#88 Reserve / NGB Retirement... DON'T DO THIS!
#88 Reserve / NGB Retirement... DON'T DO THIS!  
Podcast: Military Retirement Podcast
Published On: Sat May 31 2025
Description: 📌 Episode SummaryIn this in-depth episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic sit down with Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joe Michel to demystify the complexities of Reserve and National Guard retirement. They cover critical knowledge gaps around the "gray area," COLA decisions, early retirement age reductions, Tricare, SBP, federal time buyback, and transitioning smoothly into civilian life. This is essential listening for anyone in Compo 2 or 3 (Title 32) preparing for retirement — whether you’re 5 years out or filing paperwork now.📚 Books MentionedThe Daily Laws by Robert Greene – https://amzn.to/43UlV2IThe 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene – https://amzn.to/43nziZeThe Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday – https://amzn.to/4dH9Gtz🔗 Links & Resources🖥️ Tricare Plans & Benefits: https://tricare.mil📖 Military Retirement Book: Bottom Line Up Front – https://amzn.to/43GInv4👥 Military Retirement Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573🎥 The Green Logbook YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook📄 Cola Trap White Paper (by Col. Fowler): [Likely a PDF shared in veteran groups, suggest linking to the podcast or YouTube video explaining it once released]📊 Military Retirement Calculators: https://militarypay.defense.gov/Calculators💡 Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Info: https://militarypay.defense.gov/Benefits/Survivor-Benefit-Program/0:00 Opening reflection from The Daily Laws and adapting to change1:18 Book discussion: Robert Greene, Ryan Holiday, and daily meditations5:04 Transitioning mindsets and habits post-military6:57 Intro to reserve and National Guard retirement differences7:58 Deep dive into the "COLA trap" and retirement timing9:54 Community service and post-retirement volunteerism13:30 Guest intro: CWO4 Joe Michel and his reserve career14:50 “Gray area” retirement and understanding eligibility at age 6017:00 NDAA 2008: Lowering retirement age for certain service20:00 Missing retirement points and how to fight for credit23:00 COLA decision: Retired Reserve vs full discharge26:00 Retirement education gaps in the military29:00 Need for unit-level retirement SMEs (subject matter experts)31:00 Preparing for civilian transition: uniform to “Mr.” mindset34:00 TRS & TAP: Challenges of preparing for civilian life37:00 Health coverage: Tricare Reserve Select, Tricare for Life, BENEFEDS43:00 Buying back military time for federal employment48:00 Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) overview for reservists50:00 Personal records audits and DD214 accuracy52:00 Retirement calculators and high-level pay math58:00 Idea: A Reserve Retirement Masterclass or Webinar1:03:00 Converting “tribal knowledge” into shared guidance1:06:00 Meetup ideas and supporting the military retirement community1:07:20 Closing notes: book promo, shoutouts, and next week’s guest