Calculate your military retirement benefits based on your service details and retirement plan.
| Component | Value | Calculation |
|---|
Military retirement benefits are a significant part of compensation for career service members. The system has evolved over time, with different plans available based on when you entered service.
1. Final Pay (Pre-1980): 2.5% × final basic pay × years of service
2. High-36 (1980-2018): 2.5% × average of highest 36 months basic pay × years of service
3. Blended Retirement System (2018+): 2.0% × average of highest 36 months basic pay × years of service + TSP with government matching
Key factors affecting military retirement benefits:
Military retirement pay begins immediately after separation from service, regardless of age. This is a significant advantage over most civilian retirement plans that require waiting until a specific age to collect benefits.
| Plan | Multiplier | TSP Matching |
|---|---|---|
| Final Pay | 2.5% | No |
| High-36 | 2.5% | No |
| Blended (BRS) | 2.0% | Yes (up to 5%) |
• E-7, 20 years: ~$30,000/year
• O-5, 20 years: ~$60,000/year
• E-8, 24 years: ~$45,000/year
• O-6, 26 years: ~$90,000/year
• Early retirement (before 20 years) forfeits pension benefits
• Each year beyond 20 adds 2.5% to pension calculation
• BRS includes continuation pay at 12-year mark
• Disability retirement has different calculations