Im up for Re-enlistment... what do you guys think

[Pablo]

Im coming up on my 4 year mark in the Marine Corps, I have a five year contract but I can re-enlist pretty much now.


To be honest I dont really have a whole lot of interests in the civilian world.

I still feel like I have to fufill my desire to be a Marine. Unfortunately the past 4 years havent been so exciting. Ive been an helicopter hydraulics mechanic mostly working out of a dungeon cranking out parts like a machine. Ive been a few places and done quite a few cool things but still dont feel like Ive done all that I could have.

That said, my heart lies in flying, I wish i woulda picked air crew right off the bat. If I were a helo crew chief I think work wouldn't feel like work to me. Same goes for First navigator.

So now the messages are coming out for spaces open to make a move to another MOS and there are openings for crew chief in Ch-53, CH-46, and MV-22 (osprey) The osprey has a pretty large bonus along with it because people have this idea that the thing crashes all the time

My first choice however would be First Navigator on C130s, the Marine corps is the only military branch with enlisted navigators and there are only 80 of them so its a pretty elite corps and that s what im after.
So I guess I would like to do that most and MV22 second, H-53 or Huey third... H46 is getting phased out so that would be my last choice

Anyhow the only one open right now with a bonus is MV22 which has a multiple of 2 which is a bonus based on pay but im not sure how it works, anyone know?

Being thats the case and its open now, im not sure what I should do.. should I jump on it or try and hold out and hope a First Navigator spot opens up?

Also anyone have any experiences with re-enlistment and any advice they can share? It seems like im dealing with a car salesmen when i go up to the career planner.
She seems more eager to offer good deals to people who make it sound like they are going to get out.. I.e. emails about non re-enlisters that say stuff like "The USMC wants to keep marines marines and would like to know what demands must be met for these individuals to consider re-enlistment"

How do I get my moneys worth... and should I go with the 3 or 4 year option...

and heck if you can talk me into civilian life give it a shot

BTW im 25, single, SGT (e-5), been in just under 4 years.

 

[Reaper]

hold out, work hard and follow your heart dude. You'll regret it in the end.



Thanks a lot for your service. even though you feel like you have not done much you have and i thank you for that.

 

[Scott Atk]

If it doesn't work out you might consider an inter-service transfer. I know Air Force helo and fixed wing flight engineers and gunners are always undermanned. Good Luck.

 

[BlackBandit]

Pablo

I'm in a similar situation. I get out in about 8 months. (Navy) Anyway, I would kind of like to re-up but I'm thinking that I'd only be doing it for the security. Don't get me wrong, I love the Navy I just don't want to stay in and look back in twenty years and say, "I've built a secure life, but what if......" I guess what I'm saying is, if you're going to re-up, make sure you're doing it because deep down that's what you want to do. If you do it for the security, benifets, leave, ect. you probably won't be happy with yourself and it wouldn't be good for the Corps as there is a good possability that you would turn, not necessarily on purpose, into one of those guys that does stuff not for his country/service, but for his eval. I guess you might call it a pros and cons sheet. We all know him/her. Anyway, good luck with your decision.

James

 

[XLR8]

Originally posted by Pablo

That said, my heart lies in flying, I wish i woulda picked air crew right off the bat. If I were a helo crew chief I think work wouldn't feel like work to me. Same goes for First navigator.

Tell that to your adviser and see what he/she can come up with.

 

[turbopete]

A big decision

I retired from the Navy about 18 months ago with 20 years service. I was an E-8.
My thoughts:
The discipline in the military, especially in the Corps is the best. You may not find the same in the civilian world, or the same urgency to get the job done. I needed the structure of military life.
I spent alot of time deployed on both surface ships and submarines. I was single, so it was not that difficult.
Having made E-5 in just four years, you have promoted well. It looks like you are on the fast track.
I changed communities from surface ships to submarines at the eight year point. It was difficult to catch up on all the stuff that the junior guys had already learned.
Do the research. There must be guys out there in the communities you are looking at. Find them and get the real story. Don't always believe the line the recruiter is handing you. If there is a reenlistment bonus, it bears considering. Take the fun jobs!

Botttom line. I enjoyed my time in the service, the challenges it provided, and it gave me the time I needed to grow up. There were good and bad times.

I served proudly for 20 years, and have no regrets. I honor those that continue to serve and hope you do the research and make the decision that best suits you.
Good luck.
Peter Bailey
Senior Chief Quartermaster (Submarines), Retired.

 

[blackbird]

CCC???

Dont tell me the marines dont have career counselors!!! you can also get all the info you need at bupers.com, its mostly a navy site but they also have marine stuff on there too. you can also transfer into the navy if youre a restless soul, 15 years and ive been to a whole hell of a lotta places. take care bro, check with your counselor, thats what they get paid for.

 

[Pablo]

we have whats called a career planner but I dont have alot of faith in this woman (ssgt)

 

[Shane]

I didn't even read the thread yet, but DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!

My reenlistment bonus is $45,000 for Zone A and $100,000 for Zone B and that's still not enough.

 

[Shane]

Ok, I read the thread. I still wouldn't do it, but make sure you get exactly what you want. Bend them over, man. Get great orders somewhere and a fat check.

And then go get yourself a paper clip

 

[85 TR]

dont know anything about military but just wanted to say thanks to all that are and have served .

 

[Army MP]

Dude, go after a MOS that best serves the civilian population, I.E. a C-130 or something, think about what you are going to do after you get out or retire.
The civilian world has no need for someone that works on something only the military has! Are you feeling me?

Just something to consider!

 

[turbopete]

Good point

Army MP has a good point. I was able get licensed by the Coast Guard while on active duty and it got me a good job.

 

[FastRegalWE2]

Pablo,
I have 7 years in the Navy, I too am a mechanic. My EAOS is in Nov but instead of re-enlisting I have opted to do the Blue to Green program. Basically transferring from the Navy to the Army. I am just plain old bored to death. I am taking a reduction in rank but only because Im an E6 and not going to be doing the same job in the Army. I was trying to go infantry but was offered Cavalry Scout so I am taking that. E5 conversions keep theri rank. I have thought about getting out too but as the retired Senior Chief said, I like/need the structure as well. It is also nice to know I am that much closer to a retirement adn I dont have to start from scratch again.
HTH

 

[Pablo]

I hear that man, im bored out of my mind being a mech and I love aircraft, flying, and always have ever since i was a kid. I was obsessed with the stuff.

I talked to the career planner today, hopefully im gonna be heading outta here to aircrew school soon. Looks like Im gonna be able to lat move right away.

Im pretty excited, I think Ive narrowed it down to first navigator, Huey crew chief, mv22 crew chief, H53, and finally h46 in that order

ill see what bonuses they have

 

[FastRegalWE2]

You know there is always the Army Warrant Officer program, you could be flying those helos

 

[WFO]

Whassup Leathernuts....

I got out after 4 years(6057/F/A-18 airframes) at El Toro and Miramar.

It sounds to me like you'd really enjoy staying in,and if the carrer jammer can get you the lat move you wan,jump on it.I'd personally go for the C130 job first,then the osprey,then the helo's.A gunny I used to work for was QA on the Ospreys for a while.They did have a time when they liked falling out of the sky

Good luck man,take it easy.

 

[Fakeyankee]

Pablo,
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you keep your long term goals in mind......where do you want to be in 20 years, doing what, and making sure you enjoy doing it !!
I was in your shoes back in 1983....decided to leave the Corps after 4 1/2 years active duty.I then Took 6 months off from doing anything but partying and trying to get it out of my system. Entered law enforcement in 84....now retired as of Sept 04. I'm 43, collect a great pension, and can do whatever I please whenever I please ! Back in 83, I had gotten out as an E-5. I could have went anywhere in the Corps if I had re-upped. I was just tired of beating myself up and also of the structure. That was my choice but I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Whatever you decide.....I wish you luck and good fortune. Oh.....Just to let you know......you'll never get the Marines out of your system......it's always there !!!
Semper-Fi Darrell.

 

[turbopete]

more stuff

The pension, health care and commissary benefits are the things I will never regret having. The house payment is made, and I will not have to be concerned about losing it should I no longer have a job due to injury or some other circumstance. The civilian community is paying a tremendous amount for health care. I did not realize it until I retired. And with a family...the cost is astounding.
If I had it do over again, I would try to fly. Then again, being the diving officer on a submarine was a bit like flying.
Keep the long term goals in mind. Getting out may look great in the short term, but after civilian reality sets in, it might be too late.
These days there are so many poorly advertised billets and programs that you really need to do some searching to find a job that is both fun and challenging. Best of luck to you.