United States Soldiers - Pensions

20 years of active service is the norm. There are instances when an individual can apply for and get an early retirement after 15 years with a reduction in the monthly payments received, but in general 20 years is the norm. There is no specific minimum or maximum age required to receive a pension that I've heard.

You also have to serve several years at a specific rank (three?) before you can collect the pension from that rank.