Traditional system: 2.5% × years × High-36 average
Minimum 20 years required
Average of highest 36 months of base pay
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Introduction
Military retirement is one of the most valuable benefits in American compensation -- and one of the most misunderstood at the point when service members actually need to make decisions about it. A service member who entered after January 1, 2018 is automatically enrolled in the Blended Retirement System (BRS), which combines a reduced pension with 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan matching. Service members who entered before 2006 remain in the legacy High-36 system; those who entered between 2006 and 2017 chose between the two. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness administers these systems, and the difference in lifetime retirement income between a veteran who understands the BRS TSP matching versus one who does not can exceed $200,000. This calculator models both systems accurately for your grade, years of service, and expected final pay.
What This Calculator Does
This military retirement pay calculator computes monthly and annual retirement pay under both the Legacy High-36 System and the Blended Retirement System (BRS). Enter your pay grade at retirement, years of active service, and retirement system. For BRS members, enter TSP contribution history to calculate the combined monthly income from the pension and estimated TSP distributions at retirement. The calculator shows inflation protection through the annual COLA adjustment (COLA is 1% less than CPI for BRS members) and models the difference between 20-year, 22-year, and 24-year retirement timelines.
The Formula
The High-36 system calculates retirement pay as: years of active service multiplied by 2.5%, applied to the average of the highest 36 months of basic pay. A 20-year retirement earns 50% (20 x 2.5%); a 30-year retirement earns 75% (capped). The BRS uses 2.0% per year instead of 2.5%, so a 20-year retirement earns 40% (not 50%) of the High-36 average pay. BRS members receive TSP government matching (1% automatic contribution regardless of employee contribution, plus matching up to 4% on member contributions above 5% threshold). The BRS COLA is CPI minus 1 percentage point, versus full CPI COLA for High-36 retirees. The two systems converge in overall value for those who stay 20+ years with significant TSP contributions, but diverge significantly for members who separate before 20 years.
Step-by-Step Example
Identify retirement system and service years
Entry date: March 2016. System: Legacy High-36 (entered before January 1, 2018). Planning to retire at 20 years (March 2036). Pay grade at retirement: E-8 (Master Sergeant). 2026 E-8 pay at 20 years: $6,053/month. Assumed final 36-month average: $5,800/month (accounting for recent promotions).
Calculate High-36 monthly retirement
Multiplier: 20 years x 2.5% = 50%. Monthly retirement pay: $5,800 x 50% = $2,900/month. Annual: $34,800. Tax advantages: retirement pay is taxable income, but many states exempt military retirement pay (9 states fully exempt; others partially). Real after-tax monthly: approximately $2,320-$2,610 depending on state.
Calculate the same scenario under BRS
BRS multiplier: 20 years x 2.0% = 40%. Monthly pension: $5,800 x 40% = $2,320/month. TSP contribution history: contributed 5% of basic pay x 20 years + 5% matching (1% auto + 4% match) = 10% total into TSP. On average $3,500/month x 10% x 240 months at 6% return: approximately $193,000 TSP balance. At 4% annual withdrawal: $643/month. Combined BRS income: $2,320 + $643 = $2,963/month -- slightly more than High-36 if TSP was fully utilized.
Model staying additional years
Staying until 24 years (E-8): Multiplier = 24 x 2.5% = 60%. E-8 at 24 years: $6,320/month. Retirement pay: $6,320 x 60% = $3,792/month. Annual: $45,504. Each year beyond 20 adds 2.5% multiplier plus higher base pay = approximately $400-$600/month more in retirement income per additional year of service.
Real-World Use Cases
20-Year vs 24-Year Retirement Decision
A Staff Sergeant eligible to retire at 20 years models retirement income: $2,600/month (50% of E-6 at 20 years). Staying until 24 years and promoting to E-7: $3,400/month (60% of E-7 at 24 years). Difference: $800/month for life. At the average veteran male life expectancy of 76, 16 additional retirement years at $800/month extra = $153,600 more in lifetime benefits from staying 4 more years. The math strongly favors the additional service if career satisfaction and family factors allow it.
BRS Opt-In Decision for Mid-Service Members
An E-7 with 10 years service in 2018 evaluated whether to opt into BRS (one-time opportunity). Staying in Legacy High-36: 50% of High-36 average at 20 years. Opting into BRS: 40% pension + TSP matching for remaining 10 years. At 5% contribution, government adds 5% (1% auto + 4% match) = 10% into TSP for 10 years. This calculator models whether the 10-year TSP matching ($18,000-$25,000 estimated) compensates for the 10% lower pension multiplier over a 20-30 year retirement period.
Disability Retirement vs Length-of-Service Retirement
A veteran with 15 years service and a 60% VA disability rating considers disability retirement. Length-of-service retirement requires 20 years minimum (15 years does not qualify). Disability retirement under Chapter 61 can occur before 20 years if the VA disability rating is at least 30%. This calculator shows what Chapter 61 retirement would pay versus waiting to qualify for length-of-service retirement at 20 years.
Comparison
| Years of Service | High-36 Multiplier | BRS Multiplier | E-7 High-36 Monthly | E-7 BRS Pension Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 years | 50% | 40% | ~$2,530 | ~$2,024 |
| 22 years | 55% | 44% | ~$2,783 | ~$2,226 |
| 24 years | 60% | 48% | ~$3,036 | ~$2,429 |
| 26 years | 65% | 52% | ~$3,289 | ~$2,631 |
| 30 years | 75% | 60% | ~$3,795 | ~$3,036 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Calculating retirement pay based on final month's pay rather than the High-36 average. The High-36 system uses the average of your highest 36 consecutive months of basic pay -- not your final month. If you were promoted in the last 12 months before retirement, your High-36 average will be lower than your current pay, because the 36-month window includes earlier lower-grade months.
Forgetting that BAH and BAS do not count toward retirement pay. Only basic pay is used in the retirement calculation. A senior NCO with $4,000/month in basic pay and $2,500/month in BAH calculates retirement on $4,000, not $6,500. This surprises many service members who budget total compensation into their retirement projections.
Not maximizing TSP contributions for BRS members. BRS members who contribute less than 5% of basic pay to TSP leave government matching on the table. The 1% automatic government contribution begins immediately; matching contributions up to 4% begin after 60 days of service. A BRS member who contributes 0% receives only the 1% automatic contribution and misses the matching that makes BRS competitive with High-36.
Ignoring the CRDP/CRSC interaction with disability compensation. Veterans receiving both military retirement and VA disability compensation above 10% are subject to Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) rules that phase in full receipt of both. The interaction between retirement pay and disability compensation requires careful planning, especially near the 10-year retirement/20-year service thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the High-36 and Blended Retirement System (BRS)?
The Legacy High-36 system pays 2.5% per year of service multiplied by the average of highest 36 months basic pay. A 20-year retiree gets 50%, a 30-year retiree gets 75%. No TSP government matching in the legacy system (though TSP access is still available). BRS, effective for members entering after January 1, 2018, pays 2.0% per year (40% at 20 years) but adds government TSP matching: 1% automatic plus matching up to 4% on member contributions. BRS also provides a 'continuation pay' cash bonus at 12 years in exchange for 4 additional years of service. For members who serve a full 20+ years with robust TSP participation, BRS and High-36 produce comparable lifetime income. BRS significantly benefits members who separate before 20 years and can keep their TSP.
Can I receive both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation?
Yes, under Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP). CRDP allows qualifying military retirees with VA disability ratings of 50% or higher to receive both full military retirement pay and full VA disability compensation simultaneously. Previously, VA compensation reduced retirement pay dollar-for-dollar. CRDP eliminates that offset for retirees with 20+ years of service and VA ratings of 50%+. Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) is an alternative for combat-related disabilities that can be more beneficial for lower-rating retirees. Compare both CRDP and CRSC to determine which maximizes your total compensation.
How does the annual COLA for military retirement work?
Legacy High-36 retirees receive annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) equal to the full Consumer Price Index (CPI) change -- the same adjustment Social Security recipients receive. In 2026, military retired pay increased 2.8% (2026 COLA). BRS retirees receive COLA equal to CPI minus 1 percentage point (so 2026 BRS COLA was 1.8%). Over a 25-year retirement, the cumulative difference between full CPI COLA and CPI-1% COLA can reduce BRS retirement pay purchasing power by 15-20% compared to High-36 retirees at equivalent starting levels.
Is military retirement pay taxable?
At the federal level, yes -- military retirement pay is ordinary income subject to federal income tax. At the state level, it varies significantly. As of 2026, these states fully exempt military retirement pay from state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming (no state income tax). Additional states with full or substantial exemptions include Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin -- each with different eligibility rules. Check your state's revenue department for current rules.
Accuracy and Disclaimer
Military retirement pay calculations are estimates based on 2026 pay tables and current retirement system rules. Actual retirement pay is determined by your official DD-214 years of creditable service, official High-36 computation by DFAS, and applicable retirement system. BRS TSP projections assume consistent contributions and a fixed return rate -- actual investment returns are not guaranteed. CRDP and CRSC rules, COLA adjustments, and tax treatment are subject to change by Congress and cannot be guaranteed. For precise retirement pay projections, use the official military retirement calculator at https://militarypay.defense.gov/calculators/ or consult your service's Retirement Services Officer at least 24 months before your anticipated retirement date. Not financial, legal, or tax advice.
Conclusion
Military retirement planning requires understanding the interplay between your pension, TSP balance, Social Security (earned through basic pay, not allowances), and any VA disability compensation. Use the VA Disability Rating Calculator to understand whether your retirement pay will be affected by disability ratings under CRDP/CRSC rules, and the Military Basic Pay Calculator to confirm your final pay grade amount that the retirement percentage will be applied to.
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