Q: I am preparing to retire under the Civil Service Retirement System. I believe that all of my ducks are in a row for this event, but there is one question that I have regarding leave benefits. I was a drilling Army reservist until I transferred to the retired reserve in 1998. I will be eligible for a pension when I turn 60 in four years. My question is in regard to the military leave balance that shows up on my leave and earning statement every payday. While working as a civilian employee, I was entitled to 15 days per year of military leave; if not used, that was carried over so that the following year 30 days was available. When I transferred to the retired reserve in 1998, that 15 days was still carried on the books. I will retire on January 1, 2010, with this accrued balance. I know that my annual leave (including that in excess of 240 hours) and my compensatory time will be converted to cash. Also, my sick leave will be tacked on to my length of service. What will be done with the 240 hours (30 days) of military leave? Does it just go away like use-or-lose travel compensatory time and excess annual leave; or, can it be converted to cash or extension of length of service?
A: It just goes away. It has no cash or retirement credit value.
