The blended retirement system (BRS) will take effect for all Soldiers joining the Army beginning Jan. 1, 2018, and some current servicemembers will have the option to opt into the new system. Soldiers with less than 12 years of active duty service and National Guard and Reserve members with less than 4,320 points will have until Dec. 31, 2018 to choose whether to remain in the current system or opt into the new one. The new blended retirement system is a three-pronged program. Prong 1 consists of a defined pension benefit upon retirement. Prong 2 consists of a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which is similar to a 401K plan. And Prong 3 is a one-time continuation payment for Soldiers with eight to 12 years of service. For more information, visit the STAND-TO! website. You can also read Suze Orman's thoughts on BRS in the Military Advantage Blog.
For more on retirement and military benefits, visit the Military.com Benefits Center.
