Military retirement is available after 20 or more years of active-duty service (or 20 qualifying years for Reserve/Guard members). Retirement pay is calculated based on your retirement system: High-36 (legacy, pre-2018 entrants), Blended Retirement System (BRS, post-2018 entrants or those who opted in), or the older Final Pay system.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Determine your retirement system:
- Final Pay: entered service before September 8, 1980 (2.5% x years of service x final basic pay)
- High-36: entered service between September 8, 1980 and December 31, 2017 (2.5% x years of service x average of highest 36 months of basic pay)
- BRS: entered service after January 1, 2018, or opted in (2.0% x years of service x average of highest 36 months + TSP government matching up to 5%)
- Use a military retirement calculator — Estimate your retirement pay using calculators at militarypay.defense.gov or Military OneSource; account for taxes (military retirement pay is federally taxable)
- Begin transition planning 2-3 years out — Research post-military career options, start networking, attend TAP, and evaluate where you want to live
- Submit your retirement request — File through your branch's personnel system; most branches require 12-24 months advance notice; your commander and personnel office process the request up through t...
- Complete the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) — Mandatory for all retiring service members; begin at least 24 months before retirement date
- Schedule your separation physical — Complete a thorough medical examination to document all conditions; this is critical for VA disability claims
- File for VA disability (if applicable) — Use the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program 180-90 days before retirement; concurrent receipt allows you to receive both military retirement pay an...
Common Mistakes
- Not understanding BRS vs High-36
- Failing to file for VA disability before retiring
- Not electing SBP
- Ignoring tax implications
- Underestimating healthcare costs
Pro Tips
- Concurrent receipt eliminates the VA offset
- Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
- Some states do not tax military retirement
- SBP and DIC are now concurrent
- Download your records before you lose access