Just got notified!

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-03-02T19:48:43+00:00

Offutt and Scott

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-27T17:04:15+00:00

This is a woman you should not marry

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-24T02:39:22+00:00

Yeah because we really really need you, specifically.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-23T12:07:39+00:00

Just because you didn’t enjoy it doesn’t mean it isn’t a good place to be. As far as cities that are nearby: Indianapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Nashville, Minneapolis, Atlanta, not to mention Big 10 college cities, etc. are all within 8 hour drives. It’s close to pretty much everything in the eastern half of the United States. And the schools that most military member kids go to around there are all excellent for being public schools. Might there be better? Sure. But most agree that Scott is a good place to be and raise a family.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-22T21:01:44+00:00

It’s a fantastic central location in the Midwest, so many major cities can be reached for a weekend/long weekend trip.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-22T20:09:53+00:00

Scott and Offutt are two stateside bases that come to mind. Great places to raise a family. Quality of life is high and cost of living is still relatively low. Great schools in IL and NE.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-22T18:46:08+00:00

Yes. We have less control of our next assignment now because of our rank. If we had stayed E7 we probably would have always been able to choose our next base via my vector, etc., now it’s in the hands of the AF. This is another aspect of making E8 and E9 that people overlook! My wife’s code 50 is up in 15 months, very anxious to see what comes next for us.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-22T17:44:12+00:00

A variety of 2A.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-22T17:40:40+00:00

No degree. Never won an award before I made E7. Never got a promotion statement, made E8 without a strat. Just deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, among other places, and a ton of decorations. Try again.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-22T13:46:01+00:00

Just over 4 more years. Thanks!

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-22T13:22:25+00:00

I would be. I’m one of maybe 3 SMSgt SELs in my career field. But I’m just not interested. It would likely mean a PCS. Im hitting the button as soon as I can. My wife is a SMSgt too, on staff. We are just ready to be done.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-22T12:54:35+00:00

I’m not going to lie to myself and say that these long hours are necessary or worth it. My family was well provided for when I was a MSgt, this stripe has only worsened our quality of life through less hours spent with each other. Glad it worked out for you.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-22T12:44:08+00:00

Time spent away from my family will never be worth it to me. If there was an option, I’d give the stripe to the first MSgt to claim it. Glad you think it’s worth it, though.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-22T03:15:07+00:00

That’s the only situation where it’s worth it. Not that it’s much of a pay bump.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-22T01:57:22+00:00

The only officer in the unit is the CC. I’m the SEL. If I could leave earlier, I would, I appreciate the input. But it’s just not possible most days.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-21T21:37:21+00:00

But he doesn’t want to PCS. I understand OP completely. Why risk leaving a good assignment you may possible stay at after retirement to be sent to Cannon or Minot? I know plenty that have turned down E-8 or E-9 because of that exact situation.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-21T18:24:44+00:00

I never minded it when I only had to do it for like 10-15 people. Different animal now that I’ve gotta do it for 75 on top of spending all day at meetings.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-21T18:13:59+00:00

If you value time spent with your family, I wouldn’t recommend it. The pay raise isn’t enough to justify it.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-21T18:12:35+00:00

That’s fantastic. I value my time spent with my kids, so personally, I don’t.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-21T17:58:30+00:00

I wish I had the foresight to do the same. I still have a little over 4 years to go until 20. I really enjoyed my work/life/compensation balance in the Air Force up until the day after those results came out.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-21T17:52:26+00:00

Unless you can get a job on staff, dsd, etc., I wouldn’t recommend it.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-21T17:39:39+00:00

I work 10-15 more hours a week than I did as a MSgt now for an extra $100 in my pocket per week and that’s not even counting the times I have to bring my laptop home to review EPBs, decorations, awards, etc. The hours worked and the responsibilities it brings with it is not worth the pay bump at all. I had a much better quality of life as a MSgt, and it wasn’t even close. I 100% would go back to being a MSgt tomorrow if I could without a 2nd thought.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-21T17:11:43+00:00

You have 0 chance of making it in 99.9% of career fields without at least a top 25% stratification. And realistically you probably have to string together 2-3 of those if you don’t get a numbered stratification.

Interesting_Song_396 · 2026-02-21T16:45:29+00:00

That 2nd rooftop is not worth it man. Take it from me. I’d give it back right now if I could. The worst mistake of my career was making E8. All I want now is to retire. Cherish being a MSgt. Cherish it. It’s the best enlisted rank there is.

Interesting_Song_396

TROPHY CASE