October - December 2025
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER FOR SOLDIERS WITH 17 OR MORE YEARS OF SERVICE
COVER STORY
Guiding Soldiers to Retirement Success
Soldiers are our Army's most important asset, and that doesn't change when they decide to retire. We have a duty to take care of our Soldiers and their families as they transition out of the Army. Retirement isn't an end; it's a new chapter, and we must ensure our transitioning Soldiers are prepared for it.
MONEY MATTERS
Your myPay guide before retirement
The online account management system, myPay, used by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), is the fastest and most secure way to manage your military pay account.
Tailoring your SBP coverage
You have looked at your finances, considered your liabilities, and assets. You have figured out that without the income your bring into the household, your family needs something else...
DFAS: Tax season is around the corner
When you transition from active military duty to retirement, your tax situation will change significantly, primarily because tax-free allowances become taxable income...
PLANNING GUIDANCE
Retirement Expectations vs. Reality
Retirement is a major milestone that service members spend years thinking about and planning. Yet, when the time finally arrives, some find their expectations of retirement don't match the reality...
Retirement starts with a plan
There are few things more unpredictable than starting a new chapter in life; especially after decades of stability, routine, established benefits, and familiarity. Nevertheless, your retirement is on the horizon...
Prepare for Reserve Retirement
Army Directive 2025-09, effective May 28, 2025, mandates that Reserve Component (RC) Soldiers with 17-20 years of credible service attend a mandatory in-person retirement planning seminar.
NEW 2026 Retirement Planning Guide!
The 2026 Retirement Planning Guide is now available at your local Retirement Services Office and online to provide information that helps Soldiers and their families transition from serving our nation in uniform to serving in their communities. It provides a practical retirement planning timeline as well as information on how to calculate retired pay, navigate healthcare benefits, Survivor Benefit Plan options, and much more.
POST RETIREMENT PERSPECTIVES
VA Construction Loans
Having a house built is an excellent way to obtain your dream home. Building your own home could also be a solution in areas where there is a low inventory market.
Happy 70th, Army Retirement Services!
Presently, Army RSO is charged with overseeing the current retirement services program and writing Army policy for Soldiers preparing to retire.
AAFES Gives Back
Every time you visit the PX, eat at an Exchange food court or shop at ShopMyExchange.com, you strengthen Army communities around the world...
Reminders for Army Reserve and
Army National Guard Soldiers:
While you’re in the Retired Reserve, keep your mailing and email addresses up to date with DFAS by using myPay.
• To determine if you qualify for the reduced age retirement, visit HRC’s website. If you are eligible, contact your Army Reserve or Army National Guard RSO for help in calculating your retirement eligibility date.
• If you are a Gray Area Retiree and you're approaching your 59th birthday, you must apply to receive your retired pay. Retired pay application and submission information can be found on the HRC Gray Area Retirements Branch page, or you can email usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.taqdask-hrc@army.mil. If you need assistance with your application or have questions, you shouldcontact your servicing Retirement Services Officer (RSO).
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