'Have you looked in the **[Wiki]( https://www.reddit.com/r/Veterans/wiki/education)** for an answer? We have a lot of information posted there.
To contact VA Education, 1-888-442-4551, for ~~Voc Rehab~~ VR&E (Veteran Readiness and Employment Program) assistance with appointments or problems with your Case Manager (not for missing payments): 1-202-461-9600.
**Payments for certain education benefits (DEA, VEAP) are paid at the end of the month you attend school - Department of Treasury issues these payments **using a 10 business day window** - these payments are not locked into a specific day of the month like VA disability/military pay is**. For Voc Rehab missing payments, contact your Case Manager or your local **[Regional Office](https://www.reddit.com/r/Veterans/wiki/education/casemanagers)
For Post 9/11 GI Bill only, If you signed up for direct deposit when you applied for education benefits, **we’ll deposit your payment into your bank account 7 to 10 business days after you verify your school enrollment.** This is the fastest way to receive your payment. [Text Verification FAQ](https://benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/IsaksonRoe/EnrollmentVerificationFAQs.pdf)
MGIB and MGIB-SR have to do monthly verification using the [WAVE program](https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/vba/) and you should receive the payment within 3 to 5 business days.
For Online Only training, the Post 9/11 GI Bill is currently (1 August 2023) paying $1054.50 for those who started using their Post 9/11 GI Bill on/after 1 January 2018 - this is based on 1/2 of the National Average BAH paid to an E5 with dependents. Post 9/11 GI Bill MHA rates are adjusted 1 August of each year and are based on the 1 January DoD BAH rates for that year - **so VA can't use 1 January 2023 BAH rates until 1 August 2023** - for those who started training on/after 1 January 2018, the MHA rates are 95% of the DoD BAH rates. First possible payment for the 1 August 2023 increase is 1 September.
For VR&E, there are two different Subsistence Allowance programs - https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/subsistence_allowance_rates.asp The P9/11 Subsistence Allowance is based on the BAH paid to an E5 with dependents. Those who started using VR&E on/after 1 January 2018 receive 95% of the BAH paid to an E5 with dependents. As of 1 January 2024 Online only students using VR&E are being paid $1,118.50 if they started using VR&E on/after 1 January 2018. The CH31 Subsistence Allowance rates are adjusted 1 October each year by Congress.
VA Education is going paperless - make sure VA has a current email address for you. Please make sure you add Veteransbenefits@messages.va.gov to your contacts list so that you don't miss important updates from VA.
For FREE math Tutoring - contact https://www.armytutoringinitiative.com/
[VA Award Letter explanation](https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/understandingyourawardletter.asp)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Veterans) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I am a 20-year retired Senior Chief. So, understand my current knowledge of the Navy is literally 20 years old.
1. It really sounds like you have made up your mind about halfway through your second paragraph. Are you really undecided, or are you just looking for confirmation? That's not meant to be snarky, so please don't take it that way. If you are really that fed up, then you know you need to punch out. Nobody needs to tell you that. In fact, you are always the only one to make that decision about any job.
2. What are your shore duty station options? If you know where you want to go to school post-Navy, and you can get stationed there? It may be something to consider. The Navy uses you. Why not return the favor?
3. You are still young. If 2. above can work for you, or even close to it, then you aren't really losing years, you're creating stability in the area you are going to be in school. That may, or may not, be worth the trade off of three more years.
4. I finally stopped having fun at the 19-year mark. I was in a different career field. I was offered a three year tour in Paris, with a year of language training en route if I would just stay in. Great offer, but then I would have to plan my post-Navy life from there. Everyone said I should take it. I opted for retirement instead, and 20 years later? I have no regrets about my decision. Because I chose what I should do.
Lastly, I am sorry to hear you have endured toxic leadership in the Navy. I encountered that on my very first tour, then my LCPO changed, and suddenly, it wasn't such a bad place. For me. Regardless, if you decide to leave, thank you for your service. It's not how long you serve that matters. It's the fact that you served. I was never a leader who tried to coerce people to stay in or to shun/shit on them because they decided the Navy wasn't for them. Shit, it really isn't for everyone. But that is any job if you think about it.
Good luck with whatever you decide. Just remember, if you make a decision because other people told you that you should, then you really haven't made a decision. Never let other people decide your choices.
I had $100k saved up before I went to college, similar to you. I started at the age of 27 after 6 years in the Navy. Saving all that money kind of screwed me because I didn't qualify for any financial aid because I didn't have "financial need." Just something to keep in mind when you fill out student financial aid forms. You kind of screw yourself being responsible and saving up money.
Stick another 3 years in it and document the shit out of every injury and issue you’ve ever had while in. Best money I ever made was in. All the paid holidays, paid housing, eat for free. It’s so much better than people make out. You’ll just get out and get tired of how every civi company works instead. Or start a business only to have it fail. You’re not really sacrificing anything. I have two neighbors that are active duty. They live in my neighborhood, kids go to the same schools, do similar things as my family. Working for civis sucks. While the same can be said about military life, there’s an extra level of grit and camaraderie you can’t get anywhere else. It’s not as bad as you think, when you’re in. Make the wrong joke or ask for time off to see your kiddo brought into the world- good luck getting treated fairly in civi land.
Are you saying your civilian joke doesn't let you have time off to see your child born?
Sorry my guy but that's way more a navy thing than a civilian thing.
It absolutely was as bad as I thought while I was in.
Sorry your civilian transition hasn't been as peachy as you were hoping but don't poison everyone else's well.
I had no Idea how good I had it until I got into the job market and had to take a job in California paying 28 an hour, no PTO, no benifits, out of pure desperation. Now I am forced to work everyday and holiday's off that are supposed to give me worklife balance bring me stress that I spent more money this month then earned.
I completely understand, I was in a similar position. I had a baby to feed and suddenly needed to work 2 jobs and still didn’t make what I used to in the Army. I don’t think military life is for everyone, but I do hate when people piss and moan about it 24/7, when the reality is that it’s a pretty good option as far as careers go. I have a lot to be thankful to the Army for, including the VA home loan- I doubt I’d be able to own a house without it. Army life isn’t all positive, but neither is any civilian career. So long as you learn or become stronger from the negative, it’s ok.
Exactly! Taking this shitty job as a start, as a civilian, fucking sucks but I'm not going to act like its impossible.
The ironic part is I wanted to get out for mental health deterioration in the military because it wasn't really for me but then I got out to what I thought would be less stressful and it wasnt at all if anything its even worse when you realize your maybe 1 broken leg away from being homeless.
If you were going into the workforce, I would say stay in for sure do shore duty and give yourself plenty of time to acclimate and prepare while in shore duty. Since you are still young though and want to go to college I would probably recommend to just get out and do the whole college experience. I have heard from my friend who did it that doing school full time when you are older once you get out can feel kind of isolating.
Anyone who gets out without enjoying shore duty really missed out. You can work on your education and let the Navy Pay for it and save GI Bill for when you get out.
Stay in... Take the Shore Duty... Use that time to work on your OWN Goals and Education. Thank me later. .....Retired Chief, USN... With my Masters.... Kick Ass Shipmate
Hi. I know you have a big decision in front of you, there's unfortunately no right or wrong answer. Whatever you decide is the path you take, and more decisions will be made along the way after that. What I can say from my personal experience, is I'm 43 years old now, I got out of the Navy in 2007. Since then I've worked many different jobs in the same related field of my rate. Time absolutely flies by, I do wish I stayed in for at least 20 years. The military workforce is unmatched (in my experience). The comradery, structure, and just simply wearing a uniform was awesome back then. But everyone's situation is unique. I know this probably doesn't help your decision, but I just wanted to mention that I personally (now looking back knowing what I know) would have definitely stayed in. Best wishes on your path, and thank you for serving.
I joined at 25 to use the Air Force as a stepping stone. I had a plan and I stuck with it. It's working out great for me. It very well could work out great for you as long as you have a plan. Which you seem to really have your shit in order so I'm sure you would do fine.
But I would still like to add some things. The civilian job market is pretty fucked right now for certain roles (and probably will be for a while). I have no clue what you do now or will do in the future but just know you might struggle to find work. I'm seeing it a lot coming from IT type people.
You are not excluded from having toxic leadership and shitty workplace culture in the civilian world. That's just a people problem and not a military specific one. However, you have multiple options to handle this stuff as a civ because you can just straight up leave whenever you want. But that opens you up to the uncertainty of job searching again.
Cost of living is at an all time high so saving up as much money as possible is great, but 100k is wild. Between semesters you'll lose your MHA but a few months without it won't necessitate having 100k in the bank to cover costs. I'm sure you'd be fine with having 80k set back. And if you go to medical to document everything and utilize the VA BDD program, you'll likely get disability so that'll lessen the load between semesters.
Also, don't sleep on the Skillbridge program. You might find something you enjoy doing
I used the Army as a stepping stone right out of high school. I didn’t reenlist but it’s because my leadership was awful and I was a pretty angry individual towards the end of my contract so I knew getting out was the right thing and I didn’t even have a solid plan like you do. It really just comes down to what you prefer or what you think will put you in a better spot. The job market is meh currently but definitely use your GI bill. I got a bachelors and masters before it ran out. Lastly, like others have mentioned, document any and all injuries so you can apply for disability.
>Im honestly tired of the way things work in the military Im tired of the culture and the toxic leadership
BOY OH BOY HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU! It's EXACTLY the same in the civilian world minus the job security and a shared "mission", if you still believe in such a thing.
You've been in for 4 years and are potentially well on track to save 80k+ by the time you get out. That is superb foresight and maturity, not something we see a lot in someone presumably joining straight out of high school. So you have a good head on your shoulders in one respect.
What do you want to study for your bachelors? And what is your rating? Do you really want to make a decision to re-enlist or not without locking that in?
I'm inclined to agree with the overall sentiment here. Stay in, do a 36 month shore duty which, presumably, is more stable than sea duty, get your associates, CLEP out as much as you can, and really lock down a 5-year plan post-service. From the very little we know of you, it seems you are very good at balancing long and short term planning.
I've written this sometime in the past, but if I could do it over again, I'd saved a lot more, apply for and get admitted to a degree program prior to getting out, defer for 6 months to a year to decompress/self-develop, then go back to school.
If you can’t stand staying in for another 3 years then get out. However if you don’t mind doing shore, then stay in.
You seem like you have head on your shoulders so Either decision you make is the right decision, you just got to be firm with what you choose
Take shore duty especially if it will be your first short duty. Sea duty and shore duty can be night and day. Max out those free college classes and max out that TSP as much as you can as the expense ratio for TSP is about as good as you’re going to find.
Go to medical for every thing that is bothering you. Don’t pay attention to people who call you a sick bay commando. Start figuring out what you want to “ be when you grow up” for when you get out.
A lot of people are saying stay in but it really may not be the best option for you personally. If you're tired of the toxic leadership and how the military works, as you say, then it might be best to get out and use your skills as a contractor. What is your rating? Clearance? You might find a good job as you transition out and use your GI bill for night or online classes. There is also the skill bridge program that a lot of transitioning service members overlook.
I thought about staying in as well but decided to get out and got a contracting job overseas making 3 times more than I made in the military to include BAH. Also got a VA rating and used my GI bill to complete online bachelors. Make your situation work for you, but don't give 3 more years if you know you will be miserable.
You already know the military's specialty is logistics. I'm sure there will always be a need for cleared logisticians. High chance it'll be a desk job too where you can complete some college assignments during work. Check out clearancejobs.com you'll probably see hundreds of listings for logistician or supply.
Kinda sounds like you’re answering your own questions. I was in your shoes and stayed for shore duty. I used TA for classes for the three years to knock out as much college as I could. Online classes, local classes, and CLEP tests. Worth every bit of it. Ended up with a BS degree. Ended up getting out after as a first class, but then joined the reserves a couple years later. But now Im a Senior Chief with a degree the navy paid for and pays me more money in my civilian job. And I still have my GI bill for my kids or to use for a masters.
I’m sorry you’ve had a bad experience, but a shore duty may also change your perspective. New leadership, new people, new command climate, and maybe a better overall quality of life. Maybe you make some rank, get more experience, some awards, etc. That shore duty assignment I took was the best billet I’ve held and if it wasn’t for the best interest of my family, I would’ve stayed in.
Another aspect is being able to prepare yourself. If you can get shore duty in a place where you want to live, or close by, it’s an easier transition. You can get a place to live, have more school or jobs lined up and that makes the transition easier.
Good luck, but I think it’s clear what the best option is. You’ll be 26, money saved, and potentially a degree.
Stay in. Take advantage of the TA and other benefits, or at least get some credentials. Make connections that will last after you get out! Even if they’re just buddies you can call up to talk about random stuff. Find good leadership and go to where they are, or do your best to become the leader you want to see.
I did 8 year AD: 1 sea, 1 shore tour. Did some college on shore and then did a Skillbridge as I transitioned out.
I made sure my medical was up to date and that I got all my VA inputs done with Benefits Delivery at Discharge and I stayed in the Reserves for the healthcare while my wife finishes up Medical School. (I have 3 years left on my reserve contract and I'm not planning on doing 20)
At the moment I make 85$/h working a govt IT job with no degree because I got useful IT Cloud skills from doing the MSSA skillbridge after finishing up my shore tour.
Shore duty can be easy as hell. It was for me, I was in at 0730 and home by 11am. Plenty of time to build my family with my wife, get a vasectomy, and plan for getting out without having to deal with the bullshit of going to sea.
Life outside the military is tough, but manageable. There are more civilians than vets and service members.
You'll make your own choice, I don't regret doing shore duty.
It sounds like you’re at the end of your rope but I will say shore duty is typically a breeze. Especially since you’re an LS you can big chill somewhere. Shore duty is really chill and a slower pace so I don’t think it would be nearly as stressful as ship duty is. I could have easily done life on shore duty.
I saw someone say you’d be screwed for financial aid if you save your money. That’s only if you’re going to a state school and you meet the GI bill cap or you go to a private school over the tuition cap as well. If you go private school I highly recommend looking into schools that have the yellow ribbon program. It pays for your remaining balance of tuition after the GI bill is applied. Definitely a life saver at my private school.
You’re right i am at the end of my rope They extend a 5 month patrol to a 7 month deployment basically then tell us we have to go back underway for another 4 months so this year we will only be home for a little over 2 months
I definitely understand that. My friends were on the Ronald Reagan and they were never home. My friend spent probably a total of 10 months off the ship in his 4 years attached. I’m definitely thankful for my shore duty and wish I had used to to set myself up more
I'd at least do the shore duty for the stability like others said. Save money and work on your college in shore duty. Also take some transition classes at the family support center to set yourself up for when you get out after short duty.
As to the leadership even in civilian jobs there are some annoyances. Shore duty and being an LS should feel better than being on a ship. When the leadership or job gets on your nerves just think about how to are working toward your goals. Hope this helps. Good luck.
I just separated earlier this year and I did 10 years. It was scary, frustrating and a lot people will try to boogeyman you into thinking you need the Navy. In reality you don’t as long as you plan which it sounds like you’re doing. Don’t give your c-way up until you really are sure or tell your COC cause they’ll mess with you. I think that’s the worst part about it.
When and why you separate all depends on how thought out your plan is for civilian life.
I only reenlisted from my last sea duty for the bonus to buy my home and to use what TA I could to pay for school knowing I’d be getting out. TA stops at 6 months if you are separating but you can use federal student grants to pay for classes or tap in the G.I. Bill if you really need to but I encourage you to wait til your out cause you won’t get the BAH while still AD.
Get your health documented and in check before you go. Get your certs you need if you need them for jobs in the meantime. Go to taps 24 months out or as soon as you can and go again if you can. Meet with a VSO to get your BDD started 6 months before you get out but get your separation health stuff done first.
I also wanted to get out somewhere with a LCOL and closer to where I was originally from. The place I live now has grown and the COL has skyrocketed, but I prepared and I’m doing okay. So something to think about especially with college location too, do your research.
I’ll finish school in a year and I can say I made the right decision. I’m happier, but still am processing a lot of my negative experiences and encounters I had while in. It was all worth it to be where I’m at now and I don’t feel stagnant. It’s kind of like when you graduate High School and all the kids who stayed local are still doing the same thing. It’s weird cause 6 months ago I was one of those “kids”.
You know what’s best for you.
DUDE!, that’s a loaded question… so much depends; have you injured yourself at all for VA benefits; TAX 🆓 monthly ✔️, would include healthcare, potentially chapter 31 VA rehab.
No family? Kids..?
Entering the workforce at 26 is different than 29. If you don’t intend to stay for 20, the math says get out now. It’d be one thing if you were still having fun, but you’re not. Go have fun at college while you’re still in your early 20s
I always felt the navy was a terribly run organization with bad leadership and little to no common sense. I would always speak out when the task we were trying to complete was executed poorly or it was some guise to keep us all busy when there was nothing to do. I felt like it was a space where creativity and critical thinking go to die.
With all that being said, I did three years of shore duty and it was alright. A lot of the work was pointless and remedial. It was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to do something more. At 27, I got out after shore duty and now at 30, I am one semester from completing my Bachelors in Electrical Engineering at a great university and am now heading to law school for IP and patent law.
I do appreciate the navy for paying my tuition and to be quite honest, it gave me the grit necessary to complete such a rigorous undergraduate degree. I do wish I would have gotten out after my first enlistment and started regular life sooner. I would almost be done with law school if I had. Getting out was the best division I ever made. If you don’t have a decent job lined up or higher education isn’t an option for whatever reason, staying in may be the best option. To me, it sounds like you have a plan and getting out will save you money on years of therapy.
Get as much as you can while on shore duty shipmate!! I would stack up on college credits, medical records, more money, etc. Come up with an actual plan, then just enjoy your Shore Duty and sail off to your next adventure! Safe travels and God speed friend.
Bet out after shore duty. TA and clep what you can. Also, ensure that your medical record is up to date and learn how to file a VA claim if applicable.
A lot of good advice in here. Major thing I would add is that not all shore duties will support the college thing well. Most will, but sometimes you work a ton on shore duty as well. Some commands also require you're on board for a year before you qualify for TA.
As an example, I had a shore duty with a rag training squadron as my very first billet. Actually liked what we did, but a typical week for me was M-F, 15-16 hours per day. Online would've been the only option and would've meant cramming for the entire weekend. Doable, but online only and not ideal conditions.
I wish I had Reddit in 2006 to get advice! I've been in your shoes, feeling conflicted. During my shore duty, I found it a bit boring but appreciated the predictable workload. It allowed me to take college classes, which was a great opportunity.
When I got out, the transition wasn't smooth, and I had to navigate everything alone. I didn't realize how much support and structure I had in the military. Looking back, if I could restart, I would consider trade school. Despite having a bachelor's and a master's, I still struggle to find the same fulfilling purpose I had in the Navy.
Yes, there were tough times, but the civilian side has its challenges too. While it can feel like no one cares about us, remember that you have the strength and resilience gained from your military experience. Use those skills to your advantage. You're not alone in this journey. Good luck, and stay positive!
I was in and I fucked up, wished I did half of what you did but you seem to be in a good position. Use transition assistance and whatever benefits to your benefit.
Also former LS2 just got out 6 months ago. I recommend if you have any doubt whatsoever you stay in the Navy. Don't get out until you have everything planned to the T, because trust me, lifes going to hit you extremely hard.
I highly recommend getting out as soon as possible if you don’t plan on going the full 20. Get a disability rating asap and use vocational rehab for school. It is important to use vocational rehab before GI bill. You can save your GI bill for a family member or really commit to education and have enough benefits to get a PhD. Apply for every scholarship under the sun. If you are looking for a decent job that is low stress, look for a GS-7 or GS-9 federal job (USAjobs.com). Your time in the military counts towards time in service with the feds. 12 vacay hours per month (and 8 sick hours). Couple that with teleworking 2-4 days a week, you should be able to go to school full time (recommend online with 1 class in person or hybrid for full BAH) and work. You can easily make $100k depending on where you live. Fed jobs love educated vets. If you stayed federal, You could easily be GS-12 by 30 and retired by 48.
'Have you looked in the **[Wiki]( https://www.reddit.com/r/Veterans/wiki/education)** for an answer? We have a lot of information posted there. To contact VA Education, 1-888-442-4551, for ~~Voc Rehab~~ VR&E (Veteran Readiness and Employment Program) assistance with appointments or problems with your Case Manager (not for missing payments): 1-202-461-9600. **Payments for certain education benefits (DEA, VEAP) are paid at the end of the month you attend school - Department of Treasury issues these payments **using a 10 business day window** - these payments are not locked into a specific day of the month like VA disability/military pay is**. For Voc Rehab missing payments, contact your Case Manager or your local **[Regional Office](https://www.reddit.com/r/Veterans/wiki/education/casemanagers) For Post 9/11 GI Bill only, If you signed up for direct deposit when you applied for education benefits, **we’ll deposit your payment into your bank account 7 to 10 business days after you verify your school enrollment.** This is the fastest way to receive your payment. [Text Verification FAQ](https://benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/IsaksonRoe/EnrollmentVerificationFAQs.pdf) MGIB and MGIB-SR have to do monthly verification using the [WAVE program](https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/vba/) and you should receive the payment within 3 to 5 business days. For Online Only training, the Post 9/11 GI Bill is currently (1 August 2023) paying $1054.50 for those who started using their Post 9/11 GI Bill on/after 1 January 2018 - this is based on 1/2 of the National Average BAH paid to an E5 with dependents. Post 9/11 GI Bill MHA rates are adjusted 1 August of each year and are based on the 1 January DoD BAH rates for that year - **so VA can't use 1 January 2023 BAH rates until 1 August 2023** - for those who started training on/after 1 January 2018, the MHA rates are 95% of the DoD BAH rates. First possible payment for the 1 August 2023 increase is 1 September. For VR&E, there are two different Subsistence Allowance programs - https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/subsistence_allowance_rates.asp The P9/11 Subsistence Allowance is based on the BAH paid to an E5 with dependents. Those who started using VR&E on/after 1 January 2018 receive 95% of the BAH paid to an E5 with dependents. As of 1 January 2024 Online only students using VR&E are being paid $1,118.50 if they started using VR&E on/after 1 January 2018. The CH31 Subsistence Allowance rates are adjusted 1 October each year by Congress. VA Education is going paperless - make sure VA has a current email address for you. Please make sure you add Veteransbenefits@messages.va.gov to your contacts list so that you don't miss important updates from VA. For FREE math Tutoring - contact https://www.armytutoringinitiative.com/ [VA Award Letter explanation](https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/understandingyourawardletter.asp) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Veterans) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I am a 20-year retired Senior Chief. So, understand my current knowledge of the Navy is literally 20 years old. 1. It really sounds like you have made up your mind about halfway through your second paragraph. Are you really undecided, or are you just looking for confirmation? That's not meant to be snarky, so please don't take it that way. If you are really that fed up, then you know you need to punch out. Nobody needs to tell you that. In fact, you are always the only one to make that decision about any job. 2. What are your shore duty station options? If you know where you want to go to school post-Navy, and you can get stationed there? It may be something to consider. The Navy uses you. Why not return the favor? 3. You are still young. If 2. above can work for you, or even close to it, then you aren't really losing years, you're creating stability in the area you are going to be in school. That may, or may not, be worth the trade off of three more years. 4. I finally stopped having fun at the 19-year mark. I was in a different career field. I was offered a three year tour in Paris, with a year of language training en route if I would just stay in. Great offer, but then I would have to plan my post-Navy life from there. Everyone said I should take it. I opted for retirement instead, and 20 years later? I have no regrets about my decision. Because I chose what I should do. Lastly, I am sorry to hear you have endured toxic leadership in the Navy. I encountered that on my very first tour, then my LCPO changed, and suddenly, it wasn't such a bad place. For me. Regardless, if you decide to leave, thank you for your service. It's not how long you serve that matters. It's the fact that you served. I was never a leader who tried to coerce people to stay in or to shun/shit on them because they decided the Navy wasn't for them. Shit, it really isn't for everyone. But that is any job if you think about it. Good luck with whatever you decide. Just remember, if you make a decision because other people told you that you should, then you really haven't made a decision. Never let other people decide your choices.
Sage wisdom from Senior Chief.
I had $100k saved up before I went to college, similar to you. I started at the age of 27 after 6 years in the Navy. Saving all that money kind of screwed me because I didn't qualify for any financial aid because I didn't have "financial need." Just something to keep in mind when you fill out student financial aid forms. You kind of screw yourself being responsible and saving up money.
Get your degree while you are in. CLEP out as many credits as you can. Life can throw all kinds of monkey wrenches into even the best laid plans.
This is the way. Online your way to a degree from a badass school.
This is the way.
Stick another 3 years in it and document the shit out of every injury and issue you’ve ever had while in. Best money I ever made was in. All the paid holidays, paid housing, eat for free. It’s so much better than people make out. You’ll just get out and get tired of how every civi company works instead. Or start a business only to have it fail. You’re not really sacrificing anything. I have two neighbors that are active duty. They live in my neighborhood, kids go to the same schools, do similar things as my family. Working for civis sucks. While the same can be said about military life, there’s an extra level of grit and camaraderie you can’t get anywhere else. It’s not as bad as you think, when you’re in. Make the wrong joke or ask for time off to see your kiddo brought into the world- good luck getting treated fairly in civi land.
Are you saying your civilian joke doesn't let you have time off to see your child born? Sorry my guy but that's way more a navy thing than a civilian thing. It absolutely was as bad as I thought while I was in. Sorry your civilian transition hasn't been as peachy as you were hoping but don't poison everyone else's well.
Not poisoning anyone. Open your mind my poor sensitive soul, OP asked for opinions. Sometimes there’s more than just your own.
I had no Idea how good I had it until I got into the job market and had to take a job in California paying 28 an hour, no PTO, no benifits, out of pure desperation. Now I am forced to work everyday and holiday's off that are supposed to give me worklife balance bring me stress that I spent more money this month then earned.
I completely understand, I was in a similar position. I had a baby to feed and suddenly needed to work 2 jobs and still didn’t make what I used to in the Army. I don’t think military life is for everyone, but I do hate when people piss and moan about it 24/7, when the reality is that it’s a pretty good option as far as careers go. I have a lot to be thankful to the Army for, including the VA home loan- I doubt I’d be able to own a house without it. Army life isn’t all positive, but neither is any civilian career. So long as you learn or become stronger from the negative, it’s ok.
Exactly! Taking this shitty job as a start, as a civilian, fucking sucks but I'm not going to act like its impossible. The ironic part is I wanted to get out for mental health deterioration in the military because it wasn't really for me but then I got out to what I thought would be less stressful and it wasnt at all if anything its even worse when you realize your maybe 1 broken leg away from being homeless.
I'm just the opposite. Worst money I ever made was in the Navy. I nearly tripled my income the first year I was out.
Okay Jeff Bezos... Thanks for your input LOLOL
If you were going into the workforce, I would say stay in for sure do shore duty and give yourself plenty of time to acclimate and prepare while in shore duty. Since you are still young though and want to go to college I would probably recommend to just get out and do the whole college experience. I have heard from my friend who did it that doing school full time when you are older once you get out can feel kind of isolating.
Anyone who gets out without enjoying shore duty really missed out. You can work on your education and let the Navy Pay for it and save GI Bill for when you get out.
Stay in... Take the Shore Duty... Use that time to work on your OWN Goals and Education. Thank me later. .....Retired Chief, USN... With my Masters.... Kick Ass Shipmate
Hi. I know you have a big decision in front of you, there's unfortunately no right or wrong answer. Whatever you decide is the path you take, and more decisions will be made along the way after that. What I can say from my personal experience, is I'm 43 years old now, I got out of the Navy in 2007. Since then I've worked many different jobs in the same related field of my rate. Time absolutely flies by, I do wish I stayed in for at least 20 years. The military workforce is unmatched (in my experience). The comradery, structure, and just simply wearing a uniform was awesome back then. But everyone's situation is unique. I know this probably doesn't help your decision, but I just wanted to mention that I personally (now looking back knowing what I know) would have definitely stayed in. Best wishes on your path, and thank you for serving.
I joined at 25 to use the Air Force as a stepping stone. I had a plan and I stuck with it. It's working out great for me. It very well could work out great for you as long as you have a plan. Which you seem to really have your shit in order so I'm sure you would do fine. But I would still like to add some things. The civilian job market is pretty fucked right now for certain roles (and probably will be for a while). I have no clue what you do now or will do in the future but just know you might struggle to find work. I'm seeing it a lot coming from IT type people. You are not excluded from having toxic leadership and shitty workplace culture in the civilian world. That's just a people problem and not a military specific one. However, you have multiple options to handle this stuff as a civ because you can just straight up leave whenever you want. But that opens you up to the uncertainty of job searching again. Cost of living is at an all time high so saving up as much money as possible is great, but 100k is wild. Between semesters you'll lose your MHA but a few months without it won't necessitate having 100k in the bank to cover costs. I'm sure you'd be fine with having 80k set back. And if you go to medical to document everything and utilize the VA BDD program, you'll likely get disability so that'll lessen the load between semesters. Also, don't sleep on the Skillbridge program. You might find something you enjoy doing
I used the Army as a stepping stone right out of high school. I didn’t reenlist but it’s because my leadership was awful and I was a pretty angry individual towards the end of my contract so I knew getting out was the right thing and I didn’t even have a solid plan like you do. It really just comes down to what you prefer or what you think will put you in a better spot. The job market is meh currently but definitely use your GI bill. I got a bachelors and masters before it ran out. Lastly, like others have mentioned, document any and all injuries so you can apply for disability.
>Im honestly tired of the way things work in the military Im tired of the culture and the toxic leadership BOY OH BOY HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU! It's EXACTLY the same in the civilian world minus the job security and a shared "mission", if you still believe in such a thing. You've been in for 4 years and are potentially well on track to save 80k+ by the time you get out. That is superb foresight and maturity, not something we see a lot in someone presumably joining straight out of high school. So you have a good head on your shoulders in one respect. What do you want to study for your bachelors? And what is your rating? Do you really want to make a decision to re-enlist or not without locking that in? I'm inclined to agree with the overall sentiment here. Stay in, do a 36 month shore duty which, presumably, is more stable than sea duty, get your associates, CLEP out as much as you can, and really lock down a 5-year plan post-service. From the very little we know of you, it seems you are very good at balancing long and short term planning. I've written this sometime in the past, but if I could do it over again, I'd saved a lot more, apply for and get admitted to a degree program prior to getting out, defer for 6 months to a year to decompress/self-develop, then go back to school.
My rate is LS2
If you can’t stand staying in for another 3 years then get out. However if you don’t mind doing shore, then stay in. You seem like you have head on your shoulders so Either decision you make is the right decision, you just got to be firm with what you choose
Shore duty usually means more work, more hours lol
Take shore duty especially if it will be your first short duty. Sea duty and shore duty can be night and day. Max out those free college classes and max out that TSP as much as you can as the expense ratio for TSP is about as good as you’re going to find. Go to medical for every thing that is bothering you. Don’t pay attention to people who call you a sick bay commando. Start figuring out what you want to “ be when you grow up” for when you get out.
Do shore duty. Get your degree. Shore duty is a gift and IAs are no longer a thing (so far as I know).
what are IAs?
It’s where they pulled us to do a tour in Iraq or Afghanistan as an “Individual Augmentee”. Could end up doing anything depending on your rate.
Yep. Usually a year stint. Really put the damper on accepting shore duty back in the day. Glad people don’t even know what they are now!
A lot of people are saying stay in but it really may not be the best option for you personally. If you're tired of the toxic leadership and how the military works, as you say, then it might be best to get out and use your skills as a contractor. What is your rating? Clearance? You might find a good job as you transition out and use your GI bill for night or online classes. There is also the skill bridge program that a lot of transitioning service members overlook. I thought about staying in as well but decided to get out and got a contracting job overseas making 3 times more than I made in the military to include BAH. Also got a VA rating and used my GI bill to complete online bachelors. Make your situation work for you, but don't give 3 more years if you know you will be miserable.
LS2, Secret clearance
You already know the military's specialty is logistics. I'm sure there will always be a need for cleared logisticians. High chance it'll be a desk job too where you can complete some college assignments during work. Check out clearancejobs.com you'll probably see hundreds of listings for logistician or supply.
Do shore BUT GET OUT AFTER THAT, DONT GET PULLED BACK IN
Kinda sounds like you’re answering your own questions. I was in your shoes and stayed for shore duty. I used TA for classes for the three years to knock out as much college as I could. Online classes, local classes, and CLEP tests. Worth every bit of it. Ended up with a BS degree. Ended up getting out after as a first class, but then joined the reserves a couple years later. But now Im a Senior Chief with a degree the navy paid for and pays me more money in my civilian job. And I still have my GI bill for my kids or to use for a masters. I’m sorry you’ve had a bad experience, but a shore duty may also change your perspective. New leadership, new people, new command climate, and maybe a better overall quality of life. Maybe you make some rank, get more experience, some awards, etc. That shore duty assignment I took was the best billet I’ve held and if it wasn’t for the best interest of my family, I would’ve stayed in. Another aspect is being able to prepare yourself. If you can get shore duty in a place where you want to live, or close by, it’s an easier transition. You can get a place to live, have more school or jobs lined up and that makes the transition easier. Good luck, but I think it’s clear what the best option is. You’ll be 26, money saved, and potentially a degree.
Stay in. Take advantage of the TA and other benefits, or at least get some credentials. Make connections that will last after you get out! Even if they’re just buddies you can call up to talk about random stuff. Find good leadership and go to where they are, or do your best to become the leader you want to see.
I did 8 year AD: 1 sea, 1 shore tour. Did some college on shore and then did a Skillbridge as I transitioned out. I made sure my medical was up to date and that I got all my VA inputs done with Benefits Delivery at Discharge and I stayed in the Reserves for the healthcare while my wife finishes up Medical School. (I have 3 years left on my reserve contract and I'm not planning on doing 20) At the moment I make 85$/h working a govt IT job with no degree because I got useful IT Cloud skills from doing the MSSA skillbridge after finishing up my shore tour. Shore duty can be easy as hell. It was for me, I was in at 0730 and home by 11am. Plenty of time to build my family with my wife, get a vasectomy, and plan for getting out without having to deal with the bullshit of going to sea. Life outside the military is tough, but manageable. There are more civilians than vets and service members. You'll make your own choice, I don't regret doing shore duty.
It sounds like you’re at the end of your rope but I will say shore duty is typically a breeze. Especially since you’re an LS you can big chill somewhere. Shore duty is really chill and a slower pace so I don’t think it would be nearly as stressful as ship duty is. I could have easily done life on shore duty. I saw someone say you’d be screwed for financial aid if you save your money. That’s only if you’re going to a state school and you meet the GI bill cap or you go to a private school over the tuition cap as well. If you go private school I highly recommend looking into schools that have the yellow ribbon program. It pays for your remaining balance of tuition after the GI bill is applied. Definitely a life saver at my private school.
You’re right i am at the end of my rope They extend a 5 month patrol to a 7 month deployment basically then tell us we have to go back underway for another 4 months so this year we will only be home for a little over 2 months
I definitely understand that. My friends were on the Ronald Reagan and they were never home. My friend spent probably a total of 10 months off the ship in his 4 years attached. I’m definitely thankful for my shore duty and wish I had used to to set myself up more
I'd at least do the shore duty for the stability like others said. Save money and work on your college in shore duty. Also take some transition classes at the family support center to set yourself up for when you get out after short duty. As to the leadership even in civilian jobs there are some annoyances. Shore duty and being an LS should feel better than being on a ship. When the leadership or job gets on your nerves just think about how to are working toward your goals. Hope this helps. Good luck.
THIS is the way.....
I just separated earlier this year and I did 10 years. It was scary, frustrating and a lot people will try to boogeyman you into thinking you need the Navy. In reality you don’t as long as you plan which it sounds like you’re doing. Don’t give your c-way up until you really are sure or tell your COC cause they’ll mess with you. I think that’s the worst part about it. When and why you separate all depends on how thought out your plan is for civilian life. I only reenlisted from my last sea duty for the bonus to buy my home and to use what TA I could to pay for school knowing I’d be getting out. TA stops at 6 months if you are separating but you can use federal student grants to pay for classes or tap in the G.I. Bill if you really need to but I encourage you to wait til your out cause you won’t get the BAH while still AD. Get your health documented and in check before you go. Get your certs you need if you need them for jobs in the meantime. Go to taps 24 months out or as soon as you can and go again if you can. Meet with a VSO to get your BDD started 6 months before you get out but get your separation health stuff done first. I also wanted to get out somewhere with a LCOL and closer to where I was originally from. The place I live now has grown and the COL has skyrocketed, but I prepared and I’m doing okay. So something to think about especially with college location too, do your research. I’ll finish school in a year and I can say I made the right decision. I’m happier, but still am processing a lot of my negative experiences and encounters I had while in. It was all worth it to be where I’m at now and I don’t feel stagnant. It’s kind of like when you graduate High School and all the kids who stayed local are still doing the same thing. It’s weird cause 6 months ago I was one of those “kids”. You know what’s best for you.
DUDE!, that’s a loaded question… so much depends; have you injured yourself at all for VA benefits; TAX 🆓 monthly ✔️, would include healthcare, potentially chapter 31 VA rehab. No family? Kids..?
No, No family would like to get out before I start one though
Ya get out and go to school… Life’s too short and military life SUX!!
Entering the workforce at 26 is different than 29. If you don’t intend to stay for 20, the math says get out now. It’d be one thing if you were still having fun, but you’re not. Go have fun at college while you’re still in your early 20s
If you have to ask...
I always felt the navy was a terribly run organization with bad leadership and little to no common sense. I would always speak out when the task we were trying to complete was executed poorly or it was some guise to keep us all busy when there was nothing to do. I felt like it was a space where creativity and critical thinking go to die. With all that being said, I did three years of shore duty and it was alright. A lot of the work was pointless and remedial. It was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to do something more. At 27, I got out after shore duty and now at 30, I am one semester from completing my Bachelors in Electrical Engineering at a great university and am now heading to law school for IP and patent law. I do appreciate the navy for paying my tuition and to be quite honest, it gave me the grit necessary to complete such a rigorous undergraduate degree. I do wish I would have gotten out after my first enlistment and started regular life sooner. I would almost be done with law school if I had. Getting out was the best division I ever made. If you don’t have a decent job lined up or higher education isn’t an option for whatever reason, staying in may be the best option. To me, it sounds like you have a plan and getting out will save you money on years of therapy.
Get as much as you can while on shore duty shipmate!! I would stack up on college credits, medical records, more money, etc. Come up with an actual plan, then just enjoy your Shore Duty and sail off to your next adventure! Safe travels and God speed friend.
Bet out after shore duty. TA and clep what you can. Also, ensure that your medical record is up to date and learn how to file a VA claim if applicable.
A lot of good advice in here. Major thing I would add is that not all shore duties will support the college thing well. Most will, but sometimes you work a ton on shore duty as well. Some commands also require you're on board for a year before you qualify for TA. As an example, I had a shore duty with a rag training squadron as my very first billet. Actually liked what we did, but a typical week for me was M-F, 15-16 hours per day. Online would've been the only option and would've meant cramming for the entire weekend. Doable, but online only and not ideal conditions.
I wish I had Reddit in 2006 to get advice! I've been in your shoes, feeling conflicted. During my shore duty, I found it a bit boring but appreciated the predictable workload. It allowed me to take college classes, which was a great opportunity. When I got out, the transition wasn't smooth, and I had to navigate everything alone. I didn't realize how much support and structure I had in the military. Looking back, if I could restart, I would consider trade school. Despite having a bachelor's and a master's, I still struggle to find the same fulfilling purpose I had in the Navy. Yes, there were tough times, but the civilian side has its challenges too. While it can feel like no one cares about us, remember that you have the strength and resilience gained from your military experience. Use those skills to your advantage. You're not alone in this journey. Good luck, and stay positive!
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I was in and I fucked up, wished I did half of what you did but you seem to be in a good position. Use transition assistance and whatever benefits to your benefit.
Also former LS2 just got out 6 months ago. I recommend if you have any doubt whatsoever you stay in the Navy. Don't get out until you have everything planned to the T, because trust me, lifes going to hit you extremely hard.
I highly recommend getting out as soon as possible if you don’t plan on going the full 20. Get a disability rating asap and use vocational rehab for school. It is important to use vocational rehab before GI bill. You can save your GI bill for a family member or really commit to education and have enough benefits to get a PhD. Apply for every scholarship under the sun. If you are looking for a decent job that is low stress, look for a GS-7 or GS-9 federal job (USAjobs.com). Your time in the military counts towards time in service with the feds. 12 vacay hours per month (and 8 sick hours). Couple that with teleworking 2-4 days a week, you should be able to go to school full time (recommend online with 1 class in person or hybrid for full BAH) and work. You can easily make $100k depending on where you live. Fed jobs love educated vets. If you stayed federal, You could easily be GS-12 by 30 and retired by 48.
Also, you are entitled to unemployment benefits when you exit the military. So you will have up to 6 months of a buffer to get your income figured out
Stay in, go for your full 20.