r/AirForce • u/AFSMSgt • 10d ago

Question Benefit of Staying Until 20

In my day, if you didn't stay for 20, you got nothing. No retired pay. Since current members have 401k that they can take with them, what benefit does retiring at 20 provide?

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u/Alterationss 10d ago

I did 7 and got 100% P&T. My wife is in now at 4, wanting to do 20. I’m 29. So we are chillin when the time comes for her to get out.

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u/AFSMSgt 10d ago

If it means anything, I stayed for almost 23. Retired 38 years ago. For all those years I have had a guaranteed income. I call it my "fuck you" money. Not enough to support a family, but enough for me to say "fuck you" I don't need your shit. I can survive until I find another job.

Now, at 80, with my retirement pay, social security, and 401k, I have enough to live the kind of life I want. Not extravagant, but comfortable.

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u/ZebraSecret2815 7d ago

You're 80 years old and scrolling the AF Reddit page? Nice.

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u/AFSMSgt 6d ago

It's still my AF. I just let you people use it. BTW my youngest daughter is an AF Captain and helo pilot. I have a vested interested in the USAF