Reserve / NGB Retirement... DON'T DO THIS!

📌 Episode Summary
In 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 Mentioned
The Daily Laws by Robert Greene – https://amzn.to/43UlV2I
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene – https://amzn.to/43nziZe
The 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:   / 981767756191573  
🎥 The Green Logbook YouTube Channel:    / @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/Calcu...
💡 Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Info: https://militarypay.defense.gov/Benef...

0:00 Opening reflection from The Daily Laws and adapting to change
1:18 Book discussion: Robert Greene, Ryan Holiday, and daily meditations
5:04 Transitioning mindsets and habits post-military
6:57 Intro to reserve and National Guard retirement differences
7:58 Deep dive into the "COLA trap" and retirement timing
9:54 Community service and post-retirement volunteerism
13:30 Guest intro: CWO4 Joe Michel and his reserve career
14:50 “Gray area” retirement and understanding eligibility at age 60
17:00 NDAA 2008: Lowering retirement age for certain service
20:00 Missing retirement points and how to fight for credit
23:00 COLA decision: Retired Reserve vs full discharge
26:00 Retirement education gaps in the military
29:00 Need for unit-level retirement SMEs (subject matter experts)
31:00 Preparing for civilian transition: uniform to “Mr.” mindset
34:00 TRS & TAP: Challenges of preparing for civilian life
37:00 Health coverage: Tricare Reserve Select, Tricare for Life, BENEFEDS
43:00 Buying back military time for federal employment
48:00 Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) overview for reservists
50:00 Personal records audits and DD214 accuracy
52:00 Retirement calculators and high-level pay math
58:00 Idea: A Reserve Retirement Masterclass or Webinar
1:03:00 Converting “tribal knowledge” into shared guidance
1:06:00 Meetup ideas and supporting the military retirement community
1:07:20 Closing notes: book promo, shoutouts, and next week’s guest