Pay & Compensation
Blended Retirement System (BRS)
20-year pension at 40% of base pay PLUS TSP matching contributions. For those who entered service after Jan 1, 2018.
Who qualifies: Active duty, National Guard.
The Blended Retirement System replaced the legacy "High-3" pension for those who entered service after January 1, 2018 (or those who opted in):
• 20-year retirement pension: 40% of average basic pay (vs. 50% under legacy)
• PLUS TSP matching: DoD contributes 1% automatically + matches up to 4%
• Continuation Pay: lump-sum bonus at the 12-year mark for re-enlisting
BRS is more portable – even if you don't serve 20 years, you keep the TSP matching contributions.