When do you begin receiving checks for military retirement?

My initial understanding was that once you hit your 20 years of service, that you'd still have to wait until you're around 60 years old to get anything. Someone recently told me though that this was only the case for guard/reserve, and that you begin receiving retirment pay upon leaving active military.

Public Comments

1. I retired on Sept 1st 2007. I received my first check on Oct 1st 2007.
2. My dads started the first month he was out, he was 40 yo served 23 years. Vet-USAF
3. Active duty military receives them immediately - reserve component receives them in their 60's.
4. I retired from the Navy effective July 1, 1982. My first check was dated July 31, 1982. But, now it is issued on the first banking day of the following month so the government can earn additional interest on that money in their accounts.