This regulation stipulates specific conditions under which a former spouse of a military member may be entitled to certain benefits after a divorce. Eligibility hinges on the duration of the marriage, the period of the military member’s service, and the overlap between these two periods. For instance, if a marriage lasted at least 20 years, the military member served at least 20 years of creditable service, and there was at least 15 years of overlap between the marriage and the service, the former spouse may qualify for TRICARE benefits.
The importance of understanding this regulation lies in its potential to provide crucial healthcare and other entitlements to former spouses who dedicated a significant portion of their lives to supporting a military career. Historically, it addresses situations where a spouse’s career opportunities may have been limited due to frequent relocations and other demands associated with military service. This regulation attempts to offer a measure of security and recognition for that contribution.
