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“....and that includes things like military pensions. We simply can’t afford for people to retire when they’re 38, and live off with a full set of government provided benefits...”

I’d argue with you there. A military life is extremely difficult for the member and his/her family. That 20 years is probably more like 30 years of wear and tear. I only spent about 4 yrs active and then 5 in the reserves and I can say that had I actually made it to retirement, it would have been a very long and difficult road. That was during peacetime, I can’t even imagine the toll it takes on today’s soldiers.....

I’d argue with you there. A military life is extremely difficult for the member and his/her family. That 20 years is probably more like 30 years of wear and tear.

I spent a little over ten years in during the GWOT era, spent plenty of time downrange, and when it got time to look at reupping, I thought about my retirement. My actual one, not the government one. I got out and became a contractor.

I could (and did) make more for my own retirement in the private sector, even though my peers argued that military retirement is a sure thing, safe bet. I told them back then that the way our country was heading, their retirements would be pushed back to 65 or slashed in size. There's nothing mysterious about it. America's heading to financial ruin, the voters aren't going to fall on their swords to keep niche entitlements going, even in patriotic niches. That's not how humanity operates.

Well, now the military retirement system is suddenly up on the negotiating block, and a lot of my peers are in a panic. But, all that means is the next generation of Soldiers will be promised less, and receive less, and the people that don't like it will simply go do something else.

Just a little more on military retirement:
1) Move where and when you are told.
2) Low pay , for 20 years I qualified for welfare while in the military. I never requested welfare.
3)Do whatever job you are given with no questions asked.
4) Upon retire you get 50% of your base pay at 20 years. (My retirement was a big $600.00/month).
5 Military retirement is subject to Federal income tax, Medicare tax, and most states tack on a state tax.