July - September 2026
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER FOR SOLDIERS WITH 17 OR MORE YEARS OF SERVICE
MONEY MATTERS
Planning for transition: TRICARE
Transitioning out of the military to civilian life is a big step that comes with several financial changes. Many benefits you've had as an active-duty service member will be shifting or changing, so it's important to be aware of how these changes will affect your family's finances.
Understanding TRICARE deductibles
Have you ever heard the word "deductible" and wondered what it means? You aren’t alone. Healthcare cost terms can be tricky, but we’re here to make them easy to understand. "A deductible is a set amount of money you must pay out of pocket before TRICARE starts to pay for your care."
How to update your myPay contact information before retirement
Use your personal email as your primary email and set up two-factor authentication.
- Go to https://mypay.dfas.mil
- Login and select "Email Address" under the "Personal Settings" menu
- Enter your new email address twice and click "Accept/Submit" to save changes
- Ensure you select this as your preferred/"primary" email
- Add DFAS-SMARTDOCS@MAIL.MIL to your safe senders list to ensure you receive notifications.
PLANNING GUIDANCE
CSP & SkillBridge Move to IPPS-A
The Army recently took a big step toward modernizing how Soldiers submit Army Career Skills Program (CSP) and DOW SkillBridge (SB) program requests. As of May 18, 2026, all packets are now submitted, routed, and approved within the Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army (IPPS A)
Military OneSource: Transition Help
If you’re newly retired from the military, Military OneSource is available to help ensure your transition is successful. Veterans and their families have full access to Military OneSource resources and support for 365 days from their retirement date.
Retiring soon? Explore FEDVIP options
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.
TRICARE Tips for a Successful Move
According to studies conducted by Blue Star Families, and Soldier for Life, 73% to 75% of military retirees move away from their final duty station. When you move, keeping organized is key. Between the boxes and bubble wrap, take time to make sure your TRICARE benefits are ready to come along.
The smart exit: Fast-track your civilian career using your GI Bill benefits
By Veterans Benefits Administration
Work toward a degree (Undergraduate and graduate degrees, national tests, foreign programs, tuition assistance top-up, tutorial assistance)
Train for a specific career, trade, or industry (Licensing and certification tests and prep courses, accelerated payments for high-technology programs, non-college degree programs (like HVAC repair, EMT training, or truck driving), flight training, on-the-job training and apprenticeships, entrepreneurship training)
Work while you study (Co-op training, work study)
Take classes from home (Correspondence training, independent and distance learning)
Learn how to maximize the education benefits you've earned at: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/.
myPay accounts for Gray Area Retirees
If you are a Reserve or Guard Soldier preparing to retire, this article provides dedicated resources to ensure you have a smooth transition. Did you know there’s a special kind of myPay account specifically set up for Gray Area Retirees? As you honor your service and step into this...
What to Expect at 17 Years
Reaching 17 years of qualifying service in a Troop Program Unit (TPU) is a major career milestone. At this stage, long term planning becomes essential to ensure Soldiers understand how their service decisions affect retirement eligibility and future benefits.
2026 U.S. Army Retirement Planning Guides
The 2026 U.S. Army Retirement Planning Guides are available online.
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
How to request your VA health records
Understanding how to access service and health records and how to navigate the release of information (ROI) process is important for many veterans as they manage their care. Veterans have the right to request copies of their VA health information...
AAFES Named Top Veteran Employer
For the 13th time, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has been named a Top Veteran-Friendly Employer by U.S. Veterans Magazine, reaffirming its commitment to those who have served.
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.
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