Reserve obligation after 20 good years but still under contract, can you still retire?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 10:36:54 -0400

A scenario has come up that I'm not quite sure what would be the right answer based on different interpretations of definitions within regulations. A Soldier reaches 20 good years for reserve retirement eligibility. There is still contractual obligation remaining for the Soldier. Can the Soldier request retirement cutting short that contract or, can he switch to IRR status for the remainder of his contract?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2015 3:06 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 15:06:31 -0400

I am about 75% sure that the soldier can retire and would be placed into IRR after his retirement went through. You will have to verify with a retention/recruiter though

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2015 3:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 15:55:37 -0400

Once the Soldier reaches 20 yrs and has his/her 20 tr letter they can request to go Retired Reserves regardless if any time is still on their current contract.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 25 at 2015 9:31 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 21:31:24 -0400

Good info here. You can punch out and transfer to the Army (Retired Reserves?) equivalent of the Navy "Fleet Reserve". DO NOT RESIGN!!! You don't get money until you turn 60 (interesting history there) but you want to be connected on paper so your retired pay gets based on your grade and years pay scale when you turn 60, not now. Also make sure your health record is up to snuff, have a full copy of it, and file a VA disability claim as soon as you get your letter. Don't wait until real retirement. If you are partially disabled (surprised if anyone with 20 isn't), it's money in your pocket including money for kids education, etc. Check it out. Also consider the financial payouts of another 4 good years and see if it is worth it.

Response by MSG Alfred Aguilar made Oct 25 at 2015 11:24 PM

MSG Alfred Aguilar — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 23:24:56 -0400

I am a retired Reservist. I did thirty years. I opted to go into the retired reserve to increase longevity for pay purposes. Understand that under that option you remain a mobilization asset. Had I opted to Resign I would have been done with the Army but retirement pay would have been calculated for whatever year I made that option. Oddly enough, I began and ended a thirty year Reserve career on Active Duty.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Oct 26 at 2015 2:02 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 02:02:07 -0400

I think they can request it. That sounds a lot like what's been going on in the Air Force that brought about the stop loss issue recently. People that decide to re-enlist after their retirement point and then once they get tasked for deployment they decide to bounce.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Oct 26 at 2015 6:02 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 18:02:59 -0400

Once you get the NOE, you can request transfer to the retired reserve at any time (even if obligated). Bonuses may be impacted if you are still obligated.

The Retired Reserve is a bit different from the normal IRR control groups (REINF and AT). If one were to go to the REINF, I would advise an indef contract, and request Retired Reserve at MYOS to avoid discharge.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 12:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 12:40:42 -0400

The first thing has to be known is, did the soldier reenlist under an indef. Contract? If so then that soldier must serve a minimum of 6 yrs before retiring. I am in the same situation. I have completed the 6 yr. Minimum on an indef. Reenlistment, but I am continuing to serve. There are ways around contractual obligations. Best bet is to talk to retention.

Response by MSG William Wold made Oct 28 at 2015 1:20 PM

MSG William Wold — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 13:20:30 -0400

Please, do not assume you have 20 years, but wait till you actually have the 20 year letter in hand! You may have some missing points or some other glitch that is much easier to fix while there and not after the fact.
After that you can request to go to Retired Reserve. BIG WORD "REQUEST!" 9 times out of 10 it will be granted.
Congradulations if reaching that goal!

Response by SSG Robert Spina made Oct 28 at 2015 1:28 PM

SSG Robert Spina — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 13:28:25 -0400

THIS IS A LITTLE OFF THE SUBJECT BUT I AM 57 GONNA BE COLLECTING IN 3 YEARS DOES ANYONE HAVE A TELEPHONE # THAT I CAN CALL TO GET A ESTIMATE ON MY RETIREMENT PAY

Response by SFC Nyla Newville made Oct 29 at 2015 8:05 PM

SFC Nyla Newville — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 20:05:59 -0400

Yup you can retire, I did at 27 years I had indef contract

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2015 8:50 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 08:50:07 -0400

The Soldier can go to IRR. Officers can put in their paperwork at any time after 20, but enlisted folks have to complete their contracts.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2015 3:27 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 15:27:13 -0400

Put in your letter!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 7:37 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 07:37:49 -0400

Once you are retirement eligible, you can 'retire' by transferring into the retired reserve. However, if you got a re-enlistment bonus, you may have to pay some back (can S for waiver). Something to consider though is the possibility of deliberately planning your transition. If you are on ADOS, then save money and transition from AC to IRR, wait a year then 'retire.' If you are TPU, then try to complete 75% of commitment before you transition to IRR. After 1 year in IRR (you get adjusted to being out), then 'retire.'

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 8:09 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 08:09:16 -0400

20 year letter is a ticket out. I keep mine handy for every guard drill.

Response by SFC Jimmy Rogers made Oct 31 at 2015 12:24 PM

SFC Jimmy Rogers — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 12:24:02 -0400

You can request retirement I did and I know alot of others that have

Response by SSG Carl Keene made Nov 6 at 2015 2:57 PM

SSG Carl Keene — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:57:25 -0500

I transferred to the Retired Reserve, after 21 years of total service (Active and Reserve), while still under contract, as an Army Reserve Retention Transition NCO. There is a lot of good information being put out here; I would like to confirm the accurate info as of 2007 (my retirement year). If you are under an indef contract and have served less than six years you many have to pay back a pro-rated portion of any bonus received. If you do not have your 20 year letter consider it non-existent , DO NOT "Retire" prior to receipt of your letter. You have three options once you are what I refer to as "No questions qualified" for Reserve retirement. Transfer to the retired reserve (no contractual requirement), Transfer to the IRR (as long as you are still under contract), or process out. Whatever route you choose you will not receive retirement pay until age 60. On a side note: Begin the paper work requesting retirement pay six months prior to your 60th birthday. This information should be included in your retirement packet.

Keep in mind that if you process out you basically become a civilian until you start receiving retirement pay, no access to military installations, PX, Commissary, etc. all the privileges you enjoy as a member cease. Another thing to keep in mind as you make your decision; if you get out you lock all benefits as of the day you leave. By transferring to IRR or Retired Reserve you will qualify for any pay raises and new benefits approved. The disadvantage to transferring is if any benefit is cut, you loose it as well. The example I used when advising soldiers: When Congress approved Tri-Care coverage for Retired Reservist, after the service member became eligible for retired pay, anyone that had transferred was considered an active member, and qualified to receive this benefit; those who had chosen to leave did not. My opinion is the risk of any loss is minimal, while there is a greater gain by transferring.

I would suggest you meet with your Career Counselor to get all the information so you can make a well informed decision, and don't let your emotions drive what you decide.

Response by CPO Ken Walden made Sep 7 at 2017 12:00 AM

CPO Ken Walden — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 00:00:41 -0400

As a related question how does one request a copy of the 20 year letter if it was destroyed in a flood incident?
EMC(SS)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2018 9:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 21:00:52 -0500

how long takes to get transfer to retire reserve

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2018 9:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 21:03:44 -0500

I requested transfer to retired reserve 2 weeks ago I have my 20 years letter how long I have to wait?

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 21 at 2018 1:51 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 13:51:45 -0500

If they have a 20 year letter in hand, yes, I have seen it done many times.

Response by CW4 Daniel Consoletti made Apr 1 at 2019 2:57 PM

CW4 Daniel Consoletti — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:57:52 -0400

how long after my retirement, can I be called back in because of my very high security clearance