Reserve Retirement (Qualifying Years, Points, Reduced Age)

Start Here If You Are New to Reserve Retirement

Reserve Marines retire under a fundamentally different framework than active duty. Eligibility requires 20 QUALIFYING YEARS of service. A qualifying year is one in which the Marine earned at least 50 RETIREMENT POINTS (including 15 membership points). Retirement points come from three sources. Active service (one point per day on active duty or AT). Inactive duty service (one point per drill, plus correspondence courses, plus 15 membership points per anniversary year). The maximum inactive duty points credited each anniversary year varies by date but is currently 130 (since 18 January 2008). Pay begins at AGE 60 with NDAA 2008/2011 reductions possible (3 months reduction per 90 days of qualifying active duty service after 28 January 2008, age cannot be reduced below 50). Pay calculation P/360 × 0.025 × B = $/MONTH where P = total retirement points and B = base pay of retirement grade. Anniversary year framework establishes the calendar for participation. DD Form 214-1DD Form 214-1 documents Reserve service occasions. Per 10 USC 1273110 USC 12731-12732, MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, DODI 1215.07DODI 1215.07 Ch 1, and DODI 1517.8DODI 1517.8.

This page walks you through Reserve retirement from your seat as a Reserve Marine planning retirement. By the end you will know.

• Qualifying service framework
• Retirement points (active, inactive, membership)
• Anniversary year framework
• Eligible vs ineligible status
• Participation requirements (50-point and 27-point)
• Pro-rating partial qualifying years
• Eligibility for retired pay at age 60
• Reduced Age Retirement (NDAA 2008/2011)
• Pay initiation 30 days prior to age 60
• DD Form 214-1DD Form 214-1 framework
• Cross-reference to RCSBP

Every fact on this page comes from 10 USC 1273110 USC 12731-12732, MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, DODI 1215.07DODI 1215.07 Ch 1, DODI 1517.8DODI 1517.8, NDAA 2008/2011, and MMSR-5 published guidance.

Qualifying Service

Per 10 USC 1273210 USC 12732 and MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16.

What Counts as Qualifying Service

Service Before 1 July 1949

Service listed in 10 USC 1273210 USC 12732 that was performed prior to 1 July 1949 is qualifying service.

Service After 1 July 1949

Years of service after 1 July 1949 are considered qualifying ONLY if credited with a minimum of 50 RETIREMENT POINTS during a full anniversary year.

Why Qualifying Years Matter

20 qualifying years are required for Reserve retirement eligibility per 10 USC 1273110 USC 12731.

Retirement Points

Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, members of the Marine Corps Reserve who are on the Active Status List (ASL) may earn retirement points through specific methods.

Active Service Points

Calculation

One point credited for each day of active duty or Annual Training (AT) including travel time.

Paid AT

Retirement points for paid AT are governed by the Disbursing Officer's endorsement.

AT Without Pay

Retirement points are determined from the reporting and detaching endorsements plus travel time, if applicable.

CONUS Travel Time Limit

In the Continental United States, no more than ONE day constructive travel time may be credited for AT.

Inactive Duty Service Points

Drill Credit

One point credited for each authorized drill attended in either pay or non-pay status. Drill credit is NOT granted on a day credited for AT.

Correspondence Courses

Points credited upon satisfactory completion of authorized correspondence courses. Points vary with the course completed. Credit is granted for the satisfactory completion of each unit of a course. Credit applies as of the date the last satisfactory assignment of each unit is processed.

Membership Points

Up to 15 membership retirement points awarded for each anniversary year during which the Marine is NOT on the Inactive Status List (ISL), retired, or on active duty for the full anniversary year.

Maximum Inactive Duty Points Per Year

Maximum inactive duty points authorized as creditable.

No Limit on Active Duty or AT Points

There is NO limit on the number of Active Duty or AT points. However, a Marine may NOT receive credit for more than 365/366 retirement points in any combination of active or inactive points in any one anniversary year.

Anniversary Year Framework

Per DODI 1517.8DODI 1517.8 effective 15 October 1999.

Establishing the Anniversary Year

The date used to determine the anniversary year is established as the date the Marine entered into active service or into active status in a Reserve Component.

Beginning and Ending Dates

• Beginning ("From") date. The first day a Marine joins a component (Regular or Reserve).
• Ending ("To") date. 365 days from the beginning date.

Component Transition

There is NO change in the anniversary year upon Marine's transfer from a Regular component to a Reserve component if after 1 July 1965.

Anniversary Year Adjustment

The start date for each anniversary year will NOT be adjusted unless the Marine has a "break in service."

What Constitutes a Break in Service

A break in service occurs only when a Marine.

• Transfers to an Inactive Status List.
• Transfers to the Temporary Disability Retired List.
• Transfers to the Retired Reserve.
• Is discharged for a period greater than 24 hours.

There is NO break in service if the Marine transfers directly to another Regular or Reserve component.

Exceptions

Officers

The start date for officers with cadet or midshipman service will be established as the date of commission.

Enlisted

For enlisted Marines who have service as a cadet or midshipman but did not later receive or who do not hold a commission as an officer, service as a cadet or midshipman at a service academy shall be included and counted as active duty, only if they return to enlisted status and complete their period of obligation. The anniversary date will be the date of initial entry into military service.

Anniversary Year Definition

Any consecutive 365 days, or 366 days during leap year, beginning with the anniversary date.

Eligible vs Ineligible Status

Eligible Status (Active Status)

Members of the Marine Corps Reserve are in an eligible status and may earn retirement point credit if they are.

• In the Ready Reserve.
• On active duty.
• On inactive duty but have a service obligation.

Standby Reserve

Participation by Marines of the Standby Reserve is restricted to those Marines who.

• Still have a service obligation.
• Have at least 18 years but less than 20 years qualifying service.
• Are screened from the Ready Reserve as key federal employees or for other reasons as determined by the Secretary of the Navy.

Ineligible Status

Members of the Marine Corps Reserve in an ineligible status MAY NOT participate for retirement point credit if they are.

• On Inactive Status List (ISL).
• On the Retired List or in the Retired Reserve not on active duty.
• On the Temporary Disability Retired List.

Initial Eligibility for Retired Pay

A Marine who has met the service and age requirements for retired pay under 10 USC 1273110 USC 12731 may NOT accrue additional service credits after the date of initial eligibility (usually age 60) unless retained in an active status by the Secretary of the Navy under authority contained in 10 USC 1230810 USC 12308.

Participation Requirements

50 Points Minimum (20+ Qualifying Years)

Members of the Marine Corps Reserve in an eligible status who have 20 or more years of qualifying service AND are not yet 60 years old must earn a minimum of 50 points (including the 15 membership points) in their most recent anniversary year.

Failure to Meet 50 Points

Annually, Marines who have failed to maintain the 50-point minimum will be notified and offered.

• Transfer to the Retired Reserve, if qualified and application is made.
• If not qualified for transfer to the Retired Reserve or does not apply, transfer to the ISL if qualified.

27 Points Minimum (Officers Less Than 20 Qualifying Years)

Officers in an eligible status who have less than 20 years of qualifying service must earn a minimum of 27 points (including 15 membership points) in their most recent anniversary year to remain in an eligible status.

Annual Identification

CMC (MMSR-5) identifies the officers who have failed to maintain the 27-point minimum (known as "27-point fails") and offers options.

Important Reminders

• Marines must be in an eligible status to earn points.
• A Marine Corps reservist maintains an eligible status by earning at least the minimum point requirement (27 or 50, as applicable).
• A Marine must earn at least 50 retirement points during the anniversary year to earn a year of qualifying service after 1 July 1949.

Minimum Participation and Common Pitfalls

Examples of Pitfalls

Annual Training Credit

AT performed during a period crossing two fiscal years can be credited to either fiscal year for retention in a Selected Reserve unit. However, for the purpose of crediting qualifying service, retirement points are credited the days the active duty is actually performed and entered to the anniversary year accordingly.

Correspondence Courses

• Courses cannot be repeated for credit unless there has been a major revision in the course.
• Courses are recorded in the anniversary year based on the completion date assigned on the completion letter.

Cushion Strategy

Many reservists are denied a qualifying year because they geared their participation to the 50-point minimum, then discovered that the points they were counting on were not all creditable. By the time this happens it is usually too late since retirement points cannot be earned nor credited retroactively.

Earning extra points provides a cushion against unexpected ineligibility AND can increase the amount of retired pay at age 60.

Pro-Rating Partial Qualifying Years

When Pro-Rating Is Required

ISL or Retired Status Mid-Year

If the reservist was on the ISL, discharged, or in a Retired Status for any portion of an anniversary year, that year will not be credited as a full year of qualifying service irrespective of the number of retirement points earned. However, the time during which the Marine was in an active status is considered qualifying service if they earned the required points on a pro rata basis.

Two or more partial periods may be combined to make a satisfactory year of service.

Completing 20th Year Before Anniversary Expires

Reserve component Marines must be credited with at least the minimum number of pro-rated points and must request transfer from active status, which must be submitted before the end of the period being prorated.

Pro-Rating Example

The Marine is not yet 60 years of age. The anniversary year extends from 1 July through 30 June. The Marine has completed 19 years, 8 months, and 16 days qualifying service as of 30 June of the last completed anniversary year.

The Marine can complete the 20th qualifying year before another full anniversary year expires.

• Period to be prorated. 1 July to 31 October (123 days).
• Points required. At least 12 points (not counting membership points) during this 123-day period.
• Status change. Must transfer to Retired Reserve effective 1 November.

The Marine must submit the request before 1 November (approximately 60-90 days in advance is advisable).

Eligibility for Retired Pay

Per NDAA 2005

Any service member who completes 20 years of qualifying service on or after 25 April 2005 is eligible for a Reserve Retirement.

Pre-2005 Eligibility

A Marine who earned 20 or more years of qualifying service BEFORE 25 April 2005 should contact MMSR-5 concerning retirement eligibility.

Reduced Age Retirement (NDAA 2008/2011)

Per NDAA 2008 Section 647 and NDAA 2011 amendments. Service members who perform an aggregate of 90 days of active service in a fiscal year may reduce their eligibility age below age 60 by 3 months for each aggregate period served. The eligibility age may NOT be reduced below age 50.

Reduced Age Detailed Framework

Per 10 USC 1273110 USC 12731 (as amended).

Qualifying Active Duty After 28 January 2008

Marines who have performed qualifying active duty service as members of the Ready Reserve AFTER 28 January 2008, OR in any 2 consecutive fiscal years AFTER 30 September 2014, will have their eligibility age for receipt of retired pay reduced below 60 years of age by THREE MONTHS for each aggregate period of 90 DAYS.

Aggregate Period Constraint

A day of duty may be included in only ONE aggregate period of 90 days for purposes of calculating the age reduction.

Official Calculation

Official calculation of your Reduced Age eligibility date is ONLY conducted in the processing of your approved retirement.

Qualifying Order Types for Reduced Age

The following active-duty order types qualify.

• 10 U.S.C. 1230110 U.S.C. 12301(d).
• 10 U.S.C. 12304b.
• 10 U.S.C. 1230110 U.S.C. 12301(h)(1) - if wounded under 12301(d), 12304(b).
• 10 U.S.C. 10110 U.S.C. 101(a)(13)(B) - Contingency Operations, including.
  • 10 U.S.C. 68810 U.S.C. 688.
  • 10 U.S.C. 1230110 U.S.C. 12301(a).
  • 10 U.S.C. 1230210 U.S.C. 12302.
  • 10 U.S.C. 1230410 U.S.C. 12304.
  • 10 U.S.C. 12304a.
  • 10 U.S.C. 1230510 U.S.C. 12305.
  • 10 U.S.C. Chapter 13 (Suppress Insurrection).
  • Any other provision of law during a war or during a national emergency declared by the President or Congress.

Common Order Types That DO NOT Qualify

The following common active-duty orders do NOT qualify (non-exhaustive list).

• 10 U.S.C. 1230110 U.S.C. 12301(b).
• 10 U.S.C. 1210310 U.S.C. 12103(d).
• 10 U.S.C. 1231010 U.S.C. 12310 (including short tour AR assignments).
• 10 U.S.C. 1273210 U.S.C. 12732.

Requirements for Retired Pay at Age 60

Per 10 USC 1273110 USC 12731 and MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16.

Basic Requirements

• Have a minimum of 20 years of qualifying service.
• In order to receive pay, a Marine must be 60 years of age (with NDAA 2008/2011 reduction possible).
• Enlisted Marines must be under a valid contract or extension on the date of the transfer.
• A Marine who is discharged due to expiration of contract or any other reason but meets all other requirements for retirement is entitled to retired pay as a "former Marine" at age 60.
• Those reservists who earned 20 qualifying years before 25 April 2005 must have earned the last 6 qualifying years while a member of the reserve component.

Initiating Reserve Retired Pay

Per MMSR-5 published guidance.

Automatic Forwarding for Retired Reserve

If you elected assignment to the Retired Reserve, MMSR-5 will automatically forward your pay application forms approximately FOUR TO SIX MONTHS prior to your 60th birthday.

Discharge in Lieu of Transfer

If you elected discharge in lieu of transfer to the Retired Reserve, you must contact CMC (MMSR-5), via email or by phone at (703) 784-9306/9307, for pay application forms.

Submission Timing

To ensure you receive your retired pay in a timely manner, your pay forms should be returned to MMSR-5 at least 30 DAYS prior to your 60th birthday.

If you return your pay forms at least 30 days prior to the effective date of retirement, you will receive your first check (which will be a partial check from the effective date until the end of that month) by the 3rd day of the following month.

Direct Deposit Required

If you do not designate a financial institution in which you wish to have your retired pay deposited, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) will WITHHOLD your retired pay until the information is received.

Pay Calculation

Formula

P/360 × 0.025 × B = $/MONTH.

Where.

• P = Total retirement points.
• B = Base pay of your retirement grade (using the pay scale in the year you turn 60).

Pay Calculation Example

A reservist retires with 4,000 retirement points. Base pay at retirement grade in the year of age 60 is $5,000.

• 4,000 / 360 × 0.025 × $5,000 = 11.11 × 0.025 × $5,000 = $1,388.89/month.

Considerations

• This calculation does NOT include RCSBP costs if you elect to participate.
• Base pay rates are available on the DFAS website.

DD Form 214-1 Framework

What DD Form 214-1 Is

The Reserve-specific equivalent of the DD Form 214DD Form 214 issued for various Reserve service occasions.

When DD Form 214-1 Is Issued

Issued for various Reserve service occasions per MMSR-5 framework. Common scenarios include.

• Discharge from the Marine Corps Reserve.
• Transfer to Retired Reserve.
• Specific Reserve service milestones.
• Mobilization completion.
• Active duty service period completion (when not requiring DD Form 214DD Form 214).

How to Obtain

For Current IRR Marines

Marine Corps Individual Reserve Support Activity (MCIRSA) maintains records.

For Discharged Marines

Only the National Personnel Records Center can provide DD Form 214s and Service Record Books (SRBs).

• Written requests take 1-4 months.
• Include SSN, dates of service, component, rank, phone, and address.
• National Personnel Records Center, Attn: Marine Corps Records, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138.
• Website. archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel.

Recent Discharges (Within 2 Years)

MCIRSA or HQMC may have electronic copies. For replacement discharge certificates only, contact CMC (MMRP-10), 2008 Elliot Road, Quantico, VA 22134-5030.

Reserve Retirement Ceremonies and Certificates

Optional Ceremony

If planning a retirement ceremony, inform MMSR-5 of the ceremony date. MMSR-5 will ensure blank certificates are received in time. Actual certificates will be mailed when orders and final CRCR are complete.

Unit Coordination

The unit will assist with ceremony coordination. If in the IRR or ISL, the Marine Corps Individual Reserve Support Activity will provide assistance.

Cross-Reference to RCSBP

The Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) leaf covers the survivor benefit framework that activates upon receipt of the 20-Year Letter (Notice of Eligibility / NOE).

Common Reserve Retirement Scenarios

Scenario 1. Reservist Reaches 20 Qualifying Years

Reserve Marine completes 20th qualifying year.

• Action. CMC (MMSR-5) sends Notice of Eligibility (NOE) / 20-Year Letter.
• Decision. Transfer to Retired Reserve Awaiting Pay at Age 60 OR discharge as "former Marine."
• RCSBP. 90-day election window opens.

Scenario 2. Reservist Approaching Age 60

Reservist in Retired Reserve approaching 60th birthday.

• Pay Application. MMSR-5 automatically forwards application forms 4-6 months prior to 60th birthday.
• Submission. Return forms at least 30 days prior to 60th birthday.
• First Pay. By 3rd day of month following 60th birthday (partial first month).

Scenario 3. Reservist With Reduced Age Retirement

Reservist served on qualifying active duty after 28 January 2008. Specific reductions earned.

• Calculation. 3 months reduction for each 90 days aggregate of qualifying active duty.
• Floor. Age 50 cannot be reduced below.
• Official Calculation. Conducted in processing of approved retirement only.

Scenario 4. Reservist With 19 Years 8 Months Qualifying Service

Reservist completes 19 years 8 months qualifying service. Wants to complete 20th year before next anniversary.

• Path. Pro-rate the partial year.
• Action. Earn at least 12 points (not counting membership) during the 123-day period.
• Status Change. Submit request to transfer to Retired Reserve before 1 November.

Scenario 5. Officer Falls Below 27 Points

Officer with less than 20 qualifying years earns only 25 points in anniversary year.

• Action. CMC (MMSR-5) identifies as 27-point fail and notifies.
• Options. Transfer to ISL or Retired Reserve (if qualified).

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. Gearing Participation to 50-Point Minimum

Many reservists hit 50 points, then discover not all points were creditable. Earn extra points as a cushion.

Mistake 2. Misunderstanding Anniversary Year

Anniversary year is 365/366 days from initial active service or active status entry. Component transfers do NOT change anniversary year (after 1 July 1965).

Mistake 3. Late Pay Application Submission

Submit at least 30 days prior to 60th birthday for timely first pay.

Mistake 4. No Direct Deposit Designated

DFAS withholds pay until financial institution is designated.

Mistake 5. Not Tracking CRCR

Career Retirement Credit Report (CRCR) tracks retirement points. Coordinate with MCIRSA or MMSR-5 if discrepancies exist.

Mistake 6. Assuming All Active Duty Counts for Reduced Age

Specific order types qualify per 10 USC 1273110 USC 12731. Common orders like 12301(b), 12310, etc. do NOT qualify.

Mistake 7. Not Updating Contact Information

MMSR-5 needs current address and contact info. Update through MOL, email, or mail.

Common Questions Marines Ask

How is Reserve retirement different from active duty?

Active duty. Years of active service. 20+ years for length of service retirement. Pay begins immediately. Reserve. Qualifying years (50+ retirement points per anniversary year). 20 qualifying years required. Pay begins at age 60 with potential NDAA reductions.

What is a qualifying year?

Per 10 USC 1273210 USC 12732. Anniversary year in which the Marine earned at least 50 retirement points (including 15 membership points).

What are retirement points?

Credits earned for active service (1 per day), inactive duty service (drills, correspondence courses), and membership (up to 15 per anniversary year).

What is the maximum inactive duty points per year?

130 points (effective 18 January 2008 to present). 90, 75, and 60 for earlier periods.

How do I check my retirement points?

Through MCIRSA (current IRR) or MMSR-5. Career Retirement Credit Report (CRCR) tracks total points.

What is the anniversary year?

365 days from initial active service or active status entry. Per DODI 1517.8DODI 1517.8.

When does anniversary year change?

Only with a "break in service" (transfer to ISL, TDRL, Retired Reserve, or discharge greater than 24 hours). Component transfers do NOT change anniversary year (after 1 July 1965).

What is the 50-point minimum?

For Marines with 20+ qualifying years and not yet 60. Must earn 50 points per anniversary year to remain in eligible status.

What is the 27-point minimum?

For officers with LESS than 20 qualifying years. Must earn 27 points per anniversary year to remain in eligible status.

When can I retire?

After 20 qualifying years. Pay begins at age 60 (with NDAA reductions possible).

What is Reduced Age Retirement?

Per NDAA 2008/2011. Pay eligibility age can be reduced below 60 by 3 months per 90 days qualifying active duty service after 28 January 2008. Floor at age 50.

What active duty orders qualify for Reduced Age?

10 U.S.C. 1230110 U.S.C. 12301(d), 12304b, 12301(h)(1) (if wounded), 101(a)(13)(B) Contingency Operations. Several others. Common orders that do NOT qualify include 12301(b), 12103(d), 12310, 12732.

How does pay calculate?

P/360 × 0.025 × B = $/MONTH. P = total points. B = base pay of retirement grade in year of 60.

When do I submit pay forms?

At least 30 days prior to 60th birthday. MMSR-5 automatically sends forms 4-6 months prior if you elected Retired Reserve.

What if I do not designate direct deposit?

DFAS withholds pay until financial institution information is received.

What is DD Form 214-1DD Form 214-1?

The Reserve-specific service documentation form. Issued for various Reserve service occasions.

How do I request my DD Form 214DD Form 214 or 214-1?

Current IRR Marines. MCIRSA. Discharged Marines. National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138.

Can I attend TAP/TAMP or get retirement PTAD?

TAP/TAMP. On a space-available basis, local commanders may authorize Reserve Marines transferring to Retired Reserve. PTAD. Marines transferring to Retired Reserve Awaiting Pay at Age 60 are NOT authorized retirement preparation PTAD.

Do I need a final physical?

Final physical is only required for active duty retirement. If you are on active duty orders and want a physical, request before EAS. If not on active duty, you will not be brought on active duty for a physical.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• General Reserve retirement inquiries. MMSR-5 (smb_manpower_mmsr5@usmc.mil) or (703) 784-9306/9307.
• Statements of Service / CRCR questions. MMSR-5 SOS (smb_manpower_mmsr5_sos@usmc.mil).
• With Pay Applications. MMSR-5 With Pay (smb_manpower_mmsr5_wpay@usmc.mil).
• DFAS for retired pay. https://www.dfas.mil/.
• DD Form 214-1DD Form 214-1 questions. MCIRSA or MMSR-5.
• 27-point fails (officers). MMSR-5.
• Pro-rating partial years. MMSR-5 (703) 784-9306/9307 for specific calculations.
• Reserve Retired Pay forms. MMSR-5 sends automatically 4-6 months prior to 60th birthday.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Separations and Retirement landing page lists all topics.
• Separations and Retirement Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• Retirement Types and Eligibility covers retirement options.
• Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) covers Reserve survivor framework.
• Retired Pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) covers active duty retired pay (separate framework).
• Retirement Timeline covers planning phases applicable to Reserve.
• Reserve Pay and Entitlements in Pay and Entitlements covers Reserve drilling pay framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Reserve Marines on tracking retirement points and meeting 50-point minimum.
• Admin at S-1 supports MOL retirement point verification.
• Commanders ensure Reserve Marines understand qualifying year framework.

Reserve Marines retire under qualifying service framework. 20 qualifying years required. Each qualifying year requires at least 50 retirement points (15 of which are membership). Anniversary year framework establishes 365-day calendar from initial active service or active status. Pay begins at age 60 with NDAA 2008/2011 reductions possible (3 months per 90 days qualifying active duty after 28 January 2008, floor at age 50). Pay calculation P/360 × 0.025 × B. DD Form 214-1DD Form 214-1 documents Reserve service occasions. MMSR-5 administers. Per 10 USC 1273110 USC 12731-12732, MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, DODI 1215.07DODI 1215.07 Ch 1, DODI 1517.8DODI 1517.8.