|
|
Master and Commander
Posts: 1892
Location: Patterson, New York | Subject: Definition of retired military
Is there a official definition of "retired military"?
I ask because, I read news articles that say " he retired from the military after 8 years to pursue a civilian career" ; or a members only insurance company that insures "retired military" but seems to accept anyone who served on active duty even for only 6 years.
I would consider anyone who claims to be retired to have served long enough to receive a pension. Otherwise, I do not consider them retired military.
And, how does the title US Navy (Retired) fit in this question?
In the unofficial sense, we are all retired from the navy because the simple definition of retired is: to withdraw from an activity
|
|
| |
|
Plankowner
Posts: 9165
Location: Upper lefthand corner of the map. | Subject: RE: Definition of retired military
I don't consider myself retired. I had one tour of 4 years 5 days active duty and then the remaining two years, less 5 days, active reserves. People ask me if I retired or when I retired and I explain that I didn't retire I just performed my 6 year obligation. |
|
| |
|
Great Sage of the Sea
Posts: 566
Location: Inyokern, Ca. | Subject: RE: Definition of retired military
I'm confused about my status. I was 4 years into a 6 active obligation and had already filled out my Guard-3 papers to re-up. I was then separated due to a service connected medical problem. When it finally degenerated to 100% I received a USN ID for commissary/exchange/base privileges. One of the YN's told me I was now considered Medically retired. Yet my ID card is not pink, it is tan like a dependents. I never claim to be retired when asked, But I feel funny flashing a dependents card at the exchange (at my age...)
BB |
|
| |
|
Master and Commander
Posts: 2357
| Subject: My Definition of retired military...
...is someone who has completed 20 years Service as they are therefore in receipt of a pension, thus, 'Retired Military'.
That by the way is not a put down to anyone who did less than 20 years Service, just......'my definition'.
Blue *_* |
|
| |
|
Great Sage of the Sea
Posts: 892
Location: Palo Pinto County, Texas | Subject: RE: My Definition of retired military...
I haven't tried a Google or Wikipedia check for their version of a definition. But my straight two cents says that one may be called 'retired military' if they are no longer on active duty and are drawing a continuing military stipend due to a career ending physical disability or the satisfactory completion of the required longevity to continue receipt of pay. I was transferred to the Navy retired list in a permanent pay grade based on years of service in 1973. If you aren't drawing money, you aren't retired. Of course this has absolutely nothing to do with what the MSM may call it [what ever 'is' 'is']... |
|
| |
|
Master and Commander
Posts: 2191
Location: Port Ludlow, WA (the Olympic Penninsula) | Subject: RE: Definition of retired military
I have to weigh in here too - I've heard so many guys say that they were retired military and in their case (mostly) they got out on a medical (including some we don't talk about). Why would this guy be the same as we that did the 20+ and were honorably discharged? (Beats the crapola out of me!)... |
|
| |
|
Great Sage of the Sea
Posts: 566
Location: Inyokern, Ca. | Subject: RE: Definition of retired military
I agree John, that's why I never claim to be 'retired.' To me, retired Navy means you put your time in -- 20 or more. Now if you got out after 17 or so because of medical, I'd give them the nod because they were already career designated and fate sucks.
Same reason I turned down being designated an 'Honorary Chief'. It was offered after several years of helping out with activities for our local CPO Club. The CMC offered to put my name up but I refused saying that "Chief is earned through years on watch, and no way else." I had several Chiefs come up to me over the next few weeks and thank me for respecting their anchors.
BB
Edited by BlackBeard 2008-09-20 8:43 PM
|
|
| |
|
Master and Commander
Posts: 2254
Location: Foothills of the Ozarks | Subject: RE: Definition of retired military
crystal - 2008-09-20 6:30 PM
I have to weigh in here too - I've heard so many guys say that they were retired military and in their case (mostly) they got out on a medical (including some we don't talk about). Why would this guy be the same as we that did the 20+ and were honorably discharged? (Beats the crapola out of me!)...
Chief:
One of my closest friends (recently deceased) was Medically Retired due to suffering multiple wounds as a Corpsman in Viet Nam. He did less the 4 years active duty in the Navy and less than 2 months in country in Viet Nam when a .50 Cal ended his military career. He drew military retirement pay from the Navy to the day he died. In my mind he was the equal of anyone retired from the military for whatever reason. It was not his choice to leave the Navy; it was the circumstances.
|
|
| |
|
Plankowner
Posts: 9165
Location: Upper lefthand corner of the map. | Subject: RE: Definition of retired military
Doc
I agree on that. I have two friends that were severely wounded in Nam. One lost his left leg to the hip the other ½ his right buttock. Both were medically retired from Army and Marines respectively. These men gave major body parts for their country. I begrudge them nothing and they earned the right to their retirement pensions and base privileges. I know what they, medically, go through every day because of their service. |
|
| |
|
COMSUBBBS
Posts: 6180
Location: Summerville, SC | Subject: RE: Definition of retired military
Doc, Ric in my mind these guys that gave their bodies and minds while serving do rank a retirement more so than some dufus that "rode the vents" for 20+ years. These retired people that thump themselves on their chests about having served 20 years or so don't deserve the sweat off these others. Some of these 20+ year retirees would have a brown ring around their noses if their Division Officer, CO happened to stop walking suddenly. |
|
| |
Definition of retired military
