INDEF to Voluntary Separation?

2018-10-24T22:23:29-04:00

Does anyone have any experience in this area? I'm honestly curious about how this even works. How is this taken in to effect in regards to Federal Time in Service , as far as retirement is concerned? Does your Service Time roll over if you get a Federal job after you get out? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Oct 24 at 2018 10:30 PM

2018-10-24T22:30:47-04:00

Indef was still at the pleasure of the service keeping you on duty. Federal Time in service on active duty is what counts toward your active duty retirement. After you get out it's another type of calculation. Hope that helped some but I'm sure others know more!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 25 at 2018 11:37 AM

2018-10-25T11:37:00-04:00

It's pretty simple. In itself, AD time only counts for TIS for leave purposes. So instead of 4 hours every two weeks, you'll hit the 6 and 8 hour mark earlier. IF you want the time to count for Civil Service retirement, then you must buy the time credit. As I recall, I had to pay 3% of my calculated base pay. Worked out OK as I had 10 years AD. Back when the pay was much lower, I had to pay $10 Grand to get 10 years. The first two years of payments were interest free and the last were at the Treasury Rate. Payroll deduction worked well. Bottom line, even under FERS, the difference between a 32 vs 42 year retirement made it a no brainer choice. Just remember the CS annuity is much less than the old FERS level. Make sure you do at least 5% (I did 10%) in the TSP as 100% earnings on the first 5% every payday is a slam dunk.

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 25 at 2018 3:06 PM

2018-10-25T15:06:05-04:00

your service time (active duty) does not automatically roll into a federal job. you have to buy back your time. when I bought back my time when I started my fed job, I bought back 4 years active duty. guard and reserve time are calculated differently.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2018 4:20 PM

2018-10-26T16:20:41-04:00

For the separation part, you can request separation at any time. Indef is meant to allow NCOs to manage their career similar to officers. You will have to serve any obligations you currently have like SRR for PCS, promotion or GI Bill transfer. Then you'll request an ETS date from separations. It's in AR 635-200