[nunez]

I've worked with many that have retired and entered the private sector. My understanding is that they continue to make their tax-free enlisted salary (via their pension) after retirement on top of whatever they're making in their private sector job. For high-ranking officers, this can be >$100k!

Many of these folks have second homes, a small RE portfolio, and more!

[tyingq]

It's some percentage of their pay, depending on how long they were in. There's a few different plans, but roughly...50% if you're in 20 years, 75% at 30 years, etc. Also, only a percentage of the base pay. Not of the housing allowances and other pay they receive while active.

https://militarypay.defense.gov/Pay/Retirement/