I'm struggling to were to retire?

[rd2007]

I can't think of anyone I know that did 30 and most now are 20-22. The difference in retirement pay isn't that good and it's a lot better to pay attention to the VA rep during TAP class and make the most of your VA claim. Unless of course you're one of those few people that never went to medical for anything... I have 11 people in my office and 10 of them are officially disabled with the median rating being probably over 50%.. with concurrent receipt that more than makes up for the extra 10 years, plus you get all the other wonderful benefits like vocational rehab. I'm doing that now to get my BS in IT and they pay for the whole thing, plus give me $630/month tax free for a subsistence allowance..

[Cowboy44]

Originally Posted by rd2007

I can't think of anyone I know that did 30 and most now are 20-22. The difference in retirement pay isn't that good and it's a lot better to pay attention to the VA rep during TAP class and make the most of your VA claim. Unless of course you're one of those few people that never went to medical for anything... I have 11 people in my office and 10 of them are officially disabled with the median rating being probably over 50%.. with concurrent receipt that more than makes up for the extra 10 years, plus you get all the other wonderful benefits like vocational rehab. I'm doing that now to get my BS in IT and they pay for the whole thing, plus give me $630/month tax free for a subsistence allowance..

At 30 years you get 75% that better than 40-50% retirement

[rd2007]

Yes, but chances are you'd be making more those extra 10 years in a civilian job and with good investments it will be even better.. I know I'm making quite a bit more now compared to when I was in the military.. nearly a 50% increase and a lot of it is tax free

and don't forget you'll be getting civilian job pay, retirement pay, and concurrent receipt disability pay if you can get at least a 50% rating.. it all adds up, trust me...

[majormadmax]

I didn't stay much past 20, as there wasn't really enough incentive for me to do so. Like rd2007, I have clearances that made the transition to a contractor job a lot easier. As a matter of fact, I only moved across the hall from my old office, but into a different part of the organization.

I think the median salary in S.A. is ~$27K/yr, so a military retirement and a second career income mean you live well here. I got 60% disability which also means free hunting/fishing license, state parks pass, DV tag for my Jeep, an additional $10K homestead exemption, and a few more things that I can't remember at the moment. Plus having a couple of commissaries and BX/PXs close by really helps.

As for house prices, you can find something nice in the $120-175K range if you are only looking for a place for yourself. I live in a very large community on the NW side and the growth in this part of town doesn't appear to be slowing one bit. That's not necessarily a good thing, but I am lucky as I have flexible hours therefore I go into work early to avoid the rush hour traffic both ways.

I agree with Steel, get your degree now and jump while you can. As much as the military is warm and comfy, you will have to leave sooner or later and going sooner is a lot easier...

Cheers! M2

[Bo]

Once all of those new buildings start going online at Fort Sam Houston in a year or two, San Antonio will become a mecca for new Federal government jobs.

[franklin9150]

Originally Posted by Bowie

Once all of those new buildings start going online at Fort Sam Houston in a year or two, San Antonio will become a mecca for new Federal government jobs.

You are right about that. I just wonder how many actual openings there will be. There are bound to be many people transfering. I guess time will tell. I will be getting out of the Army right when most of that will happen, so I'll keep my fingers crossed. I wouldn't mind sliding into a GS position at that time.

[Cookiemeister]

If you retire military in 20 and work for the VA the 20 military will count towards your retirement so you will just need 10 at the VA to retire at 30. If you are getting a masters degree you will probably be making over 100K when you retire.

[JimmyFred]

Texas definitely has taxes, just not income taxes. Property tax is the revenue source in lieu of an income tax. I's sure you knew that coming from Houston.