Blended Retirement

The Blended Retirement System (BRS) combines elements of the legacy retirement system with benefits similar to those offered in many civilian 401(k) plans. The BRS includes the following options:

Defined benefit
Defined contribution
Continuation Pay
Lump sum distribution

BRS Enrollment

All Service members with a date of initial entry into military service (DIEMS) on or after January 1, 2018 are automatically enrolled in the BRS.
The opt-in period for the majority of Service members with a DIEMS between January 1 2006 and December 31, 2017 closed December, 31, 2018.

Use the resources below to learn about the BRS. If you have further questions about the BRS or financial planning, please contact your local pay or finance office.

Training

BRS New Accessions Course (non-CAC)
Mandatory BRS Opt-In Course (CAC required)
BRS Opt-In Course (non-CAC)
Lump Sum Training Course
BRS: Leaders Course (CAC required)
BRS: Leaders Course (non-CAC)
Financial Counselors/Educators Course (CAC required)
Financial Counselors/Educators Course (non-CAC)
DoW: BRS Education Strategy

Resources

BRS Fact Sheets

Service BRS Resources

Army BRS
Navy BRS
Department of the Air Force BRS (CAC required)
Marine Corps BRS (CAC required)
National Guard BRS
Army Reserve BRS
Coast Guard BRS

Continuation Pay Rates

Lump Sum Discount Rates

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Resources

TSP Resources

Retirement Journey Videos

Retirement Journey

View the following four Retirement Journey videos to learn about eligibility for the BRS and how the Legacy High-3 and the Blended Retirement System compare at your first four years of service, mid-career and retirement.

Retirement Journey - Eligibility
Retirement Journey - First Four Years
Retirement Journey - Mid-Career
Retirement Journey - Retirement

BRS Infographics and Webinars

BRS Resources

New Accession Infographic (Active Duty)
New Accession Infographic (Guard/Reserve)
BRS Road to Retirement poster
Active Component Webinar on Blended Retirement (9/2016)
Reserve Component Webinar on Blended Retirement (10/2016)

BRS Opt-In Information

BRS Videos

BRS News Stories

DoD Successfully Closes BRS Opt-In Window

The Blended Retirement System opt-in enrollment period closed at midnight on Dec. 31, 2018, More than 400,000 DOD Service members opted into BRS during the enrollment period.

DoW Educates Military Spouses on BRS

The Department of War (DoW) continues to educate Uniformed Services spouses on the new Blended Retirement System (BRS). Service members are encouraged to discuss factors for consideration with their spouse or partner.