When should I drop my retirement packet?

2020-03-01T16:00:35-05:00

So quick question for all of you that have retired. I'm over 18 years, leaving for another deployment here in a little while. I have no thoughts of staying in longer than needed to retire. But my question is when should I drop my first retirement packet? I'm sure it will get declined the first time due to the need for my job in the Army as a whole, so what are yalls thoughts on the topic?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2020 5:23 PM

2020-03-01T17:23:23-05:00

The first day you are eligible to drop your packet is one year out. So, if your 20 year mark is 2022 5 March, the first day you could drop it would be 2022 01 June

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2020 10:35 PM

2020-03-01T22:35:35-05:00

It all depends on your exit strategy and your financial situation.

Response by GySgt Richard James made Mar 2 at 2020 1:28 AM

2020-03-02T01:28:13-05:00

You should check with your units career planner or your administrations office(r) to obtain that answer. Back when I was on active duty, it was 14 months before my 20 year mark, not a day early. I am sure regulation(s) have changed or have been modified to reflect what type of retirement you are eligible for....."Semper Fi"..........

Response by SSG Dennis R. made Mar 2 at 2020 2:44 AM

2020-03-02T02:44:53-05:00

I had retirement orders in hand 10 months out.

Response by SFC Marlin Dammarell made Mar 2 at 2020 4:38 AM

2020-03-02T04:38:36-05:00

SFC, how can they decline your retirement. At 19 years you are eligible. Start working on your package now ( Long Packet ) and start SFL now at 18. Drop it at 19 no matter where you are CONUS or OCONUS.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2020 11:38 PM

2020-03-02T23:38:27-05:00

Start SFL 24 months out then drop a CSP packet