Q. I have 20 years of military service and will have 10 years three months of federal service when I am scheduled to return from overseas. I will be 52½. I want to submit for early retirement with 30 years’ combined service. Should I buy back my military time or receive dual retirement if my request for early retirement is approved?
A. Unless you have made a deposit to the civilian retirement system for your active-duty service, you won’t be eligible for early retirement. Only those age 50 with 20 years of service or any age with 25 can do that. Even if you have made a deposit, you can’t request early retirement. You can only agree to it if your agency offers you that opportunity. Note: If you have made (or will make) a deposit, you’ll have to waive your military retired pay when you retire from your civilian job.
