R 212151Z JUN 17
MARADMIN 324/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS) TRAINING UPDATE NUMBER TWO//
REF/A/DOC/NDAA/13APR15//
REF/B/MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP/091726ZDEC16//
REF/C/MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP/161755ZFEB17//
REF/D/MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP/241845ZMAY17//
AMPN/REF A IS SECTIONS 631 THROUGH 635 OF NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT, SUBTITLE D - DISABILITY PAY, RETIRED PAY, AND SURVIVOR BENEFITS. REF B IS MARADMIN 644/16, BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS) OPT-IN ELIGIBLE POPULATION NOTIFICATION. REF C IS MARADMIN 085/17, BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS) TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT. REF D IS MARADMIN 257/17, BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM TRAINING UPDATE NUMBER ONE.//
POC/ JESSICA PERDEW/CIV/UNIT: MF/TEL: 703-784-9550/703-784-9386
EMAIL: JESSICA.PERDEW@USMC.MIL/ALAN HARGIS/CIV/UNIT: MPO/TEL: 703-784-9386 EMAIL: ALAN.HARGIS@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This MARADMIN announces the release of the Blended Retirement System (BRS) Comparison Calculator and reiterates benchmarks for training of the BRS opt-in eligible population.
2.  Background. On 1 January 2018, as directed in reference (a), the military services will transition to the BRS in order to provide a more modern and flexible retirement system.  As indicated in references (b) through (d), to facilitate the transition to BRS, training is recommended for all leaders since most currently serving Marines will be eligible to opt-in to the BRS.  Opt-in criteria are clearly delineated in reference (b) and generally apply to all Active Component Marines having fewer than 12 years of service from their Pay Entry Base Date on 31 December 2017 and Reserve Component Marines with fewer than 4,320 retirement points on 31 December 2017.
3.  BRS Comparison Calculator. The BRS Opt-In online comparison calculator is now available at:  http:(slash)(slash)militarypay.defense.gov/Calculators/BRS/.  Service members can enter their personal data to obtain a side by side financial comparison of the legacy retirement system and the BRS.  While the comparison calculator is an informative BRS tool, Marines should also consult their Command Financial Specialists, Personal Financial Managers and/or Military OneSource personal financial counselors to ensure adequate understanding when making the opt-in decision.
4.  BRS Opt-In Training.
4.a.  BRS Opt-in training is mandatory for opt-in eligible Marines.  Commands will ensure that eligible Marines complete this training and that it is documented in the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS).  BRS Opt-in training is available on MarineNet (active component course code: BRSOPTIN01, reserve component course code:  RESERVEBRS) which can be accessed at https:(slash)(slash)www.marinenet.usmc.mil, on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) at https:(slash)(slash)jkodirect.jten.mil/Atlas2/page/login/Login.jsf (course number: J3OP-US1332) and on digital video device (DVD).  DVDs can be ordered through the Defense Imagery Management Operations Center (DIMOC).  Order forms are located at http:(slash)(slash)www.dimoc.mil/customer/contact.html. In the comments section of the order form, include the following: Course Title (J3OP-US1332 Blended Retirement System Opt-In (2hrs)), Pin Number 505679, quantity (if requesting more than 50 copies, please provide justification), branch of service, and shipping address
(include the name of who will be receiving the package). These DVDs are provided at no cost to the requesting command.
4.b.  In person BRS opt-in eligible population training for groups of Marines not to exceed 50 per class is available through installation Personal Financial Managers (PFMs), Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) contracted Personal Financial Counselors (PFCs) (where available), and command-designated Command Financial Specialists (CFSs) who have completed required CFS certification training and BRS trainer training.  HQMC standardized curriculum shall be used for all face to face BRS opt-in training.
4.c.  Commands are required to meet the following BRS opt-in eligible population training goals:
50 percent trained by 1 July 2017
75 percent trained by 1 October 2017
100 percent trained by 1 December 2017
5.  The importance of the decision to opt-in to BRS or remain in the current retirement system cannot be overstated.  Once a Marine opts in to the BRS, their decision is irrevocable, and is potentially the most important financial decision in the career of an opt-in eligible Marine.  If you are opt-in eligible, ensure you complete the training early and that you use all available resources to make the most informed financial decision possible for your future and that of your family.
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@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.//