I would like to chime in with the motto of Engineers. ESSAYONS. Let us try. You're wanting to give up before you've even really began. Try it. You may see blight right now, but down the road the light will shine. I wanted to/tried to quit in Basic Training so many years ago, but I had NCOs that motivated me to stay the fight. All you need is proper mentorship from folks in your unit amd/or from the Army at large. Hell, I'll be your mentor if you want.

Response by SSG John Whalen made Aug 1 at 2023 4:56 AM

2023-08-01T04:56:19-04:00

It should be finding a way to motivate yourself to get through your problems and stay motivated your negative attitude will show in your performance and among your reservists. Your duty performance and s***** attitude will be like a carcass for the Wolves to chew on try to motivate yourself after being nod on you think you have a bad now

Response by SPC Ryan McNamara made Sep 3 at 2023 10:16 AM

2023-09-03T10:16:36-04:00

I know as a young soldier it seemed like 6 years was an eternity. But it will go by fast. I know that if would have quit I would have probably regretted doing so. Maybe look into changing MOS to something that you are more interested in or doing another school to enhance your career. But if you truly hate its then you should talk to your units career counselor on your options. Whatever you do don't just stop going to drill