The Navy Reserve meets monthly for training and undergoes annual training. Retirement requires 20+ years of service, with at least 50 pension points per year. Gray area retirees have access to benefits. Retirement is a motivating factor for reenlistment and promotions.
The Navy Reserve is a component of the United States Navy. Members meet one weekend a month at a local military reserve center, where they conduct training to prepare for any war mission. Reservists also typically undergo a two-week period of active duty, known as annual training, which is more intense and focused. Sailors who serve a minimum amount of time and meet other basic requirements are generally eligible for Navy reserve retirement and benefits.
One of the requirements for retirement from the Navy reserve is that the sailor serve 20 or more qualifying years. He must also serve the last eight years of his enlistment in the reserve component, rather than active duty. Sailors should also not have any criminal charges against them that would preclude receiving pension, such as charges of espionage or desertion.
A year of qualifying service is defined as one in which the rating earns at least 50 pension points. Four retirement points are normally awarded for a weekend drill, one for each half day of service. In addition, one point is awarded per day during annual training periods or any other time a Navy Reservist is placed on active duty. Each member automatically receives fifteen points a year just for being a member of the reserve component, which counts towards the 50-point minimum.
A Navy Reservist must complete at least 20 years of active military service before filing for a retirement package, whether or not he has already earned the minimum number of points overall. Any time spent on active duty may count towards this time. If a Sailor has previously been a member of another branch of the military, time spent in that service will also count towards time served.
A sailor receives what is known as a 20-year letter shortly after completing that number of years of service. Receipt of this document is a prerequisite for retirement from the Navy reserve. Members should make multiple copies of this letter and place the original document in a safety deposit box or fireproof safe to ensure it will not be destroyed.
To receive the Navy reserve pension, the service member must reach the age of 60. Members who retire before reaching this age are considered gray area retirees. These individuals have access to many of the same benefits as retired active duty naval personnel, even if they are not yet receiving a salary. These benefits include post-exchange shopping and commissary privileges, and space travel.
The prospect of retirement from the Navy reserve is a motivating factor for many young sailors when they reenlist. It can also be a factor in encouraging them to earn promotions, as their final pay is typically based on rank and time served. The benefits and pay associated with military retirement are a well-deserved reward for a lifetime dedicated to defending their nation.
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