Posted on Aug 9, 2016
I am an E-5 scheduled to hit RCP; my ETS date is 16 days before my 15 year mark. Is it possible to extend to my 15 year mark?
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SGT
Retirement
RCP
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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The only opportunity you probably have is to go into the Reserve/NG and apply for AGR. You can find AGR positions at USAjobs.gov. That way your 15 yrs will be counted toward a federal retirement.
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SFC Wade W.
BTW, AGR is Active Guard/Reserve. These positions are Active Duty and when you retire from the position it is treated as if retired from active duty. The RCP is different and you are stabilized at your duty assignment for much longer. You move because you want another position for promotion for example. I had many soldiers who worked for me that were AGR. Look into it.
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SGT Robert Wager
If you get another federal position you will be able to "buy back" your active duty time. For example the USPS allows you to buy into FERS. Even if you don't all of your federal time counts toward earning leave.
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SGT Jmajik Jmann
SFC Wade: Thanks and yes, application for AGR is the only way the SGT will get full credit for Federal Retirement yet, he'd have to apply for a Federal Civilian Job. I retired on a Medical from the Miami VA Medical Center in 2017---(12 years Military Service + 14 years Federal Civilian service--Total: 26 years service)......I had to buy back my active duty time yet, the benefits are worth it because I was able to carry my Life Insurance---TSP---Medical Insurance into my retirement years although, I'm a Veteran still getting Medical treatment at the same facility I worked at and retired from after I got out of the Army...My monthly retirement annuity is based upon my last 3 to 5 year highest salary. SGT (P).; go for it and you'll reap the benefits when you get into my age range--55 and above, especially if you have a family. I say this because the 2020 Federal Budget looks to make drastic cuts to basically ALL current programs, specifically Retiree (any type)--Veterans Benefits--Social Security, etc. etc. as; to benefit the wealthy and corporations.....
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Went through the same process a couple years ago, you are able to extend to meet your RCP date, just talk to your career counselor. Its a simple extension with no oath of reenlistment or ceremony. Also in order to receive your separation pay you will be required to enlist in either the National Guard or Army Reserve for a minimum of 3 years. This is an excellent opportunity, as I changed MOS to one that was more promotion friendly and has a better career path, also NG retirement system is different than Active Duty and it is very possible you will end up making more by retiring from the Guard than you would if you had stayed Active. Only catch is you can't start collecting retirement from the Guard till age 60.
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SGT John Adam Prolo
Also, if you apply and get a disability rating you will have to pay that seperation pay back. I joined the NG to get my pay, when I got my 40% rating I quit going to the NG. I wasn't going for free. They were going to take my guard pay out of my disability compensation. So, I only ended up doing less than a year in the NG.
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SFC (Join to see)
How do you "quit" going to NG? I'm assuming since you "quit" going you were discharged for AWOL?
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There's an E5 in my unit who went through a similar situation, however his ETS and his RCP date were 4 or more months apart from each other. He was able to extend past his ETS date to his RCP date, and will have completed 15 years of service upon RCP. Talk to your career counselor
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