Is it time to cut military health and pension benefits?

2014-01-03T09:56:24-05:00

<p>I read this article this afternoon.  I have some pretty colorful opinions on the subject.  What are yours?</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>http://www.defenseone.com/politics/2014/01/its-time-cut-military-health-and-pension-benefits/76154/#.Usa-zVvSg2k.facebook</p><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://cdn.defenseone.com/media/img/upload/2014/01/02/1144751_1/open-graph.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a href="http://www.defenseone.com/politics/2014/01/its-time-cut-military-health-and-pension-benefits/76154/" target="_blank">It's Time to Cut Military Health and Pension Benefits</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">In a new poll, a majority of defense and national security experts say it's time to cut military health and pension benefits. By Sara Sorcher</div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 10:04 AM

2014-01-03T10:04:50-05:00

I think everyone is hesitant to say "yes" to any idea of reductions in any pay or benefits. I don't think I've ever encountered a soldier who considered him/herself "wealthy" or "over compensated". There is a fact though that we simply cannot continue burning through fiscal resources like we have been for the past decade. Something has to change, and I do get the feeling that it will be the soldiers who will ultimately have to bear the burden. I don't like the idea anymore than the next person but its just simple math. My only hope is that if we are to sacrifice pay and benefits that the government will take a look around at its own organizations and find other areas to trim the fat and not just declare "good enough" at the savings it will receive from military cuts.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 11:15 AM

2014-01-03T11:15:47-05:00

Being in for only four years so far, I am disgusted that I could be promised so much and in actuality given so little! I volunteered to go on a deployment because I wanted the benefits of being a veteran, and now just over a year home from my 457 days of serving in Afghanistan, I can't receive my benefits? Or my benefits will not be what was expressed to me and in my contract? This is a blatant disrespectful blow to the morale of any soldier in any branch! The current administration has proven time and time again that they are not concerned with the welfare of soldiers and their families. If you ask me I think that this is all a tactic to dwindle down the numbers in the military slowly over time to make our nation vulnerable!

Response by SFC Joey Jimenez made Jan 3 at 2014 11:48 AM

2014-01-03T11:48:14-05:00

Most pay evens out for all of us...those of us that took REDUX are losing out because we took less money, but then some of us were given huge bonuses to enlist or enlist. Some of us have used more than 100k in healthcare benefits and some of us are disabled. Either way money flows, some get over while others get cheated.
Changes do need to be made, but I am certain there is a better way to make cuts than from soldiers pay.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 11:54 AM

2014-01-03T11:54:41-05:00

Personally, this continued attack from our 'elected' officials against the military retirees and veterans in general is a disgrace to America.

We (Military) in the begining stages of our careers sometimes are at poverty level standards, as we move up the ranks and stay in - then we start to be able to provide for our families at a comfortable level of existence.

For the Guard and Reserves, medical care is not totally covered for our families - so we have out of pocket expenses that go up every year. Once you retire you loose life insurance (unless you want to pay high prices), you loose dental coverage and the cost of medical just goes up.

Loosing COLA's just adds more insult to injury (so to speak). Us retiree's who have given the best years of our lives to help defend and protect the freedoms that the majority of Americans take for granted - do not get exorbitant retirement incomes. We get a small fraction of our previous income and come out into a job market that like the present is not the greatest unless you have advanced degrees and the right experience.

It's bad enough out there for the regular working class to find jobs - let alone our military that might be in their late 40's or early 50's when they retire.

These elected 'officials' would be hardpressed to live at our level of income as retiree's do - let alone the normal military income.

If they would take the exact same cuts to their pay and benefits (and retirements) that we military personnel get handed all the time - it woulld be a different story.

Response by SSG Jeffery Haynes made Jan 3 at 2014 12:04 PM

2014-01-03T12:04:49-05:00

If they want to cut the defense budget and save some money they can start by not providing marriage benefits to same-sex marriages. I'm sick and tired of the government using the military as a Social Experiment!

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 12:40 PM

2014-01-03T12:40:53-05:00

I feel that this is touchy topic for everyone. Retirees feel betrayed, those already enlisted feel like they were sold a bill of goods. I have served for 8 and assumed that retirements would be available at 20 years. Should I be told that it would be available at a later age would upset me greatly. Not because I would not be able to succeed as I believe that many veterans can, but because it is not what was told us when we signed on the dotted line. However, we are the military force of a democratic and free nation drawing down from multiple engagements. History has shown that a habit is to radically reduce military power to save money. Thus this is not the actions of American politicians attacking the military, a concept that seems to have created a very divisive and partisan relationship between the military and congress as well as between the parties, but instead it is just a fact. This is what free nations do after wars. Happens every time, at least with manpower. My concern is that a cut in benefits is easier to remove than implement and should the United States need men and women to fight wars again once the economy is strong again, what incentives will many have to enter service at a time of great personal risk and sacrifice? With reduced benefits (health and retirement) and the example that those benefits are not held sacred by those that make the rules, promises of benefits and compensation would hold significantly less influence. A broad reduction in benefits is a short-sighted solution to a problem with consequences that are much more long term.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 3 at 2014 12:53 PM

2014-01-03T12:53:50-05:00

<p>The problem is not the cost of military healthcare. It is the cost of healthcare in America. This country needs to perform some serious self evaluation of how we practice healthcare, and who benefits from how we practice healthcare (it's not the end user to the extent that it should be; it's the provider to a degree that boggles the mind when you see how much money changes hands). There are other western democracies with much better healthcare systems which operate with greater efficiency and effectiveness.....most often driven by the desire to improve the quality of life of its society; not make a select group wealthy.</p><p><br></p><p>Secondly, the military is such a small percentage of the total population (less than 1%), does anybody truly believe that slashing the hard earned benefits our nation's veterans/service members is going to significantly improve our country's fiscal situation? Any cursory examination of the numbers will prove otherwise to anybody with a brain in their head, and no political agenda to push. Reducing benefits to veterans/ service members, a group that totals less than the number of people who receive some form of public assistance, will not solve our budget problems.</p><p><br></p><p>Pension benefits for a 20 year or even 30 year career are modest by comparison to the some options available to civilian workers who have opportunities for company sponsored deferred compensation plans where companies match employee contributions, or tie payouts to stock market gains, or enormous company profits. How many service members retire in such comfort that a follow on career is not a necessity? </p><p><br></p><p>Finally, when congress gets serious about balancing the budget and reclaiming our financial stability and independence, it will begin by cutting the ridiculous incentives it provides itself, and reducing the entitlements collected by those who have learned helplessness resulting from government give away programs. Premium healthcare plans and lifetime pensions for members who serve as little as four years in congress coupled with federal money funneled to personal companies/investments which make them rich in very short time spans, and hand outs to people who never develop the skills or desire to work cost this country far more than the benefits collected by a select few who of their own accord volunteer to serve often giving their last full measure for the greater good. When congress cuts its benefits and entitlements across the board, I will support a proportional reduction in military healthcare/pension benefits. Until then, it's just political pandering. </p><p><br></p><p>Master chief rant complete. Out.</p>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 6:46 PM

2014-01-03T18:46:53-05:00

When you get ready to create the box MSG Stankovich, I have a few "colors" to throw in as well. Our Army has always taken a REACTIVE way to so many things, an yes, after numerous Operations and countless loss of life and War injuries-we now react as if we didn't think this could be a possibility? We have enough Wounded Vets now seeking care (mentally, emotionally, and physically), cutting benefits in some areas will definitely, IMO, do more harm than good.

I recall a few months ago a discussion about healthcare cost cutting and some great points were brought up by the members. One in particular-charging for missed appts-for sure here is where the Army could make its money back, hand over fist-daily! We also need to push lifestyle changes (not just Army Healthcare). Most young Soldiers PT bc they have to, we need to find more ways of getting them to see taking care of themselves in a proactive way is for their benefit moreseo, than the Army's.

BTW, these "national security experts" get a thumbs down from me.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Jan 3 at 2014 6:52 PM

2014-01-03T18:52:03-05:00

I realize I'm not a trained bean counter, but I'm not terribly surprised that personnel costs increase when we plus up our forces in order to prosecute a war or two.

I am further not surprised that military health care costs increase during times of war.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 8:14 PM

2014-01-03T20:14:23-05:00

Hopefully MSG, this will assist with not cutting the health and pension benefits since according to the article "In 2012, DOD spent approximately $500 million on IDP. This policy change will save DOD $108 million per year, officials said"

http://www.stripes.com/news/dod-announces-changes-to-imminent-danger-pay-1.260479

DOD announces changes to imminent danger pay

The Defense Department announced Friday that many areas will be removed from the list of places where U.S. servicemembers qualify for imminent danger pay.

Response by 1SG Michael Minton made Jan 4 at 2014 12:01 AM

2014-01-04T00:01:38-05:00

After a trillion dollars in cuts to DOD, the waste of billions of tax dollars for administration cronies, corruption, waste and fraud. and dems want more of the military annd veterans pay and benefits. i cant even comment with everything i think about that!!!! Just leave us alone!

Response by CW2 Geoff Lachance made Jan 4 at 2014 9:40 AM

2014-01-04T09:40:38-05:00

It is a total disgrace to those who take up the sword in defense of our country. Will the 535 people running our country be willing to cut their benefits? Military benefits are a tiny drop in the US budget! It should not even be part of the military budget! Make it part of the federal budget that includes all members of Congress and the President! Let's stop funding our enemies, illegal immigrants and those who don't want to work! So much more! Being in the military is one of the most honorable things a person can do for his/her country! It is a small percentage of benefits for a tremendous sacrifice!

Response by CDR Richard Tucker made Jan 4 at 2014 2:16 PM

2014-01-04T14:16:24-05:00

I would be curious to know of the 88% of the supposed experts have ever served!

Response by SMSgt Gary Keltner made Jan 4 at 2014 11:42 PM

2014-01-04T23:42:03-05:00

Yeah go ahead and cut the
benefits. Then every military man and woman in the country needs to quit and
let the friggen slobs on welfare defend this country! All of the politicians
who never served need to be drafted immediately as well

Response by CAPT Gary Foster made Jan 5 at 2014 2:33 PM

2014-01-05T14:33:13-05:00

First off, we don't have that many elected officials that have served in the military nor understand the sacrifices that are made, not just by the servicemen and women but by the spouses and children. How many football, basketball, soccer games, dance recitals, plays, father/mother son, father/mother daughter banquets (I could go on) have you missed while giving up without hesitation a number of your freedoms to protect the Constitution that protects all Americans? i find it quite disturbing that our government leadership has chosen to only cut those who have faithfully and willingly served without addressing foolish spending. Look around and count the number of people who get government subsistence and choose only to live in that world instead of being productive citizens. Instead of asking what you can do for your country, they ask, where are my freebies? Where are my checks? Secondly, this budget deal does absolutely nothing to start the debt and deficit pendulum swinging in the right direction. What were they thinking? Thirdly, by signing this budget deal, the Commander in Chief has once again indicated that active duty, reserve, National Guard, Veterans, and Retirees mean absolutely nothing to him. I implore all Veterans to watch this next year closely and work to get the word out. Our Tricare insurance will surely be a future target, if not already planned for elimination. The proposed elimination of commissaries has been targeted by the SECDEF. That's just another example of hitting us repeatedly with cuts that do not seem to have been discussed at the the leadership levels. if I were an Admiral or a General, I would be screaming loud and clear about these things, no matter what the consequences would be. Lastly, I strongly encourage you to voice your opinions to Congress and the White House. You have the right to vote if you are on active duty. They cannot keep ignoring all of us. I believe Veterans number into the tens of millions. That my friends is a force to be reckoned with. I see Democrats and Republicans alike talking the big talk, but when it comes down to where the rubber meets the road, they are dismantling what so many paid the ultimate price for, the freedom we enjoy. It's time for them to respect us.

Response by CAPT Gary Foster made Jan 5 at 2014 8:31 PM

2014-01-05T20:31:27-05:00

Here's an idea. 1). Term limits (i.e no one stays longer than two terms). 2). Take away senate and congressional pensions. Being a representative was never supposed to be a full time career. That ought to save a bunch of money. 3). Hold the national media accountable for assisting any particular political party. 4). Voting is a right, but maybe it's time we make some changes to (a) provide two forms of identification in order to vote and (b) have a job in order to vote. It is an honor and a privilege to represent the American people. Another problem has been the enormous amount of cash that is needed just to get elected. Any normal American with any ambitions of running for a seat has to have some big time donors and backing from corporate America. That's equivalent to being bought.

Response by CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2014 2:09 AM

2014-01-06T02:09:31-05:00

MSG Stankovich,
This is tragic news. I cant say I didn't see this or something like this coming. Most every morning I meet with my guys and I say the same thing to them. Make yourself as marketable as possible. Invest in yourself by getting a degree, TSP/IRA, or certifications in a specific field that would apply to a life after the military.

The thought of being betrayed by the people you spend a life time serving in horrible. I felt that betrayal very early in my career from a very dysfunctional command. I made it through. The United States military will make it through, although it will get ugly and there will be some bad taste. The recent draw downs and "end" of conflicts could only conclude that the military was inevitably going to shrink. We have been operating at a WW2 mindset as to where we need to always be ready to fight on different fronts at any given time. With the advancement in technology and tactics we have become the greatest military might the world has ever known. History will look to us and future generations of enlightened people will use us as a precursor for a better world.

I do not like having what is the "meat and potato's" of the military cut. I am very anxious to see if there is any benefit to having the military as a career. Most countries do not keep there members longer than the required time, but that is their mistake. I see a lot of knowledge leaving the military in the senior ranks. I have read reports of senior officers being dismissed by this administration. It makes me wonder if they stood up and fought for us. Unless you know one of these people, we may never know the real reason for the dismissals. 2014 maybe a pivotal year for the military and our country. The unfolding of the progressive movements made by members of Congress and this administration may have reawaken the sleeping giant.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 8 at 2014 11:05 AM

2014-01-08T11:05:46-05:00

Thought I would add a little more reading material to the discussion...

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/07/military-pensions-four-star-officers/4359023/

Pensions continue to grow for military brass

Pensions for top military brass continue to grow even as Congress attempts to trim the benefits for working-age military retirees.

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Jan 12 at 2014 5:36 PM

2014-01-12T17:36:15-05:00

There have been some great points discussed here, but let me take only a slightly different spin. Yes, it is time to change the military health and pension benefits. We have to tighten our belts as well in order to help the nation, but I do not think it should be done at the cost of breaking existing promises--implied or explicit--to the veterans and currently serving members. There should be some point where the Government draws a line and says that anyone joining after some date is subject to some new health and pension program that costs less to operate and helps the bean counters find the money to balance the books. There should be a gray area where some people caught in between health and pension programs can opt for the old program or the new one.

Under no circumstances should we continue the bad habit of changing just about everyone at once to one program just to save a huge swath of cash in one fell swoop of the pen. Just making up numbers, if changing the pension plan for all current active and retired members would save umpteen bazillion dollars, but changing it only for new accessions in FY15 would only save a notional $1B, then we have saved a large chunk of change and, more importantly, maintained the faith with our current and retired service members. Maybe the plan could extend into members on their first term of enlistment or initial service commitment after commission as well and add another (notional) $250M.

Summary: there is a way to save money and maintain the faith with our deserving veterans.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2014 12:56 AM

2014-01-13T00:56:15-05:00

Here's another thing that the news has been putting out:

http://www.govexec.com/defense/2012/02/top-generals-admirals-can-make-more-retirement-active-duty-report-shows/41089/

http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140108/BENEFITS05/301080005/Military-brass-immune-pension-rate-cuts

The military’s top generals and admirals make more in retirement than they did on active duty, thanks to pension rules that were changed as part of the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act.

Why is they can have their retirement incomes increase (just like the senate and congress) when everyone else is getting less - if your going to make cuts - it should be accross the board.

Military brass immune to pension rate cuts

Top military brass will keep their specially boosted pensions despite the December budget deal that trimmed pension rates for other military retirees, Pentagon officials said Tuesday.

Top generals, admirals can make more in retirement than on active duty, report shows

USA Today identifies pension boon from 2007 law.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 6:55 AM

2014-02-11T06:55:06-05:00

Many great comments posted for this topic. I just feel that at some point the draft will be reinstated due to the fact the people will not want to enlist or commision due to the lies that are told about benefits and retirement. The promises have been broken and trust has been lost with service members.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 22 at 2018 9:44 AM

2018-05-22T09:44:12-04:00

WTF- we have changed the pension already- health benefits- blew the meniscus on my right knee- it has taken 6 months to get on Vet Choice to repair it. Private insurance took 3 pills a day- VA take 9 because they don't do tier 1 drugs. Let the flippin experts get our retirement/healthcare- I will gladly take theirs!

Response by SGM Gerald Fife made Sep 13 at 2020 1:53 PM

2020-09-13T13:53:03-04:00

This article is dated to 2014. Why are you questioning something in the
This article is dated back to 2014 why are you questioning something in the past?