If I retire at 20, but only had two years in as an E-7, would the "high three" average my two years as an E-7 and one year as an E-6?

2017-04-11T22:53:13-04:00

Just trying to complete understand how the high 36 system works

Response by SN Greg Wright made Apr 12 at 2017 2:12 AM

2017-04-12T02:12:06-04:00

Simple math. Yes. You have to do 3 years as SFC to avoid it.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Apr 12 at 2017 5:39 AM

2017-04-12T05:39:35-04:00

I was lucky in my time it was a simple two years in grade. I retired with exactly two Years TIG.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 12 at 2017 8:43 AM

2017-04-12T08:43:56-04:00

Yes, if this is the retirement system you enlisted under.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 12 at 2017 9:00 AM

2017-04-12T09:00:08-04:00

It is sometimes called the "High 3" but that is a misnomer, its actual the last 36 months basic pay averaged,,or last three years.
Your last 36 months of basic pay will be used to calculate..
If you wanted to get paid 3 years of "E7" basic pay, you would need to have been an E7 the last 36 months before retirement.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Apr 12 at 2017 10:45 AM

2017-04-12T10:45:34-04:00

High Three almost always equates to your last 36 months in service. And while it is possible to be that strange exception to the rule, chances are you will serve three years as an SFC so no big deal. Not to mention that your extra year to get in the three will take you to 21 and that means an extra 2.5% tacked on to your 50% Well worth the extra year! Good luck!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2017 12:31 PM

2017-04-12T12:31:30-04:00

The highest 36 months of basic pay get averaged to determine your retirement pay whether you spent 36 months at your final rank or less than that.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 12 at 2017 2:24 PM

2017-04-12T14:24:03-04:00

You would retire as a Staff Sergeant, as you need three years TIG to retire as a SFC and in this scenario you only have two... The pay would average..