What is the TIS cap for Officers with prior service?

2018-12-30T18:22:57-05:00

Good afternoon, I am currently applying for a TIS waiver for Army OCS. I have 12 years AFS and will be at my 13 year mark by the time I submit a package. In a perfect world, if the waiver is approved, I am accepted into OCS and I make CAPT by my 19/20 year mark. Will I be forced to retire and draw E6 pay due to total TIS or would I be able to stay in past my 20 year mark as a CAPT with ambitions of continuing to get promoted? My overall goal is to stay in as long as the military will let me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2018 6:29 PM

2018-12-30T18:29:56-05:00

I don't think it will make a difference ( if you Commission in the USAR/ARNG)as long as you don't get passed over twice. I have 24 years in the Guard/Reserve and I made LTC at age 55 in the zone. I was not passed over. I will retire at age 59. 2 years to 1LT, 4-5 years to CPT. 11-12 years to MAJ and 18-19 years as LTC. This can be longer if you take a 3 years promotion delay as I did. I made CPT on the promotion list but I was in the CA and ID ARNG on title 10 or title 32 on TAD as an O-2. i did not go in the IRR to get my CPT until I left the IDARNG after OIF and went in the IRR to get into the USAR. Luckily, I was in a 3-year Promotion delay option by HRC so I was not passed over. Lots of Major and LTC slots in the Army Reserve (especially in the training commands) so if you have issues with the good ole boys in the combat arms branches, go USAR and find a slot. That sucks if you have to be 10 years as AD if you want to retire as an Officer. Switch to the Reserve Component. Go AGR to be active duty with a unit by your home.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2018 6:35 PM

2018-12-30T18:35:23-05:00

To retire as an officer, you must have 10 years of commissioned service. Theoretically, given your plan, you should be fine. However should you be forced out at 20 due to an OSB, or not picked up for promotion, you will retire with E6 pay. OSBs have happened twice since I commissioned in 2009 and they disproportionately target prior service officers. I have a friend who had the same issue after the last OSB. He was denied an extension of service that would have allowed him to stay in past ten years as an officer and he ended up getting the high 3 retirement from the enlisted rank scale where he was.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2018 6:40 PM

2018-12-30T18:40:05-05:00

First, there is a misunderstanding about not being able to retire as an officer. For the Army if you retire prior to meeting enough time to retire as an officer (10 years I believe), you are reverted to an NCO and then retired. Retirement pay isn't based on your rank when you retire, but your highest 36 months of pay.
I don't remember the exact time in service cap for officers, but it's very rare they hit it. (I think it's 30 years, but I could be wrong). For enlisted, it goes off your rank. In the Army it's called Retention Control Point, in the Navy I believe it's called high tenure. For officers, they will usually separate after they are passed over for promotion twice. Once that happens, if they have less than 20 years, they may be able to stay till retirement. Otherwise, they will retire or separate 6 months after being a two time non select.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2018 6:41 PM

2018-12-30T18:41:12-05:00

Realistically, If time is a concern, go DC, save yourself the headaches and work on your own self-development as an officer.
As you've been through the meatgrinder for 12 years, you have already paid your dues in the military. Nothing to prove to anyone any more.
My .02

Response by SFC Marc W. made Dec 30 at 2018 8:28 PM

2018-12-30T20:28:56-05:00

I'm just going to go with good luck on getting the waiver. I applied to OCS after completing my degree on active duty just 9 months past the 10 year mark and the email I received indicated they didn't even entertain my packet or waiver.

Edit: I applied June 2017

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2018 1:18 PM

2018-12-31T13:18:25-05:00

I did not read all the other comments so I apologize for the repeated comments. When I commissioned I needed a TIS waiver also. You will not be forced to retire, I think this is a myth. As long as your making progress and moving forward you can stay in pretty much as long as you like. For you to retire as an officer you will have to do 10 years as an officer, so keep that in mind. I was commisioned in 2008 and I will pin MAJ this Friday and I have currently been on active duty 28 years. Inbox me if you have any more questions and good luck my brother.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 31 at 2018 6:15 PM

2018-12-31T18:15:43-05:00

Google HRC MRD calculator.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2019 11:13 AM

2019-01-02T11:13:50-05:00

Once you commission as prior enlisted- your clock gets reset. As LTC Private RallyPoint Member says, you can serve up to 28 years as an officer up to LTC. If you make COL, you get an extra 2 years. Just keep on serving until they kick you out, my prior BDE Commander, COL used to tell me.