Dual Retirement: Military and Civilian Police Work

It has been debated whether someone can complete 20 years of military service followed by 20 years of civilian police work and retire on dual pensions. In this article, we will explore the possibilities and challenges of such a career path, drawing on real-life examples and practical advice.

Is Dual Retirement Possible?

Yes, it is possible to achieve a dual retirement, combining military and civilian police work, but it is not straightforward. Typically, there is a gap in drawing both pensions due to specific rules and requirements.

Entering law enforcement after a military career can be challenging due to the physical demands and time constraints. Most individuals cannot meet the entry-level physical requirements at age 38. Additionally, law enforcement often does not offer early retirement, meaning one may have to wait until age 57 to consider early pension options.

Real-Life Examples

Emerson Buie: A Career in Federal Law Enforcement

My old childhood friend, Emerson Buie, is a prime example of a dual career. He retired after 30 years of Federal Law Enforcement Service with the FBI, serving as the Head of the Chicago Field Office. Buie is among the first African-Americans to hold this position. While he is entitled to two pensions, he has to wait until age 60 to draw his Army Reserve Pension.

Greg Rouse: A Diverse Career in Law Enforcement

Greg Rouse, my deceased Uncle, had a distinguished career in law enforcement, spanning from the late 1970s to the early 2000s. He served in various agencies, including the Secret Service, DEA, and ATF, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the National Guard's Provost Marshal Branch. His sons, who are also retired military personnel, can retire from the federal government in about 6 to 10 years.

Norman Rouse: A Legendary Figure

Norman Rouse, one of the last Tuskegee Airmen, is a remarkable case in point. He retired from the Air Force in the 1970s, spent 20 years in the US Marshals Service with age waivers, and then retired as a Chief Bailiff. Despite his age, Rouse continues to be a significant figure in the community, drawing from his USAF pension, federal career law enforcement pension, VA compensation, and social security benefits.

Challenges and Considerations

Entering civilian law enforcement post-military retirement is challenging due to the physical demands and the requirement to stay fit. Additionally, agencies often do not pay into Social Security, which can affect the availability of pension benefits. Many local agencies do not contribute to Social Security, while the federal government requires military personnel to join the Civil Service Pension plan.

It is crucial to read the specific hiring policies of the agency one wishes to join and maintain fitness to keep up with the academy training. Maintaining a portfolio of physical fitness and maintaining connections within the industry can significantly impact one's career progression.

Advising on specific career paths, individuals should consider the unique challenges and opportunities in each field, including physical fitness, age, and the specific rules governing early retirement.

Real-life examples of Norman Rouse and others highlight the complexity and rewards of such a dual career path. While it is rare to find individuals who have combined military and civilian police work, those who do can enjoy a well-rounded retirement with multiple sources of income.