Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 3/9/2010

Question
I'm a an O4 in the USCGR and have 20 years of good service. I'm much too busy at this point in my professional life and would now like to augment IRR while still earning points. But my concern is that I was just selected for O5 and won't pin that on until (I believe# July 2010. So, can I pin on the O5 in July 2010 and then immediately file for IRR? If so, will I retire as an O5 or would it be as a O4?  I seem to recall that to retire that I had to have Time In Grade #TIG) of 2 years.  Can I sit out for 2 years in IRR and still qualify as an O5?
I appreciate your help.

Answer
Dear John --

Currently you need to serve 3 years time in grade to retire at that grade without a waiver.  You can sit out your final years in the IRR, and retire at your final grade (O-5).  However, you would need to earn minimum points each year you are in the IRR.

Since you are already on the promotion list, I recommend not changing your status until you do pin-on.  Once you are promoted, then you can apply for IRR.  Read any documentation about reserve service obligations associated with your promotion.  If your unit is promoting you with the expectation that you will serve there for a minimum service period, that would block your request for transfer to the IRR until your service obligation was over.

Please write back, if you have more questions or need clarification.  Good luck to you and thank you for your service.