implement the pay grade E5 Non Commissioned Officers into TERA (Temporary Early Retirement Authority)

On behalf of thousands of my fellow SGT E5 peers who are serving Honorably within the United States Army we seek to be included in the Temporary Early Retirement Authority act that was implemented to help assist in the reduction and drawdown of our Military forces. For many E5 Non Commissioned Officers we find ourselves in frightening times. Most of us find ourselves stuck in Military occupation skills (MOS) that have become stagnant in Promotion. During the Iraq war we were eligible to complete 20 years and retire however with new Retention Control points being established our service has been capped at 15 years making us in eligible for Retirement benefits and only a small severance pay. Being forced out 5 years shy of Retirement and excluded from TERA is truly a slap to the face.