Reenlist vs getting out (Any advice?)

Really, no one can make that choice but you. But here are some things to consider.

1) Even as a Cpl, when you consider Pay +BAH (about $40k), you are making just under the Median HOUSEHOLD income for the US ($51k). When you get promoted to Sgt, and go over 4, you pay jumps A LOT. Getting out, you will likely take a step back in pay.

2) While you are in, you have the best opportunity for education. I know this seems counter intuitive, but between easy things like CLEP/DANTE, Tuition assistance, etc, Education comes easier inside than outside, where it comes out of pocket, and real life gets in the way.

3) Lat moves are tough, but... You can also apply directly for B-Billets, like DI, Recruiting, MSG, Combat Instructor. Keep in mind, you are not only an Infantryman, you are an Operations person. We use 03xx for Ops, later in their Career, and you will end up learning that the deeper you go.

4) Map your Career. Where do you want to be in 8~ years. Either here or on the outside. Once you've figured that out, make "a" plan. Figure out if it makes more sense for you to stay in, or get out to do so.

5) Don't regret either decision. Get out because it was time. Stay in because you wanted to.

Some good advice/thoughts from Aaron. I can provide a little perspective regarding my son. He left active duty last November as an AAV crewman (not a ton of transferable skills from a trade perspective). I advised him to stay in the active reserve, which he did. He picked up Sgt about a month ago and he uses his reserve pay to cover helath benefits (tri-care).

He is working full time and going to school full time with a wife and baby (and in the active reserve). Not easy. Did they take a step back financially? Yes they did. Will it be difficult? yes it will, especially the next three years. I think the tipping point for him on his decision to stay active or get out was the deployment tempo and trying to have a family and be around for his daughter. It is hard to put a price tag on things like that.


There are lots of trade offs you need to think through but this is not a short term game, think longer term, be realistic about your goals, current state etc. A decision to stay another 4 years does send you down a path that might make staying for 20 more likely. All the best as you make your decision and move to the next phase or your life.

CPL Yang after I had served 5 years on Active Duty I made the decision to reenlist into the Army National Guard and keep my career going. It was a great decision and now after retiring with 37 years as a Colonel, if I had to do it again - I would. Keep those skills you have learned and earned and put them to work continuing to support the constitution and your country. At the end of the day you will get some great advice on RallyPoint, but you have to make that final decision! It has to be right for you. Good luck!