R 091726Z DEC 16
MARADMIN 644/16
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS) OPT-IN ELIGIBLE POPULATION NOTIFICATION//
REF/A/MSGID: MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MF/131620ZJUN16//
AMPN/REF IS MARADMIN 297/16, LEADER TRAINING REGARDING THE BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS).//
POC/UNIT: CMC(MPO)/TEL: COM 703-784-9386//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  PURPOSE.  To announce eligibility and training requirements to enroll into the Blended Retirement System (BRS).
2.  Background.  On January 1, 2018, the Department of Defense will implement a new military retirement system known as the “Blended Retirement System” (BRS).  The reference outlines the basic components of the BRS.  Marines with a date of original entry before 1 January 2018 are automatically grandfathered into the legacy retirement system.  Marines who have a date of original entry on or after 1 January 2018 will automatically be enrolled in the BRS.
3.  Opt-in Eligibility.  Active component Marines who have served fewer than 12 years of service since their Pay Entry Base Date as of 31 December 2017 or those in the reserve component (including Active Reserve) who have accrued fewer than 4,320 retirement points as of 31 December 2017 are eligible to enroll in the BRS.  The enrollment eligibility period will commence 1 January 2018 and conclude 31 December 2018.  Once enrolled into BRS, the election is irrevocable.
4.  Training.  The opt-in training for eligible Marines will be available in early calendar year 2017 and shall be completed online or in classroom training by a qualified instructor prior to Marines recording their election decision.  The online training will be the primary means of completing the educational requirement.
5.  Enrollment.  The BRS enrollment period will commence 1 January 2018 and conclude 31 December 2018.  Marine on Line (MOL) will be the primary method for the Marine making a BRS election decision.  Further guidance on the enrollment process will be covered in opt-in training, follow-on MARADMINS, and via a Marine’s chain of command.
6.  Commanders.  While this MARADMIN serves as a general notification, the primary notification responsibility lies with RUC-level commanders.  Specific notification requirements and detailed instructions are available via the Commander’s BRS Smart Pack, available at Manpower and Reserve Affairs website under the News and Features page at:  https:(SLASHSLASH)www.manpower.usmc.mil(SLASH)CommandersSmartPack.  RUC-level commanders will ensure that their eligible Marines complete opt-in training during calendar year 2017 and record their election decision in MOL during calendar year 2018.
7.  More information can be found at the DoD BRS Webpage at:  http:(SLASH SLASH)militarypay.defense.gov(SLASH)BlendedRetirement
8.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve.
9.  Release authorized by LtGen Mark. A. Brilakis, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//