Do military years count towards government job retirement?

I'm curious about the relationship between military service years and retirement benefits in government jobs. If I join government employment after military service, can I roll my military years into retirement calculations?

Yes, years of service in the military can indeed count towards a federal government retirement. However, to make your military service time count towards retirement, there is a process to follow.

First, you need to submit a DD 214, which is your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to the Office of Personnel Management. This document verifies that you have completed your military service.

Next, you will have to “buy back” your military service time. This means you must deposit the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The amount you'll need to deposit is generally equal to 3% of your military base pay. Please note this policy applies to military service performed after 1956.

Once these steps are completed, your years of military service are added to your years of civilian service when computing your federal retirement benefits. In essence, your military service will be considered as part of your federal career to determine your civil service retirement eligibility and amount.

However, remember that if you are entitled to military retirement benefits, you must waive these benefits to allow your military time to be included in your civilian retirement calculation.

Do take into account that these are standard rules and there may be exceptions based on personal circumstances, and it's always a good idea to consult with a benefits adviser to understand your specific situation better.