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?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:41:23 -0400

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.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 17 at 2022 11:28 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 23:28:37 -0400

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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2022 12:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 00:12:54 -0400

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 If you fail to meet it your promotion can be rescinded.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.

Response by PO1 Richard KIrchoff made Aug 18 at 2022 9:29 AM

PO1 Richard KIrchoff — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 09:29:43 -0400

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.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Aug 19 at 2022 10:05 AM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 10:05:47 -0400

Let Me Guess,
There's NO Personnel Department On Your Base....
Not A Soul In The World That Happens To Know The Answer.

UH.... WTF's Going On At Your Base, Nobody Home.
All The Lights Are Out & Batteries Are Dead?
The Base Commander Skipped Out And No Other In Sight?
Hey, I Have More But I Need a Cup Of Coffee & a Sucrets,,,
Coffee To Relax Me, And The Sucrets To Soothe My Throat, From Laughing So Much.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2022 4:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 16:55:06 -0400

Update: hrc said you got to do the full 3 years no matter what even past 20 years. They will not allow a packet to even be submitted. 2 years left to go.