Q: I was hired three years ago as a FERS technician for a Georgia National Guard facility. I worked the first two years, then the Guard unit activated and I deployed under Title 10 as active duty for last year. I bought back my active time from prior to being hired as a technician. My total time of creditable service then is 15 years, only the last three after being hired as a FERS employee. Do I qualify for a deferred retirement? I understand it would be a reduced amount. A recap: I have 12 years active time (bought back time this year); two years as a technician; and one year as a deployed technician on active-duty orders.
A: No, you’d have to have a minimum of five years of civilian service under FERS to be eligible for a deferred retirement.