HR 2200 would bar Coast Guard from separating enlisted members within 2 years of retirement

What does this do?

HR 2200 would require the Coast Guard to keep enlisted members on active duty if they are within two years of earning retirement eligibility, rather than allowing involuntary separation or denial of reenlistment before they reach 20 years of service. Full-time Regular members in that window must be retained until they hit 20 years. Active-status Reserve members with 18 to 20 years of service cannot be forced out without their own consent, and are kept on until they reach 20 years or until a set deadline tied to how many years they have already completed.

Who does it affect?

The bill covers enlisted Coast Guard members, both full-time Regular and active-status Reserve, who are in the 18-to-20-year service window and facing involuntary separation or a denial of reenlistment. It does not apply to separations caused by physical disability or misconduct.

Why does it matter?

Under current rules, Coast Guard members can be involuntarily separated or denied reenlistment before reaching the 20-year mark, resulting in the loss of retirement benefits they were close to earning. This bill would close that gap for a relatively small group of affected service members.

Where does it stand?