By Reina Vasquez, Army Retirement Services     July 2026

The Army officially doubled the voluntary retirement request period to 24 months for active service retirements, superseding the traditional 12-month timeline.

You read that right! You can now submit your voluntary retirement request between 12 and 24 months before your planned retirement date. This permanent policy change, effective April 17, 2026, affords more time to prepare for your civilian transition. According to Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, the expanded window also helps the Army predict personnel gaps and better align assignment cycles with the Army’s Human Resources Command (HRC).

What this means for you

• More Prep Time: Secure your retirement date up to two years early.
• Smoother Transition: Get a head start on civilian transition programs and job hunting.
• Better Planning: Allows HRC to fill your position more effectively.
• Permanent Rule: This timeline is now standard across the force.

Soldiers are eligible to apply for voluntary retirement upon reaching 20 years of active federal service (AFS) if they are currently on active duty, have at least 18 years of AFS, and can complete all service obligations by their requested retirement date.

Lt. Col. Kiana J. Jones, chief, Officer Career Policy, HQDA DCS G-1, says by expanding the retirement request window, the Army maximizes personnel predictability, giving talent managers the critical lead time required to secure replacements while boosting long-term recruiting and mission readiness.

“The directive balances personal care with operational necessity—allowing Soldiers to execute a proper, deliberate transition while keeping local commands fully manned, lethal, and combat-ready.”

There are, however, restrictions on the new policy: Soldiers under consideration for a new assignment or have already received orders for a Permanent Change of Station cannot file a voluntary retirement request. In these cases, Soldiers with at least 19 years of service can request retirement instead of accepting the assignment, but they must do so within 6 months of their retirement date.

Soldiers holding the rank of colonel, lieutenant colonel, chief warrant officer 4, chief warrant officer 5, and master sergeant through command sergeant major require a written plan submitted by their commander along with their retirement request. This plan ensures you balance your daily unit duties while stepping into a two-year retirement process. Additionally, the new policy does not prohibit reassignment if necessary to meet Army requirements or to be subject to future force shaping initiatives determined to be in the best interest of the Army.

Soldiers can begin planning for their transition by attending mandatory Retirement Planning Seminars as well as accessing the Army Transition Assistance Program (TAP) resources and counseling after submitting a retirement request. This is the time to work on administrative paperwork and mental preparation.

Remember, you are still on active duty and must report to work as usual. The execution phase happens during the final 12 months of service, which include command-approved activities like permissive temporary duty, SkillBridge participation, house hunting, terminal leave, and installation clearing.

“This directive strengthens overall readiness by alleviating the intense stress of a lifelong military transition, ensuring Soldiers remain focused on the mission,” said Jones. “Additionally, the policy stabilizes unit manning levels and opens the door for structured knowledge transfer to maintain operational continuity. It stands as a clear win-win for both Soldiers and commands alike.”

The ultimate goal is to ensure every retiring Soldier leaves as a capable ambassador for the Army, equipped with the time and resources necessary to build a stable future.

For more information on starting your request, please reach out to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command at usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-ask-hrc@army.mil or contact your local Retirement Services Officer (RSO) at the directory found on the Soldier for Life webpage.