Posted on Aug 17, 2022
Can I still retire at 20 years even if I don't get the full high 3 of sfc after a pcs with 19 years service?
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SFC for 1 year that just PCS'd. I am at 19 years right now. Can I still retire at 20 years even if I don't get the full high 3 of sfc? I've read that you must do 3 years in ar 635-200 but can drop a retirement packet and retire at 20 years. Money is not the issue so if I can id like to retire at least a year from now.
Any clarity and experience would be greatly appreciated.
Any clarity and experience would be greatly appreciated.
Retirement
Career Counselor
Career Advice
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
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You're misunderstanding High 3. High 3 is just the average of your Highest 36 months of service and has nothing to do with applying for retirement.
You have a 36 month SRR for accepting promotion to SFC. If you fail to meet it your promotion can be rescinded. But usually, HRC will just deny your retirement instead.
You have a 36 month SRR for accepting promotion to SFC. If you fail to meet it your promotion can be rescinded. But usually, HRC will just deny your retirement instead.
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SFC (Join to see)
MAJ Ken Landgren we've pushed back retirement a bit. My wife just got a great GS job where we are at, so we'll be here at least a year, and if I do get picked up for MSG or take a job as a senior Career Counselor for a Brigade again, we will stay a few more years.
We still can't settle on any place where we would want to retire at. The good places are too expensive, the affordable places are too crazy right now, and the desirable places don't have work.
We still can't settle on any place where we would want to retire at. The good places are too expensive, the affordable places are too crazy right now, and the desirable places don't have work.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
SFC (Join to see) - I am glad to see you both thriving. What GS level? What does she do? Have you thought about teaching ROTC? I am here when it's time for you to hang up your boots.
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SFC (Join to see)
MAJ Ken Landgren she's been a GS for 17 years, she just got a job as a GS11 as an Executive Assistant. She was a PEBLO for a long time before that. With the GS system she has to serve at least a year in her position for her time in grade.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
SFC (Join to see) - There is a military concept called the Center of Gravity (COG) which is the true strength of the military. I would say George Washington was a COG. I will assume the COG for both of you was your career, but it shifted to her career. I am glad you both have options, but the long term goals must satisfy both of you. You will figure it out.
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Retirement pay is literally taking your last three years pay and dividing it. I think I was making $8500 when I retired and thought since I was a major for more than three years my retirement pay would be 50% of 8500. Nope, they took the last three years (it changes with annual raises), divided and that is what my retirement pay is. So whatever the reg says to retire with SFC on your ID, they will take your last three years (maybe one year of SFC and two at SSG) and 50% of that is your retirement pay.
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SSG (Join to see)
Thats what I am thinking. Have an appointment at sfl tap and thats essentially what they said as well
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I am not Army my brother was but as a retired member I suggest you stay in if you can to the 25 year mark then retire, put in for VA disability (we all have one or more) and now with these two monthly checks as income you wont need a second civilian career but can work and earn at something you like doing.
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