Congratulations, you just spent the past four years in one of the most challenging college environments that exist. You were pushed to your physical, emotional, and intellectual limits and earned the right to be commissioned as an officer in the United States Military. So now, while you are enjoying a little leave, on your way to your basic officer course, or already at your first assignment leading troops, you need to make sure you are planning for retirement. Wait, what, retirement, but you just graduated? Remember, you will never again get the chance to start planning for retirement this early. I have outlined three steps below that you can take before you ever show up for your first formation that can put you on the right path to achieving financial security in your retirement.
Have questions on which TSP fund is right for you?
Step 3: Opt-In to the Blended Retirement System (BRS)
Hopefully, by now you know that the Department of Defense is changing the Military Retirement System from the legacy "High 3" system to the Blended Retirement System. If you are being commissioned in 2017, you will be eligible to decide to stay in the legacy system or to opt-in to the BRS. Under the legacy system, if you serve 20 years, you earn a lifetime, inflation protected pension that is based on the number of years you serve, the average of your three highest paying years, and an inflation multiplier of 2.5%. Under the BRS, you will still get a pension if you serve 20 years, and it will still be based on the number of years you serve and the average of your three highest paying years, but the pension multiplier has been reduced to 2.0%. Let’s look at an example of each. You are a Major who retired after twenty years and earned an average of $11,000 per month for the last three years of service. Under the legacy system, your pension would be calculated:
2.5% X 20 X 11,000 = $5,500/month
Under the BRS, your pension would be calculated:
2.0% X 20 X 11,000 = $4,400/month
One last important note, while the BRS will initiate government contributions to your TSP, nothing is preventing you from contributing on your own to the TSP now. Whether you opt-in or not, you should be building towards your retirement now by contributing to the TSP (See Step 1!!).
Do you have questions on the comparison calculator?
Again, congratulations on your graduation and commission. You are about to embark on an exciting journey leading America’s sons and daughters. As you begin your service to a grateful nation, take a little time to set your future self up for financial success by making smart retirement choices today.
Retirement Letter Examples
Commander
Eighteenth Air Force
Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-5002
(date of ceremony)
Chief Master Sergeant (name)
Job Title
Unit
Street Address
Base
Dear Chief Last Name here
We would like to congratulate you on a record of outstanding service to our great nation. For over XX years, the Air Force has benefited from your expertise, dedication, and mentoring.
From your first assignment as a (job title) culminating in your present position as (job title, unit) at (base), you have faced some of life’s toughest challenges all the while serving your country with distinction. As your Air Force career comes to a close, take pride in knowing your exemplary efforts and unwavering professionalism contributed greatly to the success of the Air Force mission.
Monica and I offer our warmest regards and best wishes for you and (Spouse's First Name) as you retire from the United States Air Force. Please accept an 18th Air Force coin in recognition of your incredible contribution.
Sincerely,
Charles Emerson Winchester III
Major General, USAF
Fourteenth Air Force
(date of ceremony)
Dear Sergeant (Last Name)
Thank you for 23 years of faithful and dedicated military service. Your leadership and technical expertise as Chief, Operating Location Charlie contributed immensely to the effectiveness and success of the European Regional Satellite Support Center. You have been a significant force not only for the 614th Space Communications Squadron, but for the Headquarters as well. From myself and the men and women of the 14th Air Force, congratulations on your retirement. We wish you well on the bright future that lay ahead. You have done the Air Force proud.
Sincerely
MICHAEL J. FOX
Major General, USAF
Commander
Master Sergeant (First MI. Last Name)
614 SCS/Operating Location Charlie
Unit 30403
APO AE 09131-0403
at no extra cost to you
Also, if you're looking for a unique retirement card to write your message, check out this beautiful Happy Retirement pop-up card. It is my favorite.
Military Retirement Card Messages
1) Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement. You've done so much for our country. You're an inspiration. Thank you.
2) Thank you for your service. Best wishes on your retirement. Let the fun begin!
3) You've fought for freedom, now it's time to enjoy your freedom. Wish you a life filled with peace, love, and happiness. Happy retirement!
4) Congrats! Now, you don't have to follow orders anymore, except the ones from your wife. Good luck with the new general!
5) You've cared for our safety and freedom for many years, now it's time for you to live a carefree life. Enjoy and make the most of it. Happy retirement!
6) Thank you for all your contributions. You've made a difference in all of our lives. You served our nation, and now it's time for our nation to serve you. Enjoy your well-deserved and hard-earned retirement.
7) Thank you for your dedication and service. You can be proud. You served well. Wish you a happy retirement.
8) Enjoy your never-ending leave! All the best.
9) Congratulation on getting promoted to retirement. The highest rank in life. Enjoy!
10) Wishing you nothing but the best on your retirement mission.
11) From a life filled with orders, discipline, restrictions, and rules, to a life where you can do whatever the heck you want. Sounds like a great plan!
12) You're serviced will be remembered by all of us. Celebrating a job well done.
13) Now your only job is to have fun, get good at it! Cheers!
14) I salute you for all your hard work. Wishing you a peaceful retirement.
15) You think the military is adventurous. Wait until you're retired. Best wishes on all your future adventures.
16) Make all your retirement dreams come true. Like all your other deployments and missions. You've got this!
17) The One, The Only, The Legendary (name) Has Retired! Mic drop.
18) Enjoy the money from the government, you’ve earned it and more with your dedicated service and hard work!
19) A big thank you for your service to our country and all citizens. I can speak for all of us: thank you, thank you, thank you. Now make this next chapter in your life the best one yet.
20) Thanks to brave men like you, we stay the land of the free. I hope you have a wonderful retirement.
21) You're a courageous patriot that deserves all our respect. You're an inspiration, leader, and freedom fighter. I hope you have a fantastic retirement.
22) Everyone is proud of your service. You should be too. All the best in your future endeavors.
23) “Oh, say can you see (name) is retiring”. You deserve your own national anthem. Enjoy your retirement. May it be the best adventure of your life!
24) May you be proud of the work you have done, the person you are, and the difference you have made.
25) After fighting so hard to protect what's behind you, it's time for you to enjoy whatever that is in front of you. May you enjoy the very best that life has to offer you!
26) Thank you for never stop fighting. Enjoy your personal victory. You deserve the retirement of your dreams!
27) Because of your service and dedication, our nation has the chance to do whatever makes them happy. Now it's time for you to go after the things that make you truly happy. Have a happy retirement!
28) Your actions have inspired us. Thank you for your service. Cheers to you and wish you all the best in retirement.
29) Now that you're off duty, go on and have some fun.
30) The military loses a hero. A legend. But you're more than deserving of a wonderful retirement. Enjoy this new journey in your life. Cherish every moment.
31) Because of you we can live in peace. Wishing you a very peaceful and fun retirement.
32) Be proud of all you have accomplished in life, the wisdom you have gained, and the friends you have made along the way. I'm so happy to be your friend and wish you a happy retirement.
33) It's time for you to focus on your loved ones and enjoy the fruits of all your hard work. Thanks for all you have done for us.
34) May you have the best time in retirement. Filled with love, health, and happiness.
35) Retirement. Now the real adventure begins…
36) “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell
37) Thanks for being brave. Our nation will forever be grateful.
38) Wishing you a wonderful retirement ahead. You will be missed but never forgotten.
39) Now it's time to do all the things you've always wanted to do. Go get 'em.
40) May your retirement be filled with many new adventures, meaningful moments, and much happiness.
41) Retirement is the ending of your years of service. A big chapter in your life, but it's also the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Make it a great one!
42) You’ve worked all your life and paid your dues. Now you can do whatever you choose. Happy retirement!
43) Welcome to your newfound freedom. You deserve it. Have the best time of your life!
44) When ‘I’m too old for this shit’ becomes your daily mantra, you know it’s time to retire. All the best!
What Is A Good Military Retirement Gift?
Chances are you also are looking for a great retirement gift as well. And you're wondering, what is a good military retirement gift?
Now, as a retirement gifts expert, I've done hours of research to find the best retirement gifts and listed the top five best military retirement gifts below.
at no extra cost to you
1) Custom Engraved Decanter Set
This Custom Engraved Decanter Set is the perfect military retirement gift for bourbon, scotch, and whiskey fans. Everything will taste a lot better from drinking out of your own and unique decanter set. Both decanter and glasses are engraved for FREE with your desired logos, designs, text, and more.