ANG/AFR after AD Retirement

[fly4unclesam]

At one time it was possible to retire from active duty and still join the ANG or AFR. Does anyone know if this is still an option?

Thanks

 

[bssthound]

I've not heard specifically that it's not.

The clock keeps rolling on your years of Commissioned Service, though. In other words, if you were commissioned in 1980, retired in 2000 as a Lt Col, and came back to ANG or AFRC in 2004 you'd still be forced to retire in 2008, as that would be considered 28 years of commissioned service.

It's a good deal, however. I've had two squadronmates who were return from AD retired. The best way to describe the pay issue is simply that they didn't collect retirement pay on the days they were paid by the Reserves.

Another good thing: Both guys in my squadron retired as Majors. They made Lt Col in the Reserves. Since we collect our military retirement at age 60, once these two guys hit 60 their retirement pay will be recalculated as Lt Cols with their points earned in the Reserves added, also. Very nice coin.

 

[NewmanF16]

It still exists. My current squadron commander is retired!

Pay is essentially three steps forward, one step back. I know of a couple retired guys that were promoted as reservists as well.

 

[coho92]

we've got a couple on the LM side - as far as pilots, haven't seen any yet as well as the fact that AFRC is getting pretty topheavy on the O-5 stuff, I'd say your chances are low but it doesn't hurt to try.

Good Luck

 

[Tweetdrvr]

This was a great program in concept but one poorly executed IMHO. Having the experience and leadership is great for the AF. Guys having the ability to fatten up their monthly pay, even make a higher rank and get a bigger check at age 60 is wonderful. But the biggest drawback is these guys count on the unit manning document and suck up a slot. They don't count as gray beards sitting around as extra help. As we all know AFRC is trying to manage the top heaviness in the O-5 and above ranks. So they are not hiring very many retired guys into the program anymore. The guys being hurt by this are the ones who were promoted to O-4 in the 2000-02 timeframe. Because before 9-11, they were so hurting in the reserves this was a good deal. But now we have some retired guys occupying O-5 billets on the UMD and there will be limited opportunity for overgrades in TRs currently O-4 billets. Who is gonna ask a retired guy, especially one in a leadership position to re-retire, even though they are already getting a pretty healthy monthly pension, so the guys on their way up don't get cut out of the chance to make O-5 for their pensions that won't begin until age 60?

 

[bssthound]

before 9-11, they were so hurting in the reserves this was a good deal

Excellent point. The AD/RET two guys we hired both fell into that category. They're both navs and we were hurting for experienced, qualified, capable navs. We'd not gotten any UNT slots for awhile because of J model turmoil and were without a crystal ball. Those guys fit Tweetdrvr's above quote to a tee.

This sort of thing always comes down to the needs of the unit. As a rule things have tightened up a bit but no matter how tight it's gotten: if you're looking you only need one slot!

 

[fly4unclesam]

Thanks for the insight guys. I'm sure timing has a lot to do with it. We'll see what happens. With the current airline situation, just looking at the options. I'm wondering if it is best to stay active duty but I think I will find myself out of the cockpit if I do that.

 

[bssthound]

For a guy who's current and qualified it would be much easier. Especially if there's an Associate Reserve Unit or Active Reserve Unit across the street.