Q. I’m in federal law enforcement (covered), and the Army National Guard. For retirement purposes I need 20 years covered, and 50 years of age to retire? Last year I was involuntarily deployed for 12 months in Afghanistan, and was automatically placed on leave without pay status. I am curious: Do I lose a year of covered law enforcement time because military time is done under the rules governing credit for military service? I’ve heard there was a bill passed that stated that for every year spent deployed over seas, a year is taken off for retirement purposes, or does my covered time continue under FERS? Can you please explain how this all works.
A. When a covered law enforcement officer is called to active duty and, after his tour is over, returns to a covered position, that time is creditable for LEO retirement purposes if he makes a deposit to the civilian retirement system.
