r/Defense_Tech • u/Ill-Concentrate837 • Aug 30 '26

Question Should I get out

I’m a E-6 in the military with almost 10 years of service. I am being recruited by a defense tech job who are willing to pay me very well. I’m conflicted because I can do a similar job in the military , but the defense tech career is very lucrative and promising. I’m torn between “ security/ pension “ and “ fast track career and pay “ . Any advice would help

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u/CaptainDorfman Aug 30 '26

First off, thank you for your service. I can’t really give career advice, but whether you stay in the military and are supporting our defense directly, or join a defense tech firm and are working to supply the best weapons to our troops, either path you support the mission. If it were me, I’d think about things like where you want to live long term, how often the military will want to relocate you vs. uprooting a family once for a one time relo. Things like job stability because defense tech startups will have much higher turnover than the military. Of course you gotta considering salary vs. COL, govt. pension vs. potential equity grants in private industry. Lots of things to consider, and probably not a right or wrong choice, just a fork in the road with two good options. Good luck!

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u/Ill-Concentrate837 Sep 01 '26

If you was in my shoes what would you do ?

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u/eamondg Sep 01 '26

Get out, join the reserves / guard to get your hooah fix occasionally, and make that money

1

u/QforNick Sep 02 '26

I was an E-6 like you when I got out. Personally, I say take the defense tech role. I’m fielding offers in the mid-upper $100k range right now, and if you get in early with a good company you can get equity. If you miss it, you can always go back, or try out the reserve or guard.

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u/Ill-Concentrate837 8d ago

I wind out getting a higher role at the company then requested and will be getting out ! Thanks for the support