Retirement Types and Eligibility

Start Here If You Are New to Retirement Types

Marines retire under one of FOUR primary retirement types. ACTIVE DUTY LENGTH OF SERVICE retirement requires 20+ years of active service. TEMPORARY EARLY RETIREMENT AUTHORITY (TERA) allows 15-19 years of active service to retire when authorized via MARADMIN (force shaping driven). RESERVE RETIREMENT is for Reserve Marines with 20 qualifying years (50+ retirement points per anniversary year). Pay begins at age 60 with potential NDAA reductions. DISABILITY RETIREMENT covers Marines found unfit through DES with disability rating of 30 percent or higher (Permanent Disability Retired List - PDRL) or temporarily on Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL). Each retirement type has specific eligibility criteria, pay calculations, and benefits. Time in grade requirements vary by rank. Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16.

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

• Active duty length of service retirement framework
• Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) framework
• Reserve retirement basics (cross-reference to Reserve Retirement leaf)
• Disability retirement basics (cross-reference to DES leaf)
• Time in grade minimums for retirement
• The retirement request submission timeline

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, 10 U.S.C. 1273110 U.S.C. 12731-12732, 10 U.S.C. 120110 U.S.C. 1201-1221, DoD FMR Volume 7BDoD FMR Volume 7B, and TERA MARADMINs (when authorized).

Type 1. Active Duty Length of Service Retirement

The most common retirement path for active duty Marines.

Eligibility

• 20 or more years of active service.
• Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions characterization.

What "Active Service" Counts

Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 and 10 U.S.C.

• Time on active duty (full-time service).
• Time as a cadet or midshipman at a federal service academy.
• Some Reserve active duty time per specific framework.

Pay Calculation

Based on the High-3 system (or BRS for those under that program).

• High-3. Average of highest 36 months of basic pay × 2.5% × years of service.
• BRS. Average of highest 36 months × 2.0% × years of service.

The Retired Pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) leaf covers the calculation in detail.

Pay Begins

Immediately upon retirement.

Time in Grade Minimums

Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 paragraph 3012.

• Officers O5-O6. 3 years TIG.
• Officers O1-O4. 6 months TIG.
• Warrant Officers W1-W5. 30 days TIG.
• Enlisted E7-E9. 2 years TIG (must serve two qualifying years from date of promotion).
• Enlisted E6. None.

If TIG is not met, the Marine retires at a lesser grade. Coordinate with MMSR for specific TIG calculations.

Type 2. Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA)

Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 and TERA-specific MARADMINs.

What TERA Is

A temporary authority allowing Marines with 15-19 years of active service to retire early. Authorized only when specifically directed by MARADMIN (force shaping driven).

Eligibility

• 15-19 years of active service.
• Specific eligibility criteria per the TERA MARADMIN.
• Application within the MARADMIN window.

Pay Calculation

Per the TERA framework, retired pay is reduced from the standard High-3 calculation. Specific reduction depends on years of service and the MARADMIN provisions.

Pay Begins

Immediately upon TERA retirement.

When Authorized

TERA is NOT continuously authorized. The Marine Corps periodically authorizes TERA via MARADMIN for force shaping needs. Marines should monitor for MARADMIN authorization.

Why TERA Is Used

Allows the Marine Corps to right-size the force during reductions while providing a retirement path for Marines with significant service.

Type 3. Reserve Retirement

Reserve Marines retire under a fundamentally different framework based on QUALIFYING SERVICE rather than years of active service.

Quick Reserve Retirement Summary

• 20 qualifying years of service (50+ retirement points per anniversary year).
• Pay begins at age 60 (with potential NDAA 2008/2011 reductions).
• Retirement points-based pay calculation.
• RCSBP framework for survivor benefits.

Cross-Reference

The Reserve Retirement leaf covers the framework in detail. The Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) leaf covers the survivor framework.

Type 4. Disability Retirement

Marines found UNFIT through the Disability Evaluation System (DES) with a disability rating of 30 PERCENT or HIGHER are placed on a disability retirement.

Two Disability Retirement Lists

Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL)

For Marines whose conditions are stable and unlikely to change.

• Permanent retirement.
• Disability rating becomes permanent.
• Retirement pay continues for life.

Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL)

For Marines whose conditions may change over time.

• Temporary retirement (maximum 3 years).
• Periodic Physical Evaluations during TDRL.
• Final determination at end of TDRL period (PDRL, separation, or return to duty).

Eligibility for Disability Retirement

• Found unfit through DES.
• Disability rating of 30 percent or higher.
• Specific service requirements per the DES framework.

Disability Retirement Pay Calculation

• Disability rating percentage × basic pay (rounded up to next 10 percent), OR
• Years of service × 2.5% × basic pay (whichever is HIGHER).

Cross-Reference

The Disability Evaluation System leaf covers DES in detail. The Limited Duty leaf covers limited duty status.

Time in Grade Considerations

Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16 paragraph 3012, minimum TIG requirements at retirement.

What Happens if TIG Is Not Met

If TIG is not met, the Marine retires at the LESSER grade. MMSR-5 (for Reserve) or MMSR-2 (for active duty) will contact the Marine requesting written acknowledgment that they will retire at the lesser grade.

Combining Partial Years

Two partial qualifying years may be combined to count as one qualifying year. Coordinate with MMSR for specific calculations.

TIG Calculation Tools

Contact MMSR-5 at (703) 784-9306/9307 for TIG calculations specific to your situation.

Retirement Request Submission Timeline

Active Duty

Submit retirement request 6 to 18 months before the requested retirement date.

Reserve

Coordinate with MMSR-5 typically 6 months before the requested retirement date.

Why the Timeline Matters

• Allows MMSR to verify eligibility.
• Allows time for record audit (FITREPs, awards, etc.).
• Allows time for command coordination.
• Reduces risk of last-minute issues.

The Retirement Timeline leaf covers the broader 7-phase framework.

Common Retirement Type Scenarios

Scenario 1. Marine Approaching 20 Years Active Duty

Marine has 19 years 6 months of active service.

• Path. Length of Service Retirement.
• Eligibility. 20+ years required. Marine reaches eligibility within 6 months.
• TIG. Verify TIG for current grade.
• Submission. Submit retirement request 6-18 months before requested retirement date.
• Result. Approved retirement on requested date if requirements are met.

Scenario 2. Marine With 17 Years and TERA Authorized

Marine has 17 years of active service. TERA MARADMIN authorizes 15-19 year retirements.

• Path. TERA.
• Eligibility. 15-19 years AND specific MARADMIN provisions met.
• Submission. Apply per the MARADMIN.
• Result. Approved TERA retirement at reduced pay calculation.

Scenario 3. Reserve Marine Reaching 20 Qualifying Years

Reserve Marine completes 20 qualifying years.

• Path. Reserve Retirement.
• Eligibility. 20 qualifying years (50+ points per anniversary year).
• NOE. Receives 20-Year Letter (Notice of Eligibility) from MMSR-5.
• Pay. Begins at age 60 (with NDAA reductions if qualifying active duty service).

Scenario 4. Marine Found Unfit With 30% Rating

Marine in DES found unfit with 30 percent disability rating.

• Path. Disability Retirement.
• List. Determined by stability of condition.
• Stable condition. PDRL.
• Unstable condition. TDRL (max 3 years, then re-evaluated).
• Pay. Calculated per the disability formula.

Scenario 5. Marine With Insufficient TIG

Marine selected for promotion to GySgt 6 months ago. Retiring at end of contract.

• TIG Required. 2 years for E7-E9.
• TIG Met. No (only 6 months in grade).
• Result. Retires at lesser grade (SSgt). MMSR-2 or MMSR-5 obtains written acknowledgment.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. Submitting Retirement Request Late

Late submission reduces processing time and risks last-minute issues. 6-18 months is the recommended window.

Mistake 2. Misunderstanding TIG Requirements

Marines who do not meet TIG must retire at the lesser grade. Plan accordingly.

Mistake 3. Confusing Reserve and Active Duty Retirement Frameworks

Active duty. Years of active service. Reserve. Qualifying years (points-based). Different frameworks.

Mistake 4. Not Verifying TERA Authorization

TERA is not continuously authorized. Verify the current MARADMIN before assuming TERA is available.

Mistake 5. Not Coordinating With MMSR Early

MMSR can provide specific eligibility, TIG, and pay calculations. Engage early.

Mistake 6. Disability Retirement vs Disability Severance Confusion

30+ percent rating. Disability retirement (continuous pay). Below 30 percent rating. Disability severance pay (one-time payment, not retirement).

Common Questions Marines Ask

What are the four retirement types?

Length of service (active duty, 20+ years), TERA (15-19 years when authorized), Reserve retirement (20 qualifying years), Disability retirement (30+ percent rating).

What is TERA?

Temporary Early Retirement Authority. Allows 15-19 years of active service retirement when authorized via specific MARADMIN. Pay is reduced from standard High-3.

When is TERA available?

When specifically authorized by MARADMIN. Force shaping driven. Not continuously available.

How does Reserve retirement differ from active duty?

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

What are the TIG minimums?

O5-O6. 3 years. O1-O4. 6 months. W1-W5. 30 days. E7-E9. 2 years (and 2 qualifying years from promotion). E6. None.

What if I do not meet TIG?

You retire at the lesser grade. MMSR contacts you for written acknowledgment.

When should I submit my retirement request?

6-18 months before the requested retirement date for active duty.

What is the difference between PDRL and TDRL?

PDRL. Permanent (stable conditions). TDRL. Temporary (max 3 years, periodic re-evaluations, then either PDRL, separation, or return to duty).

How do I qualify for disability retirement?

Found unfit through DES with disability rating of 30 percent or higher. The Disability Evaluation System leaf covers the framework.

What is the disability retirement pay calculation?

Disability rating × basic pay (rounded up to next 10 percent) OR years of service × 2.5% × basic pay, whichever is HIGHER.

How does High-3 work?

Average of highest 36 months of basic pay × 2.5% × years of service. The Retired Pay and SBP leaf covers in detail.

How does BRS retirement pay work?

Average of highest 36 months × 2.0% × years of service. Lower than High-3 because BRS includes TSP government contributions.

Can I combine partial qualifying years?

Yes. Two partial qualifying years may be combined. Contact MMSR for specific calculations.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Active duty retirement eligibility. MMSR-2 (Enlisted) or MMSR-2 (Officer).
• TERA-specific questions. The current TERA MARADMIN and MMSR.
• Reserve retirement eligibility. MMSR-5 ((703) 784-9306/9307).
• Disability retirement. MMSR-4 (SMB_Manpower_MMSR4@usmc.mil).
• TDRL-specific questions. MMSR-4 TDRL (SMB_Manpower_TDRL@usmc.mil).
• Retired services and pay. MMSR-6 ((703) 784-9311).
• TIG calculations. MMSR-5 (703) 784-9306/9307 or unit S-1.
• DFAS for retired pay. https://www.dfas.mil/.

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 Timeline (36 Months Through Post-Retirement) covers the planning framework.
• Retired Pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) covers active duty retired pay.
• Reserve Retirement covers Reserve qualifying years and points framework.
• Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) covers Reserve survivor framework.
• Disability Evaluation System (DES) covers disability retirement framework.
• Limited Duty covers TLD, PLD, EPLD.
• Voluntary Separations covers EAS framework (alternative to retirement).
• Transition Requirements covers TRS, Capstone, ITP.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on retirement timing, TIG, and option selection.
• Admin at S-1 supports retirement request submission and MMSR coordination.
• Commanders endorse retirement requests through the chain.

Four primary retirement types. Active duty length of service (20+ years), TERA (15-19 years when authorized), Reserve retirement (20 qualifying years, age 60 pay start), Disability retirement (30+ percent rating, PDRL or TDRL). Each type has specific eligibility, pay calculations, and benefits. TIG minimums vary by rank. Submit retirement requests 6-18 months out for active duty. Coordinate with MMSR-2 (active duty), MMSR-5 (Reserve), MMSR-4 (disability), MMSR-6 (post-retirement). Per MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, 10 U.S.C. 1273110 U.S.C. 12731-12732, 10 U.S.C. 120110 U.S.C. 1201-1221, DoD FMR Volume 7BDoD FMR Volume 7B.