Understanding your retirement options early helps prevent delays, missed eligibility, or unintended separation. This page helps you identify the correct retirement path, understand submission requirements, and know when to act.

Retirement is not automatic for Individual Reservists (IRs). Members must apply.
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Retirement Application Processing Status

To ensure we serve our members in a timely manner, applications are prioritized by the date of retirement, not on a first-in, first-out basis. Our team is currently reviewing a queue of 50 applications which will then be forwarded to ARPC for final processing.

We are currently processing applications with a retirement date of April 2026.

Urgent retirement cases will continue to be prioritized. We appreciate your patience as we work through all applications.

Questions About the Process?

Reserve Retirement Counseling Cell (RRCC)
Email: arpc.dpt.rrcc@us.af.mil
Phone: 1-800-682-1926

Step 1: Identify Your Retirement Option

(Applies to All Retirement Types)

All Individual Reservist retirement applications follow the same submission pathway:

• Submit retirement request in myFSS → myRetirements

• Attach a memorandum signed by your Unit Commander or first O-6 in the chain of command (or civilian equivalent)

• Attach any applicable supporting documentation

• Applications are processed and finalized by ARPC Retirements with coordination from HQ RIO and TMC

Interim Routing Guidance (Effective through 6 Jan 26): Members should route retirement applications in myRetirements to the current Retirements POC:

· Through 5 Jan 26: SSgt Stephen Swearingen

· Effective 6 Jan 26: TSgt Michael Penaso

Once submitted, eligibility and timing are validated based on the retirement option selected.

Retirement Option Summaries

Reserve Retirement

· Most common option; retired pay is not immediate
· Eligible with 20 years of satisfactory service, or
· Medically disqualified for worldwide duty (AAC 37) with at least 15 years of satisfactory service
· Retired pay normally begins at age 60, or earlier if eligible for Reduced Reserve Retirement Age
· Members approved for Reserve Retirement who are not yet eligible to receive retired pay are considered Gray Area Retirees

Regular (Active Duty) Retirement

· Eligible with 20 years of Total Active Federal Military Service (TAFMS)
· Officers must also have 10 years of Total Active Federal Commissioned Service (TAFCS)
· Retired pay begins immediately upon retirement
· Retirement effective date must be the 1st day of the month
· Retirement date cannot exceed Mandatory Separation Date (MSD), High Year of Tenure (HYT), or Expiration Term of Service (ETS)
· Individual Reservists approaching 18–20 years TAFMS while on active duty orders should review sanctuary provisions
· Sanctuary may allow continuation on active duty to reach retirement eligibility unless waived

Reduced Reserve Retirement Age
· Allows eligible Reserve retirees to receive retired pay before age 60
· Applies to Individual Reservists who performed qualifying active duty after 28 January 2008
· Each 90 days of qualifying active duty reduces retirement age by 3 months
· Minimum retirement pay age is 50
· Reduced Reserve Retirement Age eligibility is not automatic and must be validated and approved as part of the retirement application process

Compare Retirement Options

Use the table below to confirm eligibility, retired pay timing, and key considerations before submitting your application.

Before You Click Submit

• Confirm you selected the correct retirement option

• Verify the requested retirement date aligns with eligibility and timing rules

• Ensure the Unit Commander or first O-6 memorandum is signed and attached

• Ensure a current PCARS (from vMPF) is attached

• Upload all applicable supporting documents

Step 2: What Do I Need to Submit?

Required system
myFSS → myRetirements

Items Required

· Retirement application submitted in myFSS

• Unit Commander or first O-6 memorandum
• PCARS - Point Credit Summary (pulled by the member from vMPF)

Supporting documentation (if applicable)

· Approved 6-month waiver
(Required when application is submitted fewer than 180 days before the requested retirement date)

· DD Form 2656 (for members applying for retired pay)

· Marriage certificate

· Divorce decree

· Death certificate

· Current active duty orders

Step 3: When Should I Apply?

Reserve Component retirement applications must be submitted no earlier than 12 months and no later than 180 days (6 months) before the requested retirement date.

Applications submitted fewer than 180 days prior to the requested retirement date require an approved waiver. Approval is not guaranteed and may delay processing.

Important reminders

· Participation for pay or points is not authorized on or after the retirement effective date

· If applying during the 19th year of service, the retirement date must be after the R/R date

Finality of orders

· Once approved and effective, retirement orders are final

· Changes or withdrawals are approved only in rare circumstances such as administrative error or prohibiting conditions

Step 4: Common Retirement Mistakes to Avoid

· Assuming retirement is automatic

· Applying fewer than 180 days before the requested retirement date without a waiver

· Selecting the incorrect retirement type

· Submitting an application without the required Unit Commander or first O-6 memorandum

• Submitting an application without a PCARS attached

• Overlooking sanctuary provisions when nearing 18 - 20 years TAFMS

·   Misunderstanding when retired pay begins

·   Assuming Reduced Reserve Retirement Age is applied automatically

·   Attempting to change or withdraw approved retirement orders

·  Participating for pay or points after the retirement effective date

What Happens After You Submit Your Application?

After your retirement application is submitted in myRetirements, it is reviewed and processed by ARPC Retirements. If additional information or corrections are required, you will be notified through myRetirements. Once approved, you will receive a notification, and your retirement orders will be published for download.

Step 5: Need Help or Counseling?

Reserve Retirement Counseling Cell (RRCC)
Provides assistance with retirement eligibility, estimated retired pay, reduced retirement age, and the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP).

Email: arpc.dpt.rrcc@us.af.mil
Phone: 1-800-682-1926

Step 6: Helpful Resources

DAFI 36-3203 https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/dafi36-3203/dafi36-3203.pdf)
RIO- IR Retirement Checklist