When should I drop my retirement packet?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 16:00:35 -0500

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

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 17:23:23 -0500

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

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 22:35:35 -0500

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

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

GySgt Richard James — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 01:28:13 -0500

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

SSG Dennis R. — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 02:44:53 -0500

I had retirement orders in hand 10 months out.

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

SSG Marlin Dammarell — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 04:38:36 -0500

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 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2020 11:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 23:38:27 -0500

Start SFL 24 months out then drop a CSP packet