As the government looks at ways to decrease the national defense budget some thoughts about increasing the retirement years beyond 20 years of service has arisen.  As an ILE student I have been impressed with my fellow officers attending the course.  I can’t help but question how many of these officers would not have stayed on active duty if the retirement years of service were greater than 20 years.  For example if the qualification for active duty retirement was for 30 years of active service would they have stayed on active duty this long?  Or if an age requirement was imposed before being able to receive a retirement check like the reserves would they have stayed?  I believe a change from the current retirement system would affect future recruiting and retention figures. The question is not just aimed at Majors but of all the ranks serving on active duty.  Would you and your fellow Soldiers serve on active duty longer, or wait till a later date to draw a retirement check?