Many new military retirees accept starting salaries that sound attractive … and then are shocked when their first (net) civilian paycheck is significantly smaller than they had expected. That's because they forgot to consider that civilian salaries are fully taxable, whereas they've been used to having a portion of their military compensation tax-exempt (subsistence and housing allowances). MOAA built the calculator below to help retiring or separating members better understand what civilian salary they'll have to earn to realize the same take-home pay they had in the military. Remember that this is just a first-level calculator. You also may need to account for civilian contributions to a 401(k) retirement plan, health insurance, and other expenses. (Please note State Tax Disclaimer)