I got married while I was in and thought I wanted to get out to be with her. Been regretting it ever since. I could have retired this coming September.
I've got out twice and always came back after a couple years because I missed it so much. First time because I missed home too much after 5 years of moving around in Active Army. 2nd time got tired of being in a non-combat MOS in the Reserves. My third ETS is coming up in the fall and I don't know what I am doing. If I do get out the third time, it'll be because of wife/kids want me to.
*I had seen too much change for the bad in the five years I served. Examples...."take care of your own" kinda went out the door. Saw an influx of spineless Staff NCO's that cared only about themselves and kissing as much ass as possible.
*Was tired (as an NCO) of being denied extra pay for living expenses that non-rates way junior to me got just because they couldn't pull out and knocked up sally rotten crotch and she spit out their mostly illegitimate **** trophies. If I wanted to live off base, it was all on my dime.
*No re-enlistment bonus' when I was due for re-up.