KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - Chief Warrant Officer 2 Anthony L. Britt Jr. retired recently under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority.
"The TERA program is available for officers, warrant officer and enlisted Soldiers," said Sgt. 1st Class Tameka Roland, noncommissioned officer in charge, S1.
"According to Military Personnel Message Number 14-308, there are certain criteria which a Soldier must meet in order to participate in this program," she said. "First, a Soldier has been denied further service by the Department of the Army; in other words, they have been passed over for promotion two times. Also, the Soldier must have served at least 15 but not more than 20 years of service."
Britt feels that it is an excellent opportunity.
"The only difference between a TERA retirement and a regular retirement is that my monthly amount of pay is reduced," said Britt. "I will receive 40 percent of my pay instead of 50."
The first TERA opportunity was offered in 2012, mostly because of the mission to reduce the number of active duty personnel to 490,000 Soldiers by the end of fiscal year 2017. The current MILPER has been effective since Oct. 17, 2014. However, this expires Aug. 16 of this year. Britt was grateful for the opportunity to participate.
Once a Soldier elects to participate in the program, he or she must put together a retirement packet, much like the regular retirement packet. Covered in this packet are letters and memos from all areas of the Soldier's service. This includes all education and classes he or she has received. They also need memos from various places, such as the Victim of Sexual Assault Statement for Administrative Separation. There can be no pending negative actions.
"I was a little surprised at the time I wasn't selected for chief warrant officer three, especially the second time it happened," said Britt. "But to have this program available at this time is a blessing for me. I feel I am in the right place at the right time," he said.
With significant reductions ongoing, promotion to higher ranks is becoming more and more competitive, and many fully-qualified soldiers are being passed over for promotion at a variety of ranks, and in some cases even being selected for early separation.
Britt has no regrets and is very positive about his future.
"I feel that I have done everything I can for the Army," he said. "I know there are only so many slots to fill. I feel I have performed to the best of my ability."
Britt's future plans include finishing his bachelor's degree at the University of Maryland, and perhaps working as a civilian employee.
"I cannot say it better than [the presiding officer] said at my retirement ceremony," said Britt. "The colonel said that I came in as a private, an E-1, and now I am retiring honorably close to 18 years later. It is now time to move on to the next chapter of my life."
Social Sharing