Posted on Jan 3, 2016
Do you think military retirees should be accorded more active participation if they desire?
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I believe that two things should happen with reasons why:
1. All reserve/National Guard retirees in the gray area should be allowed to stay in an IRR/for points only status until age 60 if they desire. It would facilitate mobilization if they are needed; it would not cost that much more in the small amount of increased retirement pay at 60; and it would not interfere with ability of other reservists to move up since it would be IRR only.
2. There should be an active program where retirees who are receiving their retirement pay can volunteer with local active, reserve or Guard units where they live. ie administration, recruiting, public affairs, training, mentoring. Some times its done informally. State defense forces do it with NG units, but not all states have it and it only applies to Army and Air Guard units.
In both cases above it taps upon the wisdom and experience of our retired military members.
I am a proud retired "Soldier for LIfe" I can still pass a PT test at age 66 and although I am very active with military/veterans associations and military-themed youth groups, I still miss working with active soldiers!
1. All reserve/National Guard retirees in the gray area should be allowed to stay in an IRR/for points only status until age 60 if they desire. It would facilitate mobilization if they are needed; it would not cost that much more in the small amount of increased retirement pay at 60; and it would not interfere with ability of other reservists to move up since it would be IRR only.
2. There should be an active program where retirees who are receiving their retirement pay can volunteer with local active, reserve or Guard units where they live. ie administration, recruiting, public affairs, training, mentoring. Some times its done informally. State defense forces do it with NG units, but not all states have it and it only applies to Army and Air Guard units.
In both cases above it taps upon the wisdom and experience of our retired military members.
I am a proud retired "Soldier for LIfe" I can still pass a PT test at age 66 and although I am very active with military/veterans associations and military-themed youth groups, I still miss working with active soldiers!
Retirement
Reserves
Volunteering
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 22
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LTC Dolgin your points are spot on. However, I believe that the benefits of volunteering returns more personal and professional benefits to the volunteer than any financial rewards that can be offered. Those benefits are derived from witnessing the growth and development of the people and processes you have influenced and the direction of institutions you have invested your time to guide. We volunteer for different reasons and I hope we continue to do so because it is the right thing to do, when you can, for as long as you can.
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LTC (Join to see)
Reserves work without pay a lot (but usually get points) But even reservists without pay do "attaboy time" to catch up with work. Also CG Auxiliary and state defense forces get ID cards. (Not a CAC, but a few get them for computer access--they need to pass a background check.) Also as retired military, we also have an ID card, get pay and have base access. So it no big deal; if we need DOD computer access, they do a background check and give us a CAC.
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CSM (Join to see)
I don't think it would be that simple Sir. All Senior NCO's and Officers are required to have security clearances. Could you imagine the pain staking process of validation and reinvestigating.
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LTC (Join to see)
CSM (Join to see) - Most of the work I'm suggesting would not require a security clearance (public affairs, recruiting, mentoring, unclassified admin support, many types of training) Also if a person is retired, they are already an officer or senior NCO; and have a proven record; if it is too expensive to get those retirees who choose to volunteer, a periodic re-investigation, then they are paying too much. The Coast Guard Auxiliary does a basic investigation on everyone, but for those who volunteer in certain areas, they can do a secret clearance-level investigation, so therefore it can be done. I believe that way too many times in the military and government, many people use bureaucratic procedures as an excuse that something can't be done. They don't think outside the box. Just some of my thoughts.
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Capt Daniel Goodman
Hi, we'd chatted awhile back, I just figured I'd say hi, I saw you were on this thread, I didn't know if you'd remembered, we'd chatted by email on here some time back, just saying hi, obviously...I do entirely agree with your thoughts, certainly, as well, just figured I'd mention that also....
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LTC (Join to see)
Not to mention it could possibly free up senior personnel for deployment, if there is an experienced volunteer to "hold down the fort."
I've often heard our retired pay described as a "retainer," or "reduced pay for reduced services."
Not to mention it could possibly free up senior personnel for deployment, if there is an experienced volunteer to "hold down the fort."
I've often heard our retired pay described as a "retainer," or "reduced pay for reduced services."
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Capt Daniel Goodman
https://www.rallypoint.com/units/75th-training-command-75th-training-command-tc-houston-tx/about
This is quite good...they were also sending emails through the site, I tried answering, I got something short back, just nothing major, I'm afraid....
This is quite good...they were also sending emails through the site, I tried answering, I got something short back, just nothing major, I'm afraid....
75th Innovation Command | RallyPoint
75th Innovation Command
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Capt Daniel Goodman
That "retainer" and "reduced pay" stuff is also interesting phraseology I hadn't seen before....
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As I start my 60th year, my mind believes that I am still the young stud that could do non stop push-ups. But the reality prior to and during retirement of numerous surgeries and cancer prove my 26 years of military service have taken a toll for the worse on my once Stong and Powerful ultra fit body with a 30 inch waist.
Be it exposure to Fort McClellan toxins and chemicals, third world countries pollution and diseases, combat and hostile deployments, PTSD, injuries during training and exercises.
I think that we could provide valuable support and understanding using our wealth of experience.
Be it exposure to Fort McClellan toxins and chemicals, third world countries pollution and diseases, combat and hostile deployments, PTSD, injuries during training and exercises.
I think that we could provide valuable support and understanding using our wealth of experience.
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I agree on it being wasted assets that are available. DoD spent a lot of money training some of us to do a few jobs, and experience does not grow on trees. A fine example is the AF-PAK Hands - and why would you not be asking the retired seniors back to help train and mentor units and staffs trying to tackle the same issues they know so well. Then you have a handful of folks who retired that were senior PSYOP and CA officers and NCOs that retain a wealth of knowledge in trade craft and different regions that is reinvented about every 5 years when the need returns. Gray area retired Reservists placed into the IRR till 60 is an interesting concept - and I would have loved to been able to have some of the great senior leaders return to help train different staffs I had in USAR PSYOP units.
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I do recall an example where my second point in my original post has been done. A retired SEABEE Master Chief has written non-pay orders to drill with the unit he retired from. It CAN and HAS been done. I'm merely suggesting that the services make this a more common practice and start a program to encourage it. I'm saying it would be completely voluntary and non-pay.
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I think this is an idea that looks great on paper but there would be entirely too many intracies in the implementation process.
I was afforded the opportunity to work with all of the retiree recalls coming through Fort Leonard Wood from 2005-2012. There were a lot great NCO's and Officers answering the call when our nation was in dire need. They filled critical vacancies, and made great contributions.
In 3 short years I will have attained my twenty. Even though I scored a 270 on my last APFT, I know that I would have issues competing for my EIB. My combat effectiveness is not nearly what it used to be.
One of the current senior leaderships focus is to "trim the force" through strict enforcement of deployability standards. It would not be nearly as simple as "holding down the fort" during our next conflict. Retiree recalls will need to meet current deployment standards. While running the SRP process for all of the IRR and Retiree Recalls it was simply amazing to see the attrition rates.
The knowledge the retirees bring to the table is an invaluable resource, however figuring out exactly how to tap into that knowledge is going to be a challenge.
I was afforded the opportunity to work with all of the retiree recalls coming through Fort Leonard Wood from 2005-2012. There were a lot great NCO's and Officers answering the call when our nation was in dire need. They filled critical vacancies, and made great contributions.
In 3 short years I will have attained my twenty. Even though I scored a 270 on my last APFT, I know that I would have issues competing for my EIB. My combat effectiveness is not nearly what it used to be.
One of the current senior leaderships focus is to "trim the force" through strict enforcement of deployability standards. It would not be nearly as simple as "holding down the fort" during our next conflict. Retiree recalls will need to meet current deployment standards. While running the SRP process for all of the IRR and Retiree Recalls it was simply amazing to see the attrition rates.
The knowledge the retirees bring to the table is an invaluable resource, however figuring out exactly how to tap into that knowledge is going to be a challenge.
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Capt Mark Strobl
CSM (Join to see) - Could agree more. The original suggestion pushes an Utopian concept. However, implementation would be a nightmare... or, an entirely new branch of the DoD... or both?
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CSM (Join to see)
I think LTC Steve Dolgin has the right idea. The current force could definitely benefit from the insight and experience of our retirees but I am not sure if fully integrating them within the ranks is the right answer. The Army evolves extremely quickly. Policy changes and regulatory guidance evolve just as fast. It is hard enough trying to keep up with this stuff when your wearing a uniform 365 days a year, none the less trying to play catch up after a break in service. Another factor is the huge gap between Guard/Reserve and Active Duty. Though we are supposed to be an "Army of One" it just doesn't work that way. I have never had an ERB, and the SRB I did receive to look over was missing 75% of my career information. We don't receive the new uniforms nearly as fast as the Active Component. We aren't fielded the same equipment at the same time. Unfortunately it's like we are always playing catch up and a step behind our Active Duty brethren at no fault of our own.
My solution is simple. When I am retired I plan on doing the same thing LTC Steve Dolgin is...... Doing whatever I can to help shape and mold the future Soldiers coming into our ranks. Whether it's volunteering with a local Jr ROTC, taking an active role in the VFW or American Legion and lobbying for things to improve veterans quality of life, possibly something as simple as serving some refreshments at a nearby USO and sharing the experiences I had when I wore the uniform. It's about giving back.
My solution is simple. When I am retired I plan on doing the same thing LTC Steve Dolgin is...... Doing whatever I can to help shape and mold the future Soldiers coming into our ranks. Whether it's volunteering with a local Jr ROTC, taking an active role in the VFW or American Legion and lobbying for things to improve veterans quality of life, possibly something as simple as serving some refreshments at a nearby USO and sharing the experiences I had when I wore the uniform. It's about giving back.
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LTC (Join to see)
Again, if reserve component retirees stay in IRR that process would be easier. As for my second point in the original post, I'm not suggesting deployment or even wearing a uniform; I'm just saying that they can come in and help the units out at home station.
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I would be all over this. Especially given the math of MRD, the Army is overlooking a large pool of prime talent.
In a "normal" basis, I think we could pass on a lot of wisdom/mentorship. Especially as we would be free of having to think about "our" careers. During "not normal" times, we could be easily available manpower. Even if the retiree is no longer deployable, during or after grey area, they could fill necessary billets that require the skills, knowledge and experience gained over a career, freeing a deployable Soldier for use.
I have looked at dropping a warrant packet to extend my affiliation with the USAR. I occasionally think about resigning my commission just prior to MRD, until I come to my senses and realize that a 50 year old NCO, with no experience as an NCO, probably doesn't go in the "asset" column.
In a "normal" basis, I think we could pass on a lot of wisdom/mentorship. Especially as we would be free of having to think about "our" careers. During "not normal" times, we could be easily available manpower. Even if the retiree is no longer deployable, during or after grey area, they could fill necessary billets that require the skills, knowledge and experience gained over a career, freeing a deployable Soldier for use.
I have looked at dropping a warrant packet to extend my affiliation with the USAR. I occasionally think about resigning my commission just prior to MRD, until I come to my senses and realize that a 50 year old NCO, with no experience as an NCO, probably doesn't go in the "asset" column.
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LTC (Join to see)
I have known several people that have extended their service as either a warrant or an NCO; since you retire at highest grade. I thought about both myself; warrant would be very difficult in my field; NCO might have worked, but decided against it for similar reasons.
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I think it should be afforded for those who would be willing to participate. However, the one caviat I have for that is that the retired service member must realize that the military has and will continue to change. Some of the "back when I was in" no longer applies and for some generations wouldn't even be healthy. (No disrespect implied here at all - but times have changed whether we think for good or for ill). In the scant time I've been away on terminal leave and now that I'm out there has been a new PFA Program that has taken effect for the Navy and unfortunately my opinion no longer applies since I have the blue card.
Personally, unless someone simply needed first aid training for their unit I probably wouldn't do it myself. But for those who aren't embarking on a second career this could be an excellent opportunity.
Personally, unless someone simply needed first aid training for their unit I probably wouldn't do it myself. But for those who aren't embarking on a second career this could be an excellent opportunity.
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LTC (Join to see)
Everything changes even for those still in. That why we always continue our military and civilian education both through for coursework and training as well as through OJT!
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SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury
LTC (Join to see) - That is very true. I chose to leave the military concentration area when I retired. No doubt these next few years will be pivotal for the military with an election looming and so much more changing in these turbulent times. I'm intrigued to know what changes are coming and scared at the same time.
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yes especially with the new sequestration of 100 billion over 10 years and the desire of soldiers just shy of 20 years to get their 20 and retire under the old plan and those over 20 to just be able to serve his/her country and help their units with his/her experience.
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