Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 8/3/2007

Question
Ma'am - I am a USAR CPT/03 with 13 years creditable towards retirement. I've always been in a drilling status, never IRR. But, I am now thinking of going IRR because I was diagnosed with breast cancer (Sep 04) and though my treatments (chemo, surgery, radiation, herceptin -1 yr) are over, I won't be declared cancer free until 5 years have passed. I recently did my Army 5-year physical and await results. Will the Army retain me? If so, if I go IRR, I know I can get points by various means other than drills and ATs, but what if I don't accrue points - will I be able to get anything after 20 based on 13 good years? Furthermore, if I'm IRR will the Army deploy me with my medical history as such? Some say 5 years will have to pass and by then I will be close to my retirement. I've never served on active duty except basic training and when mobilized for 9/11.

Answer
Dear Shelly --

If you can complete your required duties, and pass a PT test or modified PT test, the Army will keep you in service, if you wish to stay.  I had cancer surgery 10 years ago, as a major, and I have been allowed to continue serving and been promoted twice.  

If you like being on drill status and can do your job, I recommend staying on drill status.  If you go IRR and do not earn your points each year to qualify for 20 years service equivalent, you will not get any benefits except standard veterans benefits.  You will not be eligible for retirement benefits unless you can show 20 years equivalent service.

Your deployment status depends on what the Army doctors say about your condition.  If you have completed treatment, and are not in pain or reduced physical function, you are likely deployable.  You do not have to wait until your "5-years cancer free" are done.  That designation is an arbitrary one the medical community established based on survival rates of post treatment cancer survivors.  It has nothing to do with your ability to do your military job, or even your current health.

You are more likely to be deployed as an IRR than you are to be deployed with your unit.  Your unit can even choose to call you up but not deploy you since they know you and your situation.  They could choose to make you the rear detachment commander when they deploy rather than take you to theater.  The IRR managers don't know you and may just use your name to plug a deployment hole they need to fill.

My recommendation is, if the periodic physical finds you fit for duty, and you wish to stay in the service, remain with your drill unit.  They know you best and will be most likely to work with you to find the right level of service for you and the unit.

Best of luck to you with your health and your career.