u/RichVegetable801

I am a federal firefighter covered under special retirement provisions and plan to retire in October 2026. I currently have a large sick leave balance (nearly 1,300 hours).

My current plan is to begin using sick leave later this year due to "stress/mental health" issues related to my current position. My treating therapist has indicated she is willing to provide medical documentation stating that I am under her care and unable to perform my current duties.

During this same period, I may have an opportunity to work as a temporary contractor at a remote overseas/overseas-like location (Space Force installation) for a few months before my federal retirement date.

My questions are:

1. If I am on approved sick leave supported by medical documentation, can I legally work another job during that time?
2. Are there OPM, ethics, or agency rules that would prohibit outside employment while on extended sick leave?
3. Has anyone here successfully navigated a similar situation close to retirement?
4. Would you recommend speaking with HR, ethics, or the union before accepting outside employment?

I am trying to make sure I stay within all applicable rules and avoid jeopardizing my retirement this close to the finish line.

I am looking for some insight from corporate recruiters, security managers, or PMs who handle OCONUS/remote DoD base operations (specifically airfield/base support services).

I am a long-time federal civilian employee (DoD) slated to officially retire at the end of this year. My local management is completely on board with me burning my accumulated leave balances over the final 5–6 months of the year, so I will be completely away from the office starting this summer while still technically on the agency's books.

A prime contractor has an immediate opening for a low-stress position at a remote installation that I am fully qualified for, and I want to start it this summer while my federal leave is burning out.

My questions from a contracting company's perspective:

1. When your HR or security teams onboard a new hire and process them through SPOT (for Letters of Authorization/flights) or DEERS (for a contractor CAC), do your systems automatically flag if that person's SSN is currently tied to an active DoD civilian payroll?
2. Have you ever had a hire get rejected by the contracting officer or system because they hadn't reached their official federal retirement separation date yet, even if they were on terminal/extended leave status with their home agency?
3. Does it make a difference to the contractor if the employee is burning annual leave (with an approved outside employment form) vs. sick leave? Does your corporate medical screening check into active federal leave status?

Trying to see if anyone has seen a transition handled this way from the GovCon side, or if the automated onboarding systems make this a non-starter. Thanks.

Just purchased a 2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD with 150,203 after getting stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) near Anchorage, Alaska. This will be my first 4Runner and my first Toyota SUV purchase.

A few details:

• 2011 SR5 4WD
• 4.0L V6
• 150,203 miles
• Clean title
• 4HI and 4LO engage properly
• No warning lights
• No noticeable fluid leaks
• Transmission shifted smoothly during the test drive
• No clunks, bangs, or suspension noises
• Recent battery replacement
• Recent fuel pump replacement
• Front and rear brakes recently replaced
• Recent oil changes documented on CARFAX
• Tires are Firestone Destination LE3s with plenty of tread remaining
• Frame has some surface rust and some factory coating peeling, but no holes or soft spots

The vehicle spent its life in Texas, so it hasn't been exposed to heavy road salt. Before he takes it to Alaska, I plan on changing the coolant, front and rear differential fluids, transfer case fluid, and applying WoolWax to the frame and undercarriage.

A few questions for experienced owners:

1. What are the most common issues I should expect between 150k and 250k miles?
2. Are there any preventive maintenance items you would do immediately before sending it to Alaska?
3. Would you service the transmission at this mileage if there is no record of previous service and it currently shifts perfectly?
4. Are the Firestone Destination LE3 tires adequate for Anchorage winters, or would you recommend a different all-weather tire?
5. Anything specific I should inspect, replace, or carry as a spare before he makes the move?

Overall, do you think this sounds like a solid purchase for a single soldier who needs reliable transportation for the next 3 years in Alaska?

Any advice or suggestion would greatly be appreciated!

Thanks!!