Q. Recently, the Postal Service offered early retirement for clerks with 25 years of service. I started in 1988 but have eight years of leave without pay for Title 10 deployments with the Army Reserve. I am planning to retire from the Army Reserve soon and go back to the Postal Service. Should I buy back my military time in hopes that I can take an early retirement next year if offered? Will I still be able to retire from both employers?
A. If you make a deposit for your years of active-duty service, they will be added to your years of civilian service and, if you have enough of them and are the right age, qualify to accept an offer of early retirement. If you will be entitled to reserve retired pay, you will be able to receive both it and your civilian annuity.
