That you should  request volunteered optional retirement at least two months before the desired date.  1) Normally, CSRS pick a date at the start of the month and FERS at the end of the month.    2) Call the USPS National retirement request phone number (1-877-477-3273)and the operator will take your information and put together a retirement request package to be mailed to you.  The Operator will issue you a retirement reference number and give you a phone number (1-866-467-5563) to call if you have questions.   3) In about 4-6 weeks you should receive part one of the application.   4) Once you return part one and they receive it.  They will call you and ask you to set up with an appointment phone call to go over the application at a time that you set.   5) Two weeks after the retirement date the USPS will send the  completed package to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for processing.   6) OPM will contact you and issue you a retiree CSA number that will identify you to OPM.  OPM will contact you and let you know when you will receive annuity payments.       

~ That there is a Postal regulation identified in Employee Labor Relations Manual (ELM) 930, Work Clothes and Uniforms defines the authorized wearing of uniforms. The Inspection Service is particularly concerned about the proper disposal of Postal uniforms. ELM section 934.6a, reads in part, “When employees are separated from the Postal Service, all emblems, buttons, or other identifying insignia must be removed before the uniform is discarded.”