Dear Sgt Shaft: How do I begin to get an exemption/dispute from the 20/20/20 rule? They do happen per individual Dates of Service and Regulation Changes. I was married for 30 years. My husband was on active duty for 22 years. Only 17½ not 20 were overlapping years. I understand that the rules have changed. I was told that if I was married for 20 years with 20 years active duty that I would qualify for former spouse if divorced. How do I start a case requesting Former Spouse Benefits exempting the 20-20-20 requirement?