The Army has ended the Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) program. Service members eligible for TERA must have submitted a request through their chain of command by January 15, 2018, for early retirement consideration. The authority to approve TERA was terminated on February 28, 2018.
The authority to utilize TERA until December 31, 2025, is for force-shaping of active military forces. So, while the use of TERA is still authorized, the conditions for its use are not applicable at the present time.
The FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Public Law 112-81, enacted 31 December 2011, authorized the military services to offer early retirement to service members who have completed at least 15 years of active service. This is a discretionary authority and not an entitlement. The Army has elected to use this limited program as part of a comprehensive force management strategy to shape the force. It does not apply to service members of the Army National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve.
- Regular Army: Active Duty
- Regular Army: Retired
- Army National Guard: Active Duty Under Title 10 USC or Title 32 USC (Full-Time National Guard Duty)
- Army National Guard: State Active Duty
- Army National Guard: Drilling
- Army National Guard: Retired
- Army Reserve: Active Duty
- Army Reserve: Drilling
- Army Reserve: Retired
Benefit News
06/25/2026
How TRICARE For Life works with employer health coverage and Medicare
FALLS CHURCH, VA, June 25, 2026 - Turning 65 means it’s time for Medicare. If you’re eligible for Medicare and TRICARE For Life, and also have employer-sponsored coverage, there are some important decisions to make.
06/23/2026
Keep an eye on your vision health with TRICARE
FALLS CHURCH, VA, June 23, 2026 - About 11 million Americans over age 12 need vision correction, according to the CDC. Do you know if you’re one of them? Getting routine eye exams to monitor your eyesight can help detect and prevent eye diseases early.