Time in Military

marine

10-Year Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2006
Messages
63
Does the time spent at the academy count towards the total time spent in the military? For instance, if I want a 30 year career, would I be able to spend 4 years at the academy and 26 as an officer? Thanks.
 
However, if you go to NAPS, that one year DOES count.
 
I could be wrong, but I think I remember reading somewhere that once you serve 20 years outside of the academy the 4 you spent at the academy start counting toward your pay and retirement.
 
I could be wrong, but I think I remember reading somewhere that once you serve 20 years outside of the academy the 4 you spent at the academy start counting toward your pay and retirement.

That's an urban myth. I have heard the same thing in the past; unfortunately, it is not true.
 
I have just been informed that those going into NAPS from High School do NOT have NAPS count toward their time-in-service. Yet another change. Sorry for any confusion.

Tomorrow marks 20 years since I graduated NAPS. I'm getting old. :frown:
 
However, if one leaves military and joins federal civilian employee, the four years at the academy do count.
 
This post is over 9 years old! Dozers mate, best to leave those alone. Tons of more current threads regarding this topic all over the forum.
 
After 20, the four years DO count, not an urban myth - current mid
 
After 20, the four years DO count, not an urban myth - current mid

Go talk to someone who isn't a midshipman. This is not correct.

I have not confirmed the following, but have heard it several times: the time can count towards a federal service retirement if you buy it back, such as a retirement with the post office, VA, or some other federal govt agency.
 
kp, that is correct. Your SA and service time can be bought be back toward a retirement... Source... My neighbor and best friend did this. I have a copy of the document that references it as I had several GS offers I considered.

And the 4 years at a SA do not get tacked on 'at the end' to make a 20 year retirement now 24... I asked several of my close friends who retired in the last 6 months. None of them had that time added on.
 
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kp, that is correct. Your SA and service time an be bought be back toward a retirement... Source... My neighbor and best friend did this. I have a copy of the document that references it as I had several GS offers I considered.

And the 4 years at a SA do not get tacked on 'at the end' to make a 20 year retirement now 24... I asked several of my close friends who retired in the last 6 months. None of them had that time added on.

Correct, you submit a form to your service and get the required documentation which essentially says his much you should have been contributing, based on your earnings. You then schedule the buy back with your agency based on what you're comfortable contributing to get caught up.

This means the buy back is not automatic. It takes action on your part.

The 4 years does NOT count in you military time (however, NAPS time does).
 
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