I do find it an interesting decision for those of us with a few years in that can choose whether or not to opt in. Clearly, the consensus is that current retirement is better for those who choose to stay in for 20. Right now though, within my community, we're seeing a mass exodus of O-4s choosing to separate for the airlines. Conditions will change over the next seven years when my UPT commitment ends and I'm making my decision to stay or leave, but I am wondering if there's some value to opt-in to get some TSP matching and relieve myself of the pressure to stay in, just to make it to 20 years for retirement.
One disappointment is that if I were to opt-in right away, I will have lost out on 4.5 years of TSP-matching. I also would like to see more information about the 12-year continuation pay. All I can find right now is that it will be 2.5-13x monthly base pay. That's obviously quite wide range of a potential incentive bonus.