With 28 years on the Navy books (only 17 complete for points), and three more years National Guard, I'm grateful to the Guard for my retirement (I had stayed Navy IRR too long unsuccessfully, and couldn't go back to reserve duty). The camaraderie and Guard work is special.

However, my thoughtless youth is long gone, and I miss the Navy. Is there a way to switch retirement categories, or a method to work for additional Navy achievements? It's an odd question, and there probably is not. I can join Navy activities, the pay is the same, and I can say "retired from both".

The loss is in the membership. People assume that "Sarge" knows guns rather than naval history. Explaining that I have been "Doc" (hospital corps) most of my life, is confusing, and there are certain unavailable benefits, such as correspondence courses.

This is far less important than many, many other issues. However, ya don't know unless ya ask.

Thanks,
Linda

I know many states have a "state guard" or "Naval militia"- that may fill your interest. You might want to contact your state Division of Military Affairs.

There is also a Coast Guard auxilary.

The question is a year old and the op only made the one post.

I'm going to close this thread.