Can grey area retirees (Grey Area/Non-Regular Retirement) request a discharge?

MAJ Keira Brennan — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 00:20:59 -0500

Retired from USAR in '12 after 6yrs AD & 18yrs Res IMA/JRU. At time of retirement had the choice of a COMPLETE Discharge or tranfer to Grey Area. Im 47 & with the "early drop" eligible for retired pay at 58. I'd like to seperate completely until pay/ Tricare @58 Yes. ill miss out on COLA but want no further obligation. Going for the expat life. Can grey area O retirees resign? cheers!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 8 at 2017 12:27 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 00:27:40 -0500

The big difference is your retired pay will be based on the resignation date, not the pay scale when you turn 60 or maybe 58 in your case. So you can fully resign and take a pay hit.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Feb 8 at 2017 1:07 AM

LTC John Shaw — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 01:07:52 -0500

Your last order when you got out should say either discharge or retired Reserve.
It is VERY rare for anyone to be recalled from retired Reserve and usually with specific skills like medical.
So check the order that allowed you to retire.
You may be able to draw pay at 58, but health care will wait until 60. Early retirement pay doesn't change when reservist are eligible for Tricare.
Please consider you will miss 10+ years of inflation adjustments, this could mean 10,000 of thousands over your life.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Feb 8 at 2017 9:45 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 09:45:03 -0500

I think the answer is "yes", but will be interested in what HRC has to tell you.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Feb 9 at 2017 2:43 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 14:43:18 -0500

Still waiting to hear from Army HRC on whether after 5yrs in the Grey Area I can get a complete discharge. FYI - I am clear that once one opts for a complete discharge that the Rank/Grade pay is "frozen" at the DOR until eligible for receipt of pay. Do those receiving retirement receive future COLA increases added to their "frozen" pay if approved by Congress? (not my question but I'll ask it).

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Feb 9 at 2017 2:44 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 14:44:32 -0500

Any Reserve/NG retirees opt for a complete discharge?

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Mar 10 at 2017 3:06 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 15:06:17 -0500

STILL NO WORD FROM HRC

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2017 2:23 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 14:23:42 -0400

Only retired pay starts early, all other military benefits (e.g., TRICARE) remain at age 60. Check with your local RSO for verification.