Retired…sort of (The plight of the Grey Area)

COL Michael Freeman — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 22:31:49 -0500

One of the greatest benefits of the Reserve program is the opportunity to earn a “retirement” package. Many civilian employers would openly laugh at the prospect of providing retirement compensation to part-time employees. Retirement? Are you crazy? For part-time work? Thank God the US Government does not share that feeling.

The day that letter arrived signifying qualification for membership in the “eligibility club” was a great day. Of course, I was deployed at the time but I did get to see it when I got home. Woo Hoo 20 years. I can quit any time I want and still retain my eligibility for that retirement check…when I turn 60…holy cow, that’s a long time from now. I decided I didn’t want to “retire” and kept at it until the Army told me it was time to go home for good. My Mandatory Removal Date had finally arrived.

The good news was that I was now RETIRED. Everyone congratulated me. They all asked what I would do with myself. Of course, they had no idea what retirement from the Army Reserve really meant. They would ask if I felt relieved. Did I feel free? I don’t feel free, nor relieved. I loved my job and miss my fellow soldiers. To me, retirement means you lost your job and, some day, you will start collecting a benefit check.

The Grey Area Reserve is that purgatory between working and retirement. Sure, I have weekends and evenings free. It just doesn’t feel like “retirement” to me.

Many years from now, when I turn 60, as long as I remember to submit the proper paperwork request, I will start receiving a retirement check. For now, I’ll consider myself unemployed from the best part time job I think there ever could be.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 27 at 2015 10:38 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 22:38:26 -0500

COL Michael Freeman, unfortunately, there's no really easy response for the situation. I've already walked those steps, and you simply keep walking further and further away. I've stayed involved in unit reunions, but inexorably the march continues further away from what you've done for so long. By the time you reach age 60, and start receiving your retirement check and hook up with Tricare, it's just a distant memory! I have my commission framed alongside a shadowbox, but that's it. The best thing is that I've kept up with the many friends that I made and served with and to continue those friendships is the only way I get to militarily "carry on"! I will add, the connections I've made on the RP forum have been helpful in allowing a continued dialogue with those who continue to serve.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 28 at 2015 8:10 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 08:10:56 -0500

The best I can say is congrats on retirement as it represents long and honorable service to our nation.

The whole "grey area" is a whole other debacle of government red tape and "cost savings" that is not polite to discuss in mixed company.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Jan 28 at 2015 8:17 AM

1SG David Niles — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 08:17:01 -0500

I fill your pain Sir, I have been in the grey since 07, some days I miss it more then others. I now volunteer in other areas, VFW and reserve fire.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 2:15 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 14:15:03 -0500

Well said sir

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 21 at 2018 12:15 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 00:15:22 -0400

COL Michael Freeman HOOAH!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2020 9:19 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 21:19:37 -0400

I’ve been “retired” for almost 2 years and I miss a few people but to be honest...im happier and more relaxed then ever before! I hate I have to wait so long to see anything and knowing my luck probably won’t! But it is nice to say “I am retired!”

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2020 8:27 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 08:27:03 -0400

COL Freeman, your post captures my attention as you situation matches my own. I just retired from the Army Reserve after 36.5 years and have six and half years of grey area time to look forward to before I can collect my check. My career also consisted of active and reserve time and several years of in-between. Unfortunately my active time and extended CONUS missions did not qualify for lowering my pension start date. I am one month into this new “retirement” scenario and feel a little lost without the military. I did just join a Police Auxilliary Department that connects me with some vets though but it is not exactly the same. Anyway, I can relate to your point of view. COL Nick Young