LEADER TRAINING REGARDING THE BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS)
Date Signed: 6/13/2016 | MARADMINS Number: 297/16
MARADMINS : 297/16
R 131620Z JUN 16
MARADMIN 297/16
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MF//
SUBJ/LEADER TRAINING REGARDING THE BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS)//
REF/A/MSGID:MSG/NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT//
AMPN/REF A IS NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FY-2016.//
POC/J. PERDEW/CIV/MFR/-/TEL:703-784-9550/EMAIL: JESSICA.PERDEW(AT) USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  On 1 June 2016, the “Leader Training to Introduce the Blended Retirement System (BRS) For the Uniform Services” was released to the field to provide leaders an overview of the BRS.  The new military retirement system, commonly referred to as BRS, goes into effect 1 January 2018.  The reference established a blended military retirement system designed to give some government provided retirement benefits to a greater portion of the force.  The BRS is a significant change to the current system and for the first time Marines will automatically contribute to their retirement plan from their current compensation.
2.  The BRS retains the current defined benefit component, but adjusts the years of service multiplier from the current 2.5 percent to 2.0 percent.  In addition, the BRS implements a defined contribution component utilizing the  Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions (i.e., automatic and matching).  Marines enrolled in the BRS will be automatically enrolled in TSP.  Marines will retain the option of increasing or decreasing individual contribution amounts and selecting the funds into which contributions are deposited.
3.  Marines who enter the military on or after 1 January 2018 will automatically be enrolled in the BRS.  Marines who enter the military before 1 January 2018 are grandfathered into the current retirement system.  However, Marines who have served fewer than 12 years on active duty or for reservist who have accrued fewer than 4,320 retirement points have the option of electing the BRS or remaining in the current retirement system.  The election period will commence 1 January 2018 and conclude 31 December 2018.  Once made the election is irrevocable.
4.  The character and substance of the changes to the retirement benefit will require a focus on the education of our force to ensure all Marines understand the benefit and are capable of making an informed decision regarding the benefit.  The Department of Defense is working with Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) to develop educational materials.  The first module, “Leader Training to Introduce the Blended Retirement System (BRS) For the Uniformed Services” (course number J3OP-1330) was released on 1 June 2016, is intended for leaders and will provide an overview of the components of the BRS.  It is available online at http:(slash)(slash)jko.jten.mil.  Additionally, this course is available on the Military OneSource website at http: (slash)(slash)www.militaryonesource.mil.  This module will be followed by a more detailed comparison of the current system and the BRS intended for Marines who fall into the opt-in population.  The detailed module will be available no later than 1 January 2017.  In addition, installation Personal Financial Management (PFM) personnel are prepared to provide the overview material in face to face briefings to units and individuals.  Detailed education specific to the opt-in population will also be available in a face to face format when the detailed JKO module becomes available.  While “Leader Training to Introduce the Blended Retirement System (BRS) For the Uniformed Services” (course number J3OP-1330) is intended for leaders, the information is important and appropriate to all Marines.  Every Marine is strongly encouraged to access this training either online via JKO or in person via the installation PFM.
5.  This MARADMIN is cancelled 1 January 2019.
6.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve.
7.  Release authorized by MajGen B. W. Whitman, Director, Marine and Family Programs Division.//