Q. I have tried numerous times to buy back or pay back for my military service so it can be used to civilian retirement. Each time I have been denied. What is the proper way to do this? How do I find out how much it will cost me each paycheck? And normally how long does it take? I was in the Army from August 1972 (months of delay entry) to December 1986.
I am now employed by the government in civilian service position (GS). I understand the time presently is going to leave only, and not my retirement. I would like to pay this back so when I can retire, it will be included.
A. You’ll need to complete a copy of Form RI-20-97, Estimated Earnings During Military Service, and mail it to the military finance center for your branch of service with a copy of your DD 214, Report of Transfer or Discharge. When you get that information, take it to your payroll office with a copy of your DD 214 and a Standard Form 3108. Your payroll office will figure out how much you owe and arrange for you to make the deposit if you decide to do that. If you make a deposit, you’ll get credit for your active-duty service in determining your total years of civilian service and have it used in the computation of your annuity.
