If I get forced out due to mediocre OERs, how can I get to 20 years to be able to collect the 50% pension?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 07:09:29 -0400

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Mar 26 at 2021 8:05 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 08:05:43 -0400

You can still do the reserves and guard but it is a different pension. I would focus on improving the OERs.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 26 at 2021 10:16 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 10:16:14 -0400

I can't find the current regulation, but yes, you can resign your commission and enlist IF you are qualified for an MOS, (Branch School will usually do that) and can make it through MEPs. They will usually bring you back at your former highest rank if prior service, but no lower than E-5. If your current job translates to a Warrant job, I would first approach that School about transferring first. It's not uncommon in the Guard for NG Officers to resign their commission to take an AGR Warrant slot. Talk to your Career Advisor about the paperwork, time frame and possibilities.
Be aware that you have to have ten years Commissioned or you will end up retiring at your Enlisted High Three

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 26 at 2021 10:25 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 10:25:57 -0400

If you don’t get promoted you can apply for SELCON

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2021 10:37 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 10:37:18 -0400

If you're a capable 51A with DAWIA certification you should have no issue finding tours in DC out of the Guard or reserve.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2021 10:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 10:49:41 -0400

Don't be mediocre, that is the best way to get to 20

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2021 10:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 10:56:15 -0400

My best advise is if you are forced out, try to find a federal job to allow those years to count toward a federal retirement.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 26 at 2021 11:17 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 11:17:41 -0400

First try joining a reserve or Guard unit. Alternatively volunteer to join active duty or reserve component as an enlisted member or possibly as a warrant officer.

Before you do any of that, seriously consider if the military is for you. Poor OERs may be your leadership’s way of saying this profession isn’t for you. If you’re a good systems developer but not a very good Soldier, then it’s time to take a different path. Be brutally honest with yourself and evaluate where you want to be in 5, 10, and 20 years. Is the military a necessary part of that future?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2021 12:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 12:49:00 -0400

What you're asking about is called Statutory Entitlement. You are entitled to it if you were enlisted and had no break in service, but you can request it as long as you aren't being released for misconduct. You'll have to talk to your unit Career Counselor about it, preferably the Brigade Senior Career Counselor. Not the Silver Siege recruiter on your post unless you're trying to join a reserve component. It's under the section of our messages about reverting officers.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Mar 27 at 2021 2:15 AM

SMSgt Bob W. — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 02:15:48 -0400

Bye. The best of luck in your new venture. Yes, a federal job will allow you to count your military time. You shouldn't have any issues obtaining a job. Try USA.gov for all government jobs. It is a great site. I know personally.

Response by COL David Turk made Mar 27 at 2021 4:55 PM

COL David Turk — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 16:55:25 -0400

Some states will allow you to apply (buy in) your federal service towards their retirement plan.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2021 12:43 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 00:43:36 -0400

There isn't anything you can do. You can do a reserve component and then try to go Active in the Guard or Reserve to get your Active Duty Retirement. If you go to the Guard you would full under their system. You would have a lot of points but you don't draw your retirement until you are 60. It is a rough deal but there isn't really much that can be done.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2021 6:06 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 06:06:32 -0400

Army Regulation 600-8-29, 10 U.S. Code § 633, 10 U.S. Code § 637 . It's all about timing.
Per the above AR: (3) Retained on active duty (if a commissioned officer) until eligible for retirement if, on the date the officer would otherwise have been discharged, the officer is within 2 years of being eligible to retire. (p. 20)
So basically it depends on 1. When the board meets 2. When you commissioned 3. Whether or not the Army via the DoD and Congress are allowed to continue with SELCON. The clock to separation starts (the math) - 7 months after the board meets. So for example Jan 2021 board meets...August 2021 you would be separated ...if you have more than two years left. i.e. are you within two years of Aug 2021 (Aug 2023)?
I've looked into this a bit and read the regs., if you are having trouble falling asleep give it a read, and I've looked at the SELCON averages since 2019 - so long as you don't have a DEROG in your file you should get offered it.