Who is eligible for the Blended Retirement System?

The Blended Retirement System (BRS) is designed to provide a mix of benefits for military service members, combining traditional retirement pensions with a defined contribution plan through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The eligibility criteria for the BRS specifically state that it applies to members who entered service on or after January 1, 2018, or to those who opted into the system during the transition period if they were already in service from before that date.

Members who joined the military after January 1, 2018, automatically fall under the new system and benefit from the blended retirement features designed to support service members both during and after their time in the military. The system aims to provide greater financial security and flexibility, particularly as individuals transition into civilian life.

The other options refer to specific dates or conditions that either include individuals who are not eligible for the BRS or do not address the automatic inclusion criterion established for those entering service on or after January 1, 2018.