I am 1 yr out and can put in my paperwork this month for retirement next summer. My earliest availability date is around 1 May 2014 (terminal leave). I started my airline prep/apps in March.

Looking for inputs on doing retirement paperwork now versus waiting until 4-6 months out.

One factor -- if I get tagged with a 365 TDY (I have a 1993 short tour return date so I should be high on the list) I will be able to turn it down (3-day opt) but will have to retire NLT 7 months from TDY notification which ultimately could allow me to retire/be available earlier than May.

Appreciate any inputs!