161755Z FEB 17
MARADMIN 085/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS) TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT//
REF/A/MSGID: MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MF/131620ZJUN16//
AMPN/REF A IS MARADMIN 297/16, LEADER TRAINING REGARDING THE BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS). REF B IS MARADMIN 644/16, BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS) OPT-IN ELIGIBLE POPULATION NOTIFICATION//
POC/Jessica Perdew/CIV/Unit: MF/TEL: 703-784-9550/703-784-9386/Email: Jessica.Perdew@usmc.mil/Alan Hargis/CIV/Unit: MPO-40/Tel: 703-784-9386/Email: Alan.Hargis@usmc.mil//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  PURPOSE.  To announce mandatory Opt-in training and resources for the Blended Retirement System (BRS).  On 1 March 2017, the Marine Corps will make the shift from theNotification Phase to the Training Phase.
2.  Background.  The Marine Corps is implementing the BRS in three phases:  Notification Phase (9 December 2016 – 1 March 2017), Training Phase (1 March 2017 – 31 December 2017), Election Phase (1 January 2018 – 31 December 2018).  Reference A outlines the basic components of the BRS.
3.  Opt-in Eligibility.  See reference B.
4.  Training.
4.a.  The opt-in training for eligible Marines will be available starting 1 March 2017.  The preferred method of training is online using Marine Net (Course Code BRSOPTIN01).  The secondary method of training is classroom training by a certified financial instructor.  Marines must complete this training prior to 31 December 2017.
4.a.1.  Milestones for training completion is as follows:  50% training completed by 1 July 2017, 75% training complete by 1 October 2017, and 100% training complete by 1 December 2017.
4.b.  All officers and staff non-commissioned officers are highly encouraged to review the information on the DoD BRS website (see paragraph seven) and take the BRS Leaders Course by 1 July 2017.
5.  Enrollment.  The BRS enrollment period will commence 1 January 2018 and conclude 31 December 2018.  Marine Online (MOL) will be the primary method for the BRS election decision.  Further guidance on the enrollment process will be covered in follow-on instruction.
6.  Commanders.   Commanders shall ensure eligible Marines complete the required BRS Opt-in training during calendar year 2017 and meet the above training milestones.  Specific training requirements and detailed instructions are available via the updated Commander’s BRS Smart Pack (v2.0), available on the M&RA website under the News and Features page at:  https:(SLASHSLASH)www.manpower.usmc.mil(SLASH)BRS.
7.  More information can be found at the DoD BRS Webpage at:  http:(SLASH SLASH)militarypay.defense.gov(SLASH)BRS
8.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.
9.  Release authorized by LtGen Mark. A. Brilakis, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//