By viewing your career as a series of waypoints, you shift your focus from the distant goal of retirement to the progress you are making right now. As you pass these milestones, the accomplished waypoints further encourage you to continue federal service and reach the next waypoint. Even if gaps between milestones occur, this structured approach highlights the advantages of long-term employment.

Staying with MSC offers a variety of benefits such as job stability, growth opportunities, professional credentialing, and comprehensive retirement benefits through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Here is a breakdown of the key advantages of building a long-term career with MSC:

FERS is more than just a pension—it is a three-part system designed to ensure financial security throughout your retirement:

1. Basic Benefit Plan (Pension)

2. Social Security

3. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)the Federal Government’s version of a 401(k), offering employer matching contributions.

Two of these benefits (Social Security and TSP) are portable, meaning if you choose to leave federal service, you can take them with you. However, staying in Federal service ensures full access to all three benefits as well as a more stable and guaranteed retirement package.

Staying with MSC offers career and retirement security, with benefits that will support you and your family for life. As a Civilian Mariner, you are part of a community dedicated to service.

1. The FERS Pension Plan: Employees (hired on/after 1 January 2014) contribute 4.4% of their pay, and MSC adds 9.6% supporting a solid foundation for retirement.  
2. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Immediate enrollment with a 1% automatic agency contribution and up to an additional 4% match on your contributions.
3.  Health, Life, and additional benefits: Access to Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB), life insurance (FEGLI), long-term care, and dental/vision programs. Plus, these benefits continue into retirement!
4. Leave Accrual: Annual, Sick, and Shore Leave starts accruing immediately, giving you flexibility throughout your career.

1. After just three years of continuous service, you are fully vested in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Full vestment means that you get to keep the matching funds the government paid into your TSP. If you separate from federal service before reaching 3 years of service, you do not get to keep the retirement funds the government contributed on your behalf. By staying for 3 years, it ensures you maximize the value of the employer match to your contributions. The TSP is portable, so your retirement savings can go with you wherever your career takes you and can be rolled over into other retirement systems if you take employment outside federal service.
2. You have 3 Years of “Creditable Federal Service” towards your Federal Retirement.
3. Annual leave accrual increases from 4 hour per pay period to 6 hours per pay period. 
4. Military Time Deposit: If you have served in the military, active-duty time can be credited toward your federal service, further boosting your retirement benefits and meeting Years of Service requirements.

1. Resign or Take a Break: You can maintain the option to return to MSC or any federal position, with service time carrying over to future roles.
   
2. Transition to Ashore Roles: Explore opportunities to continue your federal career in various positions.
   
3. If you are age 62, you are eligible for immediate retirement with no penalty for a lifetime FERS Annuity. You can retain health, life, and dental/vision coverage, providing peace of mind.
4. If you are not age 62, you can apply for a DEFERRED retirement at age 62. You will have a lifetime FERS Annuity. However, you will not be eligible for health, life, or dental/vision insurance.
   

5. Military Time Deposit: If you have served in the military, active-duty time can be credited toward your federal service, further boosting your retirement benefits and meeting Years of Service requirements.

1. Early Pension at Age 57: With 10 years of service and at least 57 years of age, you can apply for an optional reduced federal pension, allowing you to retire earlier with fewer penalties. You continue to enjoy health, life, and dental/vision benefits for the rest of your life.
2. Career Flexibility: Like before, you can continue your MSC career or explore new federal roles, always knowing your benefits will carry forward with you.
3.  Military Time Deposit: If you have served in the military, active-duty time can be credited toward your federal service, further boosting your retirement benefits and meeting Years of Service requirements.

1. Continuing with MSC: Remain in your current role with the Military Sealift Command.
2. Resign or Take a Break in Service: Keep the option to return as a Civilian Mariner (CIVMAR) or in any federal position in the future. Your prior service time will count towards Leave Seniority and creditable service time.
3. Transition to Another Federal Position (Ashore): Pursue a career in a different Federal role.
4. If You Are Age 60 or Older: You are eligible for retirement and can retain your federal employee health, life, dental, and vision benefits. Your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is Portable to take with you wherever your career leads. Additionally, you will receive a supplemental monthly payment from FERS in lieu of Social Security until you reach age 62.
5. Military Time Deposit: If you have served in the military, active-duty time can be credited toward your federal service, further boosting your retirement benefits and meeting Years of Service requirements.
6. Annual Leave began accruing at 8 hours/pay period at 15 Years of service.