The Different Military Retirement Systems
There are currently four different retirement pay systems depending on when you joined the military:
| Join Date | Retirement System |
|---|---|
| Before Sep. 8, 1980 | Final Pay |
| Between Sep. 9, 1980 - Jul. 31, 1986 | High 36 |
| Between Aug. 1, 1986 - Dec. 31, 2017 | High 36 or CSB/REDUX |
| After Jan. 1, 2018 | Blended (BRS) |
How to Calculate Retirement Pay
For more information about these retirement systems and details on how to calculate your retirement visit our Computing Retired Military Pay page.
About the Military Retirement System
The military retirement system is arguably the best retirement deal around.
Unlike most retirement plans, the military offers a pension that starts the day you retire, no matter how old you are. That means you could start collecting a regular retirement pension as early as 37 years old. What's more, that pension check will grow with a cost of living adjustment each year.
Your surviving family members can even draw a portion of your retirement if they outlive you.
All of these retirement systems have a common thread: If you stay in the military for 20 or more years, you get a pension based on a percentage of your basic pay.
More Retirement Pay Information
Details on the CSB/REDUX system, including comparisons between the options.
All about the Blended Retirement System.
Survivor Benefit Plan Overview
Keep Up With Military Pay Updates
Military pay benefits are constantly changing. Make sure you're up-to-date with everything you've earned. Subscribe to Military.com to receive updates on all of your military pay and benefits, delivered directly to your inbox.
