Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 11/13/2008

Question
Colonel, Ma'am...I have served 21 years and 6 months all active duty with no breaks in service.  My DIEMS date is 31 July 1986 which puts me in the High 3 retirement with no option of electing the CSB.  I was recently demoted 1 grade with a new date of rank of 12 Nov 08.  I plan to retire 1 March 2009...my question is will my retirement still be based off of the highest grade held for 36 months which is E6 or will my new grade of E5 play any role in reducing my retirement?

Answer
Dear John Smith --

Your basis for retirement pay remains your three highest PAY years, regardless of the rank you hold upon retirement.  

Your rank on your retiree ID card will be the last permanent rank you held in the service.  Since you plan to retire soon, that will be E5 in your service.

Please write back, if this explanation is not clear to you.

Good luck to you and thank you for your service.