Military Service Members & Veterans
Serving those who have served.
Helping you maximize every benefit you’ve earned.
Every Military Career is Different
Whether you're currently serving in the military, transitioning to civilian federal employment, or preparing for retirement after a military or federal career, understanding how your benefits work together can make a significant financial difference.
At Federal Solutions, we help military service members and veterans understand how military benefits, federal benefits, retirement planning, and insurance decisions work together—so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Federal Experts who Know
Military Benefits
Military service creates opportunities and unique complexities that many financial pros simply don't understand. Federal Solutions is different.
Military Buyback (Military Service Credit Dep)
Active Duty vs. Reserve Retirement
High-3 Retirement Calculations
Blended Retirement System (BRS)
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
VA Disability and Retirement
Survivor Benefits
TRICARE and Medicare
TRICARE for Life
FEHB and TRICARE Coordination
FEGLI Life Insurance
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
Social Security
Federal Retirement Planning
Transitioning from Military to Federal Civilian Employment
Buying Back Military Time
FERS Retirement
CSRS Offset
Military Leave
Leave Accrual Credit
Veterans Preference
Federal Employment Benefits
Pre-Retirement Income-Planning
Factoring in a Military Pay Raise as You Consider Reenlisting | 2026
Lawmakers are weighing a military pay raise that could deliver one of the largest increases in recent years for active-duty service members, with junior troops positioned to see the biggest boost under the proposed 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. Because most service members leave the military long before they’re eligible for a pension, pay raises aimed at those in junior positions can make a significant difference.
In fact, the biggest military retention cliff is at about 4 to 6 years, during that first reenlistment window.
If the incentive of a pay raise allows the military to keep more people through their first reenlistment and mid-career years, they have a better chance of retaining experienced leaders who will shape the future of our military.
The proposed 2027 raise (currently 3.6% in the Senate and from 5- 7% in the House version – higher for lower ranks) is notable because it could direct the biggest gains toward junior enlisted service members, the troops often under the greatest financial pressure.
An immediate increase in take-home pay can make a meaningful difference, but a military raise can also improve long-term financial planning.
For service members nearing retirement eligibility, a higher salary could influence future retirement income. Under the High-3 retirement plan, retirement pay is based on the highest 36 months of basic pay, so earning a higher salary during the final years of service could lead to a larger pension after leaving the military, writes Steffy.
How TRICARE For Life and Medicare work together | 2026
The relationship between Medicare and TFL can be complicated. The one thing Mesaros emphasizes is that TFL doesn't replace Medicare. It works with it.
"Medicare pays first, and TFL generally picks up many of the remaining eligible costs, which is one reason many retirees find the combination to be very comprehensive coverage," she says.
Mesaros also explains that a common mistake people make is treating Medicare and TRICARE as unrelated decisions.
"In reality, the timing must be coordinated because employer coverage changes can trigger a qualifying life event, and TRICARE eligibility at Medicare age depends on having both Part A and Part B. Dropping the private employer plan does not leave your husband uncovered, provided he enrolls in an available TRICARE option."
Mesaros also says that there's nothing wrong with having two different coverage arrangements within the same household.
"You may be covered by Medicare and TFL, while your husband may be covered by TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select. That is completely normal," she explains.
Finally, Mesaros says, before initiating any moves, it's important to confirm your benefits.
"Before making any changes, I'd suggest confirming your specific situation with TRICARE and DEERS and comparing the cost of keeping your current employer coverage vs moving your husband to a TRICARE plan until he reaches age 65. That's likely where the biggest planning decision will be," says Mesaros.
U.S. Army Veteran
Federal Solutions Benefits & Retirement Expert
Federal Solutions Founder & CEO
38-Years Serving Those Who Serve
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy back my military time?
In many cases, yes. Buying back qualifying active-duty military service can increase your federal retirement pension by allowing that time to count toward your years of creditable service.
Does VA disability affect my federal retirement?
VA disability benefits generally do not reduce your FERS pension. However, there are important coordination rules depending on your retirement status and military retirement.
Can I have both TRICARE and FEHB?
Yes. Many retired military members enroll in both TRICARE and FEHB. Choosing how the plans coordinate can significantly affect your costs and coverage.
What is the Military Buyback Program?
The Military Service Credit Deposit allows eligible federal employees to receive retirement credit for qualifying active-duty military service by making a deposit into the retirement system.
Can I keep TRICARE after age 65?
Most retirees transition to TRICARE For Life after enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B.
Should I keep FEGLI if I already have military benefits?
The answer depends on your family, retirement goals, health, and existing insurance coverage. Understanding how FEGLI works alongside military survivor benefits can help you avoid paying for unnecessary coverage—or unintentionally leaving gaps.
Our Commitment to
Those Who Serve
At Federal Solutions, our commitment to military service members and veterans extends beyond the work we do every day.
We are proud to support organizations that serve America's heroes, including the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project, through ongoing monthly charitable contributions. While these organizations are not affiliated with or endorsing Federal Solutions, we are honored to help support their missions.
