Military Retirement: BRS vs High-3, and What 20 Years Is Worth
Military retired pay is a percentage of your "High-3" — the average of your highest 36 months of basic pay. Which percentage depends on your retirement system: the legacy High-3 system (2.5%/year) or the Blended Retirement System (2.0%/year + TSP matching).
The two systems at a glance
| Legacy High-3 | BRS | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Entered service before 2018 (didn't opt in to BRS) | Entered 2018 or later (and opt-ins) |
| Multiplier | 2.5% × years | 2.0% × years |
| 20-year pension | 50% of High-3 | 40% of High-3 |
| TSP match | None | Up to 5% of basic pay |
| Continuation pay | No | Yes (mid-career bonus) |
A concrete 20-year example
An E-7 retiring at 20 years with a High-3 average around $6,177/month would receive roughly $3,088/month under High-3 (50%) or $2,471/month under BRS (40%) — plus whatever their TSP grew to, which for BRS members with full matching can be substantial.
Retired pay is based on basic pay only — BAH and BAS don't count toward the pension. That's one reason promotions and time in service matter so much in your last years.
Reserve retirement is different
Reserve/Guard members earn points instead of straight years, and retired pay generally starts around age 60. See our drill pay & retirement points guide.
See how a promotion or more years changes your basic pay (and future pension).
Calculate my pay →Frequently asked questions
How much is military retirement after 20 years?
Under the legacy High-3 system, 20 years pays 50% of your highest-36-month average basic pay. Under BRS it's 40%, plus TSP matching along the way.
What is the BRS multiplier?
2.0% per year of service, versus 2.5% under the legacy High-3 system.
Does BAH count toward retirement?
No. Retired pay is calculated from basic pay only — allowances like BAH and BAS are excluded.