Posted on 09/19/2011 7:53:52 PM PDT by Jet Jaguar
Included in the presidents deficit reduction plan unveiled Monday are plans to re-examine the military retirement system, calling the current 20-year requirement out of line with most other government or private retirement plans.
The document calls for the creation of a commission similar to the controversial 2005 Base Realignment and Closure commission to look at broad reforms to the retirement system. In particular, it takes aim at the idea that troops must remain in the military for 20 years to receive any retirement benefits, giving generous benefits to the relatively few members who stay.
The move comes just weeks after officials from the Defense Business Board outlined similar plans to changing how military retirees are paid, abandoning the 20-year service target.
In that proposal, the board recommended a 401(k) style plan which would allow partial payout for troops who served as little as 10 years. Officials said the move was designed both to provide a more equitable distribution of retirement funds and save money long term.
But veterans groups blasted the proposal, in part because they believe changes would reduce the benefits for those currently on track to retire after 20 years or more.
The new White House plan notes that any major military retirement reforms should include grandfathering provisions that ensure that the country does not break faith with military personnel now serving, including those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
No action was taken on the Defense Business Board plan, and the new White House idea must be adopted by Congress before work would begin. Under the rules laid out by President Barack Obama on Monday, both the White House and Congress would have to approve the commissions final report without changes before it could become law.
The White House did not specify how much changes in the military retirement system could save long term.
Obamas deficit reduction plan also included $1 trillion in savings from troop withdrawals in Iraq and Afghanistan, and another $580 billion in cuts and fees in mandatory benefit programs.
That included almost $7 billion raised through a new $200 annual fee for veterans enrolled in the Tricare for Life program (but no new charge for active-duty troops) and more than $20 billion in new co-payment fees in prescription drug coverage for military families and retirees.
Ping
Next we’ll hear that said penalties can be avoided by a short stint in Barry’s National Order Corps.
I wonder how long until they start paying veterans’ pensions in some kind of Freedom Bonds....payable (at interest I am sure) in New Dollars. After you turn 75.
The list, ping
Let me know if you would like to be on or off the ping list
Exactly. This scum sucking piece of crap, and all of his cronies should be ejected from the government payrolls before one cent of military benefits comes under scrutiny.
My wonderful DH is 2 years, 10 months, and 9 days away from a 20-year active duty military retirement. The LAST thing we want, at this point in time, is the government screwing around with his retirement.
START with government workers FIRST that are in non-essential areas, ie EPA, Dept of ED, etc.....then get back to us...you marxist, piece of scum.
If he thinks he is getting support anymore, people are lying to him something fierce. He has NO chance. A fractured vote MIGHT make it close.
what about eliminating free health care for the lazy and illegals, section 8 housing, free education, in state tuition rates for illegals.
Leties are determined to destroy the military as an effective fighting force.
I'd say START with ALL government workers FIRST except for DOD, then half the salary of the President and all staff, then congress and all staff, then get back to us...you marxist, piece of scum. It should be illegal for "the servants of the people" to earn more than those who pay them.
Well, military retirees can either BOHICA or do something about it.
Exactly. That should be the very first place to start cutting.
From what I have heard about this so far, recruiting is about to collapse, because not even an illegal alien looking for a path to citizenship is going to fall for this one.....
.....................then half the salary of the President and all staff......................
Ah man, you can’t do that. Where would Moochelle be able to get all her fashionista clothing.
She’d have to shop at Sal’s, Sal’s of Chevy Chase, the Salvation Army outlet!
Oh, wait a minute, I think that she already shops there for her “co-ordinated” outfits.
Allows her to buy a size 20 bottom, with a size ten top, and perfect the look with a huge boob belt!
Benefits ought to be the most favorable to career vets and those who have been the most involved in combat and been injured. That’s just a civie’s view. But don’t benefits make up a huge chunk of the defense budget?
Good idea, but you know that ain’t gonna happen under Obama. The question is whether a GOP office holder would have the balls to do it.
But those who have worked for 20 years or more, particularly the last 10 at war, aren't worthy of a benefit they EARNED and were promised?? A military career is not like a "private" career, even outside of the emotional and patriotic aspects. The hours and the obligations make it different. I hate them for this.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.