Leaving for 180+ days after applying for Citizenship

[jugi]

My 5 year period with GC is being fulfilled in January 2006. Can I apply for citizenship and then leave US for more than 180 days without any issues? Would I require a reentry permit and will this result in a lack of continuity.
Thanks

[immihelp]

As long as you are greencard holder, you should apply for reentry permit if you are going to be out of US more than 8 months.