Vet proposes change to military pay and benefits

2015-03-13T10:02:40-04:00

Very interesting article and one that could produce a viable plan for DOD and our service members, if it was reviewed by congress, which will most likely not happen. Salutes to this veteran for looking out for all of us.

Veteran proposes 'clean' military retirement alternative

Military pay and benefits is not only a Defense Department issue, but also an economic one. And Tim Kane, a veteran Air Force officer turned research

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Mar 13 at 2015 10:11 AM

2015-03-13T10:11:02-04:00

When they are crying about having to pay retirement after 20 years, I do not see them trying to give benefits to someone who served 5. We know what we are agreeing to when we join and the current administration is not giving us more when they are doing everything they can to cut as much as they can.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 13 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-03-13T10:24:11-04:00

His article strikes of "parallel thought process." I had suggested in another thread, for each year of service give people 2.5% "contingency pay" (base pay), and then when we need folks we offer up the open slots to them first.

Can you imagine the ability to expand and shrink our roster with folks who already served as opposed to trying to juggle it based on 4 year new enlistments.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Mar 13 at 2015 10:48 AM

2015-03-13T10:48:13-04:00

CSM Michael Lynch, a very good read and a great idea. How ever might I suggest that this NOT apply to any SM that has already served more than 15 years. I do like the idea of a military 401K that the SM can take with them. The National Guard already makes a retiree wait until they are 55 or 60 to collect their pay but they get their other benefits when the retire.

Response by SSG Adam Reed made Mar 13 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-03-13T12:06:28-04:00

When it comes to saving money for DOD the Soldiers, the Sailors, the Airmen and the Marines should not be the red spot on the dart board. Why is it that they always want to come after the troops when finding ways to save money. Maybe if they got their conglomerate heads out of their collective ass they could realize they suck at running the military finances. And their lack of skills should not be shouldered by us, the average soldier. Leave us alone and go get yourselves some finance courses at your local community college.

Response by SGT Corey Franks made Mar 13 at 2015 12:32 PM

2015-03-13T12:32:05-04:00

HOOAH...great plan!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 5:59 PM

2015-03-18T17:59:01-04:00

This is a good idea, for those that are active duty retirees. I am a national guard retiree. I don't get to see my retirement pay until I hit age 60. But, due to time in Iraq, I will get 6 months shaved off that age 60 criteria. If there was an alternative that would benefit, I would listen. But, I am sure that it would be a strain on an already failing system.

Response by SSgt Michael Smith made Mar 18 at 2015 9:48 PM

2015-03-18T21:48:45-04:00

Under both CSRS and FERS, Members of Congress are eligible for a pension
at age 62 if they have completed at least five years of service. Members are eligible
for a pension at age 50 if they have completed 20 years of service, or at any age after
completing 25 years of service. The amount of the pension depends on years of
service and the average of the highest three years of salary. By law, the starting
amount of a Member’s retirement annuity may not exceed 80% of his or her final
salary.
Members become vested in (legally entitled to) a pension benefit under CSRS
or FERS after five years of service. The age and service requirements for retirement
eligibility are determined by the plan under which a Member is covered at the time
of retirement, regardless of whether he or she has previous service covered under a
different plan.2 Depending on a Member’s age and years of service, a pension can
be taken immediately upon retirement or only on a deferred basis. Likewise, the
Member’s age and years of service, as well as the starting date of the annuity, will
determine whether he or she is eligible for a full pension or a reduced pension

I see no logical reason the same benefit should not apply to military members.