Retirement Timeline (36 Months Through Post-Retirement)

Start Here If You Are New to the Retirement Timeline

Marine Corps retirement planning works best when started 36 MONTHS before the planned retirement date. The seven-phase timeline structures the planning, decision making, and execution. Phase 1 (36-24 months) Earliest planning - initial assessment. Phase 2 (24-18 months) Long-Range Planning - solidify goals. Phase 3 (18-12 months) Plan and Preparation - finalize major decisions. Phase 4 (12-6 months) Finalization - complete paperwork and confirm. Phase 5 (6-1 month) Execution - submit final paperwork. Phase 6 (Month of Retirement) Final Phase - complete final steps. Phase 7 (0-12 months Post-Retirement) Lock in benefits, verify pay, finalize VA and healthcare. Each phase has specific actions, decisions, and deliverables. Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 and Marine Corps retirement planning guidance.

This page walks you through the seven-phase retirement timeline from your seat as a Marine planning retirement. By the end you will know.

• The seven phases and their timing
• Specific actions for each phase
• Key decision points
• Documentation milestones
• Cross-references to other retirement leaves

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, Marine Corps retirement planning guidance, and MMSR published guidance.

Phase 1. Earliest Phase (36-24 Months)

Begin initial retirement planning and financial assessment.

What This Phase Is

The earliest phase of retirement planning. The Marine begins to consider retirement seriously and conducts initial assessment.

Actions

• Confirm intent to retire and target retirement date.
• Review current retirement-eligible status (TIG, TIS, qualifying years).
• Initial financial assessment (current savings, anticipated retirement pay, debts).
• Review TSP and other retirement savings.
• Identify post-service goals (employment, education, location).
• Begin reading MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 retirement chapter.
• Schedule initial counseling with the unit Career Planner.

Documentation

• Begin organizing personal documents.
• Review TSP statement.
• Review current LES for accuracy.

Decision Points

• Career path. Continue or retire.
• Post-service goals. Initial direction.
• Geographic considerations. Where to live in retirement.

Phase 2. Long-Range Planning (24-18 Months)

Solidify retirement goals and begin detailed planning.

What This Phase Is

The long-range planning phase. Goals become more concrete. Detailed planning begins.

Actions

• Detailed financial planning (anticipated retired pay, SBP costs, healthcare costs, taxes).
• Detailed post-service career planning (resume drafts, network development).
• Educational planning (GI Bill, transferability if applicable).
• Healthcare transition planning (TRICARE to VA or other).
• SBP decision making (including evaluation against commercial life insurance).
• Begin SBP comparison using DoD actuary website (actuary.defense.gov).
• Schedule pre-retirement counseling with MMSR.

Documentation

• Verify OMPF accuracy.
• Begin records audit.
• Resume drafts.

Decision Points

• SBP coverage decision (Spouse Only, Spouse and Children, Insurable Interest, Former Spouse).
• Geographic relocation plans.
• Career direction.

Phase 3. Plan and Preparation (18-12 Months)

Finalize major decisions and prepare documentation.

What This Phase Is

Major decisions are finalized. Documentation preparation accelerates.

Actions

• Complete Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS) per Transition Requirements.
• Develop Individual Transition Plan (ITP).
• Identify SkillBridge opportunities. Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 the day cap is rank-based (Cat I E1-E5 up to 120 days, Cat II E6-E7 WO-CWO3 O1-O4 up to 90 days, Cat III E8-E9 CWO4-CWO5 O5+ up to 90 days). NCMIS is the system of record. Apply up to 365 days from EAS. SkillBridge is at commander discretion.
• Submit SBP elections.
• Final financial planning. Detailed monthly retirement budget.
• VA pre-discharge claim preparation (for service-connected disabilities).
• Award and FITREP audit completion.

Documentation

• Complete OMPF and MBS audit.
• Resume final drafts.
• Educational benefit applications (if applicable).
• Health record review.

Decision Points

• Final retirement date.
• Final SBP elections.
• SkillBridge participation.
• VA claim submission timing.

Cross-Reference

The Transition Requirements leaf covers TRS framework.

Phase 4. Finalization (12-6 Months)

Complete paperwork and confirm all arrangements.

What This Phase Is

Final paperwork submission and confirmation phase.

Actions

• Submit retirement request through unit S-1 to MMSR-2.
• Complete TRS (if not already complete).
• Final OMPF and MBS audit.
• Verify all FITREPs are processed.
• Verify all awards are entered.
• Complete final FITREP coordination.
• VA disability claim submission.
• Healthcare transition planning.
• Begin SkillBridge participation (if applicable).
• Family preparation (school transitions for dependents, spouse employment, etc.).

Documentation

• Retirement request submitted.
• VA claim submitted.
• All records updated.

Decision Points

• Confirm retirement date.
• Confirm final assignment requests if applicable.

Phase 5. Execution Phase (6-1 Month)

Submit final paperwork and prepare for transition.

What This Phase Is

The execution phase. Final administrative actions.

Actions

• Capstone event (approximately 90 days out per Transition Requirements).
• Final physical (active duty).
• Confirm orders and travel arrangements.
• Plan terminal leave.
• Out-processing checklist completion.
• Awards finalization.
• Final FITREP submission.
• DEERS update for dependents.
• TRICARE transition coordination.
• VA enrollment.

Documentation

• DD Form 214DD Form 214 draft review.
• Final retirement orders.
• Travel orders.

Decision Points

• Terminal leave timing.
• Travel arrangements.
• Final unit handover.

Cross-Reference

The Terminal Leave page in Leave and Liberty covers terminal leave decisions.

Phase 6. Month of Retirement (Final Phase)

Complete final steps and transition to retirement.

What This Phase Is

The final month before retirement. All loose ends tied up.

Actions

• Final unit checkout.
• Sign DD Form 214DD Form 214.
• Final pay verification (last LES on active duty).
• Travel to home of selection or home of record.
• Final dependent transition.
• Retirement ceremony (optional but typical).
• Receive retirement certificates and awards.

Documentation

• DD Form 214DD Form 214 signed.
• Final LES received.
• Retirement orders executed.
• Travel claim submitted.

Decision Points

• Retirement ceremony attendance.
• Final affairs in the unit.

What to Expect at Retirement Ceremony

• Awards presentation (final awards, retirement medal if applicable).
• Flag presentation.
• Certificate of Retirement.
• Speeches and recognition.
• Family attendance.

Phase 7. Post-Retirement (0-12 Months)

Lock in benefits, verify pay, finalize VA and healthcare, set routine.

What This Phase Is

The post-retirement transition phase. The Marine establishes the routine of retired life.

Actions

• Verify first retired pay deposit.
• Confirm SBP premium deduction (if elected).
• Enroll in VA healthcare (if applicable).
• Confirm GI Bill transfer (if applicable).
• File any deferred VA disability claims.
• Establish post-service banking and tax setup.
• Update legal documents (POA, will).
• Update DEERS post-retirement.
• Coordinate with MMSR-6 for any retired service questions.

Documentation

• VA enrollment confirmation.
• DD Form 214DD Form 214 in personal records.
• Retirement records archived.

Decision Points

• Continued education (GI Bill).
• Employment direction.
• Geographic adjustments.

Cross-References to Other Phases of the Wiki

TRS and Capstone

Per the Transition Requirements leaf. TRS approximately 12 months out. Capstone approximately 90 days out.

SBP Election

Per the Retired Pay and SBP leaf. Detailed SBP framework.

Final FITREP and Performance Evaluation

Per the Performance Evaluation parent group. Final FITREP coordination through MMPB-23.

Awards Finalization

Per the Awards parent group. Awards must be processed and in OMPF before separation.

Terminal Leave

Per the Leave and Liberty parent group. Terminal Leave decisions.

VA Disability Claim

Per the Transition Requirements leaf. Pre-discharge VA claim through IDES or post-separation through VA.

Travel to Home of Selection

Per the Separation, Retirement, and Accession Travel page in PCS.

Common Timeline Mistakes

Mistake 1. Starting Too Late

Marines who start at 12 months out miss the long-range planning window. Many opportunities (educational benefits transfer, VA claim documentation, financial preparation) become harder.

Mistake 2. Skipping Phases

Each phase builds on the prior. Skipping 24-18 month long-range planning means rushed decisions later.

Mistake 3. Late TRS

TRS is required. Late TRS delays separation processing.

Mistake 4. Late Retirement Request

Submit retirement request 6-18 months out. Late submission risks last-minute issues.

Mistake 5. Late VA Claim

VA disability claims should be filed pre-discharge through IDES if applicable. Post-separation claims face more documentation challenges.

Mistake 6. SBP Decision Without Comparison

The SBP decision is significant and irrevocable in many ways. Use the DoD actuary website to compare with commercial alternatives.

Mistake 7. Not Coordinating With Family

Family transition (spouse employment, dependents' education, geographic move) requires coordination throughout the timeline.

Common Questions Marines Ask

When should I start retirement planning?

36 months before the requested retirement date. The seven-phase timeline structures the planning.

What are the seven phases?

(1) 36-24 months Earliest planning. (2) 24-18 months Long-Range Planning. (3) 18-12 months Plan and Preparation. (4) 12-6 months Finalization. (5) 6-1 month Execution. (6) Month of Retirement. (7) 0-12 months Post-Retirement.

When do I take TRS?

Approximately 12 months out per the Transition Requirements leaf.

When do I take Capstone?

Approximately 90 days before separation.

When do I submit my retirement request?

6-18 months out per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16.

When do I make my SBP decision?

In Phase 2 (24-18 months) typically. Use the DoD actuary website at actuary.defense.gov to compare options. Submit elections in Phase 3-4.

When do I file VA disability claim?

Pre-discharge through IDES if you have service-connected disabilities. Otherwise during Phase 4 (12-6 months) for pre-discharge filing.

What if I do not want a retirement ceremony?

Optional. Marines may decline. Awards are still presented through other means.

What about my family during the transition?

Family planning happens throughout the timeline. Phase 1 begins with discussions. Phase 7 includes settlement.

What if my retirement date changes?

Coordinate with MMSR immediately. Approved retirements may be adjusted but require justification.

How long is the retirement processing time?

From submission to retirement orders typically 90-120 days. Plan accordingly.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• General retirement planning. Unit Career Planner and MMSR-5 (Reserve) or MMSR-2 (active duty).
• TRS and Capstone scheduling. Installation Transition Office.
• SBP decision making. DoD actuary website (actuary.defense.gov) and Marine Corps Family Programs.
• VA disability claim. VA.gov, Veterans Service Organizations.
• Final FITREP. Unit S-1 and MMPB-23.
• Awards finalization. Unit S-1 and Awards section.
• Travel to home of selection. Unit S-1 and PSO.
• Retired services post-retirement. MMSR-6 (703) 784-9311.

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.
• Retired Pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) covers retired pay calculation and SBP.
• Reserve Retirement covers Reserve framework.
• Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) covers Reserve survivor framework.
• Transition Requirements covers TRS, Capstone, ITP.
• Separation Pay and Final Pay covers final compensation.
• Terminal Leave in Leave and Liberty covers terminal leave decisions.
• Permissive TAD (PTAD) and SkillBridge in Leave and Liberty covers PTAD framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on retirement timeline and phase-specific actions.
• Admin at S-1 supports retirement request submission, OMPF audits, and travel coordination.
• Commanders endorse retirement requests and ensure transition timeline alignment.

The seven-phase retirement timeline structures planning from 36 months out through 12 months post-retirement. Phase 1 (36-24 months) Earliest planning. Phase 2 (24-18 months) Long-Range Planning. Phase 3 (18-12 months) Plan and Preparation. Phase 4 (12-6 months) Finalization. Phase 5 (6-1 month) Execution. Phase 6 (Month of Retirement) Final Phase. Phase 7 (0-12 months Post-Retirement). Each phase has specific actions, decisions, and deliverables. Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 and Marine Corps retirement planning guidance.