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See You at AUSA!
Come see us 12-14 Oct at AUSA in DC, Booth 415! Retirement Services, Soldier For Life, MyArmyBenefits, and Army PaYS will all be there to provide information and answer your questions.
October - December 2026
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER FOR SOLDIERS WITH 17 OR MORE YEARS OF SERVICE
MONEY MATTERS
Are you retirement ready?
Congratulations! You've entered or are approaching the three-year window before retirement and are closing in on the end of your military career. Are you ready to start planning your next steps?
TRICARE, Medicare & Social Security 101
Are you curious about how TRICARE, Medicare, and Social Security work together? It could be helpful to become familiar with these government programs.
Casualty Assistance Checklist
If you died tomorrow, would your loved ones know what to do? Would they know where all the important documents and accounts (physical and online) are and how to access them? Would they know if you want to be buried in uniform and how to access the Survivor Benefit Plan if you die on active duty? Regardless of your age or retirement status, filling out the Casualty Assistance Checklist, found in a printable PDF format online, can help ease their burden during the difficult time.
Don't wait until it's too late to have the conversation. Start filling it out now, continually update it throughout your retirement process, and make sure your loved ones know where to find it.
PLANNING GUIDANCE
The VA Resource Navigator: Managing change, together
By Veterans Benefits Administration
The VA Resource Navigator is a simple tool that helps you access and understand the VA benefits you've earned. This go-to guide provides trusted web links, phone numbers, and QR codes to VA services and benefits.
Find information about: VA locations, health care, disability and benefits, education and training, housing assistance, careers and employment, family member, caregiver, and survivor benefits, pensions, burials and memorials, and much more.
Download a copy for you and your family today and share this valuable resource to help guide others through this unfamiliar landscape.
FEDVIP: Plan for Your Next Chapter
If retiring from service is on the horizon, you’re likely considering dental and vision benefits as you transition to civilian life. The good news is that coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is available to you.
Retirement Triggers a TRICARE QLE
Outside of TRICARE Open Season, you can enroll in or change enrollment to a TRICARE Prime option or TRICARE Select following a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event.
TRICARE Open Season 2027 coverage
Open Season is an annual period when beneficiaries may enroll in a health plan or make changes to their health care, dental, and/or vision coverage for the next calendar year.
2027 U.S. Army Retirement Planning Guides
The 2027 U.S. Army Retirement Planning Guides are now available on our website.
The purpose of the U.S. Army Retirement Planning Guides are to provide information that helps Soldiers and their families transition from serving our nation in uniform to serving in their communities. It also provides Soldiers with a practical timeline, breaking down the many tasks involved with retirement planning; information on how to calculate their retirement pay; how to navigate healthcare benefits; Survivor Benefit Plan options and much more.
POST RETIREMENT PERSPECTIVES
Entrepreneurship? You Have Support
Under the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) program, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and other federal agencies reserve certain contracts exclusively for SDVOSBs.
Boost Your Skills With VR&E
If you want to follow an employment path that uses your existing skill set, the Rapid Access to Employment track can help you with your job search. We offer counseling and rehabilitation services that address your abilities, aptitudes, and interests.
Storm Ready: Know How AER Can Help
Hurricane season in the U.S. typically runs from early summer, starting in mid-May and running through the end of November for the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and for the Eastern Pacific.
Reminders for Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers
While you’re in the Retired Reserve, keep your mailing and email address up to date with DFAS by using myPay, and with DEERS.
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 (GAR) and you're approaching your 59th birthday, you must apply to receive your retired pay. You can download a retirement application here, or you can email usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.taqd-ask-hrc@army.mil. If you have any questions, you can reach out to HRC at 1-888-ARMYHRC (276-9472) (option 2) M-F, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET.
New SFL Podcasts on Retirement
Check out the latest Soldier for Life (SFL) podcast episodes about subjects relevant to Army retirement. Especially Season 16, Episodes 9, Survivor Benefit Program (SBP) 101, and 10, which covers which Survivor Benefit Plan is right for you. Click on the arrow below and start listening.
Current Issue
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