If you are currently at 10, 11, or 12 years from your Pay Entry Base Date (PEBD), 2026 may be your last year to request Continuation Pay (CP) based on CY25 Army Policy.
Background- Under the Blended Retirement System (BRS), eligible Soldiers may elect Continuation Pay currently equal to 2.5× monthly base pay in exchange for a 4-year concurrent Active Duty Service Obligation (ADSO). Here are the eligibility windows by year (based on PEBD):
- 2025: 8–12 years
- 2026: 7–12 years
- 2027 (projected): 7–10 years
If you are currently at 10–12 years PEBD, the availability window shrinking in 2027 will age you out.
Additionally, if the ADSO scares you, it often aligns well with going indef (NCOs), the O-4 promotion ADSO (Officers), and the GI Bill transfer ADSO (both cohorts). So if you stack benefits, the sting can be less painful.
Important notes-
- CP eligibility is based on PEBD, not DIEMS.
- PEBD usually equals Years of Service, but not always (prior service, breaks, corrections, etc.)
- To find your PEBD: Go to IPPS-A and search “My Service Dates.”
- Your S-1/Finance can help you with the requirements to get CP.
- This info is Army CY25 policy, and can change.