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Should I leave active duty?

Asked by Baddreamer27 (710points) January 10th, 2011

This year I am coming up on my 9 year mark in the Navy. I have enjoyed my time and have done some growing up over these years. I have always enjoyed the Navy but I am finding myself leaning toward a “normal life” outside of active duty. There are several reasons I am thinking of leaving. The first is my family-I want to be able to spend time with my son and my fiance (he served 4 years and is getting out in August) and work on expanding my family. The Navy still doesn’t look too kindly on a pregnant woman-married or not. I want my son to be around his family and to know a normal life. He will be starting school next fall. Another reason I am thinking of getting out is due to the lack of advancement opportunities. When I first joined I shot up from an E-3 to an E-5 in under two years. Now its at a stand still. I score well, pass my physical fitness tests and even was JR. Sailor of the year with a #1 E-5 eval and I still fail to hit the mark for advancement. The Navy is actually forcing people out. Right now sailors have to request to be granted the opportunity to re-enlist. The Navy can either say yes, say yes-but pick a different job, or say no. Even with these reasons, I am fearing leaving. I have never had to live on my own with out the Navy. Anyone who has served knows what I’m talking about. I have told my friends back home they have it way harder than I have had it. Also the Navy has excellent benefits for me and my family. Medical/Dental, Housing benefits, tons of family/personal support, College education benefits for me and my family. The pay is good and steady. Also, I am coming up on that half-way mark. Stay 10 more and retire, or say good-bye to the life of being a sailor and continue on with my dream of a “normal life”

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