WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- Eligible Westover Airmen interested in opting-in to the Department of Defense’s new Blended Retirement System have until Dec. 31, 2018, to enroll in the program.
The BRS offiers a traditional pension-like annuity to members who retire after 20-plus years of service as well as investment income from the Thrift Savings Plan, which is a government sponsored 401(k) allowing members to invest their own money across various asset classes.
The BRS is available to Reserve Component Service members with fewer than 4,320 total retirement points as of Dec. 31, 2017, and active duty members with fewer than 12 years of service since their Pay Entry Base Date.
The BRS offers substantial benefit for some members, especially those serving fewer than 20 years total. While not eligible for the pension portion of the retirement plan, these service members can still take advantage of government matching TSP allocations. However, the BRS may not be the best option for everyone so the DoD is promoting extensive training to ensure members can make informed decisions.
Members can compare the two plans using the DoD’s online comparison calculator. Service members can also obtain more info on Military OneSource or by consulting a financial services professional.
Wilbert "Gil" Guilford, a Personal Financial Counselor, is available to all Westover service members and their dependents for appointment seven days a week. He can be reached at (480) 403-1086 or via email: at PFC.Westover.USAFR@Zeiders.com.
The BRS eligible members may sign up via their myPay accounts at any time during calendar year 2018. Members with a Date of Initial Entry to Military Service (DIEMS), who do not enroll in BRS by the Dec. 31 cutoff date will remain in the traditional retirement system. However, all military members entering service on or after Jan. 1, 2018, will be automatically enrolled in BRS and are not required to opt-in.