Integrates and delivers responsive installation support in order to enable Quality of Life for People and Readiness for the Army.
Military Retirement Services
Pre-Retirement BriefingsRetirement Ceremonies
Transition Assistance Program
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is mandated by the Department of Defense (DoD) and provides information and training to ensure transitioning Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians (DACs), retirees, veterans, Soldiers’ Family members, and caregivers are prepared for their next step in life when leaving the Army-whether pursuing additional education, finding a job in the public or private sector, or starting their own business. The Transition Assistance Program helps assist eligible personnel make informed decisions through benefits counseling, career preparation, and employment assistance to provide a successful transition.
Pre-Retirement Services to Regular Army and Reserve Component Soldier (reference Table 2-1 from AR 600-8-7).
Provide detailed retirement planning and SBP briefings for all retiring Soldiers monthly or as required (encourage spouses to attend).
Counsel Soldiers and Family members about retirement benefits and entitlements.
Conduct group and individual retirement planning briefings as needed.
Conduct group and individual SBP counseling for all retiring Soldiers and their Family members.
Conduct RCSBP counseling, as requested, for RC Soldiers, and their Family members within 60 days after receipt of the NOE for Retired Pay (15-year or 20-year NOE).
Assist retiring RC Soldiers and Family members, as requested, with completion of the DD Form 2656 – 5, upon receipt of the NOE for Retired Pay (15-year or 20-year NOE).
Assist retiring Soldiers and Family members with completion of DD Form 2656 and DD Form 2656 – 1, if applicable.
Assist retiring RC Soldiers and Family members with completion of the retirement application including DD Form 108 (Application for Retired Pay Benefits), DD Form 2656, and SF 1199A (Direct Deposit Sign-up Form).
Provide an estimate of the Reduced Age Retirement eligibility date, as applicable.
Process the DD Form 2656 electronically using applicable personnel system(s) to DFAS – CL.
Provide information about retiring, such as retirement application processing, retirement orders, DD Form 214 processing, and final out-processing procedures.
Provide information about and promote use of Change of Mission for retirement planning.
Provide information about Army Echoes and converting Soldiers’ enterprise email addresses in myPay to commercial email addresses before retirement.
Provide information and assistance to Soldiers, spouses, and former spouses about the USFSPA.
Advise Soldiers about Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) and assist them in applying for benefits.
Advising Soldiers about Concurrent Retired and Disability Pay (CRDP).
Advise retiring Soldiers about electing a lump sum benefit at retirement and the impact of that election on monthly retired pay and the SBP premiums and annuity.
Advise Soldiers retiring under the BRS about electing a lump sum benefit at retirement and the impact of that election on monthly retired pay and the SBP premiums and annuity.
Post Retirement Services to Retirees and Surviving Spouses (reference Table 2-2 from AR 600-8-7).
Publish garrison Retired Soldier newsletters annually. Post a copy to the local Retirement Services Office webpage.
Conduct an annual Retiree Appreciation Day (RAD).
Provide periodic articles for installation and local newspapers and other media.
Advise Retired Soldiers about CRSC and assist them in applying for benefits.
Advise Retired Soldiers about CRDP.
Advise Retired Soldiers and Family members on how to obtain copies of lost documents (for example, DD Form 214, DD Form 220 (Active-Duty Report), retirement orders, and medical records); reissued military awards; and military identification cards.
Provide Retired Soldiers and their Families with information and referrals for benefits/entitlements provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Tri-service medical care (TRICARE), Social Security, Medicare, and other providers.
Inform Retired Soldiers of their eligibility to receive employment services from the Army Transition Assistance Program on a space available basis for the rest of their lives.
Use the DRAS to resolve pay matters and update personal information for Retired Soldiers, Family members, and survivors.
Advise and assist Retired Soldiers in maintaining their SBP and RCSBP elections.
Counsel and assist survivors of Retired Soldiers, and Soldiers who die on active duty or IDT about their SBP options and entitlements, and the proper processing of their SBP applications including counseling about Department of Veterans Affairs Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and its relationship to SBP.
Provide information and filing assistance for the annuity for certain military surviving spouses.
Provide information and assistance to Soldiers, spouses, and former spouses about the USFSPA.
Retiree Council
Would you consider serving on the Retiree Council?
If you are interested in serving, please let us know with an email to our RSO, apgrso@army.mil or 410-306-2323/2322
The Retired Military Council is composed of retired Officers and Enlisted members. Our primary purpose is to gather information, research recommendations and advocate for military retiree issues. The Council meets each bi-monthly and sponsors the annual Retiree Appreciation Day in September. We have vacancies on the Council so if you are interested in continuing your service to America, please let us know.
The Retired Soldier Handbook has been updated for 2026! It is full of valuable information for both retired Soldiers and their families in the event of their passing. Update yourself on the information that you need to know as a retired Soldier.
