So... about 2 weeks ago the E-7 promotion list came out, unfortunately Donavon did not make the list, so there for there is absolutely no chance of him getting his promotion. He would have to wait until next year to see if he made the list, it is only when you make the list that you are getting a promotion, and then they do it according to what number you are assigned. If you are No. 1 you are the first, if you are No. 999+, you will be basically waiting another year to get that promotion. Even if we waited for next year's list, he has a slim chance, and its not likely. For those that aren't aware, the E-7 promotion is an act of Congress, it is Congress who is deciding if he makes the promotion or not.
Anywho, nothing like getting on Facebook at 7am to see congratulations to another soldier via the recruiting station that he made it. So I guess that means we didn't make it since there are no Congrats SSG Strain??! Donavon hadn't even had time to get to work to see for himself. Kind of a low blow of disappointment. I guess personally I'd rather see for myself than hear via social media. We knew it was a far off chance but still, there is always hope.
We had been waiting on this tid bit of information to make our decision because if he had made the list by some miracle, our decision would get nasty (not even going to touch that because its irrelevant at this point). However we had both agreed prior that if he didn't make it our decision was simple. We're leaving.
So there we have it. We're leaving. We quit.
Whats next? As some of you have heard our plan is to join the Utah National Guard. Donavon has to wait until he is 100% out of the Army to do so - so until next March we cant do anything other than wait. Once he joins the National Guard he is going to apply for what they call an AGR job - it is a Active Duty position (Active Guard-Reserve). Even though its a 'weekend warrior' military - they still need people on active duty status to keep the National Guard rolling along. If he gets an AGR job, it will be a Mon-Friday 9-5 job, full pay and full benefits. Basically NOTHING changes for us. Same pay check, same insurance, same retirement, same housing allowance, same uniform, etc. The only thing that changes is he's Utah National Guard and whatever his 'job' would be.
He is big on networking and has his foot in the door already with the National Guard. Donavon is one of the top 3 producing recruiters for his battalion currently and is constantly giving his leftovers to his long time friend who is a National Guard recruiter. So many in fact that he's actually filled their quotas for them. The National Guard recruiting 'boss' has seen this and is eager to take Donavon onto their team, even saying he'd fire someone to hire Donavon because he loves Donavon so much and would be gold for them to have on their team.
So as of the end of March 2013, Donavon will be discharged from the Army. Our plan is to save as much vacation time as possible so that we have some income if it takes a few months for him to get on 'Active' status with the National Guard. Right now he has 99 days - but 7 use or lose and he accrues 2.5 days a month. The plan is to have the max 90 days leave so we have 90 days of pay check still when he 'quits'. Fortunately since we are in the middle of a refinance we'll have 2 mortgage payments skipped and that will definitely help to have that cushion too. We'd have bare minimum 5 mortgage payments and 3 months of paychecks if we were idiots and didn't save a dime right now.
We've definitely been pinching our pennies the best we can and saving as much as possible for the 'just in case it takes longer than 3 months'. Donavon said usually the process is really quick and fast, only taking a few weeks - but we're sure there are instances where its taken time too. Better to be safe than sorry. Now lets just hope nothing major comes up costing us money! Thus far the rock wall out front has fallen apart and is a major safety hazard needing immediate repair. I'm trying to figure out the most cost effect solution ugh. Not helping the savings but better than something major right!?
Best case scenario? He gets his AGR job quickly and they roll over his 90+/- vacation time and we have a nice savings account and can take a great vacation! Worst case - its takes awhile and we live off savings, and he gets a job and we start over on the vacation time and continue on being broke as usual.
Confused? I hope not! Sorry if this is lame announcing via the blog - but to make phone calls to everyone and repeat myself 1,000 times is just not practical right now. Hopefully this doesn't stress you out - we are at total peace and calm about the decision that everything will be ok and this is the right move for us.
We just did not 'feel it' when thinking of bases or assignments we'd maybe enjoy. We're both tired of moving, we love our house, our neighbors, our ward and finally feel like we have a routine and life going. At Dugway it never felt like home, and we didn't have many friends after we got married. Politics at Dugway didn't help either as far as making friends. Now we feel settled - and also to think of moving who knows where, Donavon would deploy once, if not twice and then I'd be stuck in BFE with the kids and trying to make a new life - to then up and move in another 4 years or less. We are happy where we are and want to stay.
I suppose him not making the list was my big relief, that way I didn't have to stress over our choice. I will say he definitely will be able to be promoted to E-7 in the National Guard, not right away but he will get it down the road. Its also not to say he wont deploy, he could very well deploy, but our family would staying at home and everything would be 'normal' for us at home while he's gone. I feel that's very important to keep some normalcy for the kids. The Army just isn't a right fit for us anymore.
Please though, if you are confused please ask. It took me years to figure things out - and I'm still learning to this day! Wait wait wait... a who-da-whatta?! What does --- stand for!? Its normal I promise ;)
- Total side note here but if you havent seen it yet, I posted about Katie's 1st birthday - and tonight at 6pm the kids have pictures for Katie's 1 year and a few with big brother so stay tuned for cute pictures! -
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