Blended Retirement (2024)

The Blended Retirement System combines elements of the legacy retirement system with benefits similar to those offered in many civilian 401(k) plans. The opt-in period for the majority of service members closed Dec. 31, 2018. However, it's still important that you learn how to maximize your retirement choice through the information found below. If you have further questions about the Blended Retirement System or financial planning, please contact your local pay or finance office.

• How toOptIntoBRS
  • ​DFAS myPay (Army, Navy & Air Force)
  • Marine Online (MOL) Marine Corps
  • Direct Access (Coast Guard & NOAA Corps)
• Service Member's Guide to the Blended Retirement System
• Office of Financial Readiness Website
• Frequently Asked Questions (3/2018)
• Hardship Enrollment Procedures
• 5-step Retirement Decision Checklist
• Introduction to Blended Retirement (.ppt 6/2017)
• BRS Fact Sheets
  • Eligibility
  • Defined Contribution
  • Defined Benefit
  • Continuation Pay
  • Lump Sum Option
• Continuation Pay
  • CY2024 Rates
  • CY2023 Rates
  • CY2022 Rates
  • CY2021 Rates
  • CY2020 Rates
  • CY2019 Rates
  • CY2018 Rates
• Lump-sum Discount
  • CY2018 Rate
  • CY2019 Rate
  • CY2020 Rate
  • CY2021 Rate
  • CY2022 Rate
  • CY2023 Rate
  • CY2024 Rate
  • CY2025 Rate
• BRS for Military Spouses
• Leader Pocket Card
• BRS Infographics
  • New Accession Infographic (active duty)
  • New Accession Infographic (Guard/Reserve)
• Poster: BRS Road to Retirement
• Poster: Are You Opt-In Ready
  • ​TSP: Coffee Cup Contribution Plan
  • TSP: Feast on more savings in retirement
  • TSP: Walk the red carpet to retirement
• Active Component Webinar on Blended Retirement (9/2016)
• Reserve Component Webinar on Blended Retirement (10/2016)
• TSP Q&As about Opting into the BRS (6/2017)
• National Guard and Reserve Retirement Point Verification

• Lump Sum Training Course
• BRS New Accessions Course
• Mandatory BRS Opt-In Course (CAC required)
• BRS Opt-In Course (non-CAC)
• Blended Retirement System Leaders Course (CAC required)
• Blended Retirement System Leaders Course (non-CAC)
• Financial Counselors/Educators Course (CAC required)
• Financial Counselors/Educators Course (non-CAC)
• DoD Blended Retirement System Education Strategy

See how the legacy ‘high-3’ and the new Blended Retirement System compare in your first four years of service, at your mid-career and at retirement.

Retirement Journey - Eligibility

Retirement Journey - First Four Years

Retirement Journey - Mid-Career

Retirement Journey - Retirement

• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
• Military OneSource
• Navy BRS Resource Page
• Air Force BRS Resource Page (CAC required)
• Marine Corps BRS Resource Page (CAC required)
• Coast Guard BRS Resource Page
• National Guard BRS Resource Page
• Army Reserve Resource BRS Page
• Report to Congress: Implementation Plan for Modernizing the Military Retirement System, March 2016.
• FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act

Humvee Sales all of 2018

More Videos

• How to opt-into BRS
• Financial Fitness with #AskRobyn
• Calculating Coasties
• #TellRobyn Why You Chose Your Retirement Option
• On the Fence About BRS? Just #AskRobyn
• Meet Miracle Mayfield
• Caramel Macchiato Retirement Tips with #AskRobyn
• Leaving a Legacy Through Retirement Planning
• Spouses Talk Retirement
• Couch Cushions
• Charting Course
• Training
• TSP Investment funds
• Love Actually: Continuation Pay
• National Guard/Reserve opt-in/CP criteria
• #AskRobyn explains TSP account portability
• Where do I go for financial help
• The Power of Compounding
• How to calculate your defined benefit
• How to choose your retirement plan
• Pension myth dispelled by #AskRobyn
• Marine demonstration: Retirement Benefits
• Meet Robyn our BRS guru
• What is BRS?
• TSP opting into the BRS
• Senior Enlisted Advisor CSM John W. Troxell discusses changes to retirement coming in 2018

DoD Successfully Closes BRS Opt-In Window

The Blended Retirement System opt-in enrollment period closed at midnight on Dec. 31, 2018, capping off the successful roll-out of a new retirement system for members of the uniformed services. More than 400,000 DOD service members chose to opt into BRS during the enrollment period, and more than 150,000 new members were automatically enrolled upon entering the service. In total, over half a million uniformed service members are now covered by BRS and able to begin receiving portable, government-provided retirement benefits.

The Clock is Ticking

Hi there, remember me? We chatted about retirement earlier this summer — I laid out all of the basic elements of the new Blended Retirement System. I strongly encourage you to go back and check it out if you need a refresher. But now we’re quickly closing in on Dec. 31, the end of the opt-in period, and there are a few things I want to remind you of before it’s too late.

BRS vs. High-3 Legacy: Everything to Know About Your Retirement Choices

So, let’s chat retirement for a quick minute. You took the Blended Retirement System training last year, right? Probably because your boss told you to get it done so she could report 100 percent completion for your unit, right? And it was probably the most boring two hours of your life, right? So, now that we’re halfway through 2018, how much do you actually remember about BRS and retirement from that training? Not much, #amIright?

DoD Educates Military Spouses on BRS

The Department of Defense (DoD) continues to educate Uniformed Services spouses on the new Blended Retirement System (BRS). For those eligible to opt into BRS, the decision may not be easy to make, and Service members are encouraged to discuss factors for consideration with their spouse or partner before making this irrevocable decision. For Service members who decide to opt into BRS or enter the Uniformed Services after January 1, 2018 and are automatically enrolled into BRS, understanding the components of the BRS is important to maximizing the benefits to help meet personal financial goals.