Best track for retirement?

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42 y/o male here with one year experience trying to figure out what would benefit me for retirement. I've thought about the military but I would not be eligible to stick it out for a pension due to age. I like where I am for now but can't imagine staying here for 20 years.

Anyone know of the benefits of VA versus private for retirement? I haven't ruled out military, it may be a great experience for 5-10 years but I'm not sure of the benefits. I know I would enter as an officer.

According to AF website entering as 01 base is 2,469.30/mnth plus living allowance, food allowance, and free insurance.

Taking all of that into account the pay is decent and comparable to civilian. Also, is this pay before or after taxes? What other advice do people have for retirement? Thanks for any input.

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I believe, at least for the Army, the age for entrance is extended to at least 42, if not higher. Great retirement and benefits. Look into it.... www.goarmy.com

Richard

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For the army you must be able to complete 20 years of active duty before your 60th birthday in order to take a commission.

As far as the pay all my experience is with the army but the base pay is the only thing taxed. All the other additional pay is tax free. If you happen to be deployed to a combat zone it is all tax free - from what I am seeing if you go army you can count on being deployed, usually for a year to 15 months.

I don't know a thing about the VA.

Good luck with the planning!

Brian

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Sorry Brian, but from all I've seen, that is incorrect info. see here. I have also spoken to an AMEDD recruiter regarding this very issue. Now as far as a "full"retirement, that may be the case, but they take folks up to 46 currently for nursing.

Richard

hmm.. that link didn't work. Let me try again. http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/nurse/corps_specialties_requir.jsp there we go.

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I was wrong, the mandatory retirement age for the army is 62 not 60.

I was thinking of OCS. I believe the age limit to go through OCS is now at 42 (with a waiver)? Yes the nursing corps will take you at 46 but I don't think you would have a chance of retiring unless you are prior service or the army offers a waiver for retirement age also.

I have been in the army 17 years and can tell you that the army regulations change frequently depending on their needs. I would always recommend talking with a recruiter from the field you want to enter they are usally up to date on all the changes. Each branch can have different needs and requirements.

Brian

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The age limit is 46 for Army and retirement at 60 (at least on my contract it is stated such). I am still in the process of entering the ANC (have been waiting 9 months for a waiver). I am 49 but have 4yrs AD under my belt. You can apply for an age waiver when you get close to that 60 age. And as previous poster stated, things change all the time. Also depends on what you are doing at the time. I am sure that if you become a CRNA they will not give you the heave-ho. I feel I have nothing to lose if they boot me at 60 as all the time will contibute and bolster my Reserve retirement that I already have coming at age 60.

The Army has some great opportunites that you just can't get in the civilian sector. Yes, you may go play in the desert but you know that up front.

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