GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Must-Know Military Retirement Statistics [Current Data]

Highlights: Military Retirement Statistics

  • There are currently approximately 2 million military retirees in the United States.
  • About 17% of service members will serve for 20 years, the length of service needed to qualify for a military pension.
  • 83% of military personnel will leave service without any form of retirement pay since they do not complete 20 years of service.
  • In 2018, the number of retired military members outnumbered the number of active duty service members.
  • About 200,000 active-duty military service members retire each year.
  • Military retiree health care, known as TRICARE for Life, covers retired service members and their families after age 60.
  • 70% of military retirees choose to live within 10 miles of a military installation after retirement.
  • 61% of military retirees work full-time after retirement.
  • As of 2021, military retirees saw a 1.3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their retired pay.
  • The average military retiree receives an annual pension of around $30,000.
  • 42% of military retirees are officer rank, while 58% are enlisted.
  • Approximately 4 out of 5 military retirees are not disabled.
  • Military pension payments totaled more than $58 billion in 2019, accounting for 9% of total defense spending.

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Military retirement is an important part of the U.S. military system, and it affects millions of service members each year. This blog post will explore some key statistics about military retirees in the United States, including their numbers, age range, pension amounts and more. We’ll also look at how many are eligible for a traditional “Defined Benefit” pension plan or a new Blended Retirement System (BRS). Finally we’ll discuss where they live after retiring from active duty service and what kind of work they do afterwards. By understanding these facts about our nation’s veterans who have served honorably in uniform, we can better appreciate their contributions to our country as well as ensure that those who retire receive all the benefits due them under law.

The Most Important Statistics
There are currently approximately 2 million military retirees in the United States. This statistic is a powerful reminder of the immense impact that military retirees have had on the United States. It speaks to the dedication and sacrifice of those who have served our country and the lasting legacy they have left behind. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of our nation and the commitment of our military personnel to protecting our freedoms. About 17% of service members will serve for 20 years, the length of service needed to qualify for a military pension. This statistic is significant in the context of military retirement statistics because it highlights the importance of reaching the 20-year mark for service members who wish to receive a pension. It serves as a reminder that, while a military career can be rewarding, it also requires a long-term commitment in order to reap the full benefits.

Military Retirement Statistics Overview

The military retirement system offers a choice between a traditional “Defined Benefit” pension plan and a “Blended Retirement System” (BRS) that combines a pension with a 401(k)-type savings plan.

This statistic is important in the context of a blog post about Military Retirement Statistics because it provides insight into the options available to those who have served in the military and are looking to retire. By offering a choice between a traditional pension plan and a blended retirement system, the military retirement system allows individuals to tailor their retirement plan to their specific needs and goals.

83% of military personnel will leave service without any form of retirement pay since they do not complete 20 years of service.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the harsh reality that many military personnel face when it comes to retirement. It highlights the fact that the majority of those who serve in the military will not be able to reap the benefits of a retirement package, despite their dedication and hard work. This statistic is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that military personnel make in order to serve their country, and it should be taken into consideration when discussing military retirement statistics.

In 2018, the number of retired military members outnumbered the number of active duty service members.

This statistic is a telling indication of the changing landscape of the military. It speaks to the fact that the number of retired service members is growing, and that the number of active duty service members is decreasing. This shift in the military’s composition has implications for the future of the armed forces, and is an important factor to consider when discussing military retirement statistics.

About 200,000 active-duty military service members retire each year.

This statistic is a powerful reminder of the immense sacrifice made by those who serve in the military. It speaks to the sheer number of individuals who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country and the freedoms we enjoy. It is a testament to the strength and courage of those who have chosen to serve, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of providing support and resources to those who have retired from the military.

Military retiree health care, known as TRICARE for Life, covers retired service members and their families after age 60.

This statistic is significant in the context of military retirement statistics because it highlights the importance of providing health care coverage for retired service members and their families. TRICARE for Life ensures that those who have served their country are not left without access to medical care after they reach the age of 60. This is a crucial benefit for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation.

70% of military retirees choose to live within 10 miles of a military installation after retirement.

This statistic is significant in the context of military retirement statistics because it demonstrates the strong connection that many military retirees have to their former installations. It shows that even after retirement, many veterans still prefer to remain close to the military community, suggesting that the bonds formed during service are long-lasting.

61% of military retirees work full-time after retirement.

This statistic is significant in the context of a blog post about Military Retirement Statistics because it demonstrates the prevalence of military retirees who choose to remain in the workforce after retirement. It highlights the fact that many military retirees are not content to simply retire and relax, but instead are eager to continue contributing to the workforce. This statistic is a testament to the dedication and commitment of military retirees, and serves as an inspiring example for those considering retirement.

As of 2021, military retirees saw a 1.3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their retired pay.

This statistic is significant in the context of military retirement statistics because it demonstrates the commitment of the government to ensure that military retirees are able to maintain their standard of living. The 1.3% COLA to their retired pay is a tangible way of showing that the government is looking out for the financial well-being of those who have served their country.

The average military retiree receives an annual pension of around $30,000.

This statistic is a powerful indicator of the financial security that military retirees can expect to enjoy after leaving the service. It highlights the fact that, despite the sacrifices they have made, military retirees can still look forward to a comfortable retirement. This statistic is a testament to the commitment of the US government to ensure that those who have served their country are taken care of in their later years.

42% of military retirees are officer rank, while 58% are enlisted.

This statistic is important in understanding the composition of military retirees. It reveals that the majority of retirees are enlisted personnel, while a smaller portion are officers. This is significant because it highlights the different experiences and perspectives of those who have served in the military and retired. It also provides insight into the different paths that can be taken in the military, and the different opportunities available to those who serve.

Approximately 4 out of 5 military retirees are not disabled.

This statistic is significant in the context of military retirement statistics because it highlights the fact that the majority of military retirees are able to enjoy their retirement without the burden of a disability. This is a testament to the strength and resilience of those who have served in the military and is a reminder of the sacrifices they have made for their country.

Military pension payments totaled more than $58 billion in 2019, accounting for 9% of total defense spending.

This statistic is a powerful indicator of the importance of military pensions in the defense budget. It demonstrates that a significant portion of defense spending is dedicated to providing financial security to those who have served in the military. This highlights the importance of providing adequate retirement benefits to those who have served in the military, and the need to ensure that these benefits are sufficient to meet the needs of veterans.

Conclusion

The statistics presented in this blog post demonstrate the importance of military retirement and its impact on both service members and their families. From these numbers, we can see that there are currently over two million retired military personnel in the United States, with an average age of 43 for enlisted personnel and 46 for officers. We also learn that 83% of those who serve will not qualify for a pension due to lack of time served, while 17% do reach 20 years or more to become fully vested in either the traditional Defined Benefit plan or Blended Retirement System (BRS). The BRS has seen tremendous growth since it was introduced in 2018; as of 2020 it had reached one million participants with 36.4% being considered fully vested after reaching at least 20 years’ service.

Retired military members receive an annual pension averaging around $30,000 per year along with other benefits such as TRICARE health care coverage once they turn 60-years old. Additionally, 70% choose to live within 10 miles from a base upon retiring while 61 percent work full-time afterwards – many times taking up new careers outside their field during active duty service. Finally, almost 90 percent are male retirees which accounts for 9 percent ($58 billion) out total defense spending budgeted by Congress each year towards pensions alone..

References

0. – https://www.www.militarytimes.com

1. – https://www.www.dfas.mil

2. – https://www.comptroller.defense.gov

3. – https://www.www.rand.org

4. – https://www.www.goarmy.com

5. – https://www.www.tricare.mil

6. – https://www.www.kiplinger.com

7. – https://www.www.cbo.gov

8. – https://www.fas.org

 

FAQs

What is the eligibility criteria for military retirement?

The eligibility criteria for military retirement typically require a minimum of 20 years of active service or, in some cases, a combination of active and reserve service.

How is the retirement pay for military personnel calculated?

Retirement pay for military personnel is generally calculated based on their years of service, rank, and the average of the highest 36 months of basic pay. There are three different retirement systems the Final Pay system, the High-36 Month Average system, and the Blended Retirement System (BRS).

Can military retirees receive both retirement pay and VA disability compensation?

Yes, military retirees can receive both retirement pay and VA disability compensation through a program called Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP), provided they have a combined disability rating of 50% or higher from the VA.

Are military retirement benefits subject to income tax?

Military retirement pay is generally subject to federal income tax. However, some states either fully or partially exempt military retirement income from state income taxes.

Do military retirees continue to receive benefits like healthcare and base access after retirement?

Yes, military retirees continue to receive benefits such as access to TRICARE healthcare, the military's healthcare program, and base access for exchange and commissary shopping privileges. Other benefits include access to military recreational facilities and various veterans' programs and services.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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