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7 Overlooked Benefits That Civilian Military Employees Get, From Retirement Credits to Job Stability

Jeff Boettcher
March 5, 2025

Key Takeaways

Civilian military employees enjoy unique benefits, including retirement credits, job stability, and access to comprehensive federal benefits.
These advantages make civilian military roles highly attractive, offering long-term financial security and career growth.

Why Civilian Military Employment Comes with More Perks Than You Think

You might already know that working as a civilian for the military comes with steady pay and good benefits, but there’s a lot more beneath the surface. Civilian military employees enjoy some of the most robust retirement, health, and career stability perks in the federal workforce. These positions are not just jobs—they’re pathways to long-term security and financial well-being. Let’s break down seven overlooked benefits that make these roles stand out.

1. Military Service Credit Can Boost Your Federal Retirement

One of the biggest hidden benefits of civilian military employment is the ability to buy back military service time and apply it toward your federal retirement. If you previously served in the armed forces and later transitioned into a civilian role within the Department of Defense or another military institution, you may be able to have your military years count toward your Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension.

How Does It Work?

If you served in the military but didn’t qualify for a military retirement pension, you can make a deposit (a percentage of your military earnings) into the FERS system.
This increases your total years of service, boosting your annuity calculation when you retire.
The earlier you make this deposit, the lower your costs will be.

If you have prior military service, this is an opportunity to significantly enhance your retirement benefits, giving you a larger pension payout down the line.

2. Unmatched Job Stability in a Shifting Economy

The job market is unpredictable, and private-sector employees often face layoffs due to economic downturns. Civilian military employees, on the other hand, enjoy some of the most stable employment conditions in the federal workforce.

Why Is It So Secure?

Military institutions require a steady civilian workforce to maintain operations.
Federal employment protections make it harder for civilian military employees to be laid off compared to private-sector workers.
Even during budget cuts, essential civilian roles in military institutions tend to be preserved.

This level of job security allows you to plan long-term without worrying about sudden job loss.

3. Access to Exclusive Federal Employee Benefits

As a civilian military employee, you gain access to one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the workforce.

What’s Included?

Health Insurance: You can enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, which offers coverage options for individuals and families.
Life Insurance: Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) provides coverage that can extend into retirement.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A retirement savings plan similar to a 401(k), with government-matching contributions up to 5%.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax savings for medical and dependent care expenses.

These benefits are significantly better than what’s typically offered in the private sector, making civilian military employment a highly competitive career path.

4. Early Retirement Options and Special Retirement Provisions

Federal employees under FERS can retire as early as 57 with at least 30 years of service. However, some civilian military employees qualify for even earlier retirement under special provisions.

Special Provisions for Certain Roles

Law enforcement, firefighters, and air traffic controllers working in military institutions often have earlier retirement eligibility due to the physically demanding nature of their work.
Under the MRA+10 rule, if you reach your Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) with at least 10 years of service, you can still retire early, though your pension will be reduced.

This flexibility allows you to retire earlier while still receiving a federal pension and benefits.

5. Generous Leave and Paid Time Off Policies

Another perk that often gets overlooked is the generous leave benefits available to civilian military employees.

What Kind of Leave Do You Get?

Annual Leave: Earn up to 26 days per year based on years of service.
Sick Leave: Earn 13 days per year with no limit on accumulation.
Military Leave: If you’re a reservist, you can take up to 15 days of paid military leave per year without using vacation time.
Paid Federal Holidays: Get 11 paid holidays per year in addition to your leave accruals.

This level of paid time off allows for a great work-life balance, ensuring you have time to recharge.

6. Exclusive Access to Military Facilities and Commissaries

While you might not wear a uniform, civilian military employees often enjoy some of the same privileges as active-duty personnel when it comes to base access.

What Can You Access?

Commissaries: Some civilian military employees are eligible to shop at military grocery stores, which offer lower prices than typical retailers.
Recreational Facilities: Access to gyms, pools, and other fitness centers on military bases.
Childcare Centers: Many bases have high-quality childcare services at lower costs than private daycare providers.

These perks provide significant savings and convenience for you and your family.

7. Professional Development and Career Growth Opportunities

Civilian military employees have access to extensive professional development programs that can help advance their careers.

Career Growth Benefits

Tuition Assistance: Many military agencies offer financial support for higher education.
Defense Acquisition University (DAU): Specialized training for acquisition professionals.
Leadership Programs: Opportunities to move into senior roles within the military workforce.
Overseas Assignments: Civilian employees may have the chance to work at military bases around the world, expanding career prospects.

With structured career development programs, you have more opportunities for promotions and skill-building than in many private-sector jobs.

Civilian Military Employment: A Smart Choice for Long-Term Stability

When you add it all up, civilian military employment offers a range of financial and career advantages that many people overlook. From retirement credits and job security to exclusive benefits and professional growth, these roles provide an unmatched level of stability. If you’re considering a federal career, a civilian military position might be one of the best choices you can make for your future.

To learn more about your benefits and how to make the most of them, get in touch with a licensed agent listed on this website who can help guide you through your options.

Jeff Boettcher

For over 20 years, Jeff Boettcher has helped his clients grow and protect their retirement savings. "each time I work with my clients, I'm building their future, and there are few things that are more important to a family than a stable financial foundation."

Jeff is known for his ability to make the complex simple while helping navigate his clients through the challenges of making the right investment decisions. When asked what he is most passionate about professionally, his answer was true to character, "Helping my clients – I love being able to solve their problems. People are rightfully concerned about their retirement income, when they can retire, how to maximize their financial safety and future income." Jeff started Bedrock Investment Advisors for clients who value a close working relationship with their advisors.

A Michigan native, Jeff grew up playing sports throughout high school and into college. While Jeff is still an 'aging' athlete, Jeff will take more swings on the golf course than miles running these days. He creates family time, often with weekly excursions to play golf, a hobby he shares with his three young children.

Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through BWM Advisory, LLC (BWM). BWM is registered as an Investment Advisor located in Scottsdale, Arizona, and only conducts business in states where it is properly licensed, notice has been filed, or is excluded from notice filing requirements. This information is not a complete analysis of the topic(s) discussed, is general in nature, and is not personalized investment advice. Nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice. There are risks involved with investing which may include (but are not limited to) market fluctuations and possible loss of principal value. Carefully consider the risks and possible consequences involved prior to making any investment decision. You should consult a professional tax or investment advisor regarding tax and investment implications before taking any investment actions or implementing any investment strategies.