BACKGROUND

Starting January 1st, 2018, eligible Army National Guard Soldiers entering service are automatically enrolled in the modernized retirement plan, known as the Blended Retirement System. The plan provides: 

• Monthly retired pay for life after 20 years of eligible service starting at the age of 60
• Government automatic and matching contributions to a member's Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
• A retention incentive called Continuation Pay (CP)
• Lump Sum option at retirement
  
  

CONTINUATION PAY ELIGIBLITY

Continuation Pay is a one-time, mid-career financial incentive payable to Soldiers who meet the following criteria: 

• Must be enrolled in the Blended Retirement System  
• Must have at least eight but no more than 12 years of service as determined from their Pay Entry Basic Date (PEBD)
• Must be a member of the Selected Reserves (SELRES) in a status to receive basic pay or inactive duty pay
• Must agree to an additional four-year service obligation in the component in which they are serving at the time CP is requested
  
  

CONTINUATION PAY BENEFITS

• Traditional (MDAY, OTOT, ADOS, MOB, MILTECH) – Amount is four times the monthly basic pay rate at the Soldier's pay grade and years of service at time of the Soldiers signature on the BRS-CP Request Form
• Title 10/Title 32 Active Guard Reserve (AGR) – Amount is 2.5 times the monthly basic pay rate at the Soldier's pay grade and years of service at time of the Soldiers signature on the BRS-CP Request Form 
• Soldiers may receive the BRS-CP in a lump sum, two equal installments, three equal installments, or four equal installments
• CP can be invested into your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account, up to the annual maximum allowed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• This one-time incentive is in addition to any other career field specific incentives or retention bonuses
  
  

HOW TO APPLY

• All Soldiers may submit their Continuation Pay request through the BRS-CP Request Form once they become eligible. Contact your unit S1 and your State Incentive Manager to initiate the process. 
• The Soldier's CAC signature date on the BRS-CP Request Form establishes the start of the 4-year service obligation

Note: Army National Guard programs and benefits are subject to change. For the latest information, please contact your local recruiter. Find out more about BRS at https://militarypay.defense.gov/blendedretirement.

FAQS