Are military retirement benefits unfair? (reserve, credit, veterans, recruiter)
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Yes, and let's not forget the double-dipping that goes on. Full retirement and a GS position for the next 20 years? Must be nice.
I worked with guys who put in 30 years and now have a 75K per year pension. The very next month after retiring their last command magically converts a billet that was military to a DOD Civ position at the GS-15 level. They do 10+ years as a GS-15 making close to 200k with their pension and then retire at 65 with 100K worth of pension payments and free medical. These same people complain about people scamming the government when they're clearly trying to take all they can from it.
I worked with guys who put in 30 years and now have a 75K per year pension. The very next month after retiring their last command magically converts a billet that was military to a DOD Civ position at the GS-15 level.
No it doesn't. Federal law requires them to sit out six months before going back into a GS position...been there, did that.
And you're talking about a very small percentage of the 1.9 million persons currently retired.
I worked with guys who put in 30 years and now have a 75K per year pension. The very next month after retiring their last command magically converts a billet that was military to a DOD Civ position at the GS-15 level. They do 10+ years as a GS-15 making close to 200k with their pension and then retire at 65 with 100K worth of pension payments and free medical. These same people complain about people scamming the government when they're clearly trying to take all they can from it.
People keep saying this kind of thing but it has absolutely NOTHING to do with military pensions. 99% of us don't get hookups like that and have to start looking for entry level jobs at 40 years old when most our age, that didn't go into the military, are in established careers making high wages at this point. I know many more military retirees that work at home depot and lowes then I do that have the scenario you're talking about.
I'd rather be like my civilian buddies making $150k/year that have been living in the same place for the last 30 years then like many of my military retired friends who have a $26k military pension (before taxes) and work at Home Depot for another $20k.
No it doesn't. Federal law requires them to sit out six months before going back into a GS position...been there, did that.
And you're talking about a very small percentage of the 1.9 million persons currently retired.
I said they convert the position. Obviously, the hiring process takes some time.
But, it rubs a lot of people the wrong way when you magically see GS-15 positions show up that are written explicitly for the retiree to come back.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LBTRS
People keep saying this kind of thing but it has absolutely NOTHING to do with military pensions. 99% of us don't get hookups like that and have to start looking for entry level jobs at 40 years old when most our age, that didn't go into the military, are in established careers making high wages at this point. I know many more military retirees that work at home depot and lowes then I do that have the scenario you're talking about.
I'd rather be like my civilian buddies making $150k/year that have been living in the same place for the last 30 years then like many of my military retired friends who have a $26k military pension (before taxes) and work at Home Depot for another $20k.
I know it has nothing to do with pensions. I was responding to the lady who said it must be nice.
Obviously not everyone is out to scam the government. I know guys who retire after 20 years and end up as GS-5's just to keep the lights on at home.
That applies to DoD positions, not other Federal positions. And waivers have been granted (on occasion) depending on the agency.
DoD positions was what was being discussed--a military billet being changed to a civilian billet--and it had been proposed as though it were a common occurrence.
I was only in for 4 -- Air Force E5. Retirement at 20 years was tempting to some, but it didn't offer NEARLY enough incentive for me to re-up. I figured I gave Uncle Sam 4 of my best years. That put me behind my buddies who had finished college by then, but I could catch up. Another 16 years in the military and I'd never catch up. Yes, I'd have a small retirement and a few benefits, but I'd be 40 years old and trying to start a civilian career.
I was offered a hefty (at the time) re-enlistment bonus that I scoffed at. My WAF captain asked me what it would take to get me to reenlist. "If I could reenlist as a light colonel I'd consider it." She didn't appreciate that I wouldn't consider staying in as a captain.
Getting out was the right thing for me. I have no regrets, and I think those who stayed in until retirement earned every penny they got and will get. And I still say "Thank you" to each and every one of them for protecting our nation and putting up with all the hardships required to do so.
No, military retirement pay is NOT too much! It's not enough IMHO.
I was only in for 4 -- Air Force E5. Retirement at 20 years was tempting to some, but it didn't offer NEARLY enough incentive for me to re-up. I figured I gave Uncle Sam 4 of my best years. That put me behind my buddies who had finished college by then, but I could catch up. Another 16 years in the military and I'd never catch up. Yes, I'd have a small retirement and a few benefits, but I'd be 40 years old and trying to start a civilian career.
I was offered a hefty (at the time) re-enlistment bonus that I scoffed at. My WAF captain asked me what it would take to get me to reenlist. "If I could reenlist as a light colonel I'd consider it." She didn't appreciate that I wouldn't consider staying in as a captain.
Getting out was the right thing for me. I have no regrets, and I think those who stayed in until retirement earned every penny they got and will get. And I still say "Thank you" to each and every one of them for protecting our nation and putting up with all the hardships required to do so.
No, military retirement pay is NOT too much! It's not enough IMHO.
I wish I had been so wise at 22 years old as I would have done things different. At the time I thought the pension at 20 was a no-brainer, now that I am older and wiser I realize it isn't the deal it seemed to be at the time.
I sure would like to have those years back, oh what I could do. Knowing what I know now, I'd happily give up my small military pension for those years back.
There is no double dipping any more. They eliminated that 20 years ago.
I don't think that's accurate, unless you mean something different than I do.
I do know retired CSMs, MSGs, COLs, and LTCs who are drawing their military retirement pay and are GS employees.
Last edited by GeorgiaTransplant; 12-19-2013 at 06:22 AM..
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