Military nurses, recently become civilian nurses?

Trauma Columnist · Apr 26, 2004

Hey Gerry - I don't know about the $3000 retirment per month. My hubby who was an E-7 with over 23 years in gets about $1500/month.

gerry79 · Apr 28, 2004

Well I dont retire until 2008, and at that point I will have 26 years in and according to the retirement calculator provided by the military compensation branch, my retirement will be 2,910 per month. That is factoring in a 4 percent pay raise per year for the next 4 years, and longevity pay increases. If the pay raises are higher my retirement will be more, lower it will be less. Since the longevity raises at years 24, and 26 are quite substantial, that boosts the retirement a bunch, also you get 2.5 percent more a year in retirement past 20 years as I am sure that you know. That 2.5 percent a year increase in retirement makes a huge difference between years 20, and 30. Your husband retired in 1995, the pay for an E7 has increase alot since then. An E7 with 23 years in today makes $3,500 per month, back in 95 I am sure it was substantually less. So in closing the pay for E7 with 26 years should be about $4500 per month in 2008 (based on 4% per year pay raise), and 65% of the high 3 total is $2910.00 Well they dont call me wind bag for nothing, sorry for the loooong dissertation. :rotfl:

BlueTang · Apr 29, 2004

I was wondering if anyone could share their civilian experiences vs. military experiences. I am at a crossroad to decide if I should stay in the military or get out. I have been in for only 5 yrs, so it would be easy to leave. Most of my civilian friends love their jobs and truly I am not so hot about mine, but I like the military in general. I was wondering what other ex military nurses thought when they changed to a civilian setting. Any thoughts?

I'm not a military nurse, but do work in a military clinic as an RN. After reviewing some of the other responses I have to tell you, don't necessarily count on continuing to do things without accountability to the bottom dollar. Times are changing; and the surgeon general himself just confirmed the military will start to run more like a professional business...watching the bottom dollar, watching military and civilian referrals by primary care providers to care outside of network to avoid unnecessary costs, watching supply costs, etc. In addition, although I've worked at another military clinic and some of the military nurses did appear to avoid hard work if possible, at least the clinic I work in now, the military nurses do have initiative and work hard as in the civilian world. Finally, watch the big picture in the world on the budget and what the future holds where there's an opportunity to cut costs in how business in conducted, whether military or civilian; those funds are increasingly needed for higher priorities. I know I'm probably not helping to make a decision but do advise a bit more research on some of the advice given here.

hbscott · Apr 29, 2004

I say if you have something better pursue it. If not be content with your situation and make the most of it. I retired from military and have a pension and other benefits I can take advantage for myself and my family. That pension helps hold me over between jobs if need be.

I am now in the "civilian sector" in my 2nd career and find that there is no such thing as a "perfect" job but rather "acceptable" and "unacceptable" ones. In my current occupation I endeavor to do the best I can on a daily basis and cherish those times when I can make a positive difference in the lives of my patients.

I am firmly convinced that in military or civilian life it is what we make it. Our successes and failures are influenced by many things. There are those who do well in the military and those who don't. There are those who do well in civilian life and those who don't.

And then there are those who do well in both.

-HBS