Retiring from the military as a nurse

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Hello everyone.

I am prior military so know how it runs and that sometimes can be stressful on yourself and on family.

I was wondering from people that have retired from the military (any branch) as nurses if the retirement benefits are worth it. I have spoken to recruiters and say you are eligible to 50% of pay at the 20 year mark. I am pretty sure Major pay would be attainable which would make retirement around 50K a year. How is the health insurance when you retire?

What I was wondering is if you had the chance to do it all over would you still go through the military and everything it put you through for the retirement at 20 years?

Or

Would you have stayed civilian and just had a better "lifestyle" instead?

Thanks for all of your opinions

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Major isn't a "pay" it is a rank. Pay grade O-4

If you are prior service why did you need a recruiter to tell you about the retirement?

What do you mean "how is the health insurance"? That question makes no sense.

What is "stayed a civilian and have a better lifestyle"? Who determines "better"? What is "better"?

I will say this...you may not want to phrase military service as being for a retirement. You do it to serve your country.

Are you an RN?

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I am asking for peoples opinions on the questions I have. If you don't have an opinion on the matter then take your comments elsewhere.

I have served my country with two combat deployments to Afghan. Now I want to think about my family and retirement and if I choose to use the military as a route for a good retirement "while serving my country" then that is my business.

No I am in school currently.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

The retirement is 50% of base pay after 20 active duty years.

If you have two deployments to Afghanistan then how do you not know this? Just very odd. The teach a class in BCT regarding your benefits and how the retirement system works.

You still didn't explain what "how is the health insurance"? What are you asking? Are you wanting like "good" or "bad"? Just to general to answer.

If you have two deployments to Afghanistan you are already a veteran and should be receiving VA benefits especially after two combat deployments. You should also have received a class on that when you left the service. You are required prior to leaving the service to go through classes explaining your benefits and how they work and the transition to civilian. Also classes on how your GI bill works etc... If you did not receive these classes (which require a completion checklist) you should contact your former unit and ask for the classes. There are great resources for veterans to get factual information. As a veteran use your VA for resources. Make sure you have a good DD214 as prior service can have more challenges getting back in. Good luck

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One non-standard 'benefit' is if you find yourself in dire straits and can't make ends meet in retirement, banking institutions may shield your government retirement benefits from certain garnishments/levies the same way they may shield social security retirement or disability benefits. This 'benefit' can be a life saver at times.

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