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
07/29/2026
Unlock your health by understanding the TRICARE Prime referral process
FALLS CHURCH, VA, July 29, 2026 - Do you have TRICARE Prime? If so, you likely get most of your routine healthcare from your primary care manager. But sometimes, you may need specialty care that your PCM can’t provide. This is when your PCM will give you a referral. Having a referral can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Referrals can also help reduce the time you need to wait to get specialty care.
07/27/2026
Level up your transition with a free VA Benefits and Services course
WASHINGTON, July 27, 2026 - Transitioning from military to civilian life is a significant milestone for service members and their families. It’s a time filled with opportunity, but also challenges, as you navigate the range of available resources, benefits and decisions that come with starting a new chapter.