Q. I am a federal law enforcement officer covered under the 6c LE retirement. I spent eight years on active duty with the Air Force, which I have bought back for my retirement. For the final three of my active-duty years, I was a special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. As such, my duties were “primarily the investigation, apprehension, or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States” as is the Title 5 definition of a “law enforcement officer.” Civilian AFOSI agents, with the same job title and description, are covered under the 6c retirement plan. Can I use the three years as an active- duty AFOSI agent toward my 6c retirement calculations?
A. No, you can’t. Only actual covered service as a civilian counts toward an LEO retirement. That’s the law.
