📌 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: 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 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

Juan “JP” Perez, a former U.S. Marine Infantryman and Scout Sniper who, after distinguished service in Afghanistan and a career in law enforcement, now dedicates his life to changing the veteran culture and empowering fellow veterans nationwide. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesavagesquadfam/

We talk about the challenges of being away from family during military travels, the itch to move and explore new places, and the importance of marking personal growth during military experiences. We also discuss JP's journey from the military to civilian life, his podcast, and the benefits of ice baths. The conversation highlights the need for veterans to find their new purpose and success after service. The conversation explores the themes of ego, self-reflection, and personal growth in the transition from military to civilian life. It emphasizes the importance of learning to be likable, talking to people, and respecting others' opinions. The conversation also touches on the use of dark humor and the need for veterans to feel proud of their accomplishments. The concept of taking responsibility and being harder on oneself while holding others accountable is discussed. The conversation highlights the need for veterans to take ownership of their own lives and not rely on external sources for help or validation. The importance of creativity and problem-solving skills learned in the military is also emphasized. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the victim mentality among veterans and the need to take control of one's own narrative and future. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss various therapies and treatments for PTSD and the importance of finding what works best for each individual. They mention the use of rapid eye movement therapy (EMDR), psilocybin, and other alternative treatments. They also touch on the need for better transition assistance for veterans and the importance of connecting younger and older veterans. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and the need for ongoing support and guidance.

00:00 Embracing Family and Personal Growth During Military Travels

03:16 Transitioning from the Military to Civilian Life: Finding Purpose and Success

04:06 The Power of Podcasting and Empowering the Veteran Community

08:56 The Benefits of Ice Baths for Physical and Mental Well-being

11:19 Letting Go of the Past and Embracing the Present and Future

18:44 Developing Charisma and Connection Skills for Civilian Life

29:48 Humbling the Ego and Embracing Personal and Professional Growth

37:01 Ego and the Desire for Recognition

38:00 Learning to Be Likable and Improving Communication Skills

39:17 Taking Responsibility and Holding Others Accountable

41:25 Taking Ownership of Your Own Life

45:07 The Cushy Bubble of the Military and Breaking Free

51:18 Embracing Individuality and Breaking Free from the Mold

56:18 Using the Calendar as a Map for Life

01:09:13 Overcoming the Victim Mentality

01:12:15 Exploring Therapies and Treatments for PTSD

01:13:10 The Need for Better Transition Assistance for Veterans

01:27:38 Connecting Younger and Older Veterans

01:34:56 Challenges of Transitioning to Civilian Life

🔗 Links (FULL URL TEXT — no hyperlink hiding):

Military Retirement Podcast Website:

https://www.militaryretirementpodcast.com

Military Retirement Group on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573

Bottom Line Up Front Book (Amazon):

https://amzn.to/4jUiPky

The Green Logbook YouTube Channel:

https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook

Military Retirement Podcast YouTube Channel:

https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast

Some links result in commissions for the site

In this episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic catch up after battling some technical challenges! They dive deep into the world of Space-A travel, adventure after retirement, travel stories, and even the lure of van life. From typhoon-survival stories to the perks and pitfalls of Space-A flights, this conversation is packed with humor, advice, and a little nostalgia.

They also share insights about GS jobs, Schedule A hiring, and discuss how retirement isn’t the end — it’s just the start of bigger adventures.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Music intro

0:26 - Back after technical difficulties

0:40 - John recording from Scott AFB

2:00 - Air Force vs Marine Corps quality of life comparisons

4:00 - Luxuries of Air Force DFACs and chow halls

6:00 - Random base encounters and veteran community stories

7:00 - Space-A travel stories: C-5 rides, Dover experiences

10:00 - The amazing people you meet when you slow down

12:00 - Book review: Supercommunicators

16:00 - Negotiation tactics from FBI negotiators

20:00 - Body language, psychology, and reading people

24:00 - Detailed breakdown: How to fly Space-A (retiree perspective)

36:00 - Family adventures with Space-A travel

40:00 - Planning European travel with kids

45:00 - RV Life dreams and retirement adventures

54:00 - Practical travel hacks: PCH drives, Airbnbs, and more

1:10:00 - American vs European history experiences

1:20:00 - PCS withdrawals after retirement

1:27:00 - Keeping life adventurous post-military

1:45:00 - How veterans can hack the GS hiring system

1:53:00 - Reflections on aging, fitness, and staying active

1:59:00 - Outro and upcoming guest announcement

🔗 Links (FULL URL TEXT — no hyperlink hiding):

Military Retirement Podcast Website:

https://www.militaryretirementpodcast.com

Military Retirement Group on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573

Bottom Line Up Front Book (Amazon):

https://amzn.to/4jUiPky

The Green Logbook YouTube Channel:

https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook

Military Retirement Podcast YouTube Channel:

https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast

Some links may result in commissions

Welcome back to the Military Retirement Podcast — the show by veterans, for veterans. Today, John is joined by Winway Bertley, a U.S. Army retiree with 22 years and 8 days of service, to talk about life during and after the military.

In this episode:

🇺🇸 Infantry Roots to Logistics Leadership: The journey through Army life

🚁 Four Deployments, 54 Months Overseas: The emotional toll of 16-month deployments and missing key life events

🧳 Transition After Deployment: Adjusting from combat to family life

🛡️ Veteran Benefits 101: Starting VA disability claims early and preparing medical records

🐾 New Passions: Why Winway is pursuing a dream in wildlife conservation instead of staying in logistics

🏡 Post-Retirement Jobs: Working at CIF and embracing a low-stress civilian life

💬 Real Talk About Friendships: Rebuilding a social network post-service

✈️ The Importance of Decompression and Vacations: Finally taking that first real vacation after two decades of service

📚 Resources for Retirees: TSP matching, military hotels, and taking advantage of your veteran benefitsTo all the brave men and women out there still protecting our freedom 🇺🇸 🫡 Thank you for your service!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

0:40 - Winway’s background: Infantry to Logistics

2:00 - Why Army deployments were so long

4:00 - R&R experiences in Qatar

9:00 - Reconnecting with family after deployments

12:00 - Being present for major family milestones

17:00 - Life immediately after retiring: first civilian job at CIF

23:00 - Transitioning out of the "always on" military mindset

29:00 - Building a second career and choosing happiness

32:00 - Wildlife conservation goals after the Army

36:00 - VA Disability claims: tips and hard lessons

45:00 - Finding purpose after military retirement

53:00 - The importance of preparing financially for retirement

1:00:00 - Dealing with the weirdness of civilian friendships

1:10:00 - Taking your first real vacation after retirement

1:20:00 - Final advice for transitioning service members

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Bottom Line Up Front: What You Need to Know Before You Leave the Military

https://amzn.to/4jUiPky

Facebook Group: Military Retirement Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573

Military Retirement Podcast on YouTube

https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast

The Green Logbook on YouTube

https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook

some links may result in commissions for the site

🎧 Summary

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, John and Victor open up about parenting, military service, veteran homelessness, emotional resilience, and their shared desire to give back. They reflect on guiding their children toward meaningful paths like the Naval Academy, critique homelessness policy, explore what they’d do with $200 million, and advocate for veteran skill-building and community mentorship. The episode also features discussions around policy changes from the VA, especially related to sleep apnea, and wraps with an exciting announcement: their co-authored book “Bottom Line Up Front: What You Need to Know Before You Leave the Military” is now available for pre-order on Amazon.

⏱️ Key Timestamps

00:00 – Naval Academy visit & inspiring the next generation

03:00 – Reflections on youth, opportunity, and American privilege

06:30 – The importance of direction and leadership

10:00 – VA awards $800M in grants for homeless veterans

13:00 – On mindset shifts and meaningful help for the homeless

17:00 – Skilled trades as a pathway for veterans

21:00 – If I won the lottery: serving others over self

24:00 – Documentary idea: following vets pre and post-retirement

32:00 – Recap & reflection on powerful episode with Eric Domani

36:00 – Vulnerability, emotional growth, and stoicism

43:00 – Meeting Medal of Honor recipient Robert M. Modrzejewski

50:00 – On the politicization of military service and media bias

58:00 – Social media fatigue and information overload

1:03:00 – VA changes to sleep apnea rating & rental assistance rules

1:14:00 – VA loan rates, refinancing, and international relocation

1:23:00 – 📚 Book Announcement: Bottom Line Up Front now on Amazon

1:30:00 – Upcoming goals and continued mission to help fellow veterans

📘 Mentioned in This Episode

Book: Bottom Line Up Front: What You Need to Know Before You Leave the Military

📖 Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jUiPky

Eric Domani Podcast Episode: A must-listen story of resilience and reinvention - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jed1RhqlQ0

VA Sleep Apnea Changes: https://www.vetlawoffice.com/blog/understanding-upcoming-changes-in-va-sleep-apnea-rating-criteria on CFR 38 Update

Policy Tracker: RegInfo.gov – VA Rule Changes

💬 Join the Conversation

🎥 YouTube: ⁨@thegreenlogbook⁩ ⁨@militaryretirementpodcast⁩

📘 Facebook Group: Military Retirement Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573

📧 Email: info@militaryretirementpodcast.com | thegreenlogbook@gmail.com

Military Retirement topics, Homelessness, College education, standards of conduct in the Navy and the Army.

In this episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic discuss various aspects of transitioning from military to civilian life, including personal reflections, community engagement, and resources available for veterans. The conversation delves into the importance of healthcare and life insurance during the transition, insights on book publishing, and an interview with David, who shares his positive retirement experience. The episode emphasizes the significance of preparation and community support for veterans navigating their post-military lives. They share insights on accessing benefits through Military OneSource, navigating vocational rehabilitation, and the transition from DOD contractor to GS positions. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and support for veterans, as well as the importance of flexibility and mobility as one ages.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Morning Reflections

02:51 Community Engagement and Resources

06:14 Deep Dive into Project 2025

12:49 Interview with David: Retirement Experience

19:59 Healthcare and Life Insurance Transition

26:31 Book Publishing Insights

33:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections

42:29 Podcast Length and Engagement

44:47 Accessing the Olympics for Free

46:49 Physical Fitness and Mental Blocks Post-Retirement

52:05 Flexibility and Mobility in Aging

56:25 Importance of Continuous Activity After Retirement

01:01:19 Utilizing Military OneSource for Benefits

01:07:09 Navigating Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

01:12:24 Transitioning from DOD Contractor to GS Positions

01:16:37 Community Engagement and Podcast Goals

Answering questions live in the chat. Talking military retirement and transition. Counting down to 1K subscribers on Youtube so we can head to Military Influencer Conference end of Sept 2024!!