Reenlisting

[clayton86]

So I was all for re enlisting for an additional 6 more years in the guard but I'm starting to second guess my self. Iv weighed out the pros and cons but it seems like the cons are starting to greatly out weight the pros. Here is some of the things iv come up with

Pros:

Continue to serve my country

Almost certain to make Sgt within the year

$10,000 sign on bonus

That much closer to a retirement from the guard

I do enjoy being a grunt

Cons:

I hate being a grunt lol

Pay is always being cut and screwed up

Uncertain drills with these funding cuts

Gets in the way of life some times

Deployments are uncertain at this point and I would gladly deploy again, if I hadn't just gotten custody of my kids I would be doing everything I can to jump right back into another deployment. Even still it's a 4 year rotation so if there is still something in 4 years I could go.

They are screwing me over right now on my pay again and iv followed my chain of command and am getting no where but basically drilling for free now because they are taking money for things I signed to be canceled but are still taking out of my pay. Then they are also taking money because they changed the status of where I was deployed while there an paid me for hostile fire now want it back which yes there was no hostile fire but don't pay me for it then months later want it back.

It's the issues with washington that is really making me second guess this and I don't mean to go political but it's a huge part of why I get jerked around the reason all vets and current service members do. They say there gonna give me 10,000 for a 6year paid on my anniversary date which is February next year but from my experience they can and will charge me for some thing or just flat out change there minds and say no after iv signed.

What do you guys think? I mean I can deal with stupid people in my unit but not stupid people in Washington.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

First off. I sincerely appreciate what you have and are doing for this country.

Now. As to whether or not to reinlist. Only you can decide that. I can tell you from personal experience the older your kids get the harder it is to go. I deal with it every week when I have to hit the road. I thought it would get easier and it dang sure does not. As for the situation in the capital. Its gonna get worse before it gets better. That's just my 2 cents.

[slonezp]

What's best for your kids? That would be my decision maker. 

[OkeechobeeAngler]

Thank you for your service. Since you seem to be second guessing I think you know the answer already. Got to take care of your kids. 

[clayton86]

The kids are why I'm not putting my name in to go on another deployment.

But re upping isn't like I'm gonna be gone all the time we may not deploy again in the next 6 years but I'm gonna stay in for 20 if I re up this time it would give me 12 of the 20 needed.

[OkeechobeeAngler]

Got ya. Well then good luck, Thanks for serving again. I got 10 yrs in total between regular Army and ARNG. Bad knees from jumping did me in. 

[clayton86]

If I didnt have custody of my boys I'd go active but having custody changed everything but I'd rather have my boys it's not often the father gets custody.

[Jigfishn10]

That's a tough decision for sure and I know you'll make the right one. All I can do is wish you nothing but the best of luck my friend. I'm sure the folks on here will support your decision either way.

 

Good luck!

[Marty]

It's easy to see how difficult a decision this is. Good luck, whichever way you go.

[Jake P]

If I didnt have custody of my boys I'd go active but having custody changed everything but I'd rather have my boys it's not often the father gets custody.

You're right, its not often. Take advantage and take your kids fishing every weekend. Just my opinion. They will love you regardless though. good luck either way.

[jhoffman]

Couldnt do it, couldnt be away from my boy that long even when I am mad that he wants out of bed at 1am. I would have in the back of my mind him screaming my name out in the middle of night with dad never showing up to fix it.

[clayton86]

Couldnt do it, couldnt be away from my boy that long even when I am mad that he wants out of bed at 1am. I would have in the back of my mind him screaming my name out in the middle of night with dad never showing up to fix it.

It is tough that's for sure

[J Francho]

The kids and your current situation make it a tough call.

[clayton86]

The kids and your current situation make it a tough call.

Well I already have uncontested divorce papers signed and everything worked out just waiting for her to come up with the money cuz I'm not paying for her cheating iv got the boys it's all I wante out of it.

[J Francho]

Good move.

[Ratherbfishing]

To be blunt, haven't you figured out yet that when you are in the military (guard, reserve, or otherwise), the government OWNS you?  You cannot bank on anything working in your favor.  I am not putting down servicemen and women (I am a veteran myself).  It's just the truth.

[endless]

I just want to say Clayton whatever your decisions are I wish you the best and good luck!!

[clayton86]

To be blunt, haven't you figured out yet that when you are in the military (guard, reserve, or otherwise), the government OWNS you? You cannot bank on anything working in your favor. I am not putting down servicemen and women (I am a veteran myself). It's just the truth.

Yes I'm well aware of that but this TA and everythin else is a bit ridiculous **** on service members just so you can help people who are to lazy to do anything for them selves.

[jhoffman]

I say dont do it, take a civil service exam, jump to the front of the line and get a state career, even if it means moving. Youve already seen whats going to happen, I would bet my last dollar it will be more of the same. Government is not what it was 100 years ago. We need to clean the slate.

[clayton86]

I say dont do it, take a civil service exam, jump to the front of the line and get a state career, even if it means moving. Youve already seen whats going to happen, I would bet my last dollar it will be more of the same. Government is not what it was 100 years ago. We need to clean the slate.

Iv been on the waiting list for state corrections for 3 years now..........scored a 93% on the test passed all the evals and every other hoop to jump threw but I'm still waiting and try keep closing prisons down and cutting everything. Right now I'm waiting on mother nature soon as weather breaks I go to work on the roof doing commercial roofing for the union but can't do it with this screwy weather.

[jhoffman]

I did commercial roofing in my 20s, nasty nasty job. Pays good but its WORK. Did one in a tornado once, boss said tear the whole roof off, we argued against it. Tornaedo came through mid day and ripped what he had down off and dumped thousands of gallons into a school.

 

Speaking of school, if not a state job what about returning to school? I know a lot of single parents think you cant do it but you can, theres more funding for single parents than there is kids coming out of high school with 4.0 gpa's.

[clayton86]

My brother in law does roofing it's who is getting me into it.

I have no interest in school and Washington cut tuition assistance for vets so.....