Can someone in the IRR (11 years AD and 3 years IRR) continue doing no-pay drills to work towards a retirement?

SGT James Miller — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 18:25:16 -0500

Response by SGT James Miller made Jan 9 at 2017 6:26 PM

SGT James Miller — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 18:26:29 -0500

I've had no break in service.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 9 at 2017 6:27 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 18:27:23 -0500

Why not just join the Guard or Reserve? You're obviously looking for the 20-year retirement. Just sign up and earn it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2017 6:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 18:33:27 -0500

Great news, you can continue doing IRR for the next 19 years if you choose. I don't know why you would, because it would do nothing for retirement, but you can continue on IRR for many more years to come.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jan 9 at 2017 8:51 PM

LTC John Shaw — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 20:51:40 -0500

There is a status that is in-between IRR and (Troop Unit) TPU. It is called IMA for Individual Mobilized Augmentee. You will serve 15-30 days a year with an active duty unit and you then go back on reserve status. Because it is an active unit, you may be called up when the unit deploys. Each reservist obtains 15 points a year for being in the reserve system. Don't let your 11 years go, make the Army pay you retirement by completing your additional service.
Yes, you have more time to serve and I understand the pain involved, I have four mobilizations and three overseas deployments to all the fun dirt holes we love to complain about.
I had to make a similar decision after my company command. Now I have 30 years in the Reserve and I have a few months before I am in the Retired Reserve.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jan 9 at 2017 9:01 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 21:01:18 -0500

Yes. People are conflating a number of things here, but to answer your base question: Yes.
You can drill in a "points only" status to acquire points towards a "good year", of which one needs 20 to retire.

You (obviously) won't be paid for them, and they won't enlarge your retirement check significantly, but it will allow you to get to 20 "good years."

As a practical matter, until they change the policy (especially WRT correspondence courses), you would likely be better served by joining a unit. But it is doable. If you really wanted to go down this path, you could also look at becoming "affiliated" with an AC unit. This would probably give your greater flexibility.

See the following for current guidelines: https://www.hrc.army.mil/STAFF/Individual%20Ready%20Reserve%20Homepage

HRC Homepage

Toll-Free: 1-888-ARMY-HRC (1-888-276-9472) DSN: 983-9500 askhrc.army@us.army.mil

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2017 11:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 23:51:29 -0500

Great question, since I specialize at this job, let's answer it first. Yes you can! The things you miss out on, no Battle Assembly weekend, no counselings, ncoer's, tricare, life insurance, pay or battle buddies. So why would you not join a unit? Most units will work with your job schedule to some degree. I fully believe you should call your local Army Reserve Career Counselor. If you are in Texas please call me.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 10 at 2017 2:03 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 02:03:11 -0500

SGT James Miller Many officers, dismissed from the Guard or disillusioned with USAR Troop units would enroll in USAR Schools with a minimal time requirement to complete their 20.