US Marshal Question!!! RE: Citizenship.

[retdetsgt]

Just to brag on these guys a little, I only really knew three of them although we had several more while I worked. I knew the SEAL, the CSM and a MSG. And all three had similar traits. They were excellent cops, but none wanted recognition, especially the SEAL. They all went out of their way to give other people credit, not something you see everyday in LE..... And they obviously had great organizational skills. The CSM was assigned to gangs. I talked to the Lt. there not long afterwards and he was awed at the way that, although he wasn't a supervisor, he quietly motivated everyone in there to do better. And I never met anyone who could get a little kid's trust faster than the MSG. Incredible skills with people, never met anyone better. But when push came to shove, you didn't want to be between them and the bad guy.

You can retire here at 55 as long as you have 5 years service. They've always figured that they have the training money back after that time and your retirement is based on pay and years service so you ain't gonna live great unless you have some decent time. But if you combine 15 or so years with military, it's not bad. And these guys did more work than a few who put in 30.

The SEAL retired at 55 and went to Iraq. He died there, the story is a heart attack, but I doubt it. There was nothing about this guy or his history that would make you think he had a bad ticker. He used to swim back and forth across the Columbia river just for kicks. And the Columbia river here is wide, deep, fast moving and cold. People with bad hearts don't do that.

Edited to add, I realize all military retirees aren't going to be like that. All of these guys retired at 20, two as E-9's, one as E-8. Unless the military has changed since I was in, the run of the mill don't make that rank. I met some E-9's I didn't like, but none I didn't respect.

[TSOC357]

Yup. I stand by my original post, which seems to be echoed by the experiences of the other feds on here.

Look at it as a"loss" if you wish, but it is about the retirement system. I know many veterans who chose a federal career and left the military in the early-to-mid 30s. It was their choice. They could have gone for their 20 in the military and then gone local for the 2nd retirement, but with our system it is not an option and they made their choice.

I know of (4) that have gotten on with Fed Agencies after they turned 37 but none with your agency. They all entered the military late in life and then got out after their first enlistment. 1 got on with an OIG, 1 got on with the IRS, 1 got on with Army CID, and 1 got on with ATFE. They all had MP Investigation backgrounds and the schooling. Not sure if that helped them or not but they seem to be happy with their choice of getting out instead of staying in. None of them acted like they had any issues getting on when using VEOA Status.

I'm fine where I'm at as I am staying in till I hit 25 years in service and I should have enough saved back plus what I get from TSP/Retirement to get a contractor job or a GS job and be able to live cofortable in retirement wherever I land.