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Defense Finance and Accounting Service Providing payment services for the U.S. Department of Defense

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#### **Quick ToolsaskDFAS****Forms Library****  ****Frequently Asked Questions**

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#### **Eligibility for Military Retirement Pay**

You may be qualified for U.S. Military Retirement if you:
                          - Served on active duty in the U.S Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force or Marine Corps for a period of 20 years or more; or
                          - Retired medically from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force or Marine Corps.

The following types of service count towards your qualifying years of service:
                          - Active service
                          - Active duty for training
                          - Active duty for special work
                          - Temporary tour of active duty
                          - Full-time National Guard duty
                          - Active Guard/Reserve time

##### **Eligibility for Reservists**

Eligibility requirements for Reservists are slightly different.

Qualified Reserve Component (U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard) personnel begin to draw retired pay when they have accrued 20 qualifying years of service time and reached age 60.

Broadly speaking, the following types of service time count towards your qualifying years of service:
                          - Active service
                          - Active duty for training
                          - Active duty for special work
                          - Temporary tour of Active duty
                          - Full-time National Guard duty
                          - Active Guard/Reserve time

Reserve Officers also may use service as a contract surgeon or acting dental surgeon to qualify for retire­ment through the Qualified Reserve Component.

Page updated March 31, 2015

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