Good article on the new military retirement choices

Maple, there were a couple of recent threads on this with links as to what various cut-offs were. Am on the go, so cannot easily produce them right now.

My sense was that those who have raised their right hands and entered service prior to 1/1/18, have a choice of current or blended. I am sure SA, ROTC and all officer or enlisted accession points will get plenty of briefs.
 
As usual, Captain MJ is correct: January 1, 2018 is the key date:

If you joined (sworn in) AFTER January 1, 2018, you will be automatically enrolled in the new Blended Retirement System (BRS)

If you jointed BEFORE January 1, 2018, but AFTER January 1, 2006, you will have the CHOICE of enrolling in BRS, OR remain in the old system.

If you joined BEFORE January 1, 2006, you are "grandfathered" into the old system.

Source:
http://militarypay.defense.gov/Port...tions 5.01.2017.pdf?ver=2017-05-02-095830-163
 
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AROTC-dad said:
If you jointed BEFORE January 1, 2018, but AFTER January 1, 2006, you will have the CHOICE of enrolling in BRS, OR remain in the old system.
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So, it would seem that current SA cadets/mids would fall in the above category since they are considered active duty for the 4 years at the SA, is this correct?

What about a ROTC scholarship cadet/mid? If I'm correct, (big "if) they are sworn in when their scholarship is activated but not considered active duty other than when on summer training. Would they fall in the same category as SA cadets/mids or would their "join" date be their commissioning date?
 
The date used is DIEMS or Date of Initial Entry into Military Service.

For AROTC cadets, they would use the date they either (1) signed a scholarship contract, or (2) contracted for the advanced course, whichever is earlier. I would imagine that NROTC would use advanced standing contract, and AFROTC would use POC contract dates. Hopefully @NavyNOLA and others can chime in on that.

From the Army HRC website: (Bold is mine)

The Date of Initial Entry into Military Service (DIEMS) is the date an individual was initially enlisted, inducted, or appointed in a regular or reserve component of a uniformed service as a commissioned officer, warrant officer, or enlisted member. Breaks in service do not affect a DIEMS date. Military Academy cadets (date of entry into the academy), ROTC cadets (date of scholarship contract or date the cadet began the advanced ROTC course, whichever is earlier) and members of the delayed entry program (Date enlistment contract signed, regardless of when the Soldier entered active duty.) are considered under these provisions. The DIEMS is the initial contract signed via the Soldier; obligating the Soldier to any type of military service, even if it was later voided and determines which of the retired pay formulas a Soldier is eligible to utilize upon retirement. The DIEMS date is utilized to determine the length of service and associated benefits.


Source: https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Date of Initial Entry into Military Service
 
ServantoUSA said:
Do the Pensions begin while at SA?
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Pensions don't "begin" or pay out until a service person is eligible due to retirement or disabiltiy.

If you mean when the cadet/mid becomes eligible, then the above previous posts should clarify academy cadets based on the date of appointment (DIEMS). Academy cadets and mids are considered active duty upon entry into the academy.

This link may give you more information:
http://militarypay.defense.gov/Portals/3/Documents/BlendedRetirementDocuments/BRS Frequently Asked Questions 5.01.2017.pdf?ver=2017-05-02-095830-163
 
AROTC-dad said:
ServantoUSA said:
Do the Pensions begin while at SA?
Click to expand...

Pensions don't "begin" or pay out until a service person is eligible due to retirement or disabiltiy.

If you mean when the cadet/mid becomes eligible, then the above previous posts should clarify academy cadets based on the date of appointment (DIEMS). Academy cadets and mids are considered active duty upon entry into the academy.

This link may give you more information:
http://militarypay.defense.gov/Portals/3/Documents/BlendedRetirementDocuments/BRS Frequently Asked Questions 5.01.2017.pdf?ver=2017-05-02-095830-163
Click to expand...


Sorry I realize my question is unclear, what I meant to ask was: Does money start going into TSP as you enter the academies? or after graduation?
 
ServantoUSA said:
Sorry I realize my question is unclear, what I meant to ask was: Does money start going into TSP as you enter the academies? or after graduation?
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From the quote below it appear that you must commission first. I am not 100% sure on this. Perhaps a FFR, ALO or BGO can help clarify this.

Cadets and midshipmen who enter a service academy and ROTC cadets and midshipmen who sign their "contract" on or after January 1, 2018, will automatically be covered by BRS upon commissioning with no option to opt-in.

Additionally regarding the TSP:
The BRS includes a TSP component. All service members joining on or after January 2018 will be automatically enrolled into TSP contributing 3 percent of their basic pay (or Inactive Duty Pay, sometimes referred to as Drill Pay in the National Guard and Reserve), with DoD automatic 1 percent of basic pay contributed by DoD starting 60 days after entry (Chart 2-1). DoD will also match service member contributions up to an additional 4 percent after two years of service.

Source:
http://militarypay.defense.gov/Portals/3/Documents/BlendedRetirementDocuments/BRS Frequently Asked Questions 5.01.2017.pdf?ver=2017-05-02-095830-163
 
Has anyone been able to officially "opt in" and sign up for BRS-TSP yet? My DS said he had to take an education course on it some time ago, but he didn't believe enrollment is open as of yet...I think time is getting short if one wants to get their matching funds right from the start. As a side note, He currently contributes to a Roth TSP. Would he have to physically open a new traditional TSP in order to receive the matching funds?
 
wildcatmom said:
Has anyone been able to officially "opt in" and sign up for BRS-TSP yet? My DS said he had to take an education course on it some time ago, but he didn't believe enrollment is open as of yet...I think time is getting short if one wants to get their matching funds right from the start. As a side note, He currently contributes to a Roth TSP. Would he have to physically open a new traditional TSP in order to receive the matching funds?
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I believe 1/1/2018 is the first that you can opt in. The TSP should be set up if he chooses to opt in.

Stealth_81
 
It is my understanding that cadets and midshipmen do not receive basic pay and thus would not be eligible to establish and contribute to TSP while attending a Service Academy. Cadets and midshipmen attending a service academy as of December 31, 2017, will be grandfathered under the legacy retirement system and will have the option to opt into BRS upon commissioning.
 
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