How do I commission from Enlisted to Officer without having to be forced into the BRS?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 21:50:01 -0500

I am an E4 and have made my decision to serve atleast 20 years. I am working on my schooling and still in my first contract. I am currently grandfathered in the old retirement system and do not have any desire to go to the BRS. I can get a TSP whenever I want. Under the old system I would get more money in retirement via being a career Airman. Is is possible when I commission if selected, if I can keep my current retirement package without being Force into the BRS after being discharged from the enlisted side to participate in a commissioning program?

Response by LTC John Mohor made Dec 12 at 2018 9:54 PM

LTC John Mohor — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 21:54:25 -0500

From my understanding if you're already grandfathered in you can stay with old traditional 20 year retirement plan. Anyone else know different?!?

Response by 2d Lt Cinthia W. made Dec 12 at 2018 10:28 PM

2d Lt Cinthia W. — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 22:28:01 -0500

You will be fine. Regardless of if you commission or stay enlisted, you can still maintain your election to remain in High 3 retirement and the “old” TSP. For NEW troops entering the service on 1 January 2018, they are automatically enrolled into BRS. (For these new troops who don’t want the BRS TSP, they have to manually enter the system and deny it every year. Making the conscious effort to deny the new retirement system.) Those who entered prior to that date and elected BRS are however locked into that decision. Hope this helps and makes sense, if not feel free to message me!

Response by TSgt David Holman made Dec 13 at 2018 3:19 PM

TSgt David Holman — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 15:19:23 -0500

I would think so, especially if there is no break in service. I believe you have to elect the BRS in order to receive it. That being said, I highly recommend younger airmen also consider the fact that there is no guarantee of 20 years. I have personally seen several good members get booted for menial things during draw downs. I would definitely talk to the AFRC people.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Dec 13 at 2018 8:19 PM

CPT Larry Hudson — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 20:19:30 -0500

Don't know how this "new" military works but when I was enlisted, I took a battery of test and qualified for OCS. My commission was granted. Don't know what you have to do to qualify to be commissioned other than a senatorial appointment to service branch of military.