A few weeks ago Kyle and I were talking about what our future looks like in terms of the Army. He was asked by a coworker if he had plans to stay in and his response was exactly what it always is, "As long as Jen and I are having fun I will stay in." It really is funny to see the looks on peoples faces when he says that. Some wouldn't necessarily associate the Army with fun, but that's how we see it, of course there are some not so fun things but overall we have a good time.
We have been pretty lucky in terms of assignments so far, Kyle has been given jobs that have checked off the necessary blocks for his career progression and believe me we are both thankful for that. Of course when it comes to the Army nothing is ever certain nor set in stone, that is why we both are also putting a lot of focus on our education. Kyle is almost finished with his Master's program, and I will be done with mine hopefully by 2017.
We are hopeful however that Kyle will stay in until he is able to retire at 20 years (or longer than that if he chooses). We will find out on Thursday if Kyle made the MAJ promotion list, this is his BZ (below zone) look and not likely he will get picked up (he feels that way, I think he has a good chance of getting promoted now) but it should happen for sure next year which would likely mean a move to Kansas in Summer 2017. After that we are hoping for Germany or Italy, it would certainly be amazing.
There has never been a time in his career where he has questioned his decision to stay in, with the current state of the world, he is even more determined to stay in and serve.
We have been extremely lucky and we will continue to ride this wave until someone says otherwise. I am excited to see what the future holds for us but in the mean time we will enjoy the present.
Have a great Wednesday!
Have a great Wednesday!
I'm really impressed with your long term view/planning. I have no idea what we'll be doing in one year let alone 20! Good luck to Kyle for his promotion!
ReplyDeleteMy son got out, and he wishes he didn't. He misses it all of the time and talked to someone yesterday about possible re-enrollment.
ReplyDeleteYep, same. We are in until they force him out. He enjoys it. Xxoo
ReplyDeleteThat's Kyle too, and I definitely can't complain.
DeleteA lot of people ask this question and I think it's a funny one...and then our friends who are civilians a lot of times just don't get why he would ever want to stay in, especially after recent events.
ReplyDeleteI used to get asked this often too and it'd frustrate me! Tyler's story is less common with serving enlisted for 6 years, getting out and going to school, then going back in as an officer (although once he got out & even when we were first dating, he had much different plans, lol. He hopes to be able to retire (10 years left) like your hubby then get a job outside in intelligence. Wishing Kyle good luck this week!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim! Kyle either wants to work in the field of Psychology or Intelligence when he gets out, I'm sure it will change at some point.
DeleteWe have the conversation every month or so and it always ends in crickets...
ReplyDeleteIt's so permanent to get out when you're used to this way of life. It's not fun for us by any means and we'd never call it that :) We look at it as what-would-be-best-long-term.
I think hubby and I are in the same boat as you all. We say "as long as it works for us and our family." Ugh I can not wait for this stinking list to come out. While I know there is no reason to worry about hubby not being on it I still always get nervous about it!
ReplyDeleteHere is to a day of celebrating tomorrow for you guys! :)
DeleteWay to be proactive in long term planning both education and career wise!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kyle for your service! And thank you Jenn for being a supportive wife to him while he serves!
BIG prayers for the MAJ early bump! I am glad you all have enjoyed a wonderful experience with the Army. My dad was a 25+ year guy and now works as a military civ and I personally am thankful he had such a good experience for the most part. There were definite ups and downs but the Army was good to my family.
ReplyDeleteHoping he gets picked for Major.
ReplyDeleteAndy and I were just talking about this last night! He wants to make the Army a career as well, but said he would get out if our family/marriage was truly suffering from the stress of military life.
ReplyDeleteMy Husband is so indecisive when it comes to his career in the Military. One day he wants to do his 20 since he's already at 10 years. But then he gets cold feet when he looks at our daughter and how hard it is for her to not know her family and to be bouncing her around once she is school age. It's tough but I've always told him I will support whatever decision he makes, He could make a lot more money out of the military and we could be near family but he really wants those retirement bonuses.
ReplyDeletewww.truemommytails.blogspot.com
Thank you (and HIM!!) for the service he lends to this country :) Germany or Italy would be truly amazing!! I love your perspective on the army life and excited to see what your future holds!
ReplyDeletexo C
What an amazing career and service!! Plus you might be traveling to some amazing countries in the future :)
ReplyDelete-Andrea
Pics O Andrea
Thank you! I 100% agree, you can't beat the travel options.
DeleteIf you get Germany or Italy I am totally coming to visit you!!! My fingers are crossed that he promotes this go around. We all know he deserves it! :)
ReplyDeleteYes that would be awesome!!! :) Thanks friend, he didn't make it this time but next year should be his time. :)
DeleteI hope your future plans work out...! And Europe would be soo amazing...! ;)
ReplyDeleteWe're always having this discussion. To stay in or get out. So much uncertainty with the Army.
ReplyDeleteOur friends just got orders to Italy and they are so excited! :)
ReplyDeleteCass wants to stay in for his 20. But every once in awhile someone will treat him badly or something will happen and he'll come home saying he's getting out as soon as his contract is up. I think he'll stay and retire out. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to go to Europe! It's so much fun, Cass is DYING to go back. We really loved it over there.
I have several friends in the military (none in the army, but pretty much all the rest, lol) and some are close to their 20 year, and it's so worth it for them! I like that you guys are in it until it isn't fun anymore. I know not everyone sees it that way and it can certainly be tough. I always love your outlook on things :)
ReplyDeleteIf you end up in Kansas, I can give you some details about the area. I grew up in KC and lived in central KS for 5 years.
ReplyDeleteYou have the best attitude :) That's how E and I feel about the Army, too :)
ReplyDelete:) Great minds think alike!
DeleteGreat way to look it! Love the positivity!
ReplyDelete:) Thanks Winter!
DeleteOh my gosh! Italy!! I'd be so jealous if you guys got to go there! Even Germany is supposed to be great! John is already almost at 14, so unless anything major happens, 20 is pretty inevitable. He's even thinking 22 so that he can make LTC.
ReplyDeleteI think this is an awesome view point. I love wondering what the future holds :)
ReplyDeleteWe'll, I'd definitely recommend Germany :-) We've been stationed in KS before, not the best place in the world, but very nice people there!
ReplyDeleteWhen I married Richard, I was absolutely prepared to go the 20 with him; then Lily was born, and he simply could not bear the thought of being away all the time, missing her growing up and ending up having a child he knows nothing about. That was the point when he decided that 8 years was enough.
Wishing you all the best for your future!!
Thanks friend! I am sure once we have kids we will look at things differently for sure. :)
DeleteIt's so crazy how much everything is so up in the air with this military life! I love how he said as long as you guys are having fun - awesome!! :)
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