Jason, this is confusing for me too. My LES has 10 years of service, but I have 8 active years. I think the question trulymine was asking was which column in the Pay Table would they go by?
I'll use my example: I could be paid four different ways, depending on how this works (2012 Basic Pay Table):
8 active years x E4 (w/8y TIS) x 2 = $37,809.60
8 active years x E4 (w/10y TIS) x 2 = $37,809.60
8 active years x E5 (w/8y TIS) x 2 = $45,523.20
8 active years x E5 (w/10y TIS) x 2 = $47,913.60
I understand the mathematics of computing Active and Reserve years, but once that is determined is that number then the same number they use to determine the column they are paid from in the Pay Table, or do they continue to use the same column we are paid from today in total years of service? It won't make a huge difference in the severance pay, but it would be nice to know how it works. For E4, it makes no difference after 6 years, and for an E5 after 12. Before that however, and in any other pay grade, it can be quite a large difference.
An E-6 with 18 total years in service but only 8 active:
8 active years x E6 (w/8y TIS) x 2 = $50,289.60
8 active years x E6 (w/18y TIS) x 2 = $57.436.80
In my case it will not change the outcome much, or at all. In that prior Guard or Reserve career soldier with a break in service it could be worth $7,000, which is a pretty decent chunk of change for a newly unemployed person.