R 241845Z May 17
MARADMIN 257/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/ BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM TRAINING UPDATE NUMBER ONE//
REF/A/MSGID: MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP/161755ZFEB17//
REF/B/DOC/MCO/20141214//
AMPN/REF A IS MARADMIN 085/17, BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS)TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT.  REF B IS MCO 1700.34 (PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM)//
POC/JESSICA PERDEW/CIV/UNIT: MF/TEL: 703-784-9550/703-784-9386 EMAIL: JESSICA.PERDEW(AT)USMC.MIL / ALAN HARGIS/CIV/UNIT: MPO/TEL: 703-784-9386 EMAIL: ALAN.HARGIS(AT)USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Purpose.  To reiterate the training completion benchmarks for the Blended Retirement System (BRS) opt-in population update reference (a) regarding BRS opt-in training and resources available for the Entry Level Training (ELT) Pipeline, and Professional Military Education (PME) Schools and to provide an update on the Department of Defense (DoD) BRS comparison calculator.
2. Training Benchmarks
2.a. Opt-in training is mandatory for all eligible Marines.  The primary training methods are via Marine Net (Course Code BRSOPTIN01)or classroom setting with a certified financial instructor (CFI). Benchmarks for training completion are as follows: 50(percent) by 1 July 2017, 75(percent) by 1 October 2017, and 100(percent) by 1 December 2017.
2.b. CFIs are the only personnel authorized to provide opt-in training via classroom or group training. Instructors (Personal Financial Managers, Command Financial Specialist, and contracted Personal Financial Counselors) must meet the requirements of reference (b) and have completed the online BRS Financial Counselors Course.
2.c. Specific training requirements and detailed instructions are available via the updated Commander’s BRS Smart Pack (v2.2), accessible via the BRS for Marines website (https:(slash)(slash)www.manpower.usmc.mil/BRS).
3. Marine Net BRS opt-in course. When taking the course you must complete all six lesson plans.  Each circle under the course menu on the left side of the course display must have a green check mark in it. Further, Marines must score 80 percent or better on the  post-test in order for Marine Net to generate a course completion certificate in the My Completed Courses section of Marine Net. Marines are encouraged to visit their Marine Online account to verify the course is recorded as complete.
4. ELT and PME Schools.
4.a. Marine Corps Recruit Depots (MCRDs). Starting 1 June 2017, opt-in training for recruits will be administered during Phase One. Since Marine Net is not a viable method for training recruits, MCRD CFIs will provide opt-in training in a classroom setting.  MCRDs will coordinate with their CFIs to conduct opt-training for each platoon.  CFIs will only use HQMC (MFR) approved training materials.  The MCRDs will report completion of training for each recruit via MCTIMS using training event code BT.
4.b. Training Command Formal Learning Centers (FLCs). Starting 1 June 2017, MOS producing FLCs (Schools of Infantry, MARDETs, etc.) will provide opt-in training to eligible Marines not yet trained (i.e., permanent personnel and students) via Marine Net or classroom training.  MOS producing FLCs will continue opt-in training through the end of calendar year 2017.  FLCs will coordinate with CFIs to conduct opt-in training using only HQMC (MFR) approved materials. FLCs will report completion of classroom training for each Marine via MCTIMS using training event code BT.
4.c. The Basic School (TBS).  Starting 1 June 2017, TBS will provide opt-in training to student officers via Marine Net or classroom training. TBS will coordinate with Marine Corps Base Quantico CFIs to conduct opt-in training for each company.  CFIs will only use HQMC (MFR) approved materials.  TBS will report completion of classroom training for each student officer via MCTIMS using training event code BT. 
4.d. Marine Corps University.  No later than 1 December 2017, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, the School of Advanced Warfighting, and the Expeditionary Warfare School will ensure all opt-in eligible Marine students are trained via Marine Net or classroom instructions. These schools will coordinate with Marine Corps Base Quantico CFIs to conduct opt-in training.  CFIs will only use HQMC (MFR) approved materials.  PME Schools will report completion of classroom training for each Marine via MCTIMS using training event code BT.
5. Opt-in comparison calculator. The comparison calculator is an online tool to assist opt-in eligible Marines in comparing the value of the legacy retirement system and the BRS, based upon their individual circumstances and assumptions. The current forecast for release is by the end of June 2017 on DoD’s compensation website. MRA will provide a link and further guidance once the comparison calculator is available.
6. For more information on BRS, access the BRS for Marines website (https:(SLASH) (SLASH) www.manpower.usmc.mil/BRS) or email your questions to BRS(AT)usmc.mil.
7. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve.
8. Release authorized by LtGen Mark. A. Brilakis, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//