Is it time for a career change?

Question

After serving over 11 years in the Army and deploying in support of the War on Terror four times, my time may have come to an end. During my last tour in Iraq I fell victim to a roadside bomb (IED) which took my left eye, left thumb, and took about half the use of my right hand. I will soon be facing my medical retirement board, and I am not sure what to do.
I know that if I choose to stay in my promotion potential will have dropped, and I probably wont be able to deploy again. My wife says that I have served enough, and it is time to start over. But at 31 years old, I am not sure that is a good move.

What does the forum think? Serious answers only please.

Answer 1

Good question man. Hopefully you're not putting much stock in what a bunch of random yahoos are putting into this, but at least some ideas worth consideration may come up.

Assuming the MRB doesn't make the decision for you, I look at this from two directions. I know they're obvious, but they have to be stated nonetheless.
1. If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. What are your wife's true feelings and intentions? Does she want you to get out, or is she telling you that you've done your part because she knows how much you love it and she's trying to make you feel secure in deciding to leave? In other words, does she definitely want you out, or is she telling you that she loves you and she'll be proud of you no matter what?
2. If you ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. For me, seriously, I can think of nothing more personally satisfying than working with the great people I encounter every day in the military. I don't care about some monetary bottom line or making a million dollars for the company--I get the satisfaction of training, leading, and fighting beside the finest human beings I'll ever meet. That, to me, is irreplaceable. I don't know what the hell I'll do when I reach 20.

Now, I know it's not like you can simply ignore your injuries, because they are life-altering. Maybe you can't do your old job. But you say you mounted up and headed out there four times. Four times! That kind of experience has got to count for something! Why not draw on the experience to train others? You might not be there pulling the trigger, but your insights may be the deciding factor some day in whether some of those grunts out there live or die, and that's something to be proud of as well. You could train both within the Army and outside. It's definitely something to keep in mind.

As someone said, you're 31, which is plenty young to start again. There's a ton of benefits from the VA and others for disabled veterans, and there's lots of support structures like the VFW and such. You've got plenty of years ahead of you, so don't let your age scare you into not making a move!

There's no rule or spreadsheet that will tell you what to do. Follow your heart and choose the path that satisfies both you and your wife. At the same time, don't convince yourself that you have to give up the life if that's what you want to pursue. Do what fulfills you.

Answer 2

What do YOU want to do? You know you probably have valuable skills the army can use not involving combat. How about a training command or administrative duty. I'd just hate to see you give up a career you like if you don't have to. You've certainly served your time and given more than your share for your country but if you like the army why not 9 more years to make it to 20 years? At 40 you'd still be young enough to go to school when you get out and start a whole new career plus have the retirement benefits. Whatever you decide, thank you so much for your service and for your sacrifice for us all. Good luck to you.

P.S. Just looking at it from the other side financially...if you did get out now in addition to educational benefits you will be getting a fairly significant VA disability. It wont be as much as you are earning now but it would be a nice supplement to another income in a second career.

Answer 3

First, allow me to express my condolences. I'm glad you are home alive, but...

Second, you don't really give a lot of background. What was your MOS? Do you have a skill, or degree, that you can parlay into a job? Are you looking at working for the government as a civilian, or just into the civilian market?

I retired and went to work as a Dept of the Army Civilian. I wouldn't have been able to work as a straight up civilian, hanging around them all day, and not having them understand what I did, why I did it, and have to learn a new language. (Plus I enjoyed the travel opportunities)

This is a decision that you and your wife will have to make. If you feel that you can continue in the Army, and you enjoyed what you did, then stay. You will, probably, not have to deploy again, but your experience and views will be a powerful training asset. If you feel that you are done being a soldier, then by all means retire.

Good luck, and thanks.

Answer 4

I am in the Army, 18 yrs. God Bless you for serving, but listen to your wife and move on. If a new career that will use your military time toward retirement or think about starting your own business. As a combat veteran there are alot of business GRANTS you qualify for. Look out for Entrepreneur Seminars in your local area, and be your own boss. Join VFW, or DAV for support ( with everything Vets are qualified for)

Answer 5

After the age of fifty, moved from the West coast to the East coast. began doing earnings taxes for an business enterprise, off season I labored in a plant nursery, then nights at a the USPS doing documents conversion, moved lower back to the West, labored in a inn in a hotel section for 6 months, got here lower back to the city and signed up with a business enterprise, 2 calls in 7 weeks, went to artwork as a caregiver and did that until eventually retirement some 365 days in the past.

Answer 6

I think you should quit while you are ahead. Don't risk getting hurt again. Your wife is right. 31 is only very young these days to start another career. Surely the army can help in some way.

Answer 7

im sorry to hear about that! You know you can get in with KBR and make some big bucks, but you have to go back down there. I know they don't descriminate becuase there is a guy who got hit and lost his right arm and he is working here after he got out the Army.

also check out www.militaryhire.com its a good place to start

good luck!

SGT Salas
DSCINT PSD NCOIC
MP'S LEAD FROM THE FRONT!

Answer 8

Man I am so sorry for your loss andI can't tell how much I appreciate you service and your sacrifice. If you can continued to help in this most important endeavor I and many others will appreciate it more than words can convey. This war is bigger the than the cold war. But below most radar screens unlike WWII. If you can continue you should.

THANKS

Answer 9

Have you thought of using your experience in a new trade that is not as physically demanding?

Can you get training for some kind of teaching or educational role despite your condition?