Originally Posted by Bizkit

Currently an O-5, 21 months from starting terminal leave. I've heard if you're close to an active retirement and get out, that'll be a red flag for hiring as they expect you to instantly drop mil leave for active orders. Anyone lately run into this situation? I probably won't do it and just wait for 20 yrs, but damn, leaving right now is sure tempting.

Originally Posted by KC10 FATboy

While he attempts a very detailed examination of career earnings, the situation is much more complex as there are so many variables and paths to consider.

One thing he does not consider is a Retired Reserve retirement or an Actuve Duty retirement attained while in the Guard/Reserves. I know three people in my small reserve unit who recently received an active duty retirement while gaining seniority at the airline. Yuge!

More so, he automatically assumes a Guard/Reserve retirement starts at 60 years of age. On paper yes. However the reduced retirement option for those on active duty orders greater than 90 days reduces your retirement date. Everyone in my unit has had their retirement date reduced -- some of them as early as age 55. Mine is age 58 and I've been a slacker in the unit.

Another thing he can't model, you can use 1000 X pay rate to get a realistic airline salary. However he can't forecast windfalls. For example, last year through hard work and using the contract to my advantage, I nearly doubled my previous airline W2 and still made $30k in the reserve. That's not going to happen if you stay on active duty. There is no incentive for working harder in the military as it all pays the same.

In one year I paid off the house and put a nice chunk into mutual funds all while maxing out the 401k.

Get out now. Go to a Guard/Reserve unit near you and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Originally Posted by FlyingHercs;

I've done some of my own calculations as an add on to his and assuming a modest raise on the next cycle, reasonable upgrade times based on CURRENT upgrade cycles (we all know time to CA will come way down soon if you want to bid it. Look at the last Delta drop), no reduced reserve retirement age, and NO further raises after the next contract cycle I get a difference of closer to $3-5 mil when getting out after 14 years active duty.

Originally Posted by HuggyU2

That might be the norm in Fighter Command, but that was not my experience, whatsoever.

Originally Posted by C130driver

It's the norm in mobility too,

Originally Posted by C130driver

It's the norm in mobility too, hence why I tell the younger guys to never show their cards about getting out until they put in for separation (you know things are bad when you have LTs talking about the airlines.)

Originally Posted by HuggyU2

That might be the norm in Fighter Command, but that was not my experience, whatsoever.

Originally Posted by Sputnik

As Mike said, unless there was an obvious error, almost no one makes above the zone. The system is not set up for it.

Originally Posted by Sputnik

To the original poster, financially, getting out and hired seems like a no brainer. With the option of getting O5 in reserve/guard tossed....kinda wonder why would anyone stay?

As Mike said, unless there was an obvious error, almost no one makes above the zone. The system is not set up for it.

So staying in, you'd really have to want it. I did and have no regrets. But I had some enlisted time so the finish line was closer. And the airlines werent hiring like they are now.