Can I serve fifteen years in the Reserves after my active duty contract expires, and still retire at twenty years with a pension?

2022-03-17T14:18:25-04:00

I am serving a five year active duty contract, and want to know if I can do fifteen years reserves after my contract expires, and still retire at twenty years with a pension?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2022 2:56 PM

2022-03-17T14:56:08-04:00

If you retire in the reserves all you need is 20 years total but you can't pull you pension or get your health insurance until age 60. Now if you do any active time while on reserves they will use a formula and cut your time off age 60 but health insurance doesn't start until age 60. I pulled my retirement at 58 and 7 months. Not sure how they calculate because I had more time on active but it is what it is.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2022 4:48 PM

2022-03-17T16:48:00-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Here are two previous posts. Please use the search feature for the other posts.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-will-my-retirement-be-calculated-if-i-have-a-mix-of-active-and-reserve-time

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/regarding-a-20-year-retirement-is-there-a-combination-of-reserve-and-ad-time-in-service-or-does-it-just-go-off-active-duty-time

How will my retirement be calculated if I have a mix of active and reserve time? | RallyPoint

Have a blend of active and reserve time. LES shows 16+ for time in service but my active time is almost 14. Say I want to retire at 20, do I have to serve 20 active and will be paid for 22 total time? Currently active duty and plan to remain active duty.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2022 5:22 PM

2022-03-17T17:22:52-04:00

The short answer is yes. The long answer is the pension won't be as much as you hope for, and you can't get Tricare prime until you turn 60 years old.
The way the reserves and Active duty determine pay for pension is different (but similar)

In the active Army, you work 20 years to qualify for a pension. This works out to 365 days a year for 20 years (365 x 20=7300 points). An E-7 with 20 years' service makes $5232.78 a month. at 20 years (7300 points), a retiree gets 50% of that salary or $2616.39 a month.

In the reserves, it is a little more complicated. Reserves and National Guard typically work 1 weekend of drill a month and complete (1) 14-day annual training.
For each half day of drill completed, it counts as a full day for points. If you work both days, you are credited as working 4 days. The active duty, even though each day is 24 hours, only counts as 1 day.
This works out as 48 days for drills (12 months x 4 drill day points=48) + (15 annual training points) + (15 participation points a year) = 78 points per year.

For a 20-year career, (78 points per year x 20 years = 1560), a Reserve SFC with 20 years, and no other active-duty time, would make $559.11 (based on current pay scale).
If you do 5 years active duty, and then 15 years reserve (78 pts x 15 yrs) + (365 pts x 5 yrs) = 2995 pts, as an E-7 with 20 years' service, you will make $1073.43 for a retirement check.

As a Reserve retiree, you would not be able to draw your retirement pay until you turned 60 years old (if you are mobilized in excess of 6 months for certain operations, they may count toward reducing the age to draw retirement pay)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2022 9:42 PM

2022-03-17T21:42:37-04:00

Ignoring the details it call comes down to your points. You get points for all sorts of duties. You get points for going to medical appointments, you get points for non duty on-line training (in 4 hour increments) you get points for funeral details ,you get points for coming in hand helping around the unit (change of command inventory).

GET THOSE POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Turn in your DA1380's for payment.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Mar 18 at 2022 12:35 AM

2022-03-18T00:35:38-04:00

SPC Ginny Roper if you’re planning on getting a commission and getting into the reserves instead of going for E-7 you should strive to make 0-5/ LTC before retirement from the reserves. The difference of the points and rank achieved makes a substantial difference. Each year counts toward your points accumulation. Shooting for just 20 years could cause you to leave money on the table that upon retirement you’ll wish you stayed just a little longer. Besides in general it could take up to a year after you reach 20 years before you receive what we call your 20 year letter. You have to have that to apply for retirement when you reach age 60. Now another point I’d like to point out if you have the opportunity to go to NCO courses it’ll only help in your leadership background. If you ever had a desire to be a Drill Sergeant you can only do that as an enlisted Soldier. Lastly don’t discount going Warrant Officer. If you like working mentoring troops Warrant Officers get to serve at the Battery/ Company/ Troop level way longer than LTs and CPTs. From Senior CPT forward you’ll spend more time in staff assignments than command assignments. In the Reserves as an Officer you also have too seek and find your next assignment. It’s not like on active duty. Best of luck in your military career and thank you for serving!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2022 2:56 AM

2022-03-18T02:56:56-04:00

No, you will not receive a pension at 20 years if you do a reserve retirement. You'll draw your retirement somewhere between 55 and 67, depending on how much you were activated during those 15 years.

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Mar 18 at 2022 9:59 AM

2022-03-18T09:59:49-04:00

Yes

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Mar 19 at 2022 12:59 AM

2022-03-19T00:59:01-04:00

One Of The GREAT Benefits Of The Reserves, They Actually Promote You Based On Your Proficiency ... When I Served 1961 - 1965, Promotions And Money Were Invisible Commodities..... And "YES" You Can Retire From The Reserves & Draw A Pension

Response by SFC Nelson Munford made Jun 20 at 2022 12:56 AM

2022-06-20T00:56:57-04:00

I served 11 years in the IRR earned good years with correspondence courses.I used the PX & commissary even flew spacers plus I made E-7. Promotion to MSG & SGM in the IRR as a Mobilization Augmented is possible. When you get your 20 year letter do not ETS transfer to the Retired Reserve , so that when you turn 60 your pay is based on the current rate not the rate of when you would have ETS'ed. Most AD and USAR " career counselors won't have a clue or help you. Don't just ETS at the separation and transfer point insist on speaking with the USAR recruier who can have orders assigning you directly into the IRR up to 6 years. They get credit for very little work and your records go to a career group/MOS manger NCO. In the IRR this NCO can get you AD tours or Miltary schools. You can be recalled to AD from the IRR but they grab the most recently separated folks first, or you can call up and ask to be recalled.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2022 6:26 AM

2022-06-20T06:26:30-04:00

I did 4 years enlisted, 23 years as commissioned, and then retired and went into Reserves. When I hit MSD, I retired again and the pension reset when I hit 60. It is pretty complex and unless you are in a career field where you do a lot of activation ... the numbers just don't add up for full retirement. A reservist once told me that a reserve retirement check at 20 years equates to about a drill weekend check, Not sure how accurate that is.

Response by SFC Terry Bryant made Jun 20 at 2022 9:42 AM

2022-06-20T09:42:40-04:00

I had a total of 32 years in the service. 20 active and 12 Reserve. My retirement figure lumped all retirement points earned active and reserve together that gave me an active duty retirement, "AGR". Although the active Army is title 10, most title 32 points accumulated add to the title 10 years earned. You still need 20 years of active duty whether title 10 or title 32 in order to retire with 20 years of active duty. Also as for the reserve component you have to have what is called GOOD years for those years to count. Let's say you miss a couple of weekend drills and or half an AT one year. That year won't count because you did not get enough points to make it a GOOD year. So if you get 5 years of active duty and 15 years of Reserve Duty where you only get a good year you will have 20 good years for retirement at age 60. However if you get 5 years of title 10 and 15 years of AGR, "title 32 active duty" then you would have 20 active duty years for retirement and could retire any time after your 20th year with a pension and Tricare. Only certain title 32 state active duty points count towards an active duty retirement. My advice...do what everyone who ever got out said they should have done. Stay in and get your retirement. Especially in todays work force.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2022 8:18 AM

2022-06-21T08:18:14-04:00

Continuing your service in the Guard or Reserve is an excellent option! All of the below information is correct, but each only gives a part of the picture. Yes, your Reserve retirement will be less than if you had done 20 years on Active Duty, but it will still be pretty substantial. And there are multiple things that you can do to increase your Reserve retirement points, including deployments and ADOS (Active Duty Operational Support) tours. For health benefits before retirement, you can enroll in Tricare Reserve Select (TRS) while you are still in, which is very affordable and provides decent benefits (mostly inline with Tricare Prime, actually). More details on TRS are available at: https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/ComparePlans. To get an idea of what you might make when you do retire, Army HRC has an excellent Reserve retirement calculator at: https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/benefit-calculators/retirement (requires a CAC or DS Logon Premium Account to use). Finally, keep in mind that certain types of ADOS and deployments could entitle a Service member to early Reserve retirement, before age 60: https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Reduced%20Age%20Retirement. Good luck!

Compare Plans | TRICARE

Response by CAPT John Zarem made Jun 21 at 2022 2:29 PM

2022-06-21T14:29:26-04:00

Do it. Monthly income, you're still in the game and get to do some fun things, pension and healthcare when you're older.

Response by CSM William Payne made Jun 22 at 2022 2:01 PM

2022-06-22T14:01:55-04:00

The simplest answers is yes, but with qualifiers. With some exceptions for time credited for deployments after 2007, you will not be able to start drawing your pension or receive Tricare until you reach age 60. Also, active to reserve or guard service is not a one to one comparison. Reserve retirement is based on accumulated retirement points you receive for days you have served over the course of your reserve career. Again with few exceptions, reservist receive much less in retirement than their active counterparts wit the same number of years of service. Between the time you retire until you reach age 60, you will still have access to military bases and use of the PX and commissary. In this period between drilling retirement and age 60, military members are usually referred to as “gray reservist”, for the gray ID card one used to receive while in this status.

Response by CPO James Barnhart made Jul 10 at 2022 5:17 PM

2022-07-10T17:17:17-04:00

I served 4 years active duty and 17 years Reserve and am now retired, drawing a pension. The other military retiree benefits are the same for any retiree, and the ID card is the same.

Response by SSG Rob Lawrence made Jul 15 at 2022 9:56 AM

2022-07-15T09:56:19-04:00

I did 13 years active duty, but could not finish 20 years because my late wife developed a medical problem that was not comparable with my active duty career. I received a hardship discharge in my 13 year of active duty. Two years after I was released by the active duty army, my wife stabilized and I applied for a spot in the National Guard. I was accepted and because of the regulation requiring someone to do at least 8 years of reserve duty to qualify for a pension. I ended up doing at total of 8 years in the guard. I now collected a pension based on my active duty time of 13 years and my national guard time of 8 years. Basically, my answer to your question is YES you can do what you are contemplating, because I am living proof your idea is feasible.

Response by SFC Roderick Early made Jul 16 at 2022 10:09 PM

2022-07-16T22:09:54-04:00

I did ten years Reserve after 13 active retired E7 w/23yrs.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2022 1:24 PM

2022-07-17T13:24:48-04:00

I didn’t see it anywhere in the comments, but are you on Blended Retirement System. If that is the case, you are essentially on a 401K so it won’t really make a difference like the rest of us that needed 20 years.

Response by MAJ Allan Harrelson made Jul 17 at 2022 7:18 PM

2022-07-17T19:18:06-04:00

Giving the complications of switching from active duty to the reserves, why not just stay on active duty?

I went in at 17, did 24 years all active duty both as enlisted and as an officer and retired at the young age of 41, got full retirement immediately, and didn't have to worry about points, waiting until I was 60 to draw a pension.., etc etc.

Stay active if possible.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2022 4:54 PM

2022-07-26T16:54:56-04:00

Yes! your 5 active years = 5 years toward Reserve 20 year retirement at maximum points for pay. Also years later if you have the opportunity consider going back active or AGR. I did 27 years in USAR then 12 Active (8 years acrive credit while the USAR on various orders). Now after 39 years combined I will recieve an active retirement starting the day after I seperate which is 3 years prior to turning 60. With 25 yea rs credit for retirement pay.

Response by SGM Tere Moore made Aug 10 at 2022 5:03 PM

2022-08-10T17:03:23-04:00

Since the mandatory service obligation is 8 years, if you want to do that go into the Reserves immediately after your AD ends (see a recruiter before your ETS). Do remember this: once you hit that 20 years good service as a Reservist, your military pension is not paid to you at that time. It won't pay out until 1) you apply for retirement; and 2) until you turn 60 years old. Here's another important note: transferring from the Active Reserves to the Retired Reserve, makes your final pension higher because all the years between the date of transfer into the Retired Reserve & date you turn 60 goes to time-in-service. Myself I had 8 yrs 2 mons AD; 28 yrs as an Active (drilling) Reservist; then 4 years in the Retired Reserves. My retired pay was based on 40 yrs-9mons (to my 60th BD) with my final rank of SGM/E9. The longer you drill And make the required amount of retirement points in Your retirement year, the higher your military retired pay will be. Final & important note: everyone's Retirement Year is Not the same. A person who goes into the Reserves on say 1 Feb will have a retirement year of 1 February thru 31 January. Thus your drills, active duty days-- retirements points!-- Must accumulate between those days of the year. DO BE CAREFUL if your commanders in the Reserves want to perform MUTA 6 (Fri, Sat & Sun), or 8 (Th - Sun). Every Reservist needs to be acutely aware of their period years to preclude losing a good retirement year.

Response by TSgt David Olson made Aug 18 at 2022 9:45 PM

2022-08-18T21:45:35-04:00

Of course, but as its been pointed out it will be at a reduced amount. I retired with around 8 years of AD time. I was in the AF reserve when I retired with full benefits at 20. When I say full it includes every benefit a retired AD receives, except for the amount of the retirement check. I don’t remember the formula for computing reserve pay. It was confusing to me when I pulled the pin, and twenty years later there is no way I could tell you. I can tell you you will receive a direct deposit once a month. Also remember that your retirement pay is subject to Federal income tax withholding.

Response by CAPT Edward Schmitt made Aug 19 at 2022 5:34 PM

2022-08-19T17:34:37-04:00

Reserve retiree pay starts at age 60. Active duty retiree pay starts when you retire with 20+years of active duty. Reserve Tricare Medical insurance starts at age 60. Active duty retiree coverage starts when you retire

Response by SFC Joseph Behmke made Aug 20 at 2022 2:06 AM

2022-08-20T02:06:46-04:00

If you do that your pension would be about the same as about 6 years of Active Duty. In the Reserves you are only required to do 2 weeks of AD a year(15y x 2w=30/52). You can go to schools, when available, volunteer for Advance Party duty or "Man Days" which are single days of Additional duty to perform some kind of job, work or training. The other option is to apply to enter the AGR program; Active Guard Reserve. You are on active duty, assigned to a reserve unit to insure deployability if the unit is called to AD; like during the Gulf Wars. Generally 76Y40/50, Trainers/Master Trainers, Unit Clerks, according to a units needs. Bn/Bde/Div HQ's are more diverse needing E7-E8's in all the S & G Sections (1-4). You are expected to be self motivated, stay physically fit and technically proficient. I know a soldier that did 3 yrs RA AD, 5 yrs in the Reserves, then 20 yrs more AD as an AGR; he gets about the same as 24 yrs AD. When you get 20 or more AD years you qualify for full pension and medical upon retirement. He says the bad part is you're seldom near a AD military Base as reserve units are located everywhere. Contact a local Reserve recruiter for the latest info.

Response by MSG William Wold made Aug 20 at 2022 5:58 PM

2022-08-20T17:58:51-04:00

Ah also be sure you continue to drill past 20 years until they send you an official 20 year letter. I did 6 active and 25 Reserves, I actually didn’t get my 20 year letter untll I had almost 23 years.

Response by CW2 Robert Troop made Sep 29 at 2022 4:46 PM

2022-09-29T16:46:19-04:00

If you can, go the distance and do 20 the years, then you will get the full amount of pension based on the highest rank and time of service. If you decide to go the remainder service in the reserves, then you will definitely get a reduce amount of pay than the full service when you retire. If you think that you can get rank faster in the reserves, you will still get a reduction amount of pay when you retire. I would check with someone in your admin and do the math. The decision is yours to make. Good Luck

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2022 7:23 AM

2022-10-02T07:23:28-04:00

Be sure to save a copy of every deployment order you ever received.Especially when doing Annual tours OCONUS.

Response by CPO Kim Hanthorn made Oct 31 at 2022 7:26 PM

2022-10-31T19:26:04-04:00

MSG did an OUTSTANDING job of answering. I had 11 years active and went into the Reserves. I retired out of the Naval Reserves as a CPO (E-7) with 25 years 6 months and 9 days. The key to the reserves is going on extra ATs (Active training/duty) and any other duty you can get orders for (in the Navy, Ships need Engineers, especially an MRC, and you get a point for every day your on orders. Getting orders was very easy for me). I did a year active duty in the Army (I was in the ARNG got activated in 2001) and did another year activation in the Naval Reserves. My civilian job payed me while I was on orders, so I did as many extra drills and any other thing I could get orders for (I was going to college also, and many times instructors will let you take your homework and test on line while on orders) In the end I retired with close to 6700 points (6772 to be exact, but I was ALWAYS gone, and divorced) I’m hoping with my active time in the Reserves it will knock some time off of my wait time for my retirement check. Remember to go to VA and register. I am service connected, and had to have several surgeries for injuries I had on active duty. I get any medications I need for “free” (It cost me 25 years) also. You should qualify if you have any medical issues acquired on active duty (you won’t need Military medical if you qualify for VA. 50% disability or more is the magic number, and Veterans Choice was a game changer THANK YOU PRESIDENT TRUMP). This is where I say keep up with your medical records, and make copies. I use my civilian medical (BlueShield) for my family, and I use VA for my self. Let me be very honest with you, IF you have 15 years of active duty, do the other 5 years. I got off of active duty because I went from making $18000 a year as a single E-5 to making over $100000.00 in the civilian world. I retired from the State of California as a Correctional Officer (as a California Correctional Officer making over a $100,000 is VERY EASY with overtime, and it’s NOT a choice). I loved being in the Military, but it DID NOT PAY THE BILLS, for me it was a money thing. My Military skills transferred very well to the civilian world. Make your decision wisely, because you may only get one shot to get it right. Good luck, and best wishes.

Response by SFC Joseph Behmke made Nov 21 at 2022 4:43 PM

2022-11-21T16:43:04-05:00

You can retire with a full active duty pension after serving 15 years in the Reserves if you get entered into and accepted into the AGR (Active Guard Reserve) program. If they still have it. You’re on Active Duty attached to Reserve Units.
Generally in Supply, Admin or Training positions.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2022 5:13 PM

2022-12-03T17:13:30-05:00

MSG gave a complete answer as for points. CPT is correct, points count from education credits, funeral honor details and mobilization. Every 90 days of active duty is support of presidential recall rolls back your retirement date from age 60. ALSO, since it is a deferred retirement. You can buy back ANY active duty and mobilization time toward a Federal retirement. Therefore, you can double dip that time towards a second retirement. Secondly, apply for you VA disability upon separation from active duty, you can drill and receive disability pay. There is a payback each year, but recommended. Let's say you are 30% rated, approx 600 per month. You drill for 60 points over the year (= 2 months), you have to pay back the VA 1200 OF THE 7200, PLUS you keep your drill pay 6500-7000 annual drill pay (E5 > 4 years). Lastly, a huge benefit for being a reservist is the supplemented Tricare Reserve Select healthcare (for non-Federal employees).

Response by MSgt George Murray made Feb 14 at 2023 6:18 AM

2023-02-14T06:18:20-05:00

I spent many years at Westover AFB in Massachusetts. The reserves use the point system. Each each I checked my points. I accumulated my points fast because I was always on TDY. Some of my TDY's were 90 days long. I have a comfortable retirement, so play your cards right. Stay on active duty as long as you can so you can get your medical (Tricare) sooner.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Feb 14 at 2023 12:58 PM

2023-02-14T12:58:10-05:00

What counts is the 20 years total service being credited. On active duty You collected retired pay as soon as You retire, right away. From the Reserves or Guard You would have to reach age 60 to collect pay. In all cases You have full use of the Commissary, exchange etc. but although covered by Tri care You would have to reach age 60 for the full Tricare for Life program if that retirement is from the Guard or Reserves. Points towards Retirement from the Guard and reserves also can boost up the amount with a higher accumulation and they could be for pay or extra days for non pay duty. A year doesn't count as a year or service unless You attended ALL your required drill periods and minimum two week active duty tour. You may still receive points earned but if You don't have a "Good Year" though full attendance it will NOT count as one of the 20 years. I may add also a good years also result is 15 added Membership points for having a good year that would count towards retirement. There is one point added also for every day You had completed on active duty. The higher the point value the higher the retired pay. I hope that answers Your question, if not I have no problem with Your asking about any item You may not have a clear understanding of.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2023 1:32 PM

2023-02-14T13:32:46-05:00

As they say, it’s all about the points to make it worth it. Do little, get the min. Civ job ease with you coming going, and family, determine how much you can do. If you want, volunteer for long term temporary staff assignments and such, get more and see Germany, Korea, Japan, Hawaii, etc...(and lots a times you have family with you). I had 4yrs active and 26 reserve and ended up at 47% and began drawing at 55 1/2yrs old. It’s all what you make of it. Enjoy the ride while it lasts!

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2023 8:55 AM

2023-02-18T08:55:50-05:00

What the MSG said. Also, here is a handy calculator on the Army HRC portal: https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Army%20Reserve%20Retirement%20Calculator

HRC Homepage

Response by MSgt Janice Trojan made Feb 28 at 2023 4:46 PM

2023-02-28T16:46:03-05:00

Please do! Active is better, but if it's weird where you are, go reserves. I grew up in Las Vegas so when I was at McChord I didn't want to leave. At 8 years I was getting hot for orders. So I went reserve. They are clearly 2 different things, but I liked the reserves. I may have abused my reservist status with my hospital I went whenever I could. I flew around the world go paid, and now sitting pretty with a retirement at 60. Everyone that doesn't have healthcare should get signed up with the Veterans Administration. At first, I had to scramble for healthcare. But when I got in VA I was golden.

Response by SFC Dr. Jesus Garcia-Arce, Psy.D made Mar 6 at 2023 7:24 PM

2023-03-06T19:24:44-05:00

Yes, but the pension on the reserves is different, you get point for every drill or MUTA also depend of the rank you retire.

Response by PO1 David K made Mar 24 at 2023 8:52 AM

2023-03-24T08:52:54-04:00

You have gotten very good answers so there is that,
This is similar to what I did and am at 58 so I am getting close to getting the retired pay.
Good thing is if yougo the route you are proposing you will have alot more time with the family and the ability to use your GI bill right away and get in a nice career with hopefully, a good retirement and you can draw both and be comfortable.
At least your not wasting your 5 years I think that is a good choice.

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Mar 25 at 2023 10:12 AM

2023-03-25T10:12:47-04:00

Yes you can and you retirement pension will be less but you will have the other benefits Tricare and VA care etc

Response by SSG Sandra Martin made Mar 26 at 2023 11:19 AM

2023-03-26T11:19:47-04:00

I am very glad you asked this question. I was an E6 when I got out at 17 years reserve only. Do I qualify for retirement and medical at age 60? I did serve active duty/deployment in '98 in Bosnia for 8 months. That is the extent of my active duty.

Response by SGT Dana Haskins made Apr 25 at 2023 2:39 PM

2023-04-25T14:39:09-04:00

yes,you can retire but you don't get your pension until 60 years old. Your retirement pay is based off of a point system.

Response by SSG Rob Lawrence made Jun 17 at 2023 3:30 PM

2023-06-17T15:30:18-04:00

I retired as a Staff Sergeant in the National Guard. When I retired I had 13 years active duty, 8 years Gurad time. My current retirement pay is $1,681.00. So yes you can retire with 5 years active service and 15 years reserve or National Guard time. The reason I did not leave the Guard at 20 years was because you have to serve at least 8 years minimum to get a pension. My total military time adds up to 21 years. I also have 2 years inactive time, but this does nothing for my pension.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2023 1:31 PM

2023-06-29T13:31:45-04:00

I joined in 1975 and got out reenlisted after 9/11 and served my twenty at 65 now there trying to take Tricare away from me or anyone else having this issue

Response by TSgt David Olson made Jun 30 at 2023 7:37 PM

2023-06-30T19:37:26-04:00

Yes. Remember that NO retirement benefits begin until age 60. Further if you are rated as a disabled veteran by the VA, your monthly retirement will be reduced if you receive monthly benefits from the VA. Figuring out reserve retirement pay is convoluted at best. As has been said, points, points, points. Taken all together, is it worth retiring from the reserves, yes.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jul 1 at 2023 4:25 PM

2023-07-01T16:25:12-04:00

I served 12 years active duty, followed by 12 years in the National Guard. I am enjoying my pension and benefits. It is a good deal for me.

Response by CPT Jac Higgins made Jul 2 at 2023 10:51 PM

2023-07-02T22:51:44-04:00

Next question: can you serve 15 years on AD then be transferred to Reserve Retired status w/o a 20 year letter and stay gray area retired for life? The answer is yes.

Response by CPT Jac Higgins made Jul 2 at 2023 11:16 PM

2023-07-02T23:16:02-04:00

Let me clarify my earlier comment. I served 15 years AD until the end of the Cold War. Promotion rates to MAJ in 1991 were 47%. I was non-selected and left AD. There were so many officers in my situation that there were no open billets for a 42/45 officer within 500 miles of Chicago so I was transferred to the IRR. I was assured that as long as "checked in" to my IRR unit each year I'd qualify for retirement. In 1999 I received orders transferring me the Retired Reserve. I was 45 at the time. When I turned 60 I went to the local Reserve unit to update my ID. I was unable to get a 20 year letter so I've held a "Retired Reserve" ID for the past 24 years. It gets me into the Commissary and PX at North Chicago and it gets me Disney discounts but not much else.

Response by SSG Martin Fruchtl made Jul 5 at 2023 6:38 PM

2023-07-05T18:38:46-04:00

One thing I did not see about the annual reserve points is that you needs a minimum of 50 points per contact year to have a good retirement year. (You may want to check to see if 50 is still the required minimum.) So...unless you miss a lot of drills and annual training, for an injury for example, you should easily be able to have a good retirement year each year you are in the Guard or Army Reserve.

However, the more points you get over those 15 years the better your retirement pay will be. If you only do the minimum, your retirement will be the minimum. If you do extra drills for points, schools, or an extended Annual Training, you get more points and more retirement pay. There are calculators that I used as a Retention NCO that will show what your retirement will be after 5 active years and 15 years in the Reserves. You will also get an annual statement about your retirement credits where you can track your progress and plan.

Also, if you choose to have survivor benefits for a spouse, that will affect your retirement as well.

My Dad regretted not going into the Naval Reserve after doing @6 years active between WWII and Korea. He encouraged me to stay in. It is not much time a year. Theory drawback could be if your unit gets mobilized. I did two tours in Afghanistan with an Illinois Army NG unit but was okay with it. I knew some college kids that had their college graduation moved back over a year because of a deployment. I got lots of points those two years.... since the Reserves are not being called as much as before, that might not be an issue for you. Good luck.

Response by CMSgt John Owens made Jul 11 at 2023 9:34 AM

2023-07-11T09:34:25-04:00

You will have 20 years in. But can't draw retirement till age 60 and it is based on per day pay. Take base pay per month divide by 30. Equal base pay per day then times.47 will equal today retired pay at current rank or whatever rank you select. Then take that number and would multiply by number of days worked.. 5 yrs equal 365 x 5. Then as a reservist you are Only guaranteed 1 weekend a month and 14 days a yr for annual training, 26 days a yr x 15 plus your 5 years that would be number of days at your base pay per day you figured earlier. That would be your retirement.. convoluted but unless you got a job where you can get an AGR reserve job then it's not worth it. The only good thing about joining reserves after active duty is insurance at age 60 and that very little check

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Jul 14 at 2023 2:21 PM

2023-07-14T14:21:54-04:00

MSG Cristofaro is correct. You can still get a pension, but you won't receive it until you're 60. I know this personally because I got f---ed over in my career, pushing hard to finish 20 with just 3.5 years to go and I got forced out...even after making the promotion list.

Response by TSgt Matthew Covey made Jul 20 at 2023 3:39 PM

2023-07-20T15:39:12-04:00

Yes. A few things to consider: 1) Your retirement will be based on how many points you acrue while a reservist/Guardsman. 2) If you choose the reserves, it may not be as structured as being a Guardsman. For example, as a Guardsman you will know when and where your training will be each year. You may not as a Reservist and you may have to schedule your own training each year, in coordination with whomever your commander may be. 3) Retirement benefits start at age 60 or for every year you spent deployed in a contingency, a year gets shaved off of your retirement benefit. If you were deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, the age at which you received retirement benefits goes down. Lastly, if you receive a service-connected disability, the amount of compensation you receive from the VA gets deducted from your retirement compensation when you start receiving it.

Response by SSG John Lasseigne made Aug 21 at 2023 8:43 AM

2023-08-21T08:43:23-04:00

You cannot draw military pension and hold a position in any active or reserve unit. But there are many career fields that can satisfy a personally desire to serve. Medical, law enforcement, education, the possibilities are numerous. And since you will have guaranteed income already salary needs can be more flexible.

Response by PO1 Steven Siepp made Oct 9 at 2023 5:48 PM

2023-10-09T17:48:37-04:00

"I know a guy" who did 15 yrs active Navy and then went Army reserve for a number of years. not sure how much gap in time between services, but he had to wait till he was 60 to collect his pension but I believe he had to get the required amount of hours in

Response by CW3 Tamara Peruzzo made Oct 15 at 2023 12:45 AM

2023-10-15T00:45:40-04:00

As long as all of those 15 years are "good years." A good year is 50 points. As long as you do the bare minimum you should be able to earn a minimum of 63 points in a year. The retirement year is unique to you. It is not dependent on calendar, fiscal, or training years. Those are for unit planning and have nothing to do with your retirement year. For example: you have no breaks in service and you joined on 1 April. Your retirement year ends on 31 March. You do not draw retirement pay until you turn 60, unless you served in an active duty status for certain operations and then you could start receiving retirement pay as early as 56, but no sooner than that.

Response by LTC Jorge Cordero made Oct 20 at 2023 6:37 AM

2023-10-20T06:37:06-04:00

The FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Public Law 112-81, enacted 31 December 2011, authorized the military services to offer early retirement to Service members who have completed at least 15 years of active service. This is a discretionary authority and not an entitlement. The Army has elected to use this limited program as part of a comprehensive force management strategy to shape the force. It does not apply to Service members of the Army National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve. This is a discretionary authority and not an entitlement. But that is for Active Duty only. As many have already replied the answer to you question is yes, but several caveats, you'll have to wait until 60 to collect and receive TRICARE. You can reduce this age if you served on active duty after FEB. 2008 when the law was passed (not retroactive). For every 3 months of active duty after FEB 2008 you can claim your pension 3 months prior to your 60th birthday. So if you served for 2 years on AD after Feb 2008 you can start collecting you reserve pension at 58.

Response by LTC George Morgan made Oct 22 at 2023 3:21 PM

2023-10-22T15:21:44-04:00

I did it and it worked out fine. Did 3 YEARS active and 24 reserves. Didn't draw as much as my rank active. However i kept track of time. Applied got my pay on time. Had a little problem with Tricare but it work out. Still had primary insurance from work and the TLC was a nice OHI for paying off Medical bills. Now you will probably have to pay for the company insurance you have to get. However the pay you get may offset the costs. Just keep track of what cost will be and if you get enough points to make up any inflation costs. Good Luck

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2023 9:29 AM

2023-11-14T09:29:25-05:00

I would encourage everyone who may get off active duty short of retirement to join the Reserves. While you may have to wait to age 60, but at that point in your life every little bit of income coming in helps. Of course the Government has changed retirement, gone back on some of their promises, and will likely continue to make changes.

Response by MSgt Mason Manner made Nov 14 at 2023 3:48 PM

2023-11-14T15:48:06-05:00

And if you think you can do temporary tours of Active Duty , school tours,mandays till you get 20 years of AD those days are gone when you aquire 18 years ofAD you enter SANCTUARY which means only required/authorized mandatory service

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Nov 14 at 2023 8:31 PM

2023-11-14T20:31:49-05:00

I suggest you have a chat with your retention NCO about something like that. Problem is you won't draw your pension right after you retire if you're in the reserves.

Response by Cpl Ronald Hart made Nov 16 at 2023 1:09 AM

2023-11-16T01:09:55-05:00

you will get your VA care--I am

Response by SSG Steve Knox made Nov 20 at 2023 6:30 PM

2023-11-20T18:30:17-05:00

Yes, I joined he Guard in 1987. I went on active duty in 2004 and stayed on active duty until 2011, My retirement is more than I expected. FYI, Make sure you check into the Post 911 G,I, Bill eligibility,

Response by WO1 Dean Casey made Dec 31 at 2023 8:45 PM

2023-12-31T20:45:36-05:00

I did about 8 years on active duty, went into the CA National Guard and the the Army Reserves activated twice and retired with 28 years of service as a Warrant Officer drawing retirement.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2024 11:27 PM

2024-01-10T23:27:57-05:00

After 13.5 years and a 10 year break in service. I retired as a CW4 with 30 years. It can be done. The thing that helped me to get my points and years of service is ADOS tours. I did almost 9 years on active duty. Plus I had deployments too.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Jan 12 at 2024 11:56 AM

2024-01-12T11:56:00-05:00

Yes, but you have to wait until you are 60 or 65 to collect your pension. Semper Fi

Response by SGT George Reimuth made Jan 13 at 2024 11:18 AM

2024-01-13T11:18:39-05:00

YES you, can , I served for three years in the regular army from 1979 - 1982 , ,then in 1987-2002 ,I SERVED for twenty years in the army national guard. your choice , but in the mean time get a couple of years college education it will help when your retirement from the military expires.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Jan 14 at 2024 10:04 AM

2024-01-14T10:04:33-05:00

Any combination of years that totals 20+ years as long as you get your 20 year letter stating you qualified. I served 11.5 years active but after some time in reserve status, I was called to active duty and did a tour in Iraq. In the end, I had a total of 26 years, 13 active and 13 reserve. Turned out to be a nice retirement of $+2K a month. When I reached 60, I turned to the military for health care which was significantly less than my civilian plan which saved me money in my later working years. When I retired from my State job, I drew a nice retirement plus my SS. So I sit at home enjoying my retired life and make well above the average income for my area.

My mistake was not staying in and working on rank. I retired as an E7 because I earned that rank while on active duty. Upon joining the reserve side, I was promptly reduced to E5 and had to start over again. When I reached 20 years, I was almost ready for promotion to E7, but retired instead. When 9/11 happened I requested to return to the active reserves. It was granted but I had to come back in as an E5 once again. Had I not had broken time, I could have obtained higher rank. I got caught in the yo-yo game and learned the hard way. It is my opinion that if you are doing reserve service, stay in for the long haul. Serve until you are 60 if physically possible. It will significantly increase your retirement pay. I probably screwed myself out of a good chunk of money. I served from 1967 to 2008, off and on, and wasted about 15 years.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Jan 15 at 2024 2:43 AM

2024-01-15T02:43:41-05:00

Just got the required reserve points every year. Pay starts at age 60.

Response by CPL Theodore Moore made Jan 16 at 2024 1:58 PM

2024-01-16T13:58:46-05:00

If you do 20 years as a reservist. you will get your monthly salary after you turn 60. They also factor in your active duty time, but its too complicated for me to figure out. Talk to a recruiter or some kind of expert.

Response by CPL Theodore Moore made Jan 16 at 2024 2:00 PM

2024-01-16T14:00:56-05:00

As a reservist after 20 years you get your monthly salary after you turn 60. They also factor in your full time service some how. It is too complicated for me. Ask an expert. Maybe a recruiter.