Whether you have been enlisted for a year or more, do you believe you will serve until you are eligible for retirement?

2016-03-21T20:24:56-04:00

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Mar 21 at 2016 8:30 PM

2016-03-21T20:30:53-04:00

Good question. I know when I came in, the plan was to do my time and roll out. 30 days before etsing, I got cold feet, and reenlisted. I'd wager on some level that's usually the plan, and then things like a family, or promotions, or anything that has an influence on you makes you stay in. I also believe that after awhile, it becomes repetitive to the point you know when the sucks about to happen and you're used to it. You continue on until it's time to put it on for the last time, and reality hits you...20+ years gone....what do I do now? I think AD folks have it harder in that sense than Reservists and Guard being they get to "blend" both lives together and are more flexible than someone who's been AD the entire time then discovers they have a first name and it isn't Sergeant, Captain, or Chief.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2016 8:37 PM

2016-03-21T20:37:59-04:00

A tough question...and some days my answer changes by the minute.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2016 8:47 PM

2016-03-21T20:47:35-04:00

I will be serving until I am retirement eligible barring some type of health issue that prevents it. The ARNG has been extremely good to my family and I and I have no reason not to continue serving. It also helps that I still thoroughly enjoy what I do.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2016 8:50 PM

2016-03-21T20:50:49-04:00

I am no where near current. But, in my first enlistment I told the retention NCO he could make me a MSGT and I wouldn't re-up.

Things changed.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Mar 21 at 2016 8:57 PM

2016-03-21T20:57:04-04:00

I just peaked over 13 years, getting out would not be a great idea at this point... Might as well stick around for 7 more!

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2016 9:02 PM

2016-03-21T21:02:05-04:00

No bottom line I was 21 year old when I joined and party my ass off till I was 35. So no way these guys that come in now will do that. I thank god I retired under the old plan and they still lied because they said medical was free when you retired well I pay every year. I am a Combat Vet and can receive VA care because I am Cat 1 but we see how that works. The problem we have with congress is we are losing the all draft congressmen that at least served 2 years and at least they would have some understanding it is only going to get worse with the all volunteer that has been around for over 35 years. Prime example is look at who is running for president and the last cycle was same one no one has served so they will never get it.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 21 at 2016 9:08 PM

2016-03-21T21:08:53-04:00

I never had plans either way. It was around year 3 that I seriously started considering reenlisting. I made it to 8 and walked away without regrets, however I would have stayed in as well. It came down to a choice and I chose what was more important to me.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 21 at 2016 9:09 PM

2016-03-21T21:09:41-04:00

Yea, I think I will. Never started something without finishing it - Oh, forgot, April I start receiving my RETIREMENT CHECK!!!!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2016 10:16 PM

2016-03-21T22:16:44-04:00

Have never done anything that I enjoyed more. God willing, I'll be a lifer.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Mar 21 at 2016 11:04 PM

2016-03-21T23:04:40-04:00

I hope that everyone who wants to stay in until retirement gets to do so. During previous drawdowns lots of people (both officers and enlisted) got the boot. Some were well over half way to retirement.

Response by Cpl Bryan Whittaker made Mar 22 at 2016 1:31 AM

2016-03-22T01:31:20-04:00

I agree with everyone here. I enlisted in 1991 got out in 1995 ( 4 and out the door!). I have no regrets, when I first enlisted, I planned on staying in, but the Marines owned me, I wanted to do more, I had goals and wanted to pursue law enforcement and go to college. I couldn't foresee staying in and accomplishing anything I wanted. I think it was a low point with President Clinton as the Commander and Chief. I feel fortunate to have been able to serve, but have no regrets getting out when I did. I salute all of you currently serving and those veterans that served.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Mar 22 at 2016 6:31 AM

2016-03-22T06:31:40-04:00

I love my country and respect all of those that continue to serve and will follow me, but I'm done. My ticket is punched for this year and my reasons are legitimate and cannot be fixed as they are systemic to the entire Army.
The main counter I hear is what about your retirement? At a certain point you can't be bought. However, some people really do get to me when they talk about service to others and the pure things. After all that is why I serve is to take care of others and I respect everyone else.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Mar 22 at 2016 6:42 AM

2016-03-22T06:42:08-04:00

Staying in for at least 20 was my original plan.

Response by SFC Paul Sanford made Mar 22 at 2016 8:36 AM

2016-03-22T08:36:25-04:00

Yes! Retire in 39 data! Woo hoo!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 11:18 AM

2016-03-22T11:18:42-04:00

Got five more years! Yewwww!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 22 at 2016 12:40 PM

2016-03-22T12:40:32-04:00

At this point I certainly hope so...

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 3:44 PM

2016-03-22T15:44:45-04:00

My original plan was to stay in until I couldn't anymore. But after a failure of leadership and lack of support, I'm contemplating on whether I should stay or get out. Hopefully my next duty station will solidify my decision.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 3:55 PM

2016-03-22T15:55:45-04:00

SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds just reenlisted for 5 more years, ask me again 4 years from now...

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Mar 22 at 2016 6:50 PM

2016-03-22T18:50:13-04:00

I won't. It's been an interesting experience but I know that I can't do it for 20 plus years. Just not my cup of tea.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2016 2:08 PM

2016-03-23T14:08:42-04:00

I hope and pray that all of you do because that retirement letter is worth its weight in gold!!!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2016 6:49 PM

2016-03-23T18:49:51-04:00

At this point in my career, I think so. I will have 11 total years at the end of my current contract (4 active, 7 years in the guard)

One of my reasonings behind it, is that I haven't put really much of anything else towards a retirement in the 9 years I have been in. Only thing I have put towards retirement is time in the military. So might as well do my 20 so I can get at least something back.