Why does the military send out retirement packets then tell the Service Member that they didn’t complete their mandatory years to serve?

C Marrone — Tue, 23 May 2023 20:50:43 -0400

My Spouse took the early out option (Clinton’s cutting the military) in 1995 with 17 years in and you had to have 15 to 19 yrs to take the option of a bulk sum with no retirement at age 60 OR 1 years pay and wait until your retirement age of 60 to receive your retirement packet then receive your monthly percentage for your rank. The agreement was you report to the reserve unit to receive the check but you do not complete your 20. When my Spouse received his packet A) he was told he did not serve in the reserves so therefore did not complete his 20, B) this was a 10 yr law that expired and he no longer qualified, C) whoever submitted his paperwork did not file it correctly so therefore he would not receive his retirement, D) the person never heard of that program so he was not eligible for retirement pay

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made May 23 at 2023 9:18 PM

Maj Robert Thornton — Tue, 23 May 2023 21:18:21 -0400

That sucks! In ‘94 when I was passed over for LTC, my notice said if I had more than 15 years I could take the early retirement. Called personnel they said my AFSC was exempt. 2 years later when passed over again the letter said I had to retire within 6 months. Checked with personnel and no hold this time. Retired 6 months later.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2023 9:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 May 2023 21:18:55 -0400

Contact one of these three gentlemen... they are very knowledgeable in Military related questions/issues.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made May 26 at 2023 12:25 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Fri, 26 May 2023 12:25:17 -0400

Go this link and at the bottom of the page is contact for the various services correction boards for the Temporary Early Retirement Authority. It looks like this problem wasn't an isolated one.

https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/plan/retirement-types/tera/

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