what are the benefits of leaving the US military early?

I am 16 years in and plan to stay until 20. Let us consider your questions.

Family: I am married with 3 children. I am home most nights but there are times when I have to go to the field, stand duty, etc. Many businessmen have to travel alot for their jobs so they are away from their family as well. Many young military marriages fail; mine did not.

Travel: I have been all over the world. Hawaii, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Bali, Kuwait, Saudi, Jordan, UAE, Iraq, Afghanistan, Australia.....the list goes on and on. Most likely, you will travel in the military.

A job that translates well to the civilian world: Well, I am infantry and that doesn't translate too well. However, I have a vast amount of leadership and managerial skills that would be useful to any firm, getting a degree 100% paid for by the military, 2 professional ASIS certifications and networking with many, many businesses that want vets to work for them. There are degree completion, apprenticeship and licensing programs in the military. Check this website out: http://www.cool.navy.mil/usmc/

I did 4 years and got out. After I got out I realized all the benefits that I was giving up and wound up coming back in the Marine Corps (not because of the benefits, because we were at war and I wanted to do my part.)

I have no regrets other than I wish I would have stayed in and not gotten out. I would be retiring next year, but now I have to wait until 2020.

way ahead of your self there bud. who says they will LET YOU do 20 years?! the vast majority will do ONE contract and get out. that would not be leaving 'early' that would be doing a contract and then not re enlisting. the VA benefits are the same whether you do 4 years or 30 years.

retirement benefits can kick in as early as 15 years but the reality is you would need to do at least 20 to maximize the pension.

Same here. Making a Career in the Corps is hard as theirs less then 200k marines in total. That means fewer slots to fill and tight policy on retention. You have to be a super Ooorah MOFO if you want a career in the Corps. I plan on it and am going to be the best damn Marine I can ever be. Being super squared, away , showing leadership, being a PT god are one of many things to keep you competitive. I know once your contract nears re-enlistment can depend on a lot and promotions to higher up are hard unless theirs an NCO preparing to leave. Think hard and I would say do your first years in the Corps and make a decision then once you know the life. Theirs a few actual active, ex marines here so they have good advice rather then a DEP boot waiting to ship. i pan on going enlisted then either green to gold or a commissioning program and/or hopefully apply for a Special Missions Unit like MARSOC.

I did my one hitch. I came out with an Honorable Discharge. I started my civilian career and made good money. I live in a house with a VA loan. It's okay to serve less than 20 years.

I do wish I'd stayed in the Reserves until retirement, but what's done is done.

Most do one enlistment and done

Right after A school I had 2 classmates who were going to do at least 20 while I could not wait to get out

I wound up doing 22 years while neither of them even tried to re enlist, attitudes change people change

Very few people enlist with the intention of staying for 20, it just kind of sneaks up on you. Nobody was ever issued a crystal ball at birth and the "the best laid plans...etc". Take it one enlistment at a time, take advantage of the College Benefits (T/A) when you can, see where life takes you and enjoy the ride.

I planned on doing 20 but was unable to. I made it past16 and couldn't pass the run portion of the pet. I tried but it kicked my butt.

Sometimes things come up in life. Like having arthritis in both knees...

I get the same VA bennies as someone who only did 4 and the same as someone who did 20.... only I didn't retire.

Life is what happens when you're busy making all these plans .

As the saying goes..............man plans, God laughs.

I'm just saying..................no matter what you plan and plot out...............sh*t happens...........and course changes are usually the result.

You could plan on doing 20...............then meet someone at 5, or 10 years in........and decide you want married life and kids.........and just need a break.

Or health issues crop up and you need to stand down.

Or an aging parent may need your help more at home...........it happens. Duty elsewhere becomes more important than your military duty.......and you have to make new plans.