The 10-10-10 rule is a common misconception—there is no official “10-10-10 rule” in U.S. military policy. However, the term is often confused with actual military benefits related to retirement and spousal entitlements, particularly the “20/20/20 rule” and “20/20/15 rule” under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA).
The real rules that govern military benefits for former spouses are:
- 20/20/20 Rule: If the service member served at least 20 years, the marriage lasted at least 20 years, and the marriage overlapped with at least 20 years of military service, the former spouse is eligible for full military benefits—including TRICARE health care, commissary and exchange privileges, and a share of military retirement pay (if awarded by court).
- 20/20/15 Rule: If the marriage overlapped with at least 15 years of military service (with 20 years of service and 20 years of marriage), the former spouse may receive one year of transitional TRICARE but does not retain commissary or exchange privileges.
There is no recognized “10-10-10 rule” in Department of Defense regulations, federal law, or military policy. The number “10” may stem from confusion with other military programs (e.g., 10-year service obligations or GI Bill eligibility), but it does not determine spousal benefits or retirement entitlements.
Success in understanding military benefits requires relying on verified sources like the DoD, VA, or military legal assistance offices—rather than unofficial terms like “10-10-10″—to make informed decisions about service, retirement, and family entitlements.