How does retiring with 20+ years of service but less than 10 years commissioned affect retirement?

2018-11-20T02:30:57-05:00

I am considering the AECP program. The commitment would require 6 years total and would put me past 20 years time in service. I am not interested in doing 10 years as an officer at this time. If I retire with less than ten years officer time, Will I get my high three as an officer for retirement pay and my retired rank reflect my highest enlisted grade? Or, will I retire at my enlisted high 3? I have not found a clear answer.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Nov 20 at 2018 3:29 AM

2018-11-20T03:29:38-05:00

Highest rank held determines your retirement.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Nov 20 at 2018 6:33 AM

2018-11-20T06:33:58-05:00

Just like you stated. Higher 3 for retiring pay and your last enlisted rank. At the end of the day the goal is the take home money.

Short story. I had a squared away SPC who became a SFC at 11 years of service. He decided to do ROTC Green to Gold and was accepted. I had to counsel him (Cadet Command required me to do that) on the loss of rank if he decided to retire before him having 10 years as a Commissioned Officer) not only I counseled him but pulled out a calculator, crunched some numbers and now he is a Captain getting ready to retire as a SFC. Couldn’t be happier!!!!!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Nov 20 at 2018 7:02 AM

2018-11-20T07:02:19-05:00

I would only ask why! You are moving along very well, seemingly knowing your job and taking care of your Soldiers. You are in a track for E8 and possibly E9. Both of those grades come with more rewarding responsibilities and pay. I would only encourage to to speak to someone (s) who has been there and further develop your options. The highest grade you would make as an officer in this scenario is Maj. your call, thank you for your service.

Response by LTC Mark Overberg made Jul 27 at 2019 4:05 PM

2019-07-27T16:05:00-04:00

If you retire with less than 10 years of commissioned service, you’ll retire at your highest enlisted rank, BUT when they calculate your retired pay (assuming you retire under the High 3 Pay Plan), they will average your highest 36 months of base pay and multiply that by your years and full months of service. These 36 months will likely be your last three years as an officer. But you’ll still retire at your highest enlisted rank. See AR 600-8-24.