Originally Posted by Pineapple Guy

You do have to be active (or on disability), although if you go inactive (furlough, MLOA, etc) you get it for 30-60 days. You can also purchase it after that period expires, if desired. It covers you regardless of reason for death with the only exception being if your death was caused by a beneficiary. In that case, the insurance still pays, just not to that particular beneficiary.