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New Blended Retirement System Opt-in begins in 2018

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Breanna Carter
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

The Defense Department will implement the new Blended Retirement System in the year 2018. Airmen are encouraged to take advantage of training and resources in order to make an informed decision. Eligible Airmen will have from Jan. 1, 2018 until Dec. 31, 2018 to opt-in.

Former defense secretary, Ashton Carter said that a blended retirement system is a key step in modernizing the department’s ability to recruit, retain and maintain the talent we require of our future force.

Only those active Airmen who, as of Dec. 31, 2017, have served fewer than 12 years, or reserve Airmen who have accrued fewer than 4,320 retirement points, will have the option of electing BRS or remaining in the legacy retirement system. These Airmen will be required to take the Opt-In training and should provide a copy of the training certificate to their Unit Training Manager upon completion.

The Opt-In course is available on the Advanced Distributed Learning Service under the “Selected Force Training” drop down menu. Airmen should also speak with a personal financial counselor at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. In the local area, there is First Command Financial Services, which has advisors available to evaluate a member’s current financial status and help them make a better decision using a BRS calculator.

Information on BRS is continuously updated on myPers. Click "Retirement" from any military landing page. In addition, a live chat feature on BRS is available for Airmen. To chat live with a Total Force Service Center representative, go to the MyPers page and allow about 30 to 60 seconds to enable a representative to come online.

Though many leaders may not be eligible to opt-in to BRS, it is important to understand the new system to better inform Airmen as they make their decisions throughout 2018.

Resources available online and on base for more information include: