I’m Retiring! Let’s Take This Journey Together

Posted on October 23, 2025 Updated on October 25, 2025

I’ve decided to retire on 1 JUN 2026 at the 25 year mark. This may surprise some people. It surprised me, but it is time to do something else.

As this process progresses over the next 9 months, I plan on documenting what I go through to help others who decide to do the same one day.

How to Request Retirement on NSIPS

This is the Google AI overview, which I found to be accurate and made minor edits to:

To request retirement on NSIPS, log in and navigate to Main Menu > Employee Self Service > Retirements and Separations > Retirement/Separation Request. Here is a screenshot I took to show you where to go:

Select the appropriate request type and fill out the details, including your desired retirement date. Keep in mind that you must retire on the 1st of the month. After entering your contact information, route the request to your Command Reviewer for processing and attach any required supporting documents.

Overall, I found the process surprisingly simple. I only had one issue I couldn’t figure out, and my Command Career Counselor showed me that I needed to add my “PSA” or “Planned Separation Address”:

Detailed Steps:

1. Log In to NSIPS: Access the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) and log in to your self-service account. 
2. Navigate to Retirements and Separations: From the main menu, select Employee Self Service, then Retirements and Separations. 
3. Initiate Your Request: Select Retirement/Separation Request.
4. Choose Request Type: From the dropdown menu, select the appropriate type of retirement or resignation. 
5. Enter Details: On the “Contact Information” tab, ensure both your current home address and your planned retirement address are accurate. 
6. Route Your Request: Click the “route” button at the bottom of the page to send your request for review by your command. 
7. Attach Documentation: After routing, you will proceed to an attachment screen to upload any necessary supporting documents, such as a copy of your DD Form 2648 (Pre-separation Counseling Checklist). 
8. Submit for Final Decision: Once all steps are complete, submit the request to Navy Personnel Command for a final decision. 

Important Considerations: 

• Timing: Officers should submit their voluntary retirement requests 9-12 months before their projected rotation date (PRD).
• Check Eligibility: You can check your eligibility for retirement within NSIPS by going to Employee Self Service > Retirements and Separations > Check Eligibility.
• Pre-Separation Counseling: A mandatory prerequisite to attending the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is completing the Pre-separation Counseling Checklist (DD Form 2648), which must be signed by your Command Career Counselor.
• Contact Support: If your command lacks NSIPS capability, or you need assistance, contact Officer Retirements Branch (PERS-835) for guidance on submitting your request.

Also, here is a checklist I was given by my Career Planner that I plan on working through: