Mission Statement
The mission of Retired Activities Branch under as directed by OPNAV Instruction 1720.3G is to ensure the retired community is kept apprised of their benefits, entitlements, rights, privileges, changes in retirement law, and provide customer services to our retirees, families, annuitants and survivors. The Retired Activities Branch is dedicated to supporting more than 650,000 Navy retirees (active component and reserve component), families, annuitants, and survivors worldwide. The Branch hours of operation are 0800-1600 (Central Time) Monday through Friday. In addition to the Navy, our office provides service to all branches of military. We are here to help. In Shift Colors, we list all Navy Retired Appreciation Days (RADs). We encourage you to read other Services' publications for more information.
NDAA 2023 Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Open Season
Congress provided for a Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The SBP Open Season began on December 23, 2022 and ends on January 1, 2024.
The SBP Open Season allows for retirees receiving retired pay, eligible members, or former members awaiting retired pay who are currently NOT enrolled in SBP or RCSBP (Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan) to enroll. For a member who enrolls during the SBP Open Season, the law generally requires that the member will be responsible to pay retroactive SBP premium costs that would have been paid if the member had enrolled at retirement (or enrolled at another earlier date, depending on the member’s family circumstances).
The SBP Open Season also allows eligible members and former members who are currently enrolled in either SBP or RCSBP to permanently discontinue their SBP coverage. The law generally requires the covered beneficiaries to concur in writing with the election to discontinue. Previously paid premiums will not be refunded. Any questions contact DFAS 1-800-321-1080 or visit dfas.mil.
Death of a Retiree: To report the a passing of Navy retiree member, please contact Defense Finance Accounting Service 1-800-321-1080.
ID Cards: Did you know you can save time getting a new Retiree Identification Card by scheduling an appointment on line? You must bring two forms of government issued Identification.
Volunteer: Contact the Navy Retired Activities Program Office or local Retired Activities Office Director to volunteer in a Retired Activities Office. Volunteers are needed immediately in: Lemoore, CA; Millington, TN; Naval Base Kitsap, WA; Everett, WA; Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, NH; and San Diego, CA.
Contact Information for the Navy's Navy Retired Activities Program:
Retired Activities Program Office, OPNAV N171B, 5720 Integrity Drive, Millington, TN 38055-6220 or email: MILL_RetiredActivities@navy.mil or call 901-874-6969.
The Emoluments Clause & Foreign Government Employment
The Emoluments Clause to the U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 9, Clause 8, as interpreted in Comptroller General opinions and by the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel, prohibits receipt of consulting fees, gifts, travel expenses, honoraria, or salary by all retired military personnel, officer and enlisted, Regular and Reserve, from a foreign government unless Congressional consent is first obtained. The Emolument Clause also applies to Reservists serving in a Selected Reserve (SELRES) status.
Consent is provided by Congress in 37 U.S.C. § 908, which requires advance approval from the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of State before a SELRES or retired Sailor accepts employment, consulting fees, gifts, travel expenses, honoraria or salary from a foreign government. The Secretary of the Navy has delegated the authority to provide approval on his behalf to the Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP). Once CNP approves a request for a SELRES or retired Sailor to receive an emolument, CNP forwards the request to the Secretary of State for final approval.
To initiate a request for receipt of an emolument (including foreign government employment), please email: navyfge.fct@navy.mil
Retiree and Annuitant Assistance Links
My Navy Career Center: e-mail askmncc@navy.mil or call 1-833-330-6622