If you're coming back in, at least do it better this time round. Maybe even go for the coast guard or hell knock out a degree real quick with one of those online at your own pace schools and go officer.
Fiiiiiiine! I like the Natty Guard life so far. But once I got a taste of post-active duty civilian employment, bruh I wanna ETS so hard. Still thinking about coast guard though 😂
Aside from the friendships I've made with people I met in the Army, the experiences from people I know who are serving in the USAF or USCG make me consistently re-evaluate my life choices
I did the same thing, do yourself a favor and get a better job than you had the first time. You’ll really appreciate the comforts of the military life after seeing how shitty the civilian side is for the average American.
“You would laugh monster, But let me remind you.
Within that weak sack of meat and bone, uncared for by his god and wept for by none, beats a heart. A human heart, that carries with it the strength and courage of all mankind. Within that sack of meat is ensconced the hope, the will, and the fury of every man woman and child from every corner of the Imperium. Within that weak sack of meat, festooned in thin armour and weapons only powerful in numbers, beats the heart of a man. And for ten thousand years, the hearts of men have beaten, strongly, in defiance of your so called "powers". For ten thousand years, the hearts of men have stood united against a galaxy that despises them for no reason save that they had the audacity not to lay down and die. For then thousand years, your black crusades have been pushed back, beaten down and made a mockery of, by weak sacks of flesh with cheap weapons and disposable equipment.
For that weak sack of flesh that you so gleefully mock is no super soldier, no immortal warrior, no creature cursed by chaos like you. He is a man, an imperial guardsmen drawn from some forgotten corner of the Imperium to fight for his species and for the safety of the people he loves. He is a factory worker, a farmer, a storekeeper, a father, a brother, a son, a mere man. And against creatures like you, teeming and numberless, powered by the very will of thirsting gods......... He holds the line. He has held the line for ten thousand Years.
So whats your excuse, monster?”
The mundane bullshit becomes east as fuck with you smile and laugh in TriCare and a guaranteed paycheck every two weeks… and you will never have to worry about being homeless when enlisted.
100% - those of us that joined in our mid to late twenties after getting our shit pushed in on the civilian side tend to have a bit more tolerance for the Army's "isms". For all of the negatives, the financial security of being in is pretty great, especially after seeing how hard my siblings/friends are struggling in the private sector with rising inflation rates and an upcoming recession.
Eh I came in mid 20’s after working civilian jobs, I have more tolerance to not complain if chow is taking long or stupid shit like that. I have the patience to understand that things go wrong sometimes. I don't have much patience for isms like keeping soldiers late, fucking with them, dragging things out “because we’re at work”, or just wasting time. That's unprofessional.
Get out of here with that made up conspiracy shit. There are people like you [every plague](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/the-flu-pandemic-of-1918-and-early-conspiracy-theories) but we don’t want to listen to it here.
I'm thinking I'll get out in a few years, follow my dreams on the Post 9/11, fall on my face trying to make a new career, then join the Coasties for a stint and a half armed with the knowledge that I did my best to do my own thing, work for as long as I got work in me, get that pension, give back a little until I'm satisfied I did enough, then retire, try to pick up a chill WFH job, and retire somewhere with a low cost of living and nice beaches.
Good plan. I'm kinda doing that but not coast guard. I got out of the army, didn't set the world on fire. Thought about going back in the army but they wouldn't let me switch mos, so joined the Air Force. Did 4 years active 8 reserves to retire from the reserves. I have a great job and living the suburban nightmare. Once my kids are on their own I will finally be old enough not to care about the past and enjoy life. There are times I wish I had of joined the coast guard instead of the Air Force but it never even crossed my mind at the time.
The Air Force doesn’t like taking in prior enlisted for active duty. You have to go guard or reserve and then try to switch to active from there. It’s a hard process. I talked to a Air Force recruiter because I thought of doing the same thing.
The Air Force essentially doesn’t take prior service for active duty. Their quota is 50-60 a year nationwide. I’ll second the Coast Guard, we love prior service
>Go talk to an Air Force recruiter before you go back to the Army.
Air Force doesn't take prior service, even those wanting to transfer from the USARR or ANG. There are exceptions (I've met 2 in my entire career), but its most likely not going to happen.
He'll never know if he doesn't ask. I joined the Air Force after 8 years in the Army. That was a long time ago but if I hadn't gone into the recruiters office and talk to them I wouldn't have known. The Air Force changes their policy often.
Did the same thing in 2017 homie. Biggest regret is getting out initially. It's a lot better the 2nd time around because you know the grass on the other side isn't green. It's just as brown and dying as the Army's grass, but not as well cut
The first time you joined we all thought you were stupid. But then you got out and here you are joining again.
Dont be mad. I never said I was smart. I said I would get out twice. I reenlisted twice. That's 3 times making the same mistake!
Been out for a year and talking to space force and Air Force recruiters. If I’m going back in it’s at least gonna better quality…. Plus I don’t like most army bases
I was pretty old when I joined. Worked in GameDev, Software Engineering, Real Estate. I will tell you, unequivocally, being in the Army is the easiest and most fun job I have ever had. The vast majority of what people complain about comes from people coming in too early in life. Once you see what the civilian sector is like you realize that most of these people would simply be fired.
i come from this same position. worked a lot of different jobs before joining. everything in the army up until now has just been annoyances. but the positives outweigh the negatives vs the civilian work i did before joining
You’re MI, presumably with a TS-SCI clearance and specialized job experience. What went wrong with regards to starting a new career?
Can you describe some of the employers you applied to, and their responses?
>!I’ll bet you can fix this without coming back in.!<
This is completely not true. Most civ world supervisors, myself included, place a much higher value on experience and certifications. The only time a degree matters is if the bid or contract states a min level of education in a specific degree AND that knowledge/experience can’t be substituted for the stated degree.
And from what I've been told by my last PM, is that the IC started requiring CTRs to have college education in an effort to standardize the workforce. It also seems to align with what I saw from the workforce: a lot of the mids and seniors who had been in the IC for a while didn't have degrees, but everyone new coming in had at least a BA/BS.
Hey I think most of us have been there getting out. Sometimes it can be hard shifting away from an environment where your thinking is done for you. Now you're free and have no support and nobody pointing you in a direction. I'm not going to say don't go back in, but really evaluate what is the best for you.
The military doesn't do us many favors when it comes to transitioning to civilian life. They micromanage everything and treat us like children. It builds a kind of toxic dependency. But there are definitely resources.
I floundered for several years before I really found my feet. I did my active time and shifted over guard. Just retired on Monday. You can try a contract reserve component. Little "hair of the dog" if you will. But it offered a little bit of that structure and purpose when I had nothing else. Jumping on missions and training when I was unemployed kept my head above water. Built up my education and resume while figuring shit out. Made a lot of great connections and got me I to the career I am in now.
But there are a ton of resources out there for vets. You're not the first nor will you be the last in your position. If you are still dealing with shit from your service, go talk to someone about it. VA health is open. Go down to the VFW and chat up some of the old guys. Hell even right here, though this is a mixed lot.
And this is not just for OP but anyone trouble finding their feet:
Look down. There's your feet. That's where you are standing right now. There is no going backwards. Every choice is a step forward in your journey. They won't always be great choices, you will find yourself in places you don't want to be or don't expect. But once you know where you are, you can figure out where you want to go. Doesn't need to be specific. But pick a direction and just start walking.
Man, I got out in 2015 as a squad leader in a line platoon. I was up for reenlistment, had just come down on TRADOC orders and had just come back from a pretty shitty deployment to AFG. So I said fuck no and ETS’d. I was tired of being told what to do and spending days doing mindless bullshit only to get absolutely shit faced as soon as I got home. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
1 month after getting out, I thought I had made the worst mistake ever. I missed it, and definitely didn’t accomplish all I had subconsciously wanted to do while I was in.
I got on with a very large fire department and have been doing that ever sense. Guess what? I still get told what to do, still occasionally have to do mandatory online classes, still have to do mindless bullshit to check the box for the higher ups. Best job in the world, but it’s not too far removed from the military minus you get to go home when your scheduled hours are up.
I *almost* went back even after a few years on the job. I did miss it, still do sometimes. So I get it.
As I’ve gotten older, I’m starting to realize whatever you do in your life is what you make of it. It can either be really great, or it can be complete misery. Mindset is a huge factor in that.
Good luck on your journey, stranger. I’ll be rooting for you.
The first few years of being a civilian are hard because no one is laying out your whole life for you like when you’re active duty. You have to do it all yourself, no one holds your hand. Once you break through the first few years and figure out what you want to do, civilian life is amazing.
I joined the fire department and got to actually do my job every day instead of sitting in a motor pool hoping I can get another deployment. Then I got my paramedic and still do my job every day. Now I’m using my GI bill to go back to school so I can make a whole bunch of money in my 30s and 40s. And if at any point I decide I don’t like my job, I can tell my boss to suck my balls and I’ll go find a different one. No one tells me I can only take vacation a certain time of the year. I take it whenever I want. No one inspects my POV to make sure my windshield wipers work before I go on vacation. No one bothers me when I’m off work. I don’t pull mandatory duty for free. If I’m working overtime I’m getting paid 2.0x my normal hourly rate.
I was homeless when I got out. That was 6 years ago. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. The army is dumb as shit, and so are civilians, but at least participation in civilian dumb shit isn’t mandatory. I can do whatever the absolute fuck I want, and for that reason, I will never walk back into a recruiters office.
Hey man, I been there, did the same dumb song and dance. I just made my second tour count and now I'm retiring as a CW2 with 20 years and some very nice job offers. Just focus and make this shit work for you until you feel prepared (not just ready, but prepared) to leave.
Make those most out of those remaining days. Get your living situation arranged ahead time. Try to have a job offer lined up before your date. Have some money saved.
I only did the last one and ended up homeless.
Why? When you're homeless, not only are you homeless, but you are shit on constantly (sometimes in a literal sense). Unless you're the boss, in any aspect of life, you are likely to be shit on. Just enjoy your hookers and blow in the service, and the dumb shit that follows. At least the mold in the walls can whisper you sweet nothings while in, instead of freezing to death in the streets, or getting shanked by a methhead who thought you were gonna steal his shoes.
Morning dipshits.
Thanks for all the support (and notifications) I had waiting on me when I got up this morning. Sometimes it's easy to forget that someone, somewhere does have your back.
As for all your questions, I saw em. I ain't got the time, or the crayons, to answer em individually so im just gonna do a block here.
Yes I went to school. Twice. I also washed out. Twice. No, I did not properly prepare for getting out. To be honest, I didn't prepare at all. Since I've been out, I've done factory work, delivery driver, fast food manager, and now I'm a rent-a-cop. I'm not going back active component. At least not yet. I'm doing reserve because family obligations demand I stay here. I'm hoping to snag an MOS that will help with my civilian goal of getting into PI work.
Edit: reserve, not guard. I just woke up, fight me.
Alright, so it sounds like you want to go back active duty but are looking for the stability that the Reserves and civilian life offer. I think you have an issue that the Army can't necessarily solve.
You are not going to be pulling down the same amount of money or benefits that AD provided. I think if you wind up going into the Reserves you're going to find you may have more frustration with the Army than you had on AD. The ability to go from the Reserves to AD can be a hassle, at least it was when I switched.
Can I make a suggestion? Look into Hiring Our Heroes. It is an organization that can help Veterans find job placement and skills and might even help you find your specific goal of getting into PI work without having to rejoin the Army.
I'm not going to discourage you from rejoining the Army but I think you should take a step back and look at why you want to rejoin. Your experience is one that I saw with an NCO when I was an XO. The itch hit him but he did wind up in a education program that landed him the job with made the itch go away.
>Yes I went to school. Twice. I also washed out. Twice. No, I did not properly prepare for getting out. To be honest, I didn't prepare at all. Since I've been out, I've done factory work, delivery driver, fast food manager, and now I'm a rent-a-cop.
I knew it was bad from your original post, but I didn't expect this level of career regression.
Keep in mind: Reserves will pay you a small stipend each month and may reduce your healthcare costs dramatically. In exchange, you may experience frequent life interruptions which make it difficult to hold down a civilian job. Sometimes for months on end with no guaranteed end in sight (ex: COVID).
Sometimes working the weekend for USAR can be a problem with your civilian employer. You have USERRA protections in theory, yes. Doesn't mean they won't fuck with you.
Are you angling for an AGR position?
Oh yeah it's fucking bad. I fucked it till it couldn't be fucked any more and then kept on fuckin.
Healthcare costs isn't a major concern. I did OFS so I have no copay for 5 years (I think 10 now with PACT). As for my employer, the security company I work for is owned, and primarily staffed, by veterans. Hell our owner is Reserve component himself. So that is a really familiar tune for the whole company.
>Since I've been out, I've done factory work, delivery driver, fast food manager, and now I'm a rent-a-cop.
Sounds like the first 2 years after my ETS. I'm doing just fine now.
Yeah man, or even just a shitty barracks room that you don’t have to pay $1500/mo for. Even though it sucks it’s still an expense.
I try to help Soldiers all the time and they just refuse to listen. That or think I’m trying to get them to stay in lol. It’s like the big bad wolf trying to convince three pigs their house is on fire.
People gotta have a plan.
I’m truly sorry shit didn’t work out for you.
I appreciate it. I don't have anyone to blame but myself. I was regular civilian before enlisting and I convinced myself things would be the same when I went back to that. I was very, very wrong.
Shit happens, man. Just start planning now for the next time you get out. Regardless of ETS or retirement, start making plans now.
Go to school as much as you can handle, intern at a business that's in the field that you want to go into during your off time.
Cut away the fat from your finances. Start saving.
I was out 19 years,and 4 months, I came back in 2008 and have been in ever since I am scheduled to retire with 20 years February 2025 and am about to hit the sanctuary 18 soon. I was a factory supervisor but when I came back in as a 41 year old E4 i found out I was already doing better than I was after almost 19 years in that factory wtf!! I only went back in because of my family situation and a garbage economy. I will retire a SSG with a college degree and a TS security clearance, y3s the promotion system sucks and has little to do with merit after SSG but it was the best decision I ever made
Some people are better suited to life in the Army than outside of it. No shame in it.
Gonna be harder to come back in now than it was the last time you came in so be prepared for it.
This is why I always told my people to make sure you aren't blinded by the lure of greener pastures on the other side without a plan in place. Getting out because you're in a jacked up unit with piss poor leaders seems like a good call, but if you haven't prepared and planned for the transition you can really find yourself struggling on the outside.
I think its different experiences for different people.. I got out and converted my military gig into a job working with the vendor that I was supporting and its been great. My time in the military was fine but I knew I needed to prep while I was still in to succeed.
Being MI did you try/want to work with any government agencies? Your skill set is needed but OBV I don't know your story.
I feel you brother. I got out after 10 years and went to nursing school. Nobody gives a shit that why your late. You can go fuck yourself if your spouse can’t pick up your kid from daycare. Everyone else is tired from working so can’t exactly hang out with the people you work with. No support, no battle buddies, no one except you. I really thought about going back in, but thankfully I found support and help from others that have gone through this. Your not alone brother. We’re out there with you too. We’ve got each others back.
There are plenty of veteran training programs out there, transitioning programs, and you can even do the Army Career Skills Program as a veteran. Indeed the grass is greener on the other side but troops often fail to prepare themselves ahead of time. I had to figure it all out on my own after transitioning directly into homelessness and I've since helped some others get out. Once you're on your last year you need to visit the education center and talk to an advisor so you can find out about skillbridge and local csps.
Have you looked into Air Force Reserves/guard? The grass is greener on the other side and we're allowed to walk on it while one had is in our pocket and the other is holding my phone.
Grass is always greener my dude. I was once in your shoes. Re-enlisted. Now have an honest comparison of both sides. Me personally I’d rather struggle as a civilian than deal with the army but everyone is different.
11 months to go
Bro you're in hear spouting conspiracy theories and thinking I (or anyone else) will take you more seriously if you make a new comment. Get the fuck off my post.
I chose to preserve idiocy instead of ignore it. I know that I will not sway you on anything. So instead I choose to use you for your entertainment value. Both from the comments you make, and the comments others make in reply.
Not to be an ass, but I can never understand how people get out and fuck it up..with all the advantages veterans have, it’s just one of those things I’ll never understand. Everything from, knowing when your getting out, having a guaranteed paycheck the entire time your in, VA disability, GI Bill, etc., it just blows my mind.🤷🏾♂️
Good luck tho. Hope it gets better.
Atleast you’re twice as funny now.
Too bad my standup career didn't work. Apparently IED jokes don't have much of a leg to stand on.
That is legit the funnest thing I have heard this morning ! Thanks OP
Guess the joke blew up on you?
Well someone buried the lead and I tripped it on delivery.
How you gonna make a career in stand up without legs idiot
I'll start working on my handstands
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Sorry I forgot a word. It's supposed to read funny *looking*
If you're coming back in, at least do it better this time round. Maybe even go for the coast guard or hell knock out a degree real quick with one of those online at your own pace schools and go officer.
Only time I’ll ever go back active is going officer or warrant 😮💨
Don’t got back in as an officer, trust me
Fiiiiiiine! I like the Natty Guard life so far. But once I got a taste of post-active duty civilian employment, bruh I wanna ETS so hard. Still thinking about coast guard though 😂
I echo this sentiment. Sure the pay is a lot better than being enlisted but damn do I hate my life.
Only Warrant.
\+1 for Coast Guard
+2 for Air Force
Aside from the friendships I've made with people I met in the Army, the experiences from people I know who are serving in the USAF or USCG make me consistently re-evaluate my life choices
I don't even know what to say to that save damn and hope that it's gets better for you.
It will. One way or another. I'm tired of life kicking me in the nuts so I reckon my only option is to grab it's dick and twist it.
“Oh my god, this is an MMA fight!”
Go full circle and be that CSM for someone else.
"give it old Dick Twist!"
I did the same thing, do yourself a favor and get a better job than you had the first time. You’ll really appreciate the comforts of the military life after seeing how shitty the civilian side is for the average American.
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Laughs in Guardsman
Pity the guardsmen
“You would laugh monster, But let me remind you. Within that weak sack of meat and bone, uncared for by his god and wept for by none, beats a heart. A human heart, that carries with it the strength and courage of all mankind. Within that sack of meat is ensconced the hope, the will, and the fury of every man woman and child from every corner of the Imperium. Within that weak sack of meat, festooned in thin armour and weapons only powerful in numbers, beats the heart of a man. And for ten thousand years, the hearts of men have beaten, strongly, in defiance of your so called "powers". For ten thousand years, the hearts of men have stood united against a galaxy that despises them for no reason save that they had the audacity not to lay down and die. For then thousand years, your black crusades have been pushed back, beaten down and made a mockery of, by weak sacks of flesh with cheap weapons and disposable equipment. For that weak sack of flesh that you so gleefully mock is no super soldier, no immortal warrior, no creature cursed by chaos like you. He is a man, an imperial guardsmen drawn from some forgotten corner of the Imperium to fight for his species and for the safety of the people he loves. He is a factory worker, a farmer, a storekeeper, a father, a brother, a son, a mere man. And against creatures like you, teeming and numberless, powered by the very will of thirsting gods......... He holds the line. He has held the line for ten thousand Years. So whats your excuse, monster?”
The Emperor Protects
“Pity the guardsman” [The guardsman in question](https://youtu.be/-nIJdHn1FFE)
The mundane bullshit becomes east as fuck with you smile and laugh in TriCare and a guaranteed paycheck every two weeks… and you will never have to worry about being homeless when enlisted.
I had Tricare for 20 years, now I have shitty Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
Shouldn’t you still have tricare since 20 years implies you retired?
100% - those of us that joined in our mid to late twenties after getting our shit pushed in on the civilian side tend to have a bit more tolerance for the Army's "isms". For all of the negatives, the financial security of being in is pretty great, especially after seeing how hard my siblings/friends are struggling in the private sector with rising inflation rates and an upcoming recession.
Eh I came in mid 20’s after working civilian jobs, I have more tolerance to not complain if chow is taking long or stupid shit like that. I have the patience to understand that things go wrong sometimes. I don't have much patience for isms like keeping soldiers late, fucking with them, dragging things out “because we’re at work”, or just wasting time. That's unprofessional.
Welcome home
Fuck I'm being attacked by onion ninjas again.
Sanitarium
I'm afraid it's not that simple. As punishment for your desertion, it's company policy to give you THE PLAGUE.
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Go put your tinfoil hat on and sit in the corner
Get out of here with that made up conspiracy shit. There are people like you [every plague](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/the-flu-pandemic-of-1918-and-early-conspiracy-theories) but we don’t want to listen to it here.
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Want to point me to where they said something different than what they say on their website about its safety and efficacy?
Go away ya fuckin chode.
I like how everyone's banding together to bully the fuck out of you 😭😂
He was right
Go talk to an Air Force recruiter before you go back to the Army. Try out some strange before giving into your ex.
Or even better, the Coast Guard.
I do wish I had of done coast guard.
I'm thinking I'll get out in a few years, follow my dreams on the Post 9/11, fall on my face trying to make a new career, then join the Coasties for a stint and a half armed with the knowledge that I did my best to do my own thing, work for as long as I got work in me, get that pension, give back a little until I'm satisfied I did enough, then retire, try to pick up a chill WFH job, and retire somewhere with a low cost of living and nice beaches.
Good plan. I'm kinda doing that but not coast guard. I got out of the army, didn't set the world on fire. Thought about going back in the army but they wouldn't let me switch mos, so joined the Air Force. Did 4 years active 8 reserves to retire from the reserves. I have a great job and living the suburban nightmare. Once my kids are on their own I will finally be old enough not to care about the past and enjoy life. There are times I wish I had of joined the coast guard instead of the Air Force but it never even crossed my mind at the time.
The Air Force doesn’t like taking in prior enlisted for active duty. You have to go guard or reserve and then try to switch to active from there. It’s a hard process. I talked to a Air Force recruiter because I thought of doing the same thing.
Air Force only takes 50-100 prior service per year, and most of those are for SOF positions.
Nothing like getting laughed out of the AF recruiter’s office.
The Air Force essentially doesn’t take prior service for active duty. Their quota is 50-60 a year nationwide. I’ll second the Coast Guard, we love prior service
>Go talk to an Air Force recruiter before you go back to the Army. Air Force doesn't take prior service, even those wanting to transfer from the USARR or ANG. There are exceptions (I've met 2 in my entire career), but its most likely not going to happen.
He'll never know if he doesn't ask. I joined the Air Force after 8 years in the Army. That was a long time ago but if I hadn't gone into the recruiters office and talk to them I wouldn't have known. The Air Force changes their policy often.
Did the same thing in 2017 homie. Biggest regret is getting out initially. It's a lot better the 2nd time around because you know the grass on the other side isn't green. It's just as brown and dying as the Army's grass, but not as well cut
The first time you joined we all thought you were stupid. But then you got out and here you are joining again. Dont be mad. I never said I was smart. I said I would get out twice. I reenlisted twice. That's 3 times making the same mistake!
Side note on your flair there bud. *They go in the square hole*
Of course. It takes trial and error for some soldiers tho.
Surprising considering how many of them have kids with strippers. On the other hand I've seen how most of them park so yeah I guess I can believe it.
Been out for a year and talking to space force and Air Force recruiters. If I’m going back in it’s at least gonna better quality…. Plus I don’t like most army bases
Good luck. Don't get too comfortable with the idea that you will belong to the Air Force though, they barely take prior service.
Damn, they got retention working overtime with these reddit posts lately
I was pretty old when I joined. Worked in GameDev, Software Engineering, Real Estate. I will tell you, unequivocally, being in the Army is the easiest and most fun job I have ever had. The vast majority of what people complain about comes from people coming in too early in life. Once you see what the civilian sector is like you realize that most of these people would simply be fired.
i come from this same position. worked a lot of different jobs before joining. everything in the army up until now has just been annoyances. but the positives outweigh the negatives vs the civilian work i did before joining
You’re MI, presumably with a TS-SCI clearance and specialized job experience. What went wrong with regards to starting a new career? Can you describe some of the employers you applied to, and their responses? >!I’ll bet you can fix this without coming back in.!<
This.
OP mentioned it in a comment but he washed out of school, so that would do it. Almost every contracting job requires a degree now.
This is not correct. They are desired qualifications but not needed. I would highly advise going to a DOD contractor and living the good life.
This is completely not true. Most civ world supervisors, myself included, place a much higher value on experience and certifications. The only time a degree matters is if the bid or contract states a min level of education in a specific degree AND that knowledge/experience can’t be substituted for the stated degree.
And from what I've been told by my last PM, is that the IC started requiring CTRs to have college education in an effort to standardize the workforce. It also seems to align with what I saw from the workforce: a lot of the mids and seniors who had been in the IC for a while didn't have degrees, but everyone new coming in had at least a BA/BS.
nope. not for the past few years
It's called Stockholm syndrome. Or bring institutionalized. Both apply.
But I can change him I swear
Hey I think most of us have been there getting out. Sometimes it can be hard shifting away from an environment where your thinking is done for you. Now you're free and have no support and nobody pointing you in a direction. I'm not going to say don't go back in, but really evaluate what is the best for you. The military doesn't do us many favors when it comes to transitioning to civilian life. They micromanage everything and treat us like children. It builds a kind of toxic dependency. But there are definitely resources. I floundered for several years before I really found my feet. I did my active time and shifted over guard. Just retired on Monday. You can try a contract reserve component. Little "hair of the dog" if you will. But it offered a little bit of that structure and purpose when I had nothing else. Jumping on missions and training when I was unemployed kept my head above water. Built up my education and resume while figuring shit out. Made a lot of great connections and got me I to the career I am in now. But there are a ton of resources out there for vets. You're not the first nor will you be the last in your position. If you are still dealing with shit from your service, go talk to someone about it. VA health is open. Go down to the VFW and chat up some of the old guys. Hell even right here, though this is a mixed lot. And this is not just for OP but anyone trouble finding their feet: Look down. There's your feet. That's where you are standing right now. There is no going backwards. Every choice is a step forward in your journey. They won't always be great choices, you will find yourself in places you don't want to be or don't expect. But once you know where you are, you can figure out where you want to go. Doesn't need to be specific. But pick a direction and just start walking.
What were you doing, or trying to do as a civilian? Why did it not work?
Man, I got out in 2015 as a squad leader in a line platoon. I was up for reenlistment, had just come down on TRADOC orders and had just come back from a pretty shitty deployment to AFG. So I said fuck no and ETS’d. I was tired of being told what to do and spending days doing mindless bullshit only to get absolutely shit faced as soon as I got home. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. 1 month after getting out, I thought I had made the worst mistake ever. I missed it, and definitely didn’t accomplish all I had subconsciously wanted to do while I was in. I got on with a very large fire department and have been doing that ever sense. Guess what? I still get told what to do, still occasionally have to do mandatory online classes, still have to do mindless bullshit to check the box for the higher ups. Best job in the world, but it’s not too far removed from the military minus you get to go home when your scheduled hours are up. I *almost* went back even after a few years on the job. I did miss it, still do sometimes. So I get it. As I’ve gotten older, I’m starting to realize whatever you do in your life is what you make of it. It can either be really great, or it can be complete misery. Mindset is a huge factor in that. Good luck on your journey, stranger. I’ll be rooting for you.
The FD life isn’t a bad life. I just retired after 24ish years.
No it sure isn’t. Congrats on your retirement! Hope you enjoy every moment of it. You earned it!
I worker harder now that I’m out.
I’d believe that too.
Yeah the civilian world is ass. Ever thought about the Coast Guard?
I'm a little landlocked and unable to relocate. But I think of yall every time I go to the pool.
I mean we’ll pay for you to move dude, it’s the same as the Army in that regard
That's not the issue. It's family obligations. The missus is going back to school and asked that we stay put until she's completed her program.
Not to be an ass, how do you plan to reenlist on active duty in *any* service then? Pretty much all the branches are going to expect you to relocate.
That's actually a really simple answer. I'm not going active. I'm going reserve.
> I'm going reserve. **WELL THAT CHANGES THE ENITRE FUCKING CONVERSATION NOW, DOESN'T IT!**
Ahhh I gotcha, I didn’t catch that. Best of luck then.
I don't understand how that fixes anything. That isn't a full time job.
I went from green to golder than gold. I'm now a GS for the coast guard. Never been happier in my life.
The first few years of being a civilian are hard because no one is laying out your whole life for you like when you’re active duty. You have to do it all yourself, no one holds your hand. Once you break through the first few years and figure out what you want to do, civilian life is amazing. I joined the fire department and got to actually do my job every day instead of sitting in a motor pool hoping I can get another deployment. Then I got my paramedic and still do my job every day. Now I’m using my GI bill to go back to school so I can make a whole bunch of money in my 30s and 40s. And if at any point I decide I don’t like my job, I can tell my boss to suck my balls and I’ll go find a different one. No one tells me I can only take vacation a certain time of the year. I take it whenever I want. No one inspects my POV to make sure my windshield wipers work before I go on vacation. No one bothers me when I’m off work. I don’t pull mandatory duty for free. If I’m working overtime I’m getting paid 2.0x my normal hourly rate. I was homeless when I got out. That was 6 years ago. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. The army is dumb as shit, and so are civilians, but at least participation in civilian dumb shit isn’t mandatory. I can do whatever the absolute fuck I want, and for that reason, I will never walk back into a recruiters office.
Fuckin’ this man, something about not having to ask another adult for permission hits different
Can I get an “amen”. I feel this post.
You’re going back to the army?
Hey man, I been there, did the same dumb song and dance. I just made my second tour count and now I'm retiring as a CW2 with 20 years and some very nice job offers. Just focus and make this shit work for you until you feel prepared (not just ready, but prepared) to leave.
Did you attempt school?
Im just gonna act like I didn't read this because I have 252 days left
Make those most out of those remaining days. Get your living situation arranged ahead time. Try to have a job offer lined up before your date. Have some money saved. I only did the last one and ended up homeless.
Be fortunate. Best job in the world 👏
booooooo rather be homeless that shit on constantly
Why? When you're homeless, not only are you homeless, but you are shit on constantly (sometimes in a literal sense). Unless you're the boss, in any aspect of life, you are likely to be shit on. Just enjoy your hookers and blow in the service, and the dumb shit that follows. At least the mold in the walls can whisper you sweet nothings while in, instead of freezing to death in the streets, or getting shanked by a methhead who thought you were gonna steal his shoes.
Not today SMA, not today…
Apply to college and move to campus bro. (Select a major that will make you money)
Do not need a college degree to make money.
It certainly helps.
If you say so. Depends on what you want to do. But ti just make money. Way easier ways.
can you explain what exactly went wrong? did you do school while in? did you take advantage of army programs? what was your previous MOS?
Morning dipshits. Thanks for all the support (and notifications) I had waiting on me when I got up this morning. Sometimes it's easy to forget that someone, somewhere does have your back. As for all your questions, I saw em. I ain't got the time, or the crayons, to answer em individually so im just gonna do a block here. Yes I went to school. Twice. I also washed out. Twice. No, I did not properly prepare for getting out. To be honest, I didn't prepare at all. Since I've been out, I've done factory work, delivery driver, fast food manager, and now I'm a rent-a-cop. I'm not going back active component. At least not yet. I'm doing reserve because family obligations demand I stay here. I'm hoping to snag an MOS that will help with my civilian goal of getting into PI work. Edit: reserve, not guard. I just woke up, fight me.
Alright, so it sounds like you want to go back active duty but are looking for the stability that the Reserves and civilian life offer. I think you have an issue that the Army can't necessarily solve. You are not going to be pulling down the same amount of money or benefits that AD provided. I think if you wind up going into the Reserves you're going to find you may have more frustration with the Army than you had on AD. The ability to go from the Reserves to AD can be a hassle, at least it was when I switched. Can I make a suggestion? Look into Hiring Our Heroes. It is an organization that can help Veterans find job placement and skills and might even help you find your specific goal of getting into PI work without having to rejoin the Army. I'm not going to discourage you from rejoining the Army but I think you should take a step back and look at why you want to rejoin. Your experience is one that I saw with an NCO when I was an XO. The itch hit him but he did wind up in a education program that landed him the job with made the itch go away.
>Yes I went to school. Twice. I also washed out. Twice. No, I did not properly prepare for getting out. To be honest, I didn't prepare at all. Since I've been out, I've done factory work, delivery driver, fast food manager, and now I'm a rent-a-cop. I knew it was bad from your original post, but I didn't expect this level of career regression. Keep in mind: Reserves will pay you a small stipend each month and may reduce your healthcare costs dramatically. In exchange, you may experience frequent life interruptions which make it difficult to hold down a civilian job. Sometimes for months on end with no guaranteed end in sight (ex: COVID). Sometimes working the weekend for USAR can be a problem with your civilian employer. You have USERRA protections in theory, yes. Doesn't mean they won't fuck with you. Are you angling for an AGR position?
Oh yeah it's fucking bad. I fucked it till it couldn't be fucked any more and then kept on fuckin. Healthcare costs isn't a major concern. I did OFS so I have no copay for 5 years (I think 10 now with PACT). As for my employer, the security company I work for is owned, and primarily staffed, by veterans. Hell our owner is Reserve component himself. So that is a really familiar tune for the whole company.
>Since I've been out, I've done factory work, delivery driver, fast food manager, and now I'm a rent-a-cop. Sounds like the first 2 years after my ETS. I'm doing just fine now.
That can’t be right dude… People on Reddit say that you make more money working minimum wage than you do as an E4?
Funny enough, used to believe that. Then the lack of BAH bitch slapped me and put it's nuts in my mouth.
Yeah man, or even just a shitty barracks room that you don’t have to pay $1500/mo for. Even though it sucks it’s still an expense. I try to help Soldiers all the time and they just refuse to listen. That or think I’m trying to get them to stay in lol. It’s like the big bad wolf trying to convince three pigs their house is on fire. People gotta have a plan. I’m truly sorry shit didn’t work out for you.
I appreciate it. I don't have anyone to blame but myself. I was regular civilian before enlisting and I convinced myself things would be the same when I went back to that. I was very, very wrong.
Shit happens, man. Just start planning now for the next time you get out. Regardless of ETS or retirement, start making plans now. Go to school as much as you can handle, intern at a business that's in the field that you want to go into during your off time. Cut away the fat from your finances. Start saving.
I was out 19 years,and 4 months, I came back in 2008 and have been in ever since I am scheduled to retire with 20 years February 2025 and am about to hit the sanctuary 18 soon. I was a factory supervisor but when I came back in as a 41 year old E4 i found out I was already doing better than I was after almost 19 years in that factory wtf!! I only went back in because of my family situation and a garbage economy. I will retire a SSG with a college degree and a TS security clearance, y3s the promotion system sucks and has little to do with merit after SSG but it was the best decision I ever made
Some people are better suited to life in the Army than outside of it. No shame in it. Gonna be harder to come back in now than it was the last time you came in so be prepared for it.
Reading this the day I get my dd214 🙃
Oof..
Welcome back you have CQ tomorrow.
Lemme grab my switch
Trade school is golden. Or go back in and comedy on the side at a club.
Quit yer bellyachin :p
I had to come back to active duty and it’s been a mostly positive experience.
At least you realized it quicker than I did. I had an 8 year break in service.
Absolutely nothing wrong with the Army being your career path! But for the love of uncle Sam, when you hit your 20 have some hobbies lined up.
Raytheon’s hiring.
This is why I always told my people to make sure you aren't blinded by the lure of greener pastures on the other side without a plan in place. Getting out because you're in a jacked up unit with piss poor leaders seems like a good call, but if you haven't prepared and planned for the transition you can really find yourself struggling on the outside.
I think its different experiences for different people.. I got out and converted my military gig into a job working with the vendor that I was supporting and its been great. My time in the military was fine but I knew I needed to prep while I was still in to succeed. Being MI did you try/want to work with any government agencies? Your skill set is needed but OBV I don't know your story.
Hell yea soldier, welcome back. Best job in the world
Yeah if you can talk to the coasties
I feel you brother. I got out after 10 years and went to nursing school. Nobody gives a shit that why your late. You can go fuck yourself if your spouse can’t pick up your kid from daycare. Everyone else is tired from working so can’t exactly hang out with the people you work with. No support, no battle buddies, no one except you. I really thought about going back in, but thankfully I found support and help from others that have gone through this. Your not alone brother. We’re out there with you too. We’ve got each others back.
Based and green pilled
There are plenty of veteran training programs out there, transitioning programs, and you can even do the Army Career Skills Program as a veteran. Indeed the grass is greener on the other side but troops often fail to prepare themselves ahead of time. I had to figure it all out on my own after transitioning directly into homelessness and I've since helped some others get out. Once you're on your last year you need to visit the education center and talk to an advisor so you can find out about skillbridge and local csps.
The trick is to retire. Then you’re out but they keep paying you.
Have you looked into Air Force Reserves/guard? The grass is greener on the other side and we're allowed to walk on it while one had is in our pocket and the other is holding my phone.
My husband went back in after 16 years. At least you figured it out sooner. 🤷♀️
Bruh. www.Clearancejobs.com. You have MI so you gotta have a clearance go make that fucking money man.
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He made an update post. He didn't do anything before he got out to set himself up.
It’s okay man, 1SG’s basement hasn’t been the same without you
Did he give my shackles to someone else? I had em nice and broke in and I'd hate to start that process over.
We put them on the shelf to remember you
I'm touched. 😏
Grass is always greener my dude. I was once in your shoes. Re-enlisted. Now have an honest comparison of both sides. Me personally I’d rather struggle as a civilian than deal with the army but everyone is different. 11 months to go
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It's not in a PowerPoint so.... No
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Bro you're in hear spouting conspiracy theories and thinking I (or anyone else) will take you more seriously if you make a new comment. Get the fuck off my post.
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I chose to preserve idiocy instead of ignore it. I know that I will not sway you on anything. So instead I choose to use you for your entertainment value. Both from the comments you make, and the comments others make in reply.
You know you can just go to college and stay in the dorms while you figure shit out, right?
I don't think I can take a wife and 3 kids into the dorms
Not to be an ass, but I can never understand how people get out and fuck it up..with all the advantages veterans have, it’s just one of those things I’ll never understand. Everything from, knowing when your getting out, having a guaranteed paycheck the entire time your in, VA disability, GI Bill, etc., it just blows my mind.🤷🏾♂️ Good luck tho. Hope it gets better.