In what cases can a US Military Service member actually serve past age 62?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Mon, 11 May 2015 16:12:31 -0400

In what cases can a uniformed US Military Servicemember continue to serve PAST the normal current retirement age of 62? Do you think that milepost will change? Why or why not?

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made May 11 at 2015 4:21 PM

LTC Gavin Heater — Mon, 11 May 2015 16:21:17 -0400

Select medical professionals, clergy and select scientists have, do and can serve past 62. These are unique situations. I believe most are Reservists, but don't quote me. I served with a 70 year old Priest in Iraq who was the DISCOM Chaplain. Retirees can petition to come on tour on a case by case basis.

Response by LTC Gavin Heater made May 11 at 2015 4:24 PM

LTC Gavin Heater — Mon, 11 May 2015 16:24:05 -0400

With longer life spans, longer service should be considered. However, fitness and endurance levels should not be compromised.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 4:32 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 16:32:17 -0400

General officers serve at the "pleasure of the President" and can serve as long as the President sees fit. I believe GEN Dempsey is beyond 62, for a current example.

Medical officers and Chaplains have unique rules as well, so long as they maintain their credentials.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 11 at 2015 4:42 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 11 May 2015 16:42:35 -0400

Generals and Chaplains were the 2 exceptions I was aware of.

As for whether that will change, it's need based. Up or out.

The Force expands/contracts based on need. If we need more people, we expand and things like stoploss occur, and whatever arbitrary age we choose doesn't matter, just like whatever arbitrary number of generals doesn't matter.

We have the ability to slow attrition by just not letting people get out. Everyone signs up for 8, even if they only do 4 (with 4 inactive). That effectively doubles the pyramids base, which doubles the top as well. When you have twice as many E1s, you need twice as many E9 and O7+, which just adds more time in service for all involved.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 11 at 2015 11:53 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 11 May 2015 23:53:56 -0400

Never... This is a young man's/woman's game

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 11 at 2015 11:58 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Mon, 11 May 2015 23:58:58 -0400

Shoot for the high "O"s

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 5:23 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 17:23:42 -0400

I remember weather forecasters in Little Rock that were civilians and they held like GS-13 or higher spots and at least one was in his mid 60s.