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Once someone does 20 and retires they are subject to recall for life?
Technically (unless things have changed) a JAG Officer told me about 20 years ago: "you do not retire, you are in the inactive reserves at a reduced rate of pay"
But that is really not a realistic issue for many of us...
This isn't completely true. During your initial obligation, you can go from AD to IRR without submitting a resignation.
In 19 years, I have never seen a fellow officer NOT submit their resignation packet-- whether or not they left the Army at 3 years (5 remaining in the Reserves/IRR) or whether they were at the 10 yr mark and were not required to go into Reserves/IRR. We don't have ETS dates. You have to tell the Army you are leaving the service. The resignation packet is that mechanism.
Used to be the period of recall for a retired officer was up to 5 years unless you were a general officer for which it was life. Or you have a special or particular skill that may be required again.
I was not aware that enlisted have an extended or life time recall after retirement. But they may.
It would be in your retirement orders either way.
I was recalled once and 10 years later I submitted my request for release from active duty and was told I would be immediately recalled so they would end up keeping me on active duty anyway. So I resigned my commission.
That was some years back and my guess with the current OPTEMPO the requirements are looser than they were then. And I know we dipped into the IRR deeper during the Iraqi War than we ever had.
So I guess the upshot is to anticipate the possibility of recall for a time, it happens ,depending upon the needs of the service.
In 19 years, I have never seen a fellow officer NOT submit their resignation packet-- whether or not they left the Army at 3 years (5 remaining in the Reserves/IRR) or whether they were at the 10 yr mark and were not required to go into Reserves/IRR. We don't have ETS dates. You have to tell the Army you are leaving the service. The resignation packet is that mechanism.
I never was an officer holding an active duty commission, so you're more right than I am.
However, it should be remembered that officer commissions are issued by the active Army, the Federal Reserves and the National Guard. They are similar, but not the same, and switching from one Army entity to another sometimes requires the resigning of one commission and accepting another. For instance, when I switched from the Reserves to the Guard, I was required to surrender my Reserve commission in exchange for a Guard commission. Technically, I resigned my commission but, in actual fact, I just got another one in a seamless transition. (Or, more correctly, would have. It was the Guard which caught up with my lack of hearing and when I could not meet their request for a new, individual hearing test, I transferred to the IRR with my reserve commission intact.)
The point is that there is resigning a commission and, "resigning" a commission, if you know what I mean.
I guess one way around it would be to gain a bunch of weight. Get a double Master Sargent belly and give up coffee. Real old timers can't function unless they have at least 25 cups of coffee a shift.
I never was an officer holding an active duty commission, so you're more right than I am.
However, it should be remembered that officer commissions are issued by the active Army, the Federal Reserves and the National Guard. They are similar, but not the same, and switching from one Army entity to another sometimes requires the resigning of one commission and accepting another. For instance, when I switched from the Reserves to the Guard, I was required to surrender my Reserve commission in exchange for a Guard commission. Technically, I resigned my commission but, in actual fact, I just got another one in a seamless transition. (Or, more correctly, would have. It was the Guard which caught up with my lack of hearing and when I could not meet their request for a new, individual hearing test, I transferred to the IRR with my reserve commission intact.)
The point is that there is resigning a commission and, "resigning" a commission, if you know what I mean.
I know what you mean. However, I think a USAR and RA commission are one in the same as it is a federal commission. The NG commissions obviously are different.
I'm certainly not trying to argue with anybody. I have watched many officers over the years with various years of service leave active duty. Perhaps the term "resignation" is used too liberally. In any event, because we're are considered INDEF, an officer has to request to leave.
Personally, I don't have to worry about it. I'll be submitting retirement paperwork in a few years. I will say that it's a nice feeling to know I could submit my paperwork today.
I've read that the definition of U.S. military retired pay is: "Reduced compensation for continued service". Yep, we're technically "on the hook" for recall as long as we live. I think there's a 10-year window when you first retire that they'd probably recall you if the need is there. After that, it pretty much have to be a REALLY big need.
I've read that the definition of U.S. military retired pay is: "Reduced compensation for continued service". Yep, we're technically "on the hook" for recall as long as we live. I think there's a 10-year window when you first retire that they'd probably recall you if the need is there. After that, it pretty much have to be a REALLY big need.
When I retired, I had to attend a class called 'TAPP' [mostly on how to be a civilian and making a resume]. They made a point of how at first we transfer to the 'Fleet Reserve' and stay there for 10-years. While in the 'Fleet Reserve' if the DOD wants us they can easily call us up.
After that we transfer to 'Retired Rolls'. On 'Retired Rolls' it is harder for the DOD to reach us since it then requires Congressional approval.
My 10-year point was March 2010. Nothing happened. My pay still goes into my bank. I kind of expected to see a letter informing me that I had been 'transferred', but there was nothing. Things may have changed. Though I am not sure if I care.
This isn't completely true. During your initial obligation, you can go from AD to IRR without submitting a resignation.
IRR isn't a resignation - IRR is still subject to recall, its just a more remote possibility.
Of course, if you were to amputate a limb, or commit a felony...there are ways to render oneself ineligible for recall....depends on your level of panic, I guess....
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I will say that it's a nice feeling to know I could submit my paperwork today. 
