Alabama state employees and teachers who go into the military keep their Retirement System of Alabama benefits and can get credit for up to four years of military service. You can also purchase service credit for each full year served, which can raise your state retired pay or let you draw it sooner. Purchasing costs 4 percent of the average state employee salary for each year claimed, plus 8 percent interest compounded from your last day of service to the date you pay. Veterans already receiving military retired pay are not eligible.
Contact the Retirement System of Alabama to keep making contributions while you serve, and to arrange purchasing military service credit after you return.
Your DD214 showing your service dates and honorable discharge.
