Massachusetts § 31 - Discharge of officers or noncommissioned officers for superannuation; retirement
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 31 — Discharge of officers or noncommissioned officers for superannuation; retirement, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31. Discharge of officers or noncommissioned officers for superannuation; retirement
Section 31. An officer or noncommissioned officer in the armed forces of the commonwealth at the age of 65 shall be honorably discharged or, upon request by such officer and pursuant to the eligibility requirements of this section, placed upon the retired list with the highest grade held in the active military service.
A member of the army or air national guard of the commonwealth, with at least a total of 20 years of service as an officer or noncommissioned officer in the army or air national guard of the commonwealth or the uniformed services of the United States, of which at least the last 5 years of service shall have been in the army or air national guard of the commonwealth or the state staff, shall be placed upon the retired list with any grade held by the member in the active military service or 1 grade higher, but not to exceed the grade of major general; provided, however, that any such member who has had federal recognition in the grade of major general may, upon request, be placed upon the retired list in the grade of lieutenant general.
Members of the armed forces of the commonwealth on the retired list accepting appointment to or a commission in the active military forces of the commonwealth may again be placed upon said retired list, at their own request.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 31
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 31 cover?
Section 31 ("Discharge of officers or noncommissioned officers for superannuation; retirement") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 31?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 31" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 31 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.