Three reflections one year post military retirement – Part 1

Almost exactly one year ago I retired from a 24 year career in the Army and transitioned back to civilian life. Next to getting married and the birth of our children, it was definitely my most monumental life change to date. I want to be clear upfront, retiring at 24 years was the absolute best decision for our family (more on this later), this is not a crying in my beer post.  That being said, such a monumental life change from career Soldier back to civilian certainly causes one to do some serious reflection!

One truth all of us who served must face is that our military service will end. Most of the time, we get a choice in the timing, sometimes we don’t. Regardless, I would argue transitioning from the profession of arms is really like no other. Whether an initial entry Soldier or a salty veteran, the very act of submitting “quitter’s papers” does not come without some serious soul searching. The military profession requires a commitment and emotional investment more than just about any career. For this reason separating from the military is a very big deal.

I want to share, over a series of posts, the three biggest conclusions I’ve made over the past year while reflecting about our decision to retire and transition back to the civilian life.  Each veteran’s transition experience differs, but it is an important life change for each of us. I hope my reflections will be relatable to those considering retirement or recently retired, maybe even offer a measure of comfort to a veteran who may be struggling with the transition.

First conclusion- Separating from the military is a natural and normal Family decision. The military existed long before we joined and will remain long after we leave; we only have Family during our brief walk here on earth. The outcome of your Family’s consideration could mean separating early or staying in until mandatory retirement. Don’t be afraid of the decision to stay or go either way. As stated, just like death and taxes, separating from military service is an inevitable decision we all have to make.

For what would become our final military assignment, we landed (completely by accident) in an area where cost of living is low, good paying defense industry jobs are plentiful and the public school system is exceptional. Our kids were just entering their teens and at that pivotal age where friends matter more than just about anything. On top of all that, we ended up about 70 miles from my healthy, but elderly parents.

For our family, it just didn’t pass the common sense test to pack up and move again to God knows where to start anew.  The kids have friends and are excelling in school, the wife is happy and yes I did land a great post military job. We made the correct decision; our landing back in civilian life was about as soft as they come.

Then why even consider staying until mandatory retirement? As smooth as transitioning back to civilian life was, I am glad I don’t have to do it again. Initially, the job hunt was exciting but I truly hope I can hold onto this one as long as possible in order to not have to endure the networking-resume building-applying-interviewing mess again. It just doesn’t come natural for me and I would expect a lot of my veteran brothers and sisters can relate. Unfortunately, that is probably just wishful thinking in the civilian world. As civilians we are likely to bounce around at least a few times in our working careers.  Don’t get me wrong, I have a great job, but it is exactly that, a j-o-b, not a profession. More on that point in a later post!

If you’re an empty nester or don’t have kids, you’re still reasonably fit and financially it works for you, then why not stay in the profession of arms until mandatory retirement? 75% retirement pay along with the VA disability compensation many of us will receive along with other retirement savings (TSP etc..) is enough to make one pause. Depending on your lifestyle, and assuming you hit mandatory retirement in your mid to late 50’s, you’d be in the perfect position to retire from the military profession and then (probably for the first time in your adult life) focus completely on your Family.

This doesn’t necessarily mean don’t hold down a job post military. But it could mean work at something that may not pay well but is personally rewarding. Start a business, volunteer at the hospital or substitute teach! The bottom line is get out of the “rat race” and focus on you. With the additional retirement compensation you’d have the option to truly “retire” and not just transition from a profession to a full time job.

Above all, it is the Family’s decision and no one else’s. Take all the well-meaning mentoring prior to the decision point with a grain of salt. Don’t be lured to drop paperwork when a recently retired buddy shares stories of the killer money they are making in the civilian world. My guess is after a few beers, they would share how they really feel! Is it nice to not take the APFT anymore, not shave every day, call everyone sir / ma’am? Heck yeah! But that stuff probably should not figure into the calculus on such a monumental life decision anyway.

Weigh the pros and cons but above all talk to Family…at length. Once the decision is made to retire (or stay in) then do what we’ve always done and give it 110%. If the decision is thought through consensually with Family, then despite the occasional bumps, transition back to civilian life should go smoothly. We all have to do it sooner or later.