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ADF Super · MSBS · DFRDB — Estimate Tool

ADF Super and DFRDB Calculator

What does your military retirement actually look like? Estimate your ADF Super employer contributions and projected lump sum, or compare with MSBS. Adjust rank and years of service to see the numbers.

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ADF Super employer rate: 16.4% of ordinary time earnings (CSC published rate). Pay rates from ADF pay scale (defence.gov.au). Projected balance uses a 5% p.a. growth estimate — a standard financial planning figure, not a guaranteed return. Get a personal projection from CSC (csc.gov.au).

Select Scheme
Rank / Pay Grade
Enlisted
NCO
Warrant Officer
Officer
Years of Service
540 years
Annual salary$122,787
Monthly$10,232
ADF Super (2016+) — Defined Contribution
Annual employer contribution
$20,137
Monthly employer contribution
$1,678
Projected lump sum at retirement (20 years, 5% growth est.)
$665,851
≈ $2,220/month over 25-year drawdown
$122,787 × 16.4% = $20,137/yr employer contribution · compounded over 20 yrs at 5% growth
vs. Age Pension (single rate, 2024)
ADF Super drawdown (25-yr est.)
Projected lump sum ÷ 25 years × 12 months
$2,220/mo
$26,634/yr
Age Pension — single rate (2024)
DSS published rate — means-tested; most ADF members will not receive full Age Pension
$2,480/mo
$29,754/yr
Why ADF Super at 16.4% is Significant

The civilian superannuation guarantee (SG) is currently 11.5% (rising to 12% in 2025). The ADF employer contribution of 16.4% is substantially higher — reflecting the additional demands and limitations on personal freedom that military service imposes.

For a Corporal serving 20 years, the difference between 16.4% ADF Super and 11.5% civilian SG compounds to a meaningful lump-sum advantage at retirement — but unlike DFRDB or MSBS, ADF Super is investment-linked and carries market risk.

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Estimates only. The 5% growth rate is an assumption, not a guarantee. MSBS figures are significantly simplified — actual MSBS benefit depends on years of service, contribution history, and final salary formula applied by CSC. DFRDB is not modelled here as it applies only to pre-1991 members. Get a personal projection from CSC at csc.gov.au or call 1300 006 727.
ADF Super Scheme Quick Reference
ADF Super (2016+)
16.4% employer
Defined contribution. Investment-linked. All new ADF members from 1 July 2016.
MSBS (1991–2016)
5.5% member + employer
Hybrid scheme. Member benefit investment-linked; employer benefit defined formula.
DFRDB (pre-1991)
Defined benefit
Largely historical. Accrual-based pension payable from age 60. Complex formula.
Employer Rate Advantage
16.4% vs 11.5% civilian
ADF Super rate is ~43% higher than current civilian SG. Significant at 20+ years.
Age Pension (single, 2024)
$29,754/year
DSS published rate. Means-tested — most ADF retirees with super will receive reduced or no Age Pension.
Get a personal projection
CSC — csc.gov.au
Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation. Call 1300 006 727. Free, authoritative.
Sources

Military Superannuation and Benefits Act 1991 (Cth) · Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Act 1973 (Cth) · ADF Super Trust Deed (2016) — Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) · ADF Pay Scale — defence.gov.au (public, indicative base salaries) · Age Pension single rate 2024 — Department of Social Services (DSS) · CSC published employer contribution rate: csc.gov.au

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