Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/retirement

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Expert: Howard Lorenz - 6/3/2008


Question
Hello, I am considering joining the Coast Guard as an officer.  The reason I want to is for the job security and retirement.  The question I have is how is the retirement?  I cannot find anything on their website about it.  I am under the impression that one could retire after 20 years of active service.  Is this correct?  Also about what percent of your pay do you receive?  Do you automatically receive it even if you are not 65 or do you have to wait?  Thanks in advance,
Jason

Answer
Yes. Once you reach 20 years of service you can retire from the military. You get 50% of your base pay for life. Active duty members receive retirement pay starting the day after retirement, reserve members get their monetary benifit after age 60.

HW

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Howard Lorenz

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I have spent the past 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, 3 years was assigned as an Enlisted Accessions Recruiter. I have been deployed various times to several locations. If it is a career in the military you are looking for or thinking about I most likely have the answer. I still have contacts with in the recruiting field and if I don't know the answer then I have folks who do where I can find the answer. I am very blunt and straight forward and will make no attempts to BS you. I will give you the best information that I possible can can. If you think that you cant handle the answer that I give you, then don't ask the question...... If you are planning on joining the military, your number 1 decision factor in making this kind of move is that you need to be more concerned about serving your country than your country serving you!! All the benefits are the best that you can find. Education is at a premium right now and its the most rewarding thing that you can do. If I dont answer right away probably means that I am busy, but have patience, I will get to you.

Experience

Air Force Recruiter for 3 years, Air Force Career 21 Years

Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars

Education/Credentials
Community College of the Air Force, International Air Academy, Allied Business Schools, Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, Defense Acquisition University

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