It is my understanding that the Military Buyback Program is a benefit for all veterans with "active duty military service" time to receive credit for their military service time to be added to thier years of civil service time with the federal gov't and increases their retirement annuity. What this person told you is the exact opposite of the intent of the Military Buyback Program. I think this person is confusing Military Buyback with WEP (Windfall Elimation Program) which reduces your social security benefit because you are receiving a federal annuity.
I bought my military time back and retired from federal service when I turned 55. My only issue was that my HRO wanted to ensure I had bought my time back and if I had not, was given the opportunity to do so prior to outprocessing. There reasoning for doing this was that it would increase my federal annuity.
As for the military retirement you are paid, based on your rank at retirement, number of years of military service both active duty and reserve and your total number of points accumulated during your career. Any other retirement (federal, civilian, social security) is not factored into your benefit.
Applying for federal retirement, I can understand how long it is taking. I retired in January and received my first annuity check in September. I did begin receiving a partial retirement in April, something like 80% of OPM's estimate and received a lump sum for all back pay in November.
As for your military retirement, that is strange. I applied on my 60th birthday and received my first check 2 months later.
Applying for federal retirement has always been a long process with excuses from OPM like lack of manpower, lack of training, transitioning from CSRS to FERS and CSRS Offset. They were working on cutting down the processing times when I retired 8 years ago but have made very little progress during that time. I am sure some of the retiree's here at TSPTalk can attest to that with their own horror stories. With the experience you have described, I just hope it has not now infected the military retirement process. That should be quick and painless.
I hope you are successful with resolving your issues as transitioning into retirement and securing "all" your benefits can be a daunting task and very stressful. Good luck!!!
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