When a Soldier makes Rank in his last year before retirement say E-7 how long can he stay in the Army ?

Answer 1

'Retirement' is very flexible.

A soldier is eligible for retirement at 20 years, but extra pension accrues up to 30 years. And commissioned officers are generally allowed to stay through 36 years of service. Enlisted soldiers may stay in beyond 36 years depending upon their MOS and physical ability.

In general, accepting a promotion requires a certain remaining time in service. IIRC from the early 1990s, accepting an E-6 promotion required at least 1 year remaining in service and accepting E-7 required 2 years. A soldier could reup or extend to meet the commitment.

But these things change frequently and EVERYTHING is waiverable if you go to the right approving authority.

We had a rather interesting case locally (Columbus, GA) a few years ago where an Army Psychiatrist who had retired from the Army in the 1970s was allowed to return to active duty in his mid-70s. He went to Iraq to treat PTSD.

Medical Corps is flexible like that. Infantry has a pretty hard and fast rule against anyone past 55.

Answer 2

Towards the end of the Cold War the Army started using what was called the up-or-out policy. Meaning that if you did not make certain rank by a certain time you were allowed to re-enlist.

It was meant to not allow stagnation at the lower ranks, as you did not want alot of E-1s to E-4 with 20+ years service. Those ranks needed to be staffed by younger people due to the physical demands.

I'm not sure what the cut off times are now. I know when I served a E-7 could go almost to 30yrs. As E-7 is a senior enlisted rank.

Answer 3

If it takes him that long to make 7, it'll keep him in for two years.

Answer 4

you have the be in grade two years to retire in grade.