The XO was commissioned in 1991. He would have 16 years in. To retire he would have to have 19 and six months. Ruff the CO has 21 in.
Ironically,the XO, an LCDR, was just designated "approved for command" in July. He would be slated for his own boat upon making 05. Neither will happen now. Don;t think the Navy is gonna let him hang around for 3 1/2 years just to pick up an 04 pension.
I thought I read on the earlier thread that once an officer reached LCDR, he was allowed to stay in until 20. Granted, the duty won't be that great, but he'll at least be able to draw a pension.
Once you hit 18 years you have hit sanctuary and are allowed to retire.
I am in a reserve unit and have had 3 reservist hit 18 years of active duty. Two of the 3 told their branch, and were given orders to report to an active duty post for their last 2 years. The 3rd rode it out in our unit and then called his branch and told them he was ready to retire.
Back in the 90s, soldiers got out with 14-16 years. Easy to get four in the last 8 years. Mobilize to go to Kosovo for a year. Mobilize to do a year in Iraq. Since my reserve unit trains reservists and National Guard units, we have had lots of soldiers mobilized. Could easily have been mobilized for the last 2 years.
Here is what I would recommend to the XO. Join a reserve unit and volunteer to go to Iraq or Afghanistan. Could be active for 12-16 months depending on the training required. While in country, volunteer again for another year, hit 18 and he is golden. Of course the navy would give him a crappy job his last 2 years but he would get his pension.