How did I get a "good" retirement year with <50 points?

2019-12-20T13:10:11-05:00

I'm new to the Army Reserve after spending the bulk of my career on active duty, and I could use some help interpreting my DA 5610, having never used it before. My very first entry was from when I was an ROTC/SMP cadet. It says I received 44 points (29 IDT + 15 membership) for a full year April 25-April 24. I didn't attend annual training that because as an ROTC cadet, I was sent to ROTC advanced camp for five weeks. However, despite having only 44 points for 365 days, it also lists that entry as "01 year" under the "qualifying for retirement" column.

I was under the impression that qualifying time should read "00 00 00" if I had less than 50 points for a full year. Am I reading this wrong that the "qualifying for retirement YRS MO DAYS" column isn't just for "good" years? Does anyone know if this is an error I need to have corrected or if there is some sort of exception that I may have been granted along the way? If there are exceptions to the "a full year of time needs 50 points" rule, can anyone enlighten me where I can find them in writing?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Dec 21 at 2019 9:13 AM

2019-12-21T09:13:46-05:00

Were you enlisted when you entered the ROTC program and had completed IET? If so, I believe you fall under this rule. (2) In the case of an enlisted member of a Military Service who served as a cadet or
midshipman at a Service academy in accordance with chapters 403- 603- or 903 403,603 or 903
of Reference (c) but who did not receive or who does not hold a commission as an officer, the
service as a cadet or midshipman at a Service academy must be included and counted as
active duty. This is in DoD Instructions 1215.07
Did you get a 1059 for the period of your Advanced School?
Be aware that is has been over 20 years since I was S1.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2019 9:53 AM

2019-12-21T09:53:45-05:00

There must be something that protected you from having a bad year when you were at advanced camp not getting paid by the Army reserve.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 21 at 2019 8:36 PM

2019-12-21T20:36:51-05:00

It doesn't matter what the record states now... it's what it says when you put in your 20 year letter... an office poggy can f everything up... take care of it now.... maybe get an official approval letter for that year... I have known others going through retirement nightmares... I'd be concerned with the 5 weeks...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2021 7:08 AM

2021-03-02T07:08:43-05:00

Good Day!
So, if you were an SMP, it would count towards retirement. If you were straight ROTC, it will not.
I am a retirement services NCO and can help you read thru your statement. If you are interested, you can email me at [login to see]