I just resigned my commission but stayed in the Army. - Page 1

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - I just resigned my commission but stayed in the Army. (Page 1 of 3)

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:04:42 AM EST

After 2 years of fighting for it, I finally was able to convince the Army to let me resign my commission, but retain me in service.

Bottom line: as leaders increase in rank, the Army system forces them further from what they actually joined to do - lead.

I hated every day of work. I know that competent managers are important at higher levels, but it's not for me.

I took about a $40,000 annual pay cut, and I'm afraid to calculate what this will do to my pension in the long run, but I will be doing what I love again. Life is short.

Anyway. Been here a long time, haven't posted much these last 5 or 6 years, and just wanted to share. Lemme know if you guys have any questions for a former field grade who opted out.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:05:40 AM EST

[#1]

So what's your rank now?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:06:38 AM EST

[#2]

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Quoted:
So what's your rank now?

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Posted: 5/14/2021 10:07:31 AM EST

[#3]

WO1

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:07:40 AM EST

[#4]

Is that a wadded up Chinook?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:08:18 AM EST

[#5]

From what rank to what rank?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:08:52 AM EST

[#6]

I thought the Army only promoted incompetent people?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:09:14 AM EST

[#7]

Congratulations. That’s an interesting situation, and I hope it works out great!

How common is that? Do you know of anyone else who has done the same?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:09:15 AM EST

[#8]

But who will make the PowerPoint presentations?

Just kidding. Congrats!

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:09:35 AM EST

[#9]

Congrats, do you have to go to WO school now?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:09:40 AM EST

[#10]

Maj to W01 ?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:11:39 AM EST

[#11]

When you retire an O6, you're indefinitely in the reserves...and they can call you up at their leisure (so they think

)

Congrats...

ROCK6

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:12:33 AM EST

[#12]

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Quoted:
Maj to W01 ?

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Shouldn't a Major equate to a WO4? A WO3 at least?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:14:12 AM EST

[#13]

How close are you to retirement?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:15:31 AM EST

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
I thought the Army only promoted incompetent people?

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After a certain rank that is certain. Which proves the value of the OP for going in the opposite direction.

Although I am betting it is really due to the fact that reassignment surgery is now mandatory for 0-5 and above

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:16:31 AM EST

[#15]

Good for you, I hope you enjoy your new assignments.

Demotions were always easy for me to come by.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:17:45 AM EST

[#16]

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Quoted:
Shouldn't a Major equate to a WO4? A WO3 at least?

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Aren't CW2 and up commissioned?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:17:57 AM EST

[#17]

Aren't retirement benefits calculated using highest rank held?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:18:58 AM EST

[#18]

That is awesome. Good for you.

I reverted from O3 promotable to CW2 right after 911. No way in hell was I gonna ride the pine while my unit went to Afghanistan.

Best move I ever made. I was eventually promoted to CW3 then branch transferred to the Air Guard, recommissioned to O3 and retired as an O4 flying PAVEHAWKS.

Winning!

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:19:02 AM EST

[#19]

Thank you and GOD Bless you for your sacrifice and commitment brother.

Wishing you great success in your continued service. Stay safe and kick-ass ...

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:19:17 AM EST

[#20]

Good to see you back here again.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:19:38 AM EST

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:

Aren't CW2 and up commissioned?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Shouldn't a Major equate to a WO4? A WO3 at least?

Aren't CW2 and up commissioned?

Yes

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:20:38 AM EST

[#22]

Congrats, OP.

WO looks like the only path I would have been able to stick around for. I only made E6 before I got sick of management

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:21:33 AM EST

[#23]

That took guts! Much respect.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:22:21 AM EST

[#24]

Cheers to you. They can't pay you enough to do a job you hate when you have other options. Well, they can, but they won't. They'll just pay you marginally more and steal your life.

Best of luck!

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:22:58 AM EST

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
I thought the Army only promoted incompetent people?

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Hahaha, yeah it sometimes seems that way, right?

Here's how it breaks down. And I dont' think any of the former GOs or O6s we have here would disagree with me. The top guys, the Dick Winterses of the world, they are too good to stay in the Army. It's just how it is. The inefficiency, the politics, whatever - they can't handle it. Guys that I was a Captain with have gone on to Harvard, MIT, med school, other agencies, making literally double the money starting out in corporate America. The really terrible guys, they CAN'T stay in. They get in trouble, they lie, they have bad ratings, and they are politely asked to leave.

The leadership most of us see in the service are really the mid level guys. The guys who are pretty okay at what they do.

And because in my heart I have some officer in me, I drew a powerpoint slide to illustrate

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:23:32 AM EST

[#26]

Are you under High-3 or the new BRS?

if high 3 wont you still get your retired pay at the field grade rank?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:23:34 AM EST

[#27]

And this is why you should be sec of defense!

Best of luck!

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:25:10 AM EST

[#28]

Don't understand the move. But going down to a warrant?? why not an E-8 or E-9 ? are you you going to keep you pay base on your old rank? It looks like an ass backwards move. Oh! and don't expect any promotions, real soon.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:25:20 AM EST

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:

Aren't CW2 and up commissioned?

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After the early 70's I couldn't tell you if they are or not.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:25:33 AM EST

[#30]

Interesting. Good luck!

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:26:45 AM EST

[#31]

18Z50....best rank in the Army/Best Job in the Army.....

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:27:13 AM EST

[#32]

Becoming a warrant is a good idea, no body screws with them. I know what you mean by the further up in rank the less you are close to those that actually do and can lead them.

Even though I probably won't be on the front line ever again at my rank, being able to tell everyone to get the fuck out so I can be left alone is nice.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:27:55 AM EST

[#33]

Always enjoy reading your posts, quite an inspirational story. That's awesome, hope things are well!

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:28:45 AM EST

[#34]

You gotta do what you love. For some its the love of the money. Fuck that. Love what you do.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:29:58 AM EST

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
18Z50....best rank in the Army/Best Job in the Army.....

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It's up there for sure, but I would say 18A with a one of those 18Zs who wont let you fail is probably better. DoL!

Maybe tied with 11A in combat with an E7 who just wants to get after it.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:32:57 AM EST

[#36]

Quote History

How common is that? Do you know of anyone else who has done the same?

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I've seen it personally several times in the Guard, mostly from commissioned officer to warrant officer, but also twice from commissioned officer to NCO. One ended up the 1SG in the company he'd been the commander of years before, which was interesting...

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:33:16 AM EST

[#37]

What's your MOS? SF?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:35:25 AM EST

[#38]

Long time ago I worked with a captain who went warrant for similar reasons. He didn't like working staff positions and administrative work, wanted to get back to doing intel work.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:35:36 AM EST

[#39]

thank you and do whatever makes you Happy

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:38:10 AM EST

[#40]

Nice. Live the dream.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:38:27 AM EST

[#41]

Can't blame you at all; based on interactions with the Army Majors I know, jobs at that rank really really suck with a few exceptions that prove the rule.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:39:59 AM EST

[#42]

There will be another war and you will be prompted again.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:42:33 AM EST

[#43]

Quote History

Quoted:
Yes

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But are they officially “Gentlemen”?

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:43:54 AM EST

[#44]

Do they still let you retire at the highest rank held?

Ether way, best wishes.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:43:59 AM EST

[#45]

I got out as a 31A and they tried dangling 311A CID Warrant Officer at me.

I was game but HH6 wasn’t. It was probably for the best as it allowed me to focus on my full time job. A part of me misses it though.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:44:17 AM EST

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:

Aren't CW2 and up commissioned?

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Yes and field grade at CW3

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:44:31 AM EST

[#47]

Surprised they would allow that. Enjoy your chosen profession.

Posted: 5/14/2021 10:45:18 AM EST

[#48]

Quote History

Quoted:

Hahaha, yeah it sometimes seems that way, right?

Here's how it breaks down. And I dont' think any of the former GOs or O6s we have here would disagree with me. The top guys, the Dick Winterses of the world, they are too good to stay in the Army. It's just how it is. The inefficiency, the politics, whatever - they can't handle it. Guys that I was a Captain with have gone on to Harvard, MIT, med school, other agencies, making literally double the money starting out in corporate America. The really terrible guys, they CAN'T stay in. They get in trouble, they lie, they have bad ratings, and they are politely asked to leave.

The leadership most of us see in the service are really the mid level guys. The guys who are pretty okay at what they do.

And because in my heart I have some officer in me, I drew a powerpoint slide to illustrate
https://i.imgur.com/k6ING3ul.jpg

View Quote

You have the handwriting skills of a doctor