Question received and answered regarding why retired at 15 years of military service.

I got the message below via my website.  It’s a valid question, and I answered directly by email.  Then I thought maybe more are having the same question.  So, I’m publishing the answer below. (Name removed for his privacy)

Message: Hello Sir, I see materials indicating you are a retired naval officer and some that say you are a naval veteran. I would love to support you, but I need clarity on your naval career. I'm sure you appreciate that a separation at 15 years for a naval officer can point to several different scenarios and some are not as recommending as others. I hope you will take a moment to clarify the nature of you early separation. I would not necessarily bring this up, but since you are running on our shared military experience, I am curious. Thank you.

Hi ,

           Thank you for reaching out with your question.  Here's the short answer.  After I had been a LCDR (O-4) for a few years, the Berlin wall had fallen and the Soviet Union had broken up, we did some drastic downsizing.  My next assignment would have been XO (second to the CO) of a ship, but there was already a lot of officers ahead of me in that pipeline.  XO tours had already been shortened to one year as fewer ships were in the fleet.  As an O-4, even if passed over for O-5, the rules said we are allowed to stay in until retirement.  I was one of the many that they retired early, at just over 15 years.  With fewer years accrued, the pension is lower than if I had stayed longer, but other benefits are the same.  I was able to have a second career at Texas Instruments in Dallas for 29 years.  My more detailed navy career history is available on my website, LinebergerforUScongress.com and in my book "There I Was...:Life Memories from Ernest Lineberger" available on Amazon.com.  You can probably see my navy history in a free preview of the book.

      I hope that answers your question.  I appreciate your curiosity and asking before being judgmental.  

      Many people say 'Thank you for your service.'.  I like to say, and I'm saying this to you now, 'In honor of your service, I dedicate myself to peace.'

Putting People's Needs First!

Ernest Lineberger 

Democratic Candidate for US House (Texas CD26)