What advice would you have for getting out at 13 years and buying back time vs staying in for 20, retiring and getting a Federal job?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 11:38:13 -0500

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 7 at 2018 11:40 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 11:40:30 -0500

Think on it- 2 retirement checks vs 1?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Feb 7 at 2018 11:43 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 11:43:20 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member: Thank you, MA'AM, for your Service and your Sacrifice.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 7 at 2018 11:45 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 11:45:03 -0500

I did it, but only half way. I went from active to reserve, bought the active time credit, and then later retired with 32 years calculated military and 42 years Civil Service. If you do it right, the only way to get a pay raise is to stop working and let your benefits and 401s take over.

Response by SGT David T. made Feb 7 at 2018 1:06 PM

SGT David T. — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 13:06:47 -0500

The answer depends on the individual. In my case, the Federal civilian path was far better than the military one. Greater flexibility, better pay, no deployments unless I choose to go and so on. In the military, I didn't have that level of upward mobility. So you need to consider what works best for you. There are ups and downs to every career path so you need to figure out which ones you are more willing to deal with.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Feb 7 at 2018 1:29 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 13:29:33 -0500

I left Active Reserve after 13 years and kick myself in the Ass every day over it now and I wouldn't have collected until I'm 60. Remember the other big perk from Retirement, paid healthcare, so add the cost of that into the equation. I have employer provided Health Insurance and it will still cost me at least 5 grand this year. Isn't the new base pay for E-6 with 20 TIS just a hair over 3800.00 a month? So it's $1900.00 retirement pay.
Nothing else, go Reserve or National Guard and finish up those last years. You already have 13 years, so you would get 2.5 percent of your pay for every year, plus whatever accumulated points you had in the Reverse. It's relatively easy for an NCO to pick up more than 100 points a year, so you should be about to add another 2 year or 5 percent to your pay at retirement.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 7 at 2018 1:30 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 13:30:44 -0500

If you love serving, stay. A couple of issues; depending on which retirement plan you are under, it is a lot higher percentage when calculating retirement. Unless you are Federal Law Enforcement you percentage calculation is 1 to 1.1 % times years of service and high three and maybe five. A garaunteed pension for life meant a lot when I retired. Also you did not know what grade you would compete at, nor do you know how the progression will be. The military has a clear line, Feds depend on what is available in the region you chose to live. All of the retirement and other information is available on line to all. Take the time to do the math, look at the type work you believe you might qualify for and see what progression opportunities exist. USA JOBS is a good place to assist in that research. Good luck and thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Gary Guyer made Feb 7 at 2018 2:22 PM

SFC Gary Guyer — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 14:22:57 -0500

I got out after 12 years and could not get a government for several years.(fairly hard due to hiring freezes). Instead of being retired at 40 y/o I am working on 61 and still not retired. I did buy back my military time and that has helped towards retirement. My advice, If you can hang for another 7 years I would and then try to get a government job.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2018 10:04 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 22:04:34 -0500

Amen brother! That is exactly what I said when I heard this news

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 7:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 07:17:21 -0500

13 years is over the half way point. Most civilian who worked for me in the MEPS wish they would have completed there 20. If you are tired of the army buy back your time but you will have to stay in civilian sector longer.

Response by PO1 Vernon Dykes made Feb 8 at 2018 1:25 PM

PO1 Vernon Dykes — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 13:25:54 -0500

Stay the course!!! Max out on advancements! Make warrant and convert to LT or not!! Use tuition asst to obtain a degree if you haven't alrighty! Get yourself ready for another full career!!