Army National Guard 

Information Guide

On

Non-Regular 

Retirement

15 April 2009

Compiled by United States Army National Guard 

and Retirement Services, ARNG LNO
FORWARD: This guide is designed for anyone with an interest in how a member of the 

Army National Guard can earn retirement points credit, qualify for retired pay for nonregular service, apply for retired pay, and all the many factors that affect each of these 

areas. The rules, links, and references are not the definitive answer on any subject covered 

here. All are subject changes in laws, directives, regulations and the determinations of the 

offices and agencies responsible for the information assembled and presented here. For 

matters concerning individual Retirement Points Accounting, contact the RPAM 

Administrator (Retirement Points Accounting Management Administrator) for the state in 

which the Soldier is a member or held membership. For specific determinations of 

retirement eligibility, the RPAM Administrator can refer questions to Human Resources 

Command – St Louis (HRC-St Louis). Send comments and recommendations on this guide 

to the Personnel Policy and Readiness Division at: Chief, NGB, ATTN: NGB-ARH, 1411 

Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202-3231
Table of Contents

Contents (Listed by subject and paragraph number)

Chapter 1

Introduction

Purpose • 1-1

Background • 1-2

Chapter 2

Non-Regular Service Retirement

Qualifying years of satisfactory service • 2-1

Establishing anniversary years • 2-2

Adjustments and exceptions to anniversary years • 2-3

Partial years • 2-4

Limits on retirement points • 2-5

Retirement credits by activity • 2-6

Retirement Points Accounting Management (RPAM) system • 2-7

Chapter 3

Eligibility for Retired Pay for Non-Regular Service

Eligibility • 3-1

Qualifying years of service • 3-2

Additional requirements • 3-3

Physical disabilities • 3-4

Notifications of eligibility • 3-5

Status upon receipt of 20 Year NOE • 3-6

Reissuance of the 15 or 20 Year NOE • 3-7

Chapter 4

Separation from Active Status and Continuation

Eligibility • 4-1

Separation Authority • 4-2

Serving in the ARNG until age 60 • 4-3

Grade in which retired • 4-4

Assignment to the Retired Reserve • 4-5

Recall and return to service • 4-6

Military service recognition • 4-7

Chapter 5

Application for Retired Pay

Basic requirements • 5-1

Responsibilities to retirees • 5-2

Eligibility ages • 5-3
Processing retirement packets • 5-4

Calculation of Retired Pay • 5-5

Matters of pay grades • 5-6

Chapter 6

Retiree Benefits and Related Matters

Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) • 6-1

Benefits before receipt of retired pay • 6-2

Benefits upon receipt of retired pay • 6-3

Chapter 7

Retirement Briefings

Content and structure • 7-1

Resources • 7-2

Outside agencies • 7-3

Information sources • 7-4

Chapter 8

Death Notification and Annuity Claim Procedures

Death Notification Procedures • 8-1

Processing a Claim for Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) • 8-2

Death of Retiree • 8-3

Appendixes 

Appendix A

References A-1

Appendix B

Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RC-SBP)

Overview B-1

RC-SBP Options B-2

RC-SBP Elections B-3

RC-SBP Premiums and Benefits B-4

Survivor’s RC-SBP Annuity B-5

RC-SBP Election, Active Service Retirement B-6

Distribution of RC-SBP Election Form B-7

Change Forms B-8

SBP Termination B-9

Additional Information pertaining to RC-SBP B-10

Appendix C

Automatic Election Memorandum for RC-SBP C-1
Appendix D

Death Notification Procedure Memorandum D-1

Appendix E

Presidential Recognition Upon Retirement E-1

Appendix F

Important Documents F-1

Appendix G

Table of Retiree Benefits G-1

Appendix H

TRICARE Benefit H-1

Appendix I

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Entitlements

VA Benefits and Selected Reserve I-1

Eligibility for ARNG Soldiers I-2

Health Care I-3

Combat Veterans Eligibility for VA Health Care Benefits Extended I-4

Concurrent Receipt and Combat-Related Special 

Special Compensation (CRSC) I-5

Education I-6

Dependent’s and Survivors’ Benefits I-7

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment I-8

VA Life Insurance I-9

Home Loan Guaranty I-10

Burial Benefits I-11

VA Contact Information I-12

Appendix J

Social Security Administration

Military Service and Social Security J-1

Death of Retiree or Family member J-2

Appendix K

Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)

Defense Retiree and Annuitant Pay System (DRAS) K-1

Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) K-2 

My Pay link K-3

Retiree Seminars K-4

Glossary
Chapter 1

Introduction

1-1. Purpose

This guide provides information pertaining to earning credit towards retired pay for non-regular 

service and all related matters. This information is provided to complement official information 

for ARNG Soldiers as they approach and enter the retired stage of their military lives. It does 

not replace existing guidance provided by Human Resources Command, St. Louis (HRC-STL) in 

AR 135-180, Qualifying Service for Retired Pay Non-regular Service, and other instructions and 

information provided by them.

1-2. Background

Retired pay for non-regular service, the complement to retired pay granted to Regular and other 

members at the end of at least 20 years of active service, was authorized for members of the 

Reserve Component in 1949. There have been few changes over the years, such as the 

requirement for the 20 Year Notification of Eligibility for Retired Pay at Age 60 (NOE) in 1966, 

referred to throughout the Guide as the 20 Year NOE, and the several laws and programs that 

have resulted in the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RC-SBP). The 60-points 

Inactive Duty Training (IDT) limit per anniversary year has been changed several times, as well, 

resulting in the limit today of 130 IDT points per year. There have also been the addition of 

Inactive Duty Funeral Honors Duty points not subject to the IDT point caps, the Temporary 

Early Retirement Authority, currently not authorized, to help draw-down the forces when 

needed, the authorization to issue a 15 Year Letter Notification of Eligibility for Retired Pay at 

Age 60 (NOE), referred to throughout this Guide as the 15 Year NOE, for retired pay for 

individuals disqualified from continued military service due to medical disqualification or 

disability, and most recently, the implementation of a reduced eligibility age for the payment of 

retired pay for periods of service performed under certain conditions.

Chapter 2

Non-regular Service Retirement

2-1. Qualifying years of satisfactory service

a. Soldiers must have 20 qualifying years of service to be eligible for retired pay for nonregular service. A qualifying year is an anniversary year in which Soldiers earn at least 50 

retirement points from all sources.

b. Soldiers who do not earn at least 50 points during a full anniversary year will receive 

credit for the points they earned, but the year cannot be counted as one of the 20 qualifying years 

required for eligibility for retired pay for the points earned, in accordance with NGR 680-2. 

Extra points earned in one anniversary year cannot be carried to another anniversary year in 

order to claim that year as a qualifying year. Each anniversary year has to stand on its own.

2-2. Establishing anniversary years

Anniversary years are full-year periods calculated from anniversary year dates. These years are

established, with the exceptions listed in paragraphs 2-3 and 2-4 below, upon entry into an active 

status in any component of military service, Regular or Reserve, effective 1 October 1995. Prior 
to 1 October 1995, anniversary years were established upon entry into a Reserve Component 

status.

2-3. Adjustments and exceptions to anniversary years

a. The start date for each successive anniversary year will not be adjusted unless the Soldier 

has a break in service. A break in service for this purpose occurs only when a Soldier transfers 

to an inactive status list, the Inactive Army National Guard (ING), a temporary disability retired 

list, the Retired Reserve, or is discharged to civilian life for longer than 24 hours. There will be 

no break when a Soldier moves directly from one Service or Component to another while in an 

active status.

b. For Soldiers with a break in service, their revised or adjusted anniversary year start dates 

will be the date of return or reentry into an active status.

c. For officers with Reserve service as a cadets or midshipmen at a Service Academy or in a 

ROTC Program, the dates for the start of their initial anniversary years will be the dates they 

entered into active service or active status minus any service as a cadet or midshipmen.

d. In the case of enlisted members of the Armed Forces (who served as cadets or 

midshipman but who did not later receive or who do not currently hold a commission as an 

officer), service as a cadet or midshipman at a service academy shall be included and counted as 

active duty.

2-4. Partial years

a. A partial qualifying year is any period less than 12 full months in which the retirement 

points credited to the Soldier, when computed proportionally, are equal to or greater than 50 

points. Soldiers, with partial years as a result of a break in service during an anniversary year, 

must meet the Minimum Point Requirement for Partial Year standards in the chart by that name 

in NGR 680-2 or in the RPAM program. RPAM – the Army National Guard’s automated 

Retirement Points Accounting Management system – automatically determines the amount of 

Soldiers' qualifying points and service based on entry and maintenance of their retirement point 

history.

b. Partial years of qualifying service may be combined and credited towards total qualifying 

service to determine eligibility.

c. Membership points for partial years will be credited proportionally using the table in NGR 

680-2, appendix R for that purpose.

d. On completion of a partial year, points for attendance and drills or equivalent training 

(ET), prorated membership points, and other points such as for correspondence courses will be 

totaled. While all IDT retirement points are recorded in the Soldiers’ records, the total number 

eligible for credit toward retired pay for non-regular service in each whole or partial year cannot 

exceed either the number of IDT points creditable for the year per table 2-1 below, or the actual 

number of days in the partial year, whichever is fewer.

e. In each partial year, in addition to the IDT points in (d) above, the Soldiers' total inactive 

duty funeral honors duty points and active service points will be added to the total allowable IDT 

points but, again, the total points earned during that partial anniversary year credited for retired 

pay for non-regular service will not exceed the number of actual days in the partial year.

2-5. Limits on retirement points

a. All Reserve retirement points earned by Soldiers are recorded in their Retirement Points 
Account.

b. Members of a Reserve Component in an active status may have credited to them for 

retired pay no more than the following numbers of retirement points for inactive duty training 

(IDT) in an anniversary year, regardless of the total earned whether paid or unpaid, as follows:

c. All points for active service (active duty under Title 10 or Title 14 U.S. Code, or FullTime National Guard Duty under Title 32, U.S. Code) and for Inactive Duty Funeral Honors will 

be recorded in their respective categories, whether paid or unpaid.

d. In no event will the sum of points credited from these sources – the total allowable for 

IDT plus the total IDFH, plus the total of active service points – may not exceed the number of 

days in an anniversary year: 365 or 366 points for a full year, or the actual number of days in a 

partial year.

2-6. Retirement credits by activity

Reserve retirement points are credited on the following bases:

a. One point for each day of active service, paid or unpaid, which includes:

(1) Active duty under Title 10, U.S. Code or, for service in the Coast Guard, Title 14, U.S. 

Code; and

(2) Full-Time National Guard Duty under Title 32, U.S. Code (previously called Full 

Time Training Duty).

b. One point for each inactive duty period, whether paid or unpaid, for the following types of 

training (followed by the current coding system):

(1) Regularly scheduled Unit Training Periods or Assemblies (UTA, MUTA) (Code 11)

(2) Equivalent Training periods or assemblies (ET) (Code 21)

(3) Additional Flying and Flight Training Period (AFTP) (Code 31)

(4) Additional Unit Training Assembly (AUTA) (for unit, group, or individuals)

 (Code 41)

(5) Jump Proficiency Additional Unit Training Assembly (Code 42)

(6) Junior Leader Training for Civil Disturbance (JLTCD) (Code 51)

(7) Nuclear Weapons Surety Readiness Proficiency (Code 61)

(8) Readiness Management Period (Training Support) (RMP) (Code 71)

(9) Additional Training Period (ATP) (Code 81)

(10) Additional Simulation Training Period (ASTP) (Code 82)

(11) Mobile Conduct of Fire Training (MCOFT) (Code 82)

(12) Readiness Management Period (Management Support) (RMP) (Code 91)

Table 2-1

IDT Retirement Point Limits per Anniversary Year

Membership between Maximum IDT Points per 

Beginning Ending Anniversary Year

1-Jul-1949 22-Sep-1996 60

23-Sep-1996 29-Oct-2000 75

30-Oct-2000 29-Oct-2007 90

30-Oct-2007 Present 130
c. Membership points at the rate of 15 per year for each year of service in an active status. 

This will be pro-rated for partial anniversary years.

d. 50 points for each year as a student in a Health Professions Financial Assistance Program 

under section 2126(b) of Title 10, U.S. Code.

e. One point for each three credit hours of approved correspondence course program work 

successfully completed, provided the Soldier is or was not on active service at the time of 

completion.

f. One point for each day on which Funeral Honors Duty (IDFH) is performed for at least 

two hours and which are not performed in any form of active service (shown on NGB Form 

23A1, Detailed Point Statement as a code 44).

2-7. Retirement Points Accounting Management (RPAM) system

RPAM (formerly known as Retirement Points Accounting System (RPAS) was implemented to 

facilitate compliance with a number of laws and to provide an automated method to ensure 

timely recording and verification of all retirement points earned during an ARNG Soldier’s 

career. Soldiers will receive an NGB Form 23A and A1 (Annual and Detailed Point Statements) 

on an annual basis, per NGR 680-2, paragraph 2-7 (currently pending publication). This 

provides an opportunity for the Soldiers to identify errors and ask for corrections in a timely 

manner. The goals for RPAM are:

a. Provide an accurate record of all military service and participation to all Army National 

Guard (ARNG) Soldiers each year. The NGB Form 23A, B, or C, when certified by the 

MPMO/G-1, is a source document to prove all retirement points.

b. Provide an automated 20-Year NOE (NGB 23D) to each ARNG Soldier within one year 

after completion of the 20th qualifying year of service.

c. Provide a valid data source for use by the Department of Defense in projecting future 

retirement costs. (Reserve Component Common Personnel Data System (RCCPDS) Report 

generated monthly by NGB).

Chapter 3

Retirement Eligibility

3-1. Eligibility

Section 12731 of Title 10, U.S. Code, provides that "a person is entitled, upon application, to 

retired pay ... " who has reached the age of eligibility for retired pay, has completed at least 20 

years of qualifying service, and for certain persons, completed any additional service 

requirements, and not be entitled under any other provision of law to retired pay from an armed 

force or retainer pay from the Fleet Reserve or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve. There is also a 

disqualification for persons who served before 16 August 1945 and did not meet certain 

requirements.

3-2. Qualifying years of service

a. Traditional or former traditional Soldiers must be at least 60 years of age or qualified for 

reduce retirement age per paragraph 5-3.

b. They must have performed at least 20 years of qualifying service, as indicated above, 

computed under section 12732 of Title 10, U.S. Code.
c. Soldiers who are medically disqualified from future service for physical disability or other 

medical disqualifications must have served at least 15, and less than 20 years of service, per 

section 12731b of Title 10 U.S. Code. Paragraph 3-6b explains the procedure for Soldiers to be 

issued the 15 Year NOE.

d. Soldiers and former Soldiers must not be entitled, under any other provision of law to 

retired pay from an armed force or retainer pay as a member of the Fleet Reserve or the Fleet 

Marine Corps Reserve.

e. Soldiers and former Soldiers must submit applications for retired pay to the service in 

which they last served (the service assigned to at time of discharge or transfer to the Retired 

Reserve).

f. Paragraph 3-3 below, explains qualifications for the 20 or 15 Year NOE of retired pay at 

age 60.

3-3. Additional requirements

Soldiers who attain 20 qualifying years on or before 25 April 2005 must meet the last 8 or 6 rule, 

as stated below in the note section. Soldiers who complete 20 qualifying years on or after 26 

April 2005 are not required to meet a minimum Reserve Component service rule to qualify for 

retired pay.

a. The Last 8 Rule: Soldiers who completed 20 qualifying years of service prior to 5 

October 1994 must have served their last eight years of their qualifying service in other than a 

Regular Component, the Fleet Reserve, or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve. Their first 12 years 

are not considered, only the last eight. This service need not be the actual last eight years of 

military service, nor do the years have to be continuous. Also, service performed concurrently in 

a Reserve Component while serving on extended active duty in the strength of the Regular 

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard is not creditable for determining the last

eight years. However, RC service while in AGR, mobilized, or short periods of active service 

solely as a member of a RC will be used to meet the rule.

Example--Last 8 Rule: A Soldier enlisted in the USAR and served 14 years. She was enlisted 

or appointed into the RA and served seven years, and reached her 20th qualifying year in 1993. 

When she returns to the ARNG (or another reserve component), she must serve six additional 

qualifying years in an active status in a Reserve Component to become eligible for a 20 Year 

NOE. The reason is the Soldier’s 13th and 14th years, and her 22nd through 27th years are 

required to make up “the last eight years” of her total service.

b. The Last 6 Rule: Soldiers who completed 20 qualifying years of service during the 

period beginning on 5 October 1994 and ending on 25 April 2005 must have served their last six 

years of their qualifying service in other than a Regular Component, the Fleet Reserve, or the 

Fleet Marine Corps Reserve. Their first 14 years are not considered, only the last six. This

service need not be the actual last six years of military service, nor do the years have to be 

continuous. Also, service performed concurrently in a Reserve Component while serving on 

extended active duty in the strength of the Regular Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or 

Coast Guard is not creditable service for determining the last six years. However, RC service 

while in AGR, mobilized, or short periods of active service solely as a member of a RC will be 

used to meet the rule. From 1 January 2002 through 30 September 2002, a temporary last 6 rule 

was eliminated in a change in law, and that period reverted to the last 8 rule in (a) above. A later 

provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 corrected the last 6 

rule to what is described here.
Examples--Last 6 Rule with consecutive time: A Soldier served in the RA for 16 years. He 

was enlisted or appointed in the ARNG and reached his 20th qualifying year on 25 April 2005. 

The Soldier’s 17th through 20th years count for four years, and he must serve an additional two

qualifying years to meet the last 6 rule.

Example--Last 8 or 6 Rule with non-consecutive time: A Soldier enlists into the ARNG and 

serves 10 years, then transfers and serves five years in the USMCR, and then joins the RA and 

serves four years for a total of 19 years.

For the last 8 rule in this example, this Soldier must serve an additional five qualifying years 

in an active status in other that a Regular Component to become eligible for retired pay for nonregular service because only the 13th, 14th, and 15th years count towards the last 8 rule.

For the last 6 rule in this example, this same Soldier must serve an additional five qualifying 

years in an active status in other than a Regular Component to become eligible for retired pay for 

non-regular service because only the 15th year count towards the last 6 rule.

3-4. Physical disability

 a. Soldiers who cannot continue in service due to medical disqualification (those injured, ill 

or diseased, or who aggravate an existing medical condition and those disqualified from 

continued service by a medical disability) who are not retired per chapter 61 of Title 10, U.S. 

Code and individuals who are disabled per section 12731b of Title 10, U.S. Code, may be issued 

a 15 year NOE. See paragraph 3-5b below. 

 b. Severance Pay. Soldiers subject to separation as a result of a Physical Evaluation Board 

(PEB), per AR 635-40, might not be medically retired with retired pay. Soldiers who have 

received their 20 Year NOEs will be offered specific options dealing with their separation. One 

of them states specifically in paragraph 4-19l(2)(c): "When a Soldier has a rating of less than 30 

percent and has at least 20 qualifying years for retirement for non-regular service: “You have the 

option of accepting discharge with disability severance pay and forfeiting retirement for nonregular service; or you may request transfer to the Retired Reserve and receive retired pay at age 

60. According to Title 10, United States Codes, Sections 1209 and 1213, (10 USC 1209 and 

1213), you will forfeit all rights to retired pay if you accept severance pay instead of transfer to 

the Retired Reserve.” Soldiers who elect to accept the severance pay should be counseled in 

writing using the DA Form 4856 on the forfeiture of non-regular retired pay and the loss of 

entitlement to benefits for themselves and their family except those available to most veterans. 

3-5. Notifications of eligibility

This paragraph describes the NOE for Retired Pay for Non-Regular Service commonly referred 

to as the 20 Year and 15 Year NOE.

a. 20 Year NOE

(1) The RPAM system identifies Soldiers eligible to receive their 20 Year NOEs on a 

monthly basis or for a specific Anniversary Year Ending (AYE) date. RPAM Administrators

retrieves the lists of potentially eligible Soldiers and verifies all entries with appropriate source 

documents. RPAM Administrators, after verification of each Soldier’s service should issue the 

20 Year NOE within 60 days after each Soldier’s AYE date of the 20th qualifying year. By law,

the NOE will be issued no later than one year after the date of eligibility. RPAM Administrators 

forward 20 Year NOEs and Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RC-SBP) forms and
counseling requirements forwarded to units for presentation to eligible Soldiers. The law 

requires this notification be provided with the NOE. Appendix B provides specific information 

and procedures pertaining to RC-SBP. 

(2) Soldiers who might be eligible for their 20 Year NOEs before the end of their next 

AYEs may be eligible to request discharge and retirement prior to their next AYE dates. RPAM 

will not show these Soldiers as eligible for their NOEs until after the AYE dates of the years in 

which the completed 20 qualifying years of service and will not generate the 20 Year NOEs until 

then. Soldiers may request discharge and transfer to the Retired Reserve after they have earned 

50 retirement points in their Anniversary Year or partial year before issuance of a manual 20 

Year NOE. 

RPAM Administrators may issue manual 20 Year NOEs only upon:

(a) Approval for discharge and transfer to the Retired Reserve on specific dates;

(b) Verification that these Soldiers have earned at least 50 retirement points in the partial 

years of service;

(c) That these Soldiers' total qualifying service equals 20 qualifying year of service; and

(d) Upon issuance of the discharge and transfer orders.

(3) Soldiers, who remain in the ARNG in an active status and do not request discharge 

and transfer, will not receive their NOEs until the RPAM system generates them after their next 

Anniversary Year Ending dates.

b. 15 Year NOE

The RPAM Administrators may issue 15 Year NOEs to Soldiers who no longer meet the 

qualifications for membership in the Selected Reserve solely because they are unfit for physical 

disability, whose disability was not the result of their intentional misconduct, willful neglect, or 

willful failure to comply with standards for retention, was not incurred during a period of 

unauthorized absence, and who have served at least 15 years, but less than 20 years of qualifying 

years of service, and meet all other eligibility criteria. The 15 Year NOE is issued manually by 

the RPAM Administrator when competent medical authority (usually State Surgeon or a medical 

board) provides written notice of the disqualification, and only when separation (retirement and 

transfer, or discharge) orders are issued. RPAM Administrators provide the 15 Year NOEs and 

Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RC-SBP) counseling requirements to the Unit or a 

designated individual for presentation to each affected Soldier. Appendix B provides specific 

information and procedures pertaining to RC-SBP.

c. Authenticating Official

Authentication of the NOE will be by the official immediately responsible for the determination 

of the eligibility of the Soldier being notified. The MPMO/G-1 is designated that official. This 

authority may not be further delegated. Note: An Acting MPMO/G-I may not authenticate. In 

the event the state does not have an appointed MPMO/G-1; the State Adjutant General would be 

the authenticating official.

d. Revocability. If an NOE is issued erroneously, and the member is not complicit in a fraud 

to obtain the NOE, it generally is not revocable but only in the computation of the 20 qualifying 

years of service. The portion of Title 10 that covers this is:

(1) Section 12738 of Title 10, U.S. Code which states "(a) After a person is granted 

retired pay under this chapter, or is notified in accordance with section 12731(d) of [Title 10]

that the person has completed the years of service required for eligibility for retired pay under 

this chapter, the person’s eligibility for retired pay may not be denied or revoked on the basis of 

any error, miscalculation, misinformation, or administrative determination of years of service 
performed as required by section 12731(a)(2) of [Title 10], unless it resulted directly from the 

fraud or misrepresentation of the person." and "12731(b) The number of years of creditable 

service upon which retired pay is computed may be adjusted to correct any error, miscalculation, 

misinformation, or administrative determination and when such a correction is made the person 

is entitled to retired pay in accordance with the number of years of creditable service, as 

corrected, from the date the person is granted retired pay."

(2) Importantly, in the citation above, section 12731(a)(2) refers to a current or former 

Soldier who "has performed at least 20 years of service computed under section 12732 of [Title 

10]". It does not protect the person to whom an erroneous notification of eligibility for retired 

pay for non-regular service was issued when the last 6 or last 8 years rule was not computed 

correctly. That requirement is stated in section 12731(a)(3) as "in the case of a person who 

completed the service requirements of paragraph (2) before 25 April 2005, performed the last six 

years of qualifying service while a member of any category named in section 12732(a)(1) of

[Title 10], but not while a member of a regular component, the Fleet Reserve, or the Fleet Marine 

Corps Reserve, except that in the case of a person who completed the service requirements of 

paragraph (2) before 5 October 1994, the number of years of such qualifying service under this 

paragraph shall be eight...".

3-6. Status upon receipt of 20 Year NOE

a. ARNG Soldiers who receive 20 Year NOEs have four options:

(1) Remain in the ARNG and continue to perform inactive duty training, annual training 

and other period of active service depending on their training and pay category, or remain on the 

active status list of the Standby Reserve and continue to perform unpaid training for the purpose 

of accumulating retirement points. Soldiers who receive their 20 Year NOEs before they 

complete 20 years of active service and eligibility for retirement for active service length of 

service under Title 10, U.S. Code per section 3911 (commissioned officers), 1293 (warrant 

officers), or 3914 (enlisted) may continue in active status unless they otherwise must be 

separated from an active status. Individuals separated for medical reason under chapter 61 of 

Title 10, U.S. Code, may not continue in an active status. Certain of these individuals may be 

eligible for 20 Year NOEs. Soldier must earn a minimum of 50 retirement points per AY to 

remain in a drilling status in the ARNG.

(2) Request discharge from the Army National Guard and transfer to the Retired Reserve

to await eligibility for retired pay (age 60 or reduced eligibility age).

(3) Request discharge from the Army National Guard and transfer to the IRR, provided 

Soldiers have a remaining contractual obligation, or to the Standby Reserve (active status list) 

and continue to perform unpaid training for the purpose of accumulating retirement points. 

Soldier must earn a minimum of 50 retirement points per AY to remain in the IRR.

(4) Request discharge from the ARNG and as a Reserve of the Army. This removes the 

potential for recall to active status and possibly, active duty, but severs the ties that provide 

information, notifications of changes in benefits and other programs. Importantly, there will not 

be any kind of notification notice of the requirement to submit an application for retired pay from 

HRC-STL, as the Soldier approaches age 60. These former Soldiers should contact HRC-STL or 

the MPMO/G-1 of the state in which they served before being separated to civilian life in order 

to request assistance.
b. ARNG Soldiers who receive their 15 Year NOEs have only two options available in 

paragraphs 3-6a(2) and a(4) above because they are disqualified from further service, and their 

15 Year NOEs are issued only when separation orders are issued.

Note: Regardless of the option chosen, the member is entitled to receive retired pay at age 60, or 

earlier if qualified under the reduced eligibility age, but must apply for it.

3-7. Reissuance of the 15 or 20 Year NOE

Normally, a 15 or 20 year letter will not be reissued. However, Soldiers or Retirees may contact 

the MPMO/G-1 to request a copy of their 15 or 20 year NOEs to replace those lost or misplaced. 

RPAM Administrators who cannot locate a copy in the individuals' state records or at HRC-STL 

may issue replacements. Copies located in records may be made and issued as a “Certified True 

Copy”. When copies cannot be located, RPAM Administrators may reissue the NOE provided 

the eligibility criteria was previous met, and annotate on the 15 or 20 year letter “(Reissue)” at 

the end of the subject line and type the following statement on the bottom of the NOE: “This 

Notification of Eligibility for Retired Pay at Age 60 is reissued to replace a previously issued 

NOE that was lost or misplaced and cannot be located in the above named Soldier’s iPERMS, 

state record or HRC St. Louis file. This reissue does not authorize the soldier to enroll in or 

change their previously elected Reserve Component Survivor Benefits Plan (RCSBP) option.” 

and the MPMO/G-1 will sign it. RPAM Administrators will submit a copy of each reissued 

NOE to file in the individual's state record and a copy to HRC-STL for inclusion in their records 

and to verify entitlement to retired pay. 20 Year NOE reissue at Appendix D and 15 Year NOE 

reissue at Appendix E NGR 680-2, currently pending publication.

Chapter 4

Separation from Active Status and Continuation

4-1. Eligibility

All ARNG personnel issued 20 or 15 year NOEs are eligible for transfer to the Retired Reserve, 

unless under an involuntary retention measure, such as stop loss, legal or medical hold, etc.

a. Soldiers who are separated for any reason other than maximum age or maximum years of 

service, and have 20 or more qualifying years of service towards a non-regular retirement will be 

discharged from the Army National Guard and as a Reserve of the Army unless they apply in 

writing for transfer to the Retired Reserve.

b. Soldiers who elect discharge will be counseled in writing regarding the effects on 

retirement benefits and retired pay. References: NGR 600-200, chapter 8 for Enlisted, NGR 

635-100, chapter 5 for Commissioned Officers, and NGR 600-101, chapter 10 for Warrant 

Officers.

4-2. Separation Authority

The separation authority will not approve requests for separation until they verify that:

a. Soldiers have completed all remaining service obligations, such as for bonuses, promotion 

and appointment (except for those discharged for maximum age, maximum years of service, or 

medical disability).

b. Soldiers have received their 20 Year NOEs. If they have, they should remain members of 

the ARNG in an active status until they receive their NOEs unless their separation is required by 
law. Soldiers who still request discharge or separation should be counseled in writing on DA 

Form 4856 (and a copy retained in their state records) of the potential loss of future retirement 

eligibility, the related benefits, and that they may be ineligible for later reentry into an active 

status to gain eligibility. Soldiers who have 18, but not yet 20 years of qualifying service may 

not be involuntarily discharged unless due to misconduct. Involuntary separation between 18 

and 20 years of service requires approval from Chief, NGB. Reference NGR 600-200, chapter 8 

for enlisted, and NGR 635-100, chapter 6 for officers.

4-3. Serving in the ARNG until age 60

a. Soldiers who remain in the ARNG until age 60 will not receive an applications from 

HRC-STL advising them to apply for retired pay. Unit or state personnel should notify them, 

provide them with packets, and help them complete and submit the retirement applications as 

early as two years before their retirement dates. The effective date of retirement can be their 

60th birthday or the end of the month in which they turn 60 (no waiver required). Retirement 

dates will coincide with the application dates on their DD Forms 108. This will dictate the 

retired pay start date.

b. When Soldiers are discharged from the ARNG and transferred to the Retired Reserve, 

their RPAM records are closed out. RPAM Administrators will mail a certified NGB Form 23C 

with a copy of the separation order to HRC-STL for re-computation of their total retirement 

points earned. RPAM Administrators do this about one month after date of discharge to ensure 

retirement points earned from all sources have been posted before they close-out and have the 

NGB Form 23C certified for re-computation.

c. Soldiers’ initial retired pay will be based on the retirement points submitted to HRC-STL 

with the application. Retirement points earned from the date the record was closed out for 

submission with the packet, until the date of discharge will be added to the Soldiers record. 

HRC-STL will re-compute and submit the new computation to DFAS for back pay to the 

Soldier’s date of retirement. That figure will then become basis for all future payments.

4-4. Grade in which retired

Soldiers will retire in the grade held on the day before, or the date of, their retirements unless 

they are entitled to higher grades by law. AR 135-180 describes this process.

4-5. Assignment to the Retired Reserve

a. Soldier’s eligible for separation in accordance with paragraph 4-1, will be discharged from 

the ARNG and transferred to the Retired Reserve.

b. Soldiers transferred and assigned to the Retired Reserve are required to notify HRC-STL 

of any changes in their mailing address. Failure to comply may result in the Soldier not 

receiving their retirement packet, as explained below. Soldiers briefed before retirement about 

the importance of keeping HRC-STL informed of any changes, such as death of a beneficiary; 

birth, adoption or death of a dependent, divorce; remarriage, etc., but specifically their mailing 

address by written notification or telephonically at 1-800-318-3298.

4-6. Recall and return to service

a. Soldiers assigned to the Retired Reserve, but who are not yet eligible for payment of 

retired pay, are eligible for assignment to an active status in the Army Reserve or enlistment or 

appointment in the Army National Guard provided they were not removed from an active status 
for certain disqualifying reasons. They also are subject to retiree recall as a voluntary measure 

under limited conditions, or involuntarily subject to the needs of the Service.

b. Notification for recall to AD is by written correspondence. After two failures to report; a 

Retiree may be declared a deserter. It is essential that Retirees keep their contact information 

current with HRC-STL. This may be done on line at https://hrc.army.mil/portal, by simply going 

into My Record, select contact information and edit address, or call HRC-STL at 1-800-318-

3298.

4-7. Military service recognition

a. Presidential Recognition on Retirement from Military Service. Soldiers are eligible for 

recognition for their contributions in the Armed Forces upon retirement. Appendix E describes 

the process for Presidential Recognition on Retirement from Military Service.

b. National Guard Bureau Certificate of Service, NGB Form 35, is issued to individuals 

upon discharge from the Army National Guard in recognition of more than 20 years of honorable 

or faithful service in the Armed Forces of the United States, 10 years of which were served in the 

Army or Air National Guard, or a combination of both. State MPMO/G-1s will ensure 

certificates are prepared and sent to the individuals coordinating Soldiers' retirement ceremonies 

or last formations.

Chapter 5

Application for Retired Pay

5-1. Basic requirements

a. The 20 or 15 Year NOE is indispensable to retired pay for non-regular service. Soldiers

should store theirs with other documents pertaining to their estates.

b. HRC-STL will mail a retirement packet to the Soldiers in the IRR, the Stand-By Reserve, 

and the Retired Reserve on or about their 58th birthdays. State MPMO/G-1s will notify Soldiers 

still serving in the ARNG at about the same time to ensure they get their packets per paragraphs 

4-3a above. Soldiers who qualify for reduced retirement age for service in certain operations, 

may call or go on line with HRC-STL to request an application for non-regular retired pay. 

Soldiers who have not kept their addresses current with HRC-STL will not receive packets.

c. The Retirement Application Packet consists of the following documents:

(1) DD Form 108, Application for Retired Pay Benefits.

(2) DD Form 2656, Data for Payment of Retired Personnel.

(3) SF 1199a, Direct Deposit Sign-up form.

(4) AHRC-STL Form 1259, Approximate Point Value for Retirement Benefits.

(5) AHRC-STL Form 1459, SBP Information Sheet.

(6) AHRC-STL Form 4001, Important Information Concerning Retired Pay Application.

d. Soldiers must complete the DD form 108; DD Form 2656 and SF 1199a, attach the 

following supporting documents, and return the entire packet to HRC-STL.

(1) NGB Form 23C, RPAM statement, Application for Retired Pay. NOTE: All 

retirement points earned must be included on the NGB Form 23C. HRC-STL will not accept

manual retirement point statements.

(2) 20 or 15 Year NOE.

(3) DD Form 1883, Survivor Benefit Plan Election Certificate, or

(4) DD Form 2656-5, Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) Election 
Certificate.

(5) Promotion or reduction order.

(6) DD Forms 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

(7) DD Forms 215, Correction to DD Form 214.

(8) Approved extensions beyond age 60, if applicable.

(9) Miscellaneous Documents, such as death certificate for spouse; divorce decree; 

remarriage certificate; or other documents that affect dependency and beneficiary information 

not listed which supports the retirement application. NOTE: Soldiers and Retirees are required 

to forward death certificate or remarriage certificate to HRC-STL, effective with the death or 

remarriage. Also, RC-SBP election changes are required to be submitted in the event of death of 

annuitant or remarriage and divorce, if Retiree is not required to name former spouse on the DD 

Form 2656-1.

e. Statute of limitations. There is a six-year statute of limitations of back pay. If a retired 

pay application is filed more than six years after the Soldier’s 60th birthday, the Soldier will lose 

one day of eligibility for retired pay for each day of delay in applying. If granted an exception to 

extend beyond Age 60, the retired pay application will be filed within six years after the last 

approved extension expires, as the six-year statute of limitations will apply.

5-2. Responsibilities to retirees

The ARNG does not maintain a separate retirement program; HRC-STL is responsible for all 

ARNG and USAR Soldiers who retire for non-regular service. Former ARNG Soldiers assigned 

to the IRR, the Stand-By Reserve, and the Retired Reserve receive their retirement packet, as 

indicated above. However, the states may assist former members of their state in retirement 

matters. Completion and return of the forms contained in the packet are imperative in requesting 

retirement benefits at age 60. The State MPMO/G-1 is encouraged to offer assistance to help 

former members complete their applications for submission to HRC-STL. This function may 

include researching military personnel records maintained in the state's archives and providing 

documentation which HRC-STL may not have on file and the retirees do not possess.

5-3. Eligibility ages

a. The standard eligibility for retired pay for non-regular service is age 60.

b. Reduced Eligibility Age. Effective 28 January 2008, section 12731(f) of Title 10, U.S. 

Code authorizes reduced eligibility age for Soldiers of the Ready Reserve who serve on active 

duty in support of a contingency operations including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan or active 

service authorized by the President or the Secretary of Defense under Title 32, USC, Section 

502(f) for purposes of responding to a national emergency declared by the President or supported 

by Federal funds.

(1) Soldiers meeting the eligibility criteria, as indicated above, are eligible for reduced 

retirement below 60 years of age by three months for each aggregate of 90 days, not consecutive 

days, performed in any fiscal year after the effective date, indicated above. A day of active duty 

may be included in only one aggregate of 90 days for the purpose of reducing retirement age.

(2) The eligibility age for purposes of reduced retirement age may not be reduced below 

age 50 for Soldiers meeting the eligibility criteria.

(3) Soldiers will be responsible to maintain the appropriate source documents, i.e. DD 

Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty); DD Form 215 (Correction to 

DD Form 215), DD Form 220 (Active Duty Report), NGB Form 22 (Report of Separation and 
Record of Service), NGB Form 22A (Correction to NGB Form 22), and Leave and Earning 

Statements with active duty and Full-Time National Guard Duty orders indicating the purpose of 

the contingency operation or national emergency as indicated in paragraph (a) above.

5-4. Processing retirement packets

a. Requesting a Retirement Packet. Soldiers who do not receive packets from HRC-STL as 

stated above may ask HRC-STL by phone at 1-800-318-5298) or by writing to:

Commander, HRC-STL

ATTN: AHRC-PAP-T

1 Reserve Way

St. Louis, MO 63121-5200

Retirement application downloads are also available online at: 

https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/soldierservices/retirement/retirementapplication.htm.

b. Upon receipt and verification of a retirement packet, HRC-STL will notify the Soldier of 

any missing documentation. They will process complete packets prior to Soldier’s 60th 

birthday. Packets missing a 20 Year or 15 Year NOE and a retirement point statement will be 

denied and returned to the Soldier. Packets with a 20 Year or 15 Year NOE, but without a 

retirement points statement (NGB Form 23A, B, or C) will only receive 1,000 or 750 retirement 

points credit (20 or 15 years x 50 points per year). HRC-STL personnel, after processing the 

packet, will mail the retiree the retirement order and forward electronic information on the 

Retiree to DFAS for continued processing. When retirement point statements are later found, 

submitted, and verified, the retiree's eligibility may be determined and the pay account may be 

adjusted.

5-5. Calculation of Retired Pay

There are two retirement computation methods that affect Non-regular retired pay; they are the 

Final Base Pay and the High-Three. A Soldier’s Date Initially Entered Military Service 

(DIEMS) determines which system will be used to calculate their retired pay. A DIEMS is

established the first day the Soldier joins the military, including Delayed Entry Program (DEP) 

and cadet/Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) status. It is important to note that the 

DIEMS does not change! Specific details pertaining to both methods are listed below:

a. Final Base Pay – Applicable to Soldiers who first joined the military before 8 September 

1980, as stated in section 1406 of Title 10, U.S. Code. Years of satisfactory (equivalent) service 

will be multiplied by 2.5% up to a maximum of 75%. The percentage will be applied to the 

basic pay in effect for individuals (based on retired pay grade and years of service) on the date 

retired pay starts to determine monthly retired pay. Soldiers who separate or are discharged 

before age 60 will have their total years of service for pay determined at the time of separation. 

Soldiers who transfer to the Retired Reserve and remain until age 60 will have their total years of 

service for pay determined at age 60 or upon entry into a retired pay status (whichever is later).

b. High-36 month average – Applicable to Soldiers who first joined the military on or after 

8 September 1980, as stated in section 1407 of Title 10, U.S. Code. Years of satisfactory 

(equivalent) service will be multiplied by 2.5 % up to a maximum of 75% just as in the first 

example; however, the resulting percentage will be applied to the average of the highest 36 

months of basic pay in effect for the Soldier to determine monthly retired pay. ARNG Soldiers 

who separate or are discharged before age 60 will have their highest 36 months of basic pay 

determined at time of separation. Soldiers who transfer to the Retired Reserve and remain until 
age 60 will have their highest 36 months of basic pay determined at age 60 – generally, the pay 

scales in effect when they were ages 57, 58, and 59.

c. Soldiers interested in obtaining estimates of their retired pay should visit the HRC web

site at https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/Reserve/soldierservices/retirement/retirementcalc.asp.

d. Appendix K provides additional information pertaining to the Retired pay system, the

Defense Retiree and Annuitant Pay System (DRAS).

5-6. Matters of retired pay grades

Highest grade held satisfactorily:

a. Soldiers will receive retired pay at their HGH, provided they meet the criteria in AR 135-

180, Paragraph 2-11c(1)(2)(3) and;

(1) Meet current enlisted promotion time and grade and the Reserve Officer Personnel 

Management Act (ROPMA), for officers.

(2) Enlisted members will be promoted to their highest enlisted grade satisfactorily held 

upon transfer to the Retired Reserve, per AR 600-8-19, paragraph 7-14e

(http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r600_8_19.pdf).

b. All officer promotions to the highest grade held are processed by HRC-STL with the 

retired pay application. They will be placed on the Retired List in the highest grade held 

satisfactorily. All Retirees should include documentation to support these determinations with

the retirement applications. The following chart shows the requirements and directives used to

determine the highest grade held. Note: the rule used depends upon the reason for reduction, 

separation or retirement; and if the action was voluntary or involuntary.

Status Voluntary Involuntary

Enlisted E-1 thru E-6 1 year 185 Days

 E-7 thru E-9 2 years 185 Days

(AR 600-8-19, Ch 7

Officer O1 – O4 6 months 185 Days

O5 and higher 3 years 185 Days

(ROPMA)

Warrant Officer 31 Days 31 Days

(NGR 600-101)

Note: Involuntary separation, discharge or reduction for any reason other than misconduct. 

Soldiers reduced for misconduct are not entitled to that rank unless earned through a normal 

promotion system. Rules for involuntary timeframes are in AR 135-180. Soldiers who disagree 

with a grade action may request in writing the assistance of the Grade Determination Board (AR 

15-80) in the matter. Those reduced in grade may have their grades determined by the board.

Chapter 6

Retiree Benefits and Related Matters

6-1. Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)

DEERS is a computerized database of information on military members and sponsors (Regular, 

Guard, Reserve, and Retired) and their beneficiaries who may be eligible for medical care and 
other military privileges. The database is updated through personnel actions and when new ID 

cards are issued. Retirees who need to update family data should contact the nearest ID Card 

Issuing Facility for information on ID Card issue and DEERS enrollment, use the following web 

site to locate the nearest site to Soldier’s home of record at www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home, or 

call 1-800-538-9552.

6-2. Benefits before receipt of retired pay

Retirees and Family members are encouraged to obtain their ID cards within 90 days before the

effective date of discharge and transfer or their information will be dropped from DEERS. 

Personnel dropped from DEERS will be required to have their data reloaded by the 

DEER/RAPIDS POC at NGB, ultimately causing a delay in issuing ID cards to the Retiree and 

family members. Source documents for issuing identification cards are the 20 Year NOE, and 

Discharge and transfer orders. Appendix G is a list of benefits for Retirees who are not yet 

eligible for retired pay.

6-3. Benefits upon receipt of retired pay

As Soldiers reach their eligibility ages for retired pay, and after their applications for retired pay 

are approved and processed by HRC-STL, they will receive orders that discharge them from the 

state and transfer them to the USAR for placement on the Retired List. Soldiers who were 

previously assigned to the Retired Reserve will receive an order placing them on the Retired List. 

These orders are the source documents needed to receive their DD Form 2 (RETIRED) ID cards. 

Issuance of the DD Form 2 (RETIRED) ID card means that the previous RC retiree now has the 

same benefits and entitlements as an AD retiree provided they are at least 60 years old. 

Appendix F is a table of retiree benefits. Appendix G lists current TRICARE Benefits.

Chapter 7

Retirement Briefing

7-1. Content and structure

States conduct pre-retirement briefing Soldiers during their 18th or 19th qualifying years of 

service. These pre-retirement briefings should, at a minimum, explain RC-SBP, retirement 

benefits, effective dates of eligibility for TRICARE (Medical and Dental), discharge procedures,

and the retired pay application process. If at all possible, spouses should attend this briefing. 

Those conducting the briefing are encouraged to complete the ARNG Retirement Counselor 

Course located at the following link: https://onlinecampus.pec.ngb.army.mil/.

7-2. Resources

States use their available resources, qualified retirement personnel, RC-SBP counselors, etc., to 

reach as many Soldiers and their spouses as possible. Briefings should periodically be scheduled

throughout the year and at various locations in the state. Soldiers may be authorized 

Rescheduled Training (RST) to attend these briefings.

7-3. Outside agencies

Recommend that states invite as many outside agencies as possible to their scheduled retirement 

briefings, such as representatives from the Social Security Administration, TRICARE and other 
agencies that would be beneficial to the Soldier and their family for future entitlements and 

benefits at retirement age.

7-4. Information sources

a. Army Echoes is the HQDA bulletin for retired Soldiers and surviving annuitant spouses. 

It’s published three times a year, usually in January, May and September. Echoes reports 

significant changes to laws that affect retired personnel. Retirees should begin receiving Echoes

when they are assigned to the Retired Reserve. HRC-STL is the source of mailing addresses, 

both USPS and email, for those in the Retired Reserve. Retirees who do not receive Echoes, 

should call 1-800-318-5298, ext. 4, to make sure both their addresses are current. When Retirees 

begin receiving retired pay, their correspondence address with the DFAS-CL Retired Pay Center 

will be used for mailing Echoes. Once retired personnel start receiving Echoes, they have the 

option of receiving it by hard copy or email. Retirees can sign up for Echoes on the Army 

Retirement Services homepage at http://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/echoes.asp or they may call 

1-800-321-1080.

b. While Army Echoes is printed and mailed only three times a year, the Army offers online 

resources updated more frequently. The Army Retirement Services homepage at

http://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/ reports information for Retirees and Families, including a 

Current News section and several other links to answer a wide range of questions.

Chapter 8

Death Notification and Annuity Claim Procedures

8-1. Death Notification Procedures

a. Upon notification of the death of a Soldier that is not on active duty or is a gray area 

Retiree, the State MPMO/G-1 representative should submit a memorandum of notification to 

HRC-STL. This memorandum will initiate the annuity claim process. Appendix C is a sample 

memorandum, or claimants may mail a letter notifying HRC-STL of the Soldier's death, and 

request all benefits and entitlements due them and their family.

b. HRC-STL will mail the annuitant the following SBP Claim forms, or the annuitant may 

download the forms at the link provided below and mail to HRC-STL:

(1) DD Form 2656-7, Verification for Survivor Annuity.

(2) DD Form 2788, Child Annuitant's School Certification.

(3) DD Form 2790, Custodianship Certificate to Support Claim on behalf of Minor 

Children of Deceased Members of the Armed Forces.

(4) SF 1199A, Direct Deposit Sign-up Form.

(5) W-4P, Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity Payments.

c. Annuitants who need help to complete the above forms may contact a Survivor Assistance 

Officer, if applicable, or their State MPMO/G-1. When they return those forms to HRC-STL, 

they also must include:

(1) A copy of the final Death Certificate.

(2) A copy of the Soldier's last annual retirement point statement, NGB Form 23B.

(3) A copy of the marriage certificate or, if applicable, a divorce decree authorizing 

former spouse coverage.

(4) Common Law Marriage Documentation, when applicable. Claimants are responsible 
to prove they were common law spouses which requires proof such as filing of a Joint Federal 

Tax Return; bank statements, joint owners on all accounts; auto insurance showing both names 

on policy; car titles with both names, etc. Mail the above documentation to the following 

address:

Commander, HRC-STL

ATTN: AHRC-PAP-T

1 Reserve Way

St. Louis, MO 63132-5200

d. HRC-STL encourages Soldiers to safeguard copies of their elections and RC-SBP 

instructions with their insurance papers and other related documents. The instructions will assist 

the spouse or beneficiary with the claim process. Additional information is available at: 

https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/Reserve/soldierservices/retirement/survivorbenefit.htm.

8-2. Processing a Claim for Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)

a. HRC-STL Transition and Separation Branch is the only office that can process a claim 

under the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Program. Any claim mailed directly to the 

Defense Finance and Accounting Service Centers are not processed unless received from HRCSTL.

b. The Transition and Separation Branch, upon receipt of the above documents, computes 

the service data required for processing, attaches the original DD Form 1883 or DD Form 2656-

5, and other documents if submitted, to required documents and forwards the claim to DFASCleveland Center for payment calculation. DFAS-Cleveland builds the pay file and provides the 

payment to the claimant.

c. When HRC-STL forwards the claim to DFAS-Cleveland, they notify the surviving spouse 

by letter.

8-3. Death of Retiree

a. SBP claim procedures only apply to Retirees receiving retired pay. Since they have 

already had their retired pay calculated, there is no need to contact HRC-STL. The annuitant 

should call Defense Finance Accounting System (DFAS) at 1-800-321-1080, this number is also 

located on the Retiree’s Leave and Earning Statement. DFAS will stop the Retiree’s pay and 

mail the annuitant a SBP Annuitant packet for processing upon the notification of death. The 

claim forms are:

(1) DD Form 2656-7, Application for Annuity Under The Serviceman’s Family Protection 

Plan and/or Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP).

(2) A direct deposit form, SF 1199a, from the annuitant’s financial institution.

(3) If children are involved, a completed DD Form 2790 Custodianship Certificate to 

Support Claim on Behalf of Minor Children of Deceased Member of the Armed Forces, and a 

completed DD Form 2788 Child Annuitant’s School Certificate.

(4) W-4P Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity payment.

b. The annuitant must complete the forms received and return to DFAS for processing the 

SBP or Annuitant pay. The annuitant may contact a Survivor Assistance Officer (SAO), if 

applicable, or the State MPMO/G-1 for assistance in completing the forms. The following is a 

list of possible services and telephone numbers that may be of assistance to the family:

(1) Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) 1-800-776-2322

(2) Army and Air Force Mutual Aid Association 
(AAFMAA) 1-800-522-5221

(3) Funeral Honors 1-877-645-4667

(4) Military Benefit Association 1-800-336-0100

(5) Uniformed Service Benefit Association 1-800-368-7021

c. Arrears of Pay. Entitlement to retired pay terminates on the date of the retiree’s death. 

Arrears of pay include all unencumbered amounts due to deceased Retiree. Arrears are not due 

if the retiree waived pay in favor of a civil-service annuity. Department of Veterans Affairs 

(VA) benefits terminate on the last day of the month before death. For Retirees who waive 

retired pay for VA benefits, only retired pay is due on behalf of the Retiree for the month of 

death. A retiree’s account is place in a suspended status upon receipt of a notification of death 

from any source until the date of death can be verified. Defense Finance and Accounting Service 

(DFAS) will attempt to obtain proof of death before closing the account.

d. The Military Department concerned advises the surviving spouse or designated annuitant 

to contact the VA or the Social Security Administration on matters relating to entitlement 

benefits payable by those agencies. 

e. If the Retiree was a civil servant or retired civil servant, notify the Office of Personnel 

Management (OPM) at 1-888-767-6738.

f. Additional information and guidance is available within the DOD Financial Management 

Regulation, volume 7B, chapter 30.
Appendix A

References

Section I, Required Publications

AR 15-80

Army Grade Determination Review Board and Grade Determinations (cited in para 5-6)

AR 135-180

Qualifying Service for Retired Pay Non-regular Service (cited in title page, para 1-1, 4-4, 

and 5-6)

AR 145-1

Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program (cited in para 2-3)

AR 600-8-19

Enlisted Promotions and Reductions (cited in para 5-6)

AR 635-40

Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, or Separation (cited in para 3-4b)

NGR 600-101

Warrant Officers – Federal Recognition and Personnel Actions (cited in para 4-1)

NGR 600-200

Enlisted Personnel Management (cited in para 4-1 and 4-2)

NGR 635-100

Termination of Appointment and Withdraw of Federal Recognition (cited in para 4-1and 4-2)

NGR 680-2 Note: Currently under revision and pending publication)

Automated Retirement Points Accounting Management (cited in para 2-1, 2-4, 2-7 and 3-7)

Section II, Related Publications

AR 25-52

Authorized Abbreviations, Brevity Codes, and Acronyms

AR 27-3

The Army Legal Assistance Program

AR 340-21

The Army Privacy Program

NGR 614-1
Inactive Army National Guard 

NGR 350-1

Army National Guard Training 

NGB Pam 25-10

SIDPERS Data Element Dictionary 

AR 135-200

Active Duty for Training, Annual Training and Full-Time Training Duty of Individual Members

DOD 5400.11-R

Privacy Program

DOD 7000.14-R

DOD Financial Management Regulation, Volume 7A and B

DODI 1348.34

Presidential Recognition on Retirement from Military Service

DODI 1200.15

Assignment to and Transfer Between Reserve Categories, Discharge from Reserve Status, 

Transfer to the Retired Reserve, and Notification of Eligibility for Retired Pay

DODI 1215.06

Uniform Reserve, Training, and Retirement Categories

DODI 1215.07

Service Credit for Reserve Retirement

5 USC 8301

Uniform Retirement Date

10 USC 1223

Retired pay for non-regular service

10 USC 1293

Twenty Years or more: Warrant Officers (regular retirement) 

10 USC 1406

Retired pay base for members who first became members before 8 September 1980” Final base 

pay

10 USC 1407

Retired pay base for members who first became members after 7 September 1980: High-36 

month average
10 USC 1491

Funeral honors functions at funerals for veterans

10 USC 2126

Members of the program: Service credit

10 USC 3911

Twenty year or more: Regular reserve commissioned officers

10 USC 3914

Twenty to thirty years: Enlisted member

Title 10, Chapter 1606

Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve 

10 Chapter 1607

Education assistance for reserve component members supporting contingency operations and 

certain other operations

14 USC 286 

Discharge in lieu of retirement: Separation pay

31 USC 3702

Authority to Settle Claims

32 USC 112

Drug interdiction and counter drug activities

32 USC 114

Funeral honor functions at funerals for veterans

32 USC 115

Funeral honors duty performed as a federal function

32 USC 328

Active guard and reserve duty: Governor’s authority

32 USC 501

Training general

32 USC 502

Required drills and field exercises

37 USC 204

Entitlements
37 USC 206

Reserve; members of national guard: Inactive-duty training

37 USC 435

Funeral honors duty: Allowances
Appendix B

Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RC-SBP)

B-1. Overview

a. On 30 September 1978, Public Law 95-397 established the Reserve Component Survivor 

Benefit Plan (RC-SBP). It allows Reserve Component Soldiers to purchase the same protection 

afforded active duty personnel since 21 September 1972 with the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP).

b. RC-SBP allows retirement-eligible members to elect, at a cost of reduced retired pay 

during their lifetimes, to provide up to 55% of their retired pay to an eligible survivor upon the 

member’s death.

c. ARNG Soldiers will receive with their 20 or 15 Year NOE, RC-SBP information,

instructions, and copies of DD Form 2656-5, Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan 

(RCSBP) Election Certificate.

d. These Soldiers have 90 days after receiving the 20 or 15 Year NOE to make an election, 

sign the form and, under certain conditions, obtain eligible spouse signature as witnessed by a 

Notary Public. Since 1 January 2001, married Soldiers have been required to obtain notarized

spousal concurrence when they elect less than the maximum RC-SBP coverage. That coverage, 

called Option C (Immediate Annuity), provides an annuity based on the Retiree's full base 

amount of retired pay for spouse or spouse and children. Failure to make an election in the 90 

days after receipt of the NOE will result in automatic coverage under Option C. That will result 

in the deduction of premiums from the Retiree's retired pay when they reach eligibility age for 

retired pay.

e. Soldiers who are single, divorced, or have no dependent children, will automatically be 

covered Option A (I decline to make an election until age 60).

f. When Soldiers complete their DD Forms 2656-5 – option checked; signed, and notarized, 

if applicable – they must return them to the State MPMO/G-1 for processing.

g. Appendix B is a sample memorandum for automatic election. It describes what will 

happen when a Soldier fails to respond in the allotted time.

B-2. RC-SBP Options

There are three RC-SBP options:

a. OPTION A (I decline to make an election until age 60)

This is automatic for Soldiers who have no spouse or dependent children. It is also available to 

Soldiers with spouses. In this case, spouse concurrence with this election is required and the 

spouse's signature must be witnessed and signed by a Notary Public. Under Option A, should 

the Soldier die before reaching the age 60, no annuity is payable to the survivors. When these

Soldiers reach age 60, they will again be given the opportunity to elect SBP. NOTE: Soldiers

who are not married at the time of election or reaching age 60 may obtain coverage later should 

they marry or have or adopt a dependent child. However, they must apply for coverage, and the 

completed election must be received by HRC-STL within one year after the date they marry or 

acquire a dependent child. Coverage will not take effect until the Soldier has been married for at 

least one year unless there is earlier issue (birth of a child) from that marriage.

b. OPTION B (Deferred Annuity)

This provides an annuity beginning on Soldiers' 60th birthdays, if they die before age 60, or upon 

their death, if 60 or older. Soldiers who elect “spouse” or “spouse and child” under this option, 
require their spouses' concurrence and the spouses' election must be witnessed and signed by a 

Notary Public.

c. OPTION C (Immediate Annuity)

This provides an annuity effective on the day after Soldiers' death, regardless

of the age of the Soldier at death. Written spouse concurrence is required with this option only if 

the election is for “children only” or the base amount is less than full retired pay. NOTE: Under 

Option B or C, Soldiers can designate a spouse and/or children or former spouse and/or children 

as RC-SBP beneficiaries. Also, unmarried Soldiers with no children, or one dependent child, 

may elect coverage for a person who has an insurable interest in the Soldier's continued life. 

Caution: This option is relatively expensive: 10% of their gross retired pay plus an additional 

5% for every five years the beneficiary is younger than the Soldier with a maximum of 40% of 

their gross retired pay entitlement. If unmarried, Soldiers do not have to enroll an insurable 

interest beneficiary in order to retain their right to cover a spouse or child gained after their 

initial election. However, Soldiers must enroll them within one year after acquiring a spouse or 

child(ren).

B-3. RC-SBP Elections

There are five RC-SBP beneficiary elections:

a. Spouse Only

To be eligible for an annuity, Soldiers’ spouses must be married to their Soldiers on the date the 

Soldiers make their RC-SBP elections and married on the date of their Soldiers' or Retirees' 

deaths. In the event a Soldiers or Retirees remarry, the new spouses must be married to their 

Soldiers or Retirees for one year, or be the parent of a child by that marriage. NOTE: Effective 

1 January 2001, written spouse concurrence is required for "spouse only" elections under 

Options B and C, if at less than maximum level.

b. Child(ren) Only

Coverage of children is limited to unmarried children under the age of 18, or under the age of 22 

if in school pursuing a full-time course of study or training; or any age if incapable of selfsupport because of a mental or physical incapacity incurred while still eligible as defined above. 

NOTE: Effective 1 January 2001, married Soldiers must provide written spouse concurrence 

to cover these beneficiaries under Options B and C, at any level of coverage.

c. Spouse and Child(ren)

The same limitations as above apply here, but the children will receive an RC-SBP annuity only 

if the spouse becomes ineligible through death or remarriage before age 55. NOTE: Effective 1 

January 2001, married Soldiers must provide written spouse concurrence to cover these 

beneficiaries under Options B and C, at less than maximum level.

d. Insurable Interest

This coverage may be elected only if Soldiers are unmarried or are unmarried with a sole 

dependent child. Any person more closely related to Soldier than a cousin qualifies as a 

beneficiary with an insurable interest to the Soldier. Any other person may qualify if the 

member provides proof that the person benefits in some manner from the member's continued 

life, a business partner, for instance.

e. Former Spouse and Child(ren)
This coverage may be elected if Soldiers are unmarried with sole dependent children. Any 

person more closely related to Soldier than a cousin qualifies as a beneficiary with an insurable 

interest to the Soldier. Any other person may qualify if the Soldier provides proof that the 

person benefits in some manner from the Soldier's continued life, such as a business partner. 

NOTE: All elections for other than Insurable Interest are permanent and irrevocable.

B-4. RC-SBP Premiums and Benefits

a. There are two annuity premiums associated with RC-SBP, a monthly SBP premium and a 

monthly RC-SBP premium. The monthly RC-SBP premium is paid for past protection (from 

date of eligibility upon completion of 15 or 20 qualifying years of service per the NOE to the age 

the member becomes eligible for retired pay), for continuing SBP coverage, and is paid for life 

of the annuitant. The premium reduces the Retiree's retired pay by the RC-SBP premium. 

NOTE: No deductions for SBP and RC-SBP premiums will be required after the Retiree has paid 

for the coverage for 30 years.

b. Benefits are a percentage of the Soldiers elected base amount, which may be their full 

monthly retired pay or a lesser amount, but not less than $300. If their monthly pay is less than 

$300, then their full monthly retired pay will be designated as the base amount. The base 

amount for an insurable interest beneficiary must be the full monthly retired pay. NOTE: RCSBP cost estimates can be calculated on the Human Resources Command website at

http://hrc.army.mil/site/reserve/soldierservices/retirement/survivorbenefitpayscal.asp.

B-5. Survivor’s RC-SBP Annuity

a. Although Soldiers' RC-SBP coverage is effective immediately, payment does not begin

until Retirees' retired pay commences. Then, Retirees pay a monthly SBP premium (premium 

6.5% for spouse coverage), or a monthly RC-SBP premium for past protection and for 

continuing SBP coverage.

b. Those who chose Option A will not pay the RC-SBP premium from their retired, because 

as they did not receive pre-age 60 protection.

c. Those who chose Option B will pay less for RC-SBP premiums at age 60. However, if 

their Soldiers die before reaching the anniversary of their 60th birthdays, their beneficiaries must 

wait until the 60th anniversaries of their Soldiers birthdays before they may receive SBP 

annuities.

d. Those who chose Option C will pay higher premiums because a longer potential period of 

protection was incurred and the annuity would have been payable immediately upon the Soldiers'

deaths.

e. For Options B or C, if Soldiers die before age 60, pro-rated premiums for that coverage

will be collected from survivors' SBP annuities.

B-6. RC-SBP Election, Active Service Retirement

a. If ARNG Soldiers serve on any form of active service, they, too, must make RC-SBP 

elections when they receive their 20-year NOEs. RC-SBP coverage is payable in addition to 

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and other benefits. If Soldiers decide against or 

fail to make RC-SBP elections when they receive their 20-year NOEs, they will not have another 

opportunity to elect SBP coverage until age 60.

b. Any ARNG Soldiers who retire after completing 20 years of active service will have the 

same SBP options as all other members who retire from active service. Their previous RC-SBP 
election will be void – with no cost for past protection. For Soldiers who elect RC-SBP for their

spouses and die while on a tour of active service, their spouses' SBP annuities will be offset 

dollar-for-dollar by Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) which is payable by the 

Department of Veterans Affairs. SBP for a child is not offset by DIC.

B-7. Distribution of RC-SBP Election Forms

When designated RC-SBP counselors provide counseling to Soldiers and Family members, if 

any, they will complete and print four copies of the DD Form 2656-5, Reserve Component 

Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) Election Certificate. The counselor will obtain original 

signatures on all copies. Distribution will be to the:

a. Soldier

b. iPERMS

c. SIDPERS/RPAM

d. HRC-STL (AHRC-PAP-T)

B-8. Change Forms

Upon notification of a change in dependency status, such as marriage, divorce, birth or death of a 

child, etc., the Soldier should complete a DD Form 2656-5, DD Form 2656-6, or DD Form 2656-

1 within one year. Submit the form, with a complete copy of the source document, such as a 

marriage license, birth or death certificate; divorce decree, etc., through the State MPMO/G-1 to 

HRC-STL to establish a valid election change. These forms are available at

https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/protect/Reserve/download/index.htm

B-9. SBP Termination

Retirees may elect to discontinue SBP during the one year period beginning on the second 

anniversary of the date on which payment of retired pay commenced. The Retiree will complete 

DD Form 2656-2, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Termination Request, obtain appropriate 

signatures (if spouse concurrence is required, of spouse and SBP Counselor or Notary Public) 

and mail to DFAS. The DD Form 2656-2 explains the advantages and disadvantages of 

discontinuing SBP participation. Termination of SBP will not terminate RC-SBP premiums for 

prior coverage. SBP termination only stops premiums paid for current coverage.

B-10. Additional Information pertaining to RC-SBP

a. More specific information regarding RC-SBP can be found on the web at both

http://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/sbp.asp and https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/reserve/ Go to 

“Other Links” section and select “Veterans & Retirees”.

b. Soldier's or Retiree's may write or call:

Commander, HRC-STL

ATTN: AHRC-PAP-T

1 Reserve Way

St. Louis, MO 63132-5200

Telephone: 1-800-318-5298 or 1-314-592-0553
Appendix C

Sample Automatic Election Memorandum for RC-SBP

State Letterhead

MEMORANDUM FOR Commander, (of Soldier's Unit)

SUBJECT: Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) Automatic Option C Election

1. This memorandum is notification of non-receipt of the DD Form 2656-5 pertaining to SGT 

Robert Jones, xxx-xx-xxxx, within 90 days after his receipt of the 20 year Notification of 

Eligibility for Retired Pay for Non-Regular Service.

2. Soldiers issued their 20 Year NOEs after 31 December 2000 who do not elect Option A or B 

within the allotted time using DD Form 2656-5, Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan 

(RCSBP) Election Certificate, are considered automatically enrolled in the RC-SBP under 

Option C (Immediate Annuity). 

3. Effective with the date of this memorandum, we will enter into SIDPERS the code for Option 

C (Immediate Annuity). Therefore, the automated election will ultimately result in the cost for 

the immediate annuity being deducted from Sergeant Jones' retired pay.

4. A copy of this memorandum has been mailed to Sergeant Jones, a copy permanently filed in 

his iPERMS record, and a copy sent to Human Resources Command - St Louis for filing in his 

retirement account.

MPMO/G-1

CF:

HRC-STL (AHRC-PAP-T)
Appendix D

Death Notification Memorandum Example

State Letterhead

MEMORANDUM FOR Cdr, HRC-STL, ATTN: AHRC-PAP-T , 1 Reserve Way, St Louis, MO 

63121-5200

SUBJECT: Information on a Deceased Guardsman

1. The following information is provided pertaining to a Deceased Soldier of the (State) Army 

National Guard:

 

SOLIDER'S NAME: Brown, Joseph B. 

SOLDIER'S SSN: XXX-XX-XXXX

SOLDIER'S DOB: 20 March 1956

DATE OF DEATH: 5 December 2007

CAUSE OF DEATH: Auto Accident

SPOUSE’S NAME: Elaine B. Brown 

SPOUSE’S SSN: XXX-XX-XXXX

SPOUSE’S ADDRESS: 123 Brown Ave. Brownville, MD

SPOUSE’S TELEPHONE NUMBER: XXX-XXX-XXXX

SPOUSE’S DOB: 18 May 1958

2. Enclosed are the 20 Year NOE, DD Form 1883 or DD Form 2656-5, and the NGB Form 23. 

The original death certificate will be mailed upon receipt from the spouse.

3. The death was reported by (spouse's name).

4. If you have any questions, please call X-XXX-XXX-XXXX.

3 Encls MPMO/G-1

as
Appendix E

Presidential Recognition Upon Retirement

Army National Guard Soldiers who retire from active status are entitled to recognition of their 

service by the President of the United States as described in this appendix.

1. Reference: Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 1348.34, 13 Sep 89 with Change 2, 24 

Jul 90.

2. All military personnel who retire from the Armed Forces, including members of the Army 

National Guard of the United States will be recognized as follows:

a. A Certificate of Appreciation for Service in the Armed Forces of the United States of 

America (DD Form 2542 (which is not printed on the certificate)) will be presented to each 

Soldier who retires from active status or from the Temporary Disability Retired List, for length 

of service or due to disability. The certificate will be presented upon transfer to the Retired 

Reserve or placement on a Retired List.

b. A Letter of Appreciation signed by the President will be presented to each Soldier who 

retires from active status after at least 30 years of service . This includes those with 30 years of 

active service (active duty and Full-Time National Guard Duty) or 30 years of service in the 

Selected Reserve creditable for retired pay for non-regular service or any combination these 

statuses.

c. Medal of Honor recipients and former Prisoners of War (POW) who qualify for or who 

have been awarded the POW Medal will, upon retirement, be presented a Letter of Appreciation 

signed by the President.

3. Responsibilities.

a. DD Forms 2542 will be pre-stocked and issued by:

(1) U.S. Army Transition Points for Soldiers processed through them.

(2) State Adjutants General for ARNG Soldiers other than those processed by Transition 

Centers.

(3) Cdr, Human Resources Command, St Louis for Soldiers who have not otherwise been 

issued a certificate.

b. Requests for Letters of Appreciation signed by the President will be prepared and 

processed as follows:

(1) For all ARNG Soldiers except for those processed through Transition Centers, the 

State Adjutant General (MILPO/G-1) will prepare a memorandum, in original only on their state

letterhead, following exactly the enclosed sample and mail it approximately 70 days prior to the 

Soldiers' actual dates of retirement to:

Chief, National Guard Bureau

ATTN: NGB111 South George Mason Drive

Arlington, VA 22202 

Caution: Do not change or embellish the format or information. This is the precise information 

asked for by the White House Military Office (WHMO) in order to process these requests. Do 

not enclose or attach anything such as orders, additional copies of the memorandum, etc. The 

WHMO is set to process these letters 45-60 days before the actual date of retirement. 

Applications received 60 days after the date of retirement will not be processed. If requesting 

the letter for award ceremonies in conjunction with Soldiers' retirements, ensure the requests are 
submitted in ample time (60 days before) to be processed, issued, mailed, and received at the 

awarding headquarters. Any deviation may cause the memorandum to be rejected and thus delay 

the recognition of these Soldiers.

(2) For ARNG Soldiers retiring from active service through Transition Centers, the local 

retirement approval authority will prepare and process the memorandum through Regular Army 

channels unless otherwise specified. State MPMO/G-1 personnel may coordinate these actions 

with the servicing Transition Centers for processing by and delivery to the state when the 

Soldiers' state is conducting retirement ceremonies and related activities for their personnel.

4. Procedures. Issue certificates and letters upon discharge from the state and transfer to the 

Retired Reserve.

a. DD Form 2542. Prepare and issue DD Form 2542 and DD Form 363A (Certificate of 

Retirement) as prescribed in AR 635-5, paragraph 2-12. Using upper case letters centered in the 

space provided enter:

(1) For officers, the rank, name, and career branch followed by the component, all spelled 

out. For example:

LIEUTENANT COLONEL LAWRENCE E. COWART, MILITARY POLICE

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED STATES

(2) For enlisted Soldiers, the rank, name and component, all spelled-out. For example:

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR SHANNON THOMAS RYAN, III

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED STATES

b. Letters of Appreciation signed by the President. Type a memorandum on state letterhead 

stationery using the enclosed format, exactly, and mail to NGB as specified in paragraph 3b(1) 

above. Prepare each memorandum and submit it only in the original. Enter in the spaces 

provided:

(1) The retiree's first name, middle name or initial, last name, and any suffix. Type the 

name in upper case and lower case letters so that it will appear exactly as the Soldier uses it. For 

example, make sure that prefixes, hyphens, apostrophes, and capitalization are correct as these 

cannot be determined when the name is typed in capital (upper case) letters, or in the manner 

specified for personnel records.

(2) The rank, spelled-out completely, in which the Soldier is retiring or highest grade held. 

Also, enter in parentheses the salutation for the WHMO to use on the letter per AR 25-50, figure 

C-3. For instance, a Sergeant First Class who will be retired as a Command Sergeant Major, 

enter (Sergeant Major). Do not enter pay grade.

(3) Army National Guard of the United States.

(4) The total number of years and months of military service the Soldier will complete as 

of the date of retirement as shown in the "Creditable Service for Retired Pay" column of the 

Soldier's retirement credits record in RPAM. Some examples are: 31 years; over 40 years; 43 

years and 4 months; but not the days. Note: Time assigned to the Retired Reserve before the 

Soldier reaches 60, and time assigned to the Inactive Army National Guard (ING), the 

Temporary Disability Retired List, or the Standby Reserve on the Inactive Status List do not 

count.

(5) The actual date of the retirement (from the retirement order).
(6) Retirement Ceremony Date. See also the last sentence of (9) below.

(7) The Soldier's home mailing address. This may be the street, post office box or rural 

route, plus city, state and ZIP Code. Although the letter may be sent to another address for a 

ceremony, the request will not be processed without the Soldier's home mailing address.

(8) The unit address and the address of the awards section or commander or other 

designated official to whom the letter should be mailed for presentation at a ceremony. This 

must include a by-name point of contact (POC). If the Soldier has already retired, enter NA.

(9) Disposition instructions. State where the letter should be mailed. Enter "Home" of the 

Soldier if already retired and there will be no ceremony. Enter "Unit" or name and address of 

another official who will conduct the retirement ceremony. Also enter the date the letter is 

needed if other than the retirement date.

(10) For each retiree, specify Yes or No to the lead lines: Former Prisoner of War, and 

Medal of Honor Recipient.
FORMAT FOR REQUEST FOR LETTER OF APPRECIATION

Name: 

Rank: 

Service: Army National Guard of the United States

Years of Service: 

Retirement Date: 

Retirement Ceremony:

Home Address:

Unit Address:

Disposition Instructions:

Retiree: Former Prisoner of War:

Medal of Honor Recipient:
Appendix F

Important Documents

Soldiers are responsible for maintaining records that document their service participation and 

retirement points. The following is a recommended list of documents that should be safeguarded

for future use if they apply to your career:

a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

b. DD Form 220, Active Duty.

c. DA Form 1383, Annual or Terminal Statement of Retirement Points.

d. ARPC Form 249-2-E, Chronological Statement of Retirement Points) and (Detail Point 

Listing for Previous Retirement Year, DARC Form 249, Chronological Statement of Retirement 

Points, or AGUZ Form 115 Statement of Retirement Points.

e. NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service.

f. NGB Form 23, Retirement Credits Record, or a detailed statement of service from the 

State Adjutant General.

g. 20 Year NOE or 15 Year NOE, Notification of Eligibility for Retired Pay for Non-Regular 

Service.

h. AF Form 526, ANG/USAFR Point Credit Summary.

i. NAVPERS Form 1070-611, Record of Naval Reserve Service.

j. NAVMC Form 768 or 798, Record of Marine Corps Reserve Service.

k. CG HQ Form 4175, Coast Guard Reserve Annual or Terminal Statement of Retirement 

Points, or CGHQ-4973, Computation of Retirement Points Credits.

l. Any document proving the Soldier participated in a period of inactive duty training (IDT) 

such as DA Form 1, Morning Report, DA Form 1380, Record of Individual Performance of 

Reserve Duty Training, or DA Form 1379, U.S. Army Reserve

Components Unit Record of Reserve Training.

m. School completion notices to prove completion of correspondence or extension courses.

n. Any appointment or enlistment documents or notices to prove membership.
Appendix G

Table of Retiree Benefits

Benefits Gray Area Retiree

(Retired Reserve eligible for but not 

receiving retired pay)

Retiree

(Receiving retired pay)

ID Cards

Obtain a DD Form 2(RES RET) and 

DD Form 1173-1 at any Reserve 

Component ID card-issuing facility 

with a copy of your 15 or 20-year 

NOE and transfer or separation 

orders.

Obtain a DD Form 2(Ret)(Blue) and 

DD Form 1173 (Uniformed Services 

identification and privilege card) for 

your family members at any ID cardissuing facility with a copy of your 

retirement orders.

Member - DD Form 2 (RES RET) 

Spouse/Dependents - DD Form 1173-1

Member - DD Form 2 (RET)

Spouse/Dependents - DD Form 1173

Military Installations, Facilities and Activities

Local post policies and in-country directives govern the use of facilities.

Exchanges Yes Yes

Commissary Yes Yes

Shopettes Yes Yes

Service Stations

(Gasoline coupons are not available 

in OCONUS for retirees.)

Yes Yes

Physical Fitness Center Yes Yes 

Lodging

Military lodging is available on a 

limited basis. Space A is "first comefirst served" based on daily 

availability.

Armed Forces Recreation Centers 

(AFRC) lodging is available to all ID 

card holders. Toll-Free number: 1-

800-GO-ARMY-1 or 1-800-462-7691.

Guest House is normally available on 

a limited basis. 

Yes Yes 

Other Facilities

Theater 

Recreation Center 

Officer/NCO/Enl Clubs 

Laundry/dry cleaning 

Bowling Alleys 

Beverage Stores 

Libraries 

Four Seasons 

MWR facilities 

Yes Yes 
Flower Shops 

Optical Shop 

Beauty/barber shop

Check cashing/currency exchange

Medical Facilities Member – No, except on ADT or AD 

(Eligible if returned to an active duty 

status)

Spouse/Dependents - No 

Member – Yes (at age 60)

Spouse/Dependents – Yes (at age 

60) 

TRICARE

(All TRICARE programs require 

payment of premiums based on 

dependent status except TRICARE 

for Life which is free)

Member – No

Spouse/Dependents - No 

Member - Yes (age 60 to 65)

Spouse/Dependents - Yes (age 60 to 

65)

(The member, spouse and any 

eligible dependent each of whom 

reaches their 65th birthday must be 

enrolled in Medicare Part B to qualify 

for TRICARE for Life and continued 

medical treatment. At age 65, 

TRICARE for Life is second payer to 

Medicare, and third payer to any 

other civilian medical insurance)

TRICARE Retiree Dental Program 

(TRDP)

(All TRDP plans require payment of 

premiums for each enrolled member 

and dependent)

1-888-838-8737 or www.trdp.org

Member - Yes

Spouse/Dependents - Yes

Member - Yes

Spouse/Dependents - Yes

Lodging /AFRC (4)

Military lodging is available on a 

limited basis. Space A is "first comefirst served" based on daily 

availability.

Armed Forces Recreation Centers 

(AFRC) lodging is available to all ID 

card holders. Toll-Free number: 1-

800-GO-ARMY-1 or 1-800-462-7691.

Guest House is normally available on 

a limited basis.

Yes Yes 

Space-A Travel Member – Yes, limited to CONUS

Spouse/Dependents - No 

Member – Yes

Spouse/Dependents - Yes 

(OCONUS) 

SATO/Carlson Wagonlit Travel Yes Yes 

Legal Assistance Limited (AR 27-3) Yes 

Survivor Assistance Yes Yes 

Casualty Assistance Yes Yes 

VA Benefits Yes, if Vet Yes 

Servicemembers Group Life Yes, if eligible and requested Yes, if eligible and requested
Insurance

(There are exceptions based on 

Reserve status. Please visit

http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/default.htm

Veterans Group Life Insurance

(There are exceptions based on 

Reserve status. Please visit

http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/default.htm

Yes, if eligible and requested Yes, if eligible and requested

State Benefits See your State Representative See your State Representative

NOTE: The above information may be obtained at the following link: 

https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/reserve/soldierservices/retirement/grayarea.htm 
APPENDIX H

TRICARE BENEFITS

FACT SHEETS

December 1, 2006

Benefits for National Guard and Reserve Retirees and Their Families

If you are a retired National Guard or Reserve member, you and your family members may be eligible for TRICARE medical 

and dental benefits. For the purpose of these benefits, you may fall into one of the following categories:

Retired Reserve not eligible for retired pay until age 60, often called, "Gray area retiree;"

Retiree between age 60 and 65 receiving retirement pay; or

Retiree age 65 or more receiving retirement pay and receiving or eligible for social security benefits.

 If you meet any of these criteria, the guide below will help you understand your medical and dental benefits.

Your Status Your Coverage Description

Gray Area Retiree Health Benefit You and your family members are not eligible for military or TRICARE

health benefits until you reach age 60.

Dental Benefit You and your eligible family members may purchase the TRICARE

Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) even before you draw your 

retirement pay.

If you elect to enroll in the TRDP within 120 days after your official 

retirement date, you may skip the 12-month waiting period normally 

required for certain TRDP benefits. Required documentation must be 

submitted with enrollment application.

Age 60-64 Retiree

(receiving retired pay)

Health Benefit You and your family members are automatically eligible for TRICARE

Standard or Extra.

 You may be seen at a military clinic or hospital on a spaceavailable basis.

 You must use a TRICARE-authorized provider (a doctor, other 

individual provider, hospital, or supplier approved by 

TRICARE).

 You pay an annual outpatient deductible and inpatient/outpatient 

cost shares.

 You may be required to file your own claims.

You may enroll in TRICARE Prime if you live in an area where TRICARE

Prime is offered.

 You must submit a TRICARE Prime enrollment application with 

the required enrollment fees.

 If your application and payment are received by the 20th of the 

month, your Prime enrollment is effective on the first day of the 

next month. If it is received after the 20th of the month, your 

enrollment in Prime is effective on the first day of the month 

after the next month.
 If your application and payment are received before your 

retirement and you were enrolled in TRICARE Prime at 

retirement, your TRICARE Prime coverage continues without a 

break in coverage.

 You will pay co-pays for outpatient or inpatient care received 

outside an MTF.

 Your priority to be seen at a military clinic or hospital is higher 

than beneficiaries not enrolled in TRICARE Prime.

Your catastrophic cap is $3000 per fiscal year per family for TRICARE

Prime, Extra or Standard.

If you or your family members are entitled to premium-free Medicare Part 

A and have enrolled in/purchased Medicare Part B coverage because of 

disability or end stage renal disease, you are eligible for TRICARE for 

Life (TFL), regardless of age. See next section on TFL.

Your family member may enroll in Medicare Part B during a special 

enrollment period, which is anytime while you're on active duty or during 

the first 8 months after your retirement or separation from active duty. 

The special enrollment period also applies if you are covered under an 

employer- sponsored health plan based on your current employment or 

that of your spouse. If your family member is not enrolled during the 

special enrollment period, you may enroll them during the general 

enrollment period which occurs each year January 1st through March 

31st. However, your family member's Part B coverage will not be 

effective until July 1st of the year enrolled and you will pay a 10 percent 

surcharge for each 12-month period that you were eligible to enroll, but 

didn't.

Dental Benefit You and your eligible family members may enroll in or continue to use the 

TRICARE Retiree Dental Program.

If you elect to enroll in the TRDP within 120 days after your official 

retirement date, you may skip the 12-month waiting period normally 

required for certain TRDP benefits. Required documentation must be 

submitted with enrollment application.

Age 65+ Retiree

(receiving retired pay)

Health Benefit Three months before your 65th birthday you will receive a NOE from the 

Defense Manpower Data Center which will explain the requirements for 

maintaining your TRICARE benefits beyond age 65.

TRICARE for Life (TFL) is for all TRICARE beneficiaries who are entitled 

to premium-free Medicare Part A and who have Medicare Part B 

coverage based on age.

 Medicare eligible beneficiaries are not eligible for TRICARE

healthcare coverage unless they also have Medicare Part B 

coverage. TRICARE coverage will be reinstated 

simultaneously with the Medicare Part B effective date.

 There are no enrollment fees for TFL.

 In order to use the TRICARE for Life benefit, your DEERS record 

must reflect your Medicare Part A and Part B status. Take the 

NOE you receive from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 

Services, which contains the effective dates of Medicare Part A 

and Part B, to an ID card facility to have your DEERS record 

updated.

 Your family member may enroll in Medicare Part B during a 

special enrollment period, which is anytime while you're on 
active duty or during the first 8 months after the sponsor's 

retirement or separation from active duty. The special 

enrollment period also applies if you are covered under an 

employer- sponsored health plan based on your current 

employment or that of your spouse. If your family member is 

not enrolled during the special enrollment period, you may 

enroll them during the general enrollment period which occurs 

each year January 1st through March 31st. However, your 

family member's Part B coverage will not be effective until July 

1st of the year enrolled and you will pay a 10 percent surcharge 

for each 12-month period that you were eligible to enroll, but 

didn't.

Your family members under the age of 65 who are not entitled to 

Medicare are eligible for TRICARE Prime (if you live in a Prime service 

area), Standard or Extra.

Your catastrophic cap is $3000 per fiscal year per family for TRICARE

Prime, Extra, Standard and TFL.

Getting care under TRICARE for Life:

 You should receive health care services from a Medicare 

certified provider, or

 You may receive health care services at a military clinic or 

hospital on a space-available basis.

 For services not covered by Medicare, but covered by TRICARE, 

you must use a TRICARE-authorized provider (a doctor, other 

individual provider, hospital, or supplier approved by TRICARE

to include skilled nursing facilities).

o You pay an annual outpatient deductible and 

inpatient/outpatient cost shares.

 You may be required to file your own claims.

Dental Benefit You and your eligible family members may enroll in or continue to use the 

TRICARE Retiree Dental Program.

If you elect to enroll in the TRDP within 120 days after your official 

retirement date, you may skip the 12-month waiting period normally 

required for certain TRDP benefits. Required documentation must be 

submitted with enrollment application.

Web sites and Resources:

 www.tricare.mil/retirees

 www.tricare.mil/tfl

 Regional contractors: www.tricare.osd.mil/west

West Region: TriWest 1-888-874-9378, www.tricare.osd.mil/west

North Region: HealthNet 1-877-TRICARE, www.tricare.osd.mil/north

South Region: Humana Military 1-800-444-5445, www.tricare.osd.mil/south
Appendix I

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Entitlements

All Retirees should be encouraged to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

upon retirement to inquire about possible benefits and entitlements. See VA pamphlet 

IB-10-164 A Summary of VA Benefits for National Guard and Reserve Personnel. 

Individuals may visit the nearest VA office or their web site at: http://www.va.gov.

I-1. VA Benefits and Selected Reserve

The following is a list of items of interest to Retirees and their families:

a. Health care.

b. Compensation and pension.

c. Concurrent Receipt and Combat Related Special Compensation.

d. Education and training benefits.

e. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment.

f. Home loans.

g. Life insurance.

h. Burial benefits.

i. Dependents' and survivors’ benefits.

I-2. Eligibility for ARNG Soldiers

The primary factor in determining basic eligibility for VA benefits is veteran status, 

which is established by active military, naval, or air service pertaining to Soldiers 

discharged or released from active service under conditions other than dishonorable. 

ARNG personnel who have served honorably on active duty establish veteran status and 

may therefore be eligible for VA benefits, depending on the length of active military 

service and other eligibility factors. In addition, reserves (Reserve and Guard members)

who are never called or ordered to active duty may qualify for some VA benefits.

I-3. Health care

To be eligible for health care the following criteria is applicable or must be met to be 

eligible, they are:

a. Veterans must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system to receive health care 

services. ARNG members activated for federal duty may qualify for a number of health 

care services provided by VA.

b. Hospital, outpatient medical, dental, pharmacy and prosthetic services.

c. Domiciliary, nursing home, and community-based residential care.

d. Sexual trauma counseling (enrollment not required).

e. Specialized health care for women veterans.

f. Health and rehabilitation programs for homeless veterans.

g. Readjustment counseling (for combat veterans and enrollment not required).

h. Alcohol and drug dependency treatment.

i. Medical evaluation for military service exposure, including Gulf War, Agent 

Orange, Ionizing Radiation, and certain other environmental hazards (enrollment not 

required.
I-4. Combat Veterans Eligibility for VA Health Care Benefits extended

Under previous eligibility rules, combat veterans who served in a theater of combat 

operations after 11 November 1998 were eligible to be enrolled in Priority Group 6 and 

receive cost-free health care for conditions potentially related to combat service for two 

years after discharge for conditions potentially related to combat service. The law has 

changed to extend eligibility for VA health care for eligible combat veterans on 28 

January 2008. This new law extends health care eligibility for combat veterans:

a. Currently enrolled and new enrollees who were discharged from active duty on or 

after 28 January 2003. They are eligible for the enhanced benefits for 5 years after

discharge.

b. Discharged from active duty before January 28, 2003, and who apply for 

enrollment on or after 28 January 2008 They are eligible for the enhanced benefit until 

27 January 2011. To learn more about health benefits for combat veterans, visit: 

http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/pubs/CombatVet/CombatVet.pdf.

I-5. Concurrent Receipt and Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)

Individuals with service connected disabilities may be eligible for VA Compensation or 

Concurrent Receipt and Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC). Individuals 

who feel that they meet qualification or need specific information about eligibility call 

the Veterans Administration at 1-800-827-1000 or visit their web site at: 

http://www.va.gov .

I-6. Education

Selected Reserve (including Army National Guard) members may be entitled to 

education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) 

and/or the Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP/Chapter 1607). Visit their 

website at: http://www.gibill.va.gov/

I-7. Dependents' and Survivors’ Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide range of benefits and services for 

the surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of deceased veterans 

and military service members. Visit their website at: 

http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/VAbenefits.htm

I-8. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

Service-disabled veterans may qualify for rehabilitation and employment assistance 

including: job search, vocational evaluation, career exploration, vocational training, 

education, and rehabilitation services. If enrolled in an education or training program, 

VA will pay for the participant’s tuition, fees, books, tools, and other program expenses 

as well as provide a monthly living allowance. Visit their website at: 

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm

I-9. VA Life Insurance

ARNG personnel are eligible to receive Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), 

Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI), and Family Group Life Insurance (FGLI). They 

may also be eligible for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance if called or ordered to 
active duty, injured, and have a service-connected disability. To convert SGLI to VGLI, 

members will submit an SGLV 8714, Application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance to 

the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance with the required premium within 

one year and 120 days from discharge. However, service members who apply within 120 

days of discharge do not need to submit evidence of good health. Servicemembers who 

apply after the 120-day period must submit evidence of good health. Visit their website 

at: http://www.insurance.va.gov/

I-10. Home loan guaranty

VA guarantees loans to purchase a home, manufactured home and certain types of 

condominiums; or to build, repair, and improve homes. This benefit may also be used to 

refinance an existing home loan. Certain disabled veterans can receive grants to have 

their homes specially adapted for their needs. Native Americans living on Federallyrecognized Trust Land may qualify for direct home loans. Basic eligibility requirements 

for the home loan benefit are:

a. Inactive duty

When eligibility is based solely on service in one or more reserve components, the

Soldier must have completed at least six years of honorable service. Eligibility may also 

be established if a Soldier was released before completion of six years of service due to a 

service-connected disability.

b. Active duty

Members who are activated and served under Title 10 or Title 14, U.S. Code, are eligible 

if they were activated after 1 August 1990, serve at least 90 days, and their character of 

service upon release or discharge is honorable. Eligibility based on current activation 

begins after 90 days of active service. To receive or check on a Certificate of Eligibility, 

call the VA Eligibility Center at 1-888-244-6711.

I-11. Burial Benefits

a. Burial benefits for veterans may include a gravesite in any of our national 

cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a 

government headstone or marker, a grave liner for casketed remains, a burial flag, and a 

Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family.

b. VA can pay a burial allowance of $2000 for veterans who die of service-related 

causes. For other veterans receiving VA benefits, VA can pay $300 for burial and 

funeral expenses and a $300 plot allowance.

c. A U.S. flag for burial purposes is issued for Soldiers who complete at least one 

enlistment in the Selected Reserve, or who were discharged due to service-connected 

disability or whose death was the result of service. A flag can also be issued for Soldiers

who at the time of death were eligible for retired pay based on non-regular service, or 

would have been entitled had the member attained age 60.

I-12. VA contact information

a. Each VA benefit has its own eligibility requirements. For information about 

eligibility call VA at 1-800-827-1000 or one of the following numbers:

Health Benefits 1-877-222-8387

Education Benefits 1-888-442-4551
VA Life Insurance 1-800-669-8477

Office of SGLI 1-800-419-1473

CHAMPVA 1-800-733-8387

Environmental Health 1-800-749-8387

Headstones (status of claims only) 1-800-697-6947

Telecommunication

Device for Deaf (TDD) 1-800-829-4833

Direct Deposit 1-877-838-2778

VA Web Site

http://www.va.gov

Apply for Health Benefits

https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/

Apply for Compensation, Pension or Vocational Rehabilitation benefits on line:

http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov

Facilities Locator 

http://www.va.gov/sta/guide/home.asp

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents (2008 Edition)

http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm

The Center for Women Veterans

http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/

Education 

http://www.gibill.va.gov

Loan Guaranty 

http://www.homeloans.va.gov

Veterans Service Organizations

http://www1.va.gov/vso/

State Veterans Affairs Offices

http://www.va.gov/statedva.htm

For information on reemployment rights and unemployment insurance

http://www.dol.gov
Burial and Memorial Benefits

http://www.cem.va.gov/burial.htm
Appendix J

Social Security Administration

J-1. Military service and Social Security

a. Retirees can receive both Social Security benefits and military retirement. 

Generally, there is no reduction of Social Security benefits because of military retirement 

benefits. Retirees will be entitled to full Social Security benefits based on earnings.

b. For additional information pertaining to Social Security benefits and Medicare 

Taxes, the affect of extra earnings, benefits, eligibility for Medicare, working and 

receiving Social Security, visit: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10017.html. Their official 

website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov is an interactive means to accomplish most tasks 

and gain information on line.

c. In addition to their web site, you may call 1-800-772-1213. Social Security 

representatives can answer questions in person from 0700 to 1900 hrs on business days. 

They can also provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day. If deaf or 

hard of hearing, use the TTY number: 1-800-325-0778.

J-2. Death of a Retiree or family members

a. The Social Security Administration should be notified as soon as possible when a 

Retiree or family member dies.

b. Death Benefit. A one-time payment of $255.00 can be paid to the surviving 

spouse if he or she was living with the deceased; or, if living apart, was receiving certain 

Social Security benefits on the deceased’s record. If there is no surviving spouse, the 

payment is made to a child who is eligible for benefits on the deceased’s record in the 

month of death.

c. Certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits, including:

(1) Widows or widowers age 60 or older (age 50 or older, if disabled);

(2) Surviving spouses at any age who are caring for the deceased’s child or 

children who are under age 16 or who are disabled;

(3) Unmarried child or children of the deceased:

(a) Younger than age 18 (or age 18 or 19 if full-time students in elementary or 

secondary school); or

(b) Age 18 or older with disability that began before age 22;

(c) Parent or parents, age 62 or older, who were dependent on the deceased for 

at least half of their support; and

(d) Surviving divorced spouses, under certain circumstances.

d. If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, checks must be returned to 

the Social Security Administration for the month of death or any later months.

e. Representatives from the Social Security Administration can be reached at the 

telephone number provided above to answer questions pertaining to the death of a Retiree 

or family member.
Appendix K

Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)

K-1. Defense Retiree and Annuitant Pay System (DRAS)

The Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) operates the Defense Retiree and 

Annuitant Pay System (DRAS). The DRAS replaced the former Department of Defense 

system used to pay military Retirees and Annuitants. The system is a standard combined 

system. It uses advanced date processing techniques and telecommunications 

capabilities. Military Retiree accounts are administered at the DFAS center in Cleveland, 

OH. Annuitant accounts are administered at the DFAS center in Denver, CO. All 

Retirees and Annuitants visit http://www.dfas.mil/about.html for answers they may need.

K-2. Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and Consumer Price Index (CPI). 

Retired pay may be increased annually by a cost-of-living allowance (COLA) based on 

the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the third quarter of one calendar year 

to the third quarter of the next. COLAs are normally effective 1 December and payable 

the first working day in January.

K-3. My Pay

a. Recommend that all Retirees visit MYPAY link at 

https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx to enroll and set up a Personal Identification Number 

(PIN).

b. After enrolling and obtaining their PINs, Retirees and Annuitants may use My Pay 

to manage their pay information, receive and read their leave and earning statements, and 

print their forms 1099R.

K-4. Retiree Seminars

Retiree seminars are periodically scheduled at military and civilian facilities throughout 

the U.S. and around the world. A list of seminars is published annually at the DFAS link 

above and will indicate if representatives from DFAS Retired and Annuitant Pay will be 

attending, if in attendance, they provide attendees with information on a variety of pay 

issues.
GLOSSARY

Terms

Abbreviations

AD

Active Duty

ACCP

Correspondence Course Program

ADT

Active Duty for training

AFTP

Additional Flight Training Period

AFS

Active Federal Service

AGR

Active Guard Reserve

AHRC

Army Human Resource Command

ARNG

Army National Guard

ASTP

Additional Simulation Training Period 

AT

Annual Training

ATP

Additional Training Period

AUTA

Additional Unit Training Assembly

AY 

Anniversary Year

AYE

Anniversary Year Ending
COLA

Cost of living allowance

CPI

Consumer Price Index

DEERS

Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System

DEP

Delayed Entry Program

DFAS

Defense Finance and Accounting Service

DIEMS

Date Initially Entered Military Service

DoD

Department of Defense 

DODFMR

Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation

DODI

Department of Defense Instruction

DRAS

Defense Retiree and Annuitant Pay System

ET

Equivalent Training

FHD

Funeral Honor Duty

Fifteen Year Letter

See NOE

FTNGD

Full-Time National Guard Duty

FY

Fiscal Year
G-1

Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1

HRC-STL

Human Resources Command-St. Louis

IDT

Inactive Duty Training

ING

Inactive Army National Guard

iPERMS

interactive Personnel Electronic Records Management System

IRR

Individual Ready Reserve

MCOFT

Mobile Conduct of Fire Training

MMSI

Military Membership Status Identifier

MPMO

Military Personnel Management Officer

MTF

Military Treatment Facility

MUTA

Multiple Unit Training Assembly

NGB

National Guard Bureau

NOE

Notification of Eligibility

RA

Regular Army

RC

Reserve Component or Reserve Components
RCCPDS

Reserve Component Common Personnel Data System

RC-SBP

Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan

RMP

Readiness Management Period

ROTC

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

RPAM

Retirement Point Accounting Management system

RPAS

Retirement Point Accounting System

RST

Rescheduled Training

SAO

Survivor Assistance Officer 

SBP

Survivor Benefit Plan

SIDPERS

Standard Installation Division Personnel System

SSA

Social Security Administration 

SSN

Social Security Number

USAR

United States Army Reserve

USC

United States Code

UTA

Unit Training Assembly
TAG

The Adjutant General

TDRL

Temporary Disability Retired List 

TFL

TRICARE for Life

TRDP

TRICARE Retiree Dental Program

Twenty Year Letter

See NOE

VA 

The Department of Veterans Affairs

WHMO

White House Military Office