The military retirement system applies to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. However, most of the provisions also apply to retirement systems for members of the Coast Guard (administered by the Department of Transportation), officers of the Public Health Service (administered by the Department of Health and Human Services), and officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (administered by the Department of Commerce).

The system is a funded, noncontributory defined benefit plan that includes non-disability retired pay, disability retired pay, retired pay for Reserve service and survivor annuity programs. The Service Secretaries approve immediate non-disability retired pay at any age with credit of at least 20 years of active duty service. Reserve retirees must be 60 years old with 20 creditable years of service before retired pay commences. There is no vesting before retirement.

For specific benefits and programs, peruse this section. Additional information is available through VA regional offices.

For submitting VA applications, please consult the Electronic Department of Veterans Affairs.