MCO 1800.12 — Blended Retirement System (brs) Policy

MCO 1800.12 governs Marine Corps policy, procedures, training, and administration for the Blended Retirement System.

Search MCO 1800.12

  • Publication number: MCO 1800.12
  • Title: BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS) POLICY
  • Date: 9 Apr 2026
  • Proponent: 01000 Military Personnel
  • Status: New

View MCO 1800.12 on armypubs.army.mil


It addresses BRS eligibility, enrollment, financial education, Thrift Savings Plan contributions, Continuation Pay, lump sum elections, and defined benefit annuities. It requires specified training, counseling availability, system reporting, and procedures for hardship extensions and repayment.

Applies to: The following Marines are covered under the provisions of the BRS:

Topics covered

  • BRS eligibility
  • BRS enrollment
  • Financial education
  • Thrift Savings Plan contributions
  • Continuation Pay
  • Lump sum elections
  • Defined benefit annuities
  • Retirement systems

Questions and answers

When are Marines automatically enrolled in the BRS?

Marines who enter service on or after 1 January 2018 are automatically enrolled in the BRS. (paragraph 1)

What happens to Continuation Pay installment payments during an approved extended absence?

A Marine who incurs a period of extended absence, subject to the approval of HQMC M&RA (MP) Division for AC Marines and HQMC M&RA (RA) Division for RC Marines, which precludes meeting the terms of obligated service, shall have installment payments suspended during this period. (paragraph 4)

When is Continuation Pay subject to repayment?

A Marine who received CP but who fails to complete the period of obligated service is subject repayment equal to the full or the unearned portion provisions in accordance with section 373 of reference (p), and Volume 7A, Chapter 2 of reference (l). (paragraph 8)

How is monthly retired or retainer pay calculated under the BRS?

Monthly retired or retainer pay is the product of multiplying the retired base pay by the years of service multiplier. (paragraph 1)

What is the REDUX retirement multiplier reduction?

The reduction in the retirement multiplier is 1 percent for each full year of creditable service less than 30, and 1/12th of 1 percent for each full month of creditable service less than a full year.

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