R 111858Z DEC 18
MARADMIN 693/18
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM OPT-IN ELECTION PERIOD UPDATE NUMBER 4//
REF/A/MSGID: MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP/071337ZDEC17//
REF/B/MSGID:MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP/241631ZOCT18//
AMPN/REF A IS MARADMIN 662/17, BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM ELECTION PERIOD ANNOUNCEMENT. REF B IS MARADMIN 611/18, BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM (BRS) HARDSHIP EXTENSION OF ELECTION PERIOD//
POC/ALAN HARGIS/CIV/UNIT: MPO-40/TEL: 703-784-9386 EMAIL: ALAN.HARGIS@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Per the reference (a), the Blended Retirement System (BRS) election period ends on 31 December 2018.  Opt-in eligible Marines are directed to register their retirement choice to either remain with the Legacy Retirement System or enroll in the BRS via Marine Online (MOL).
2.  As of 28 Nov 2018, about 110,000 eligible Marines have registered their choice in MOL and 69,000 Marines still need to register their election by the 31 December 2018 deadline.
3.  Installation Personal Financial Managers, Command Financial Specialists, and contracted Personal Financial Counselors offer free financial counseling services and resources to help Marines prepare for their choice.
4.  Some small number of service members will rate an extension beyond the 31 December 2018 deadline.  Eligibility is very narrowly defined; see reference (b) for guidance concerning the eligibility and process for requesting a hardship extension of the BRS enrollment period.
5.  Email questions to BRS@usmc.mil.
6.  Release authorized by Brigadier General William H. Swan, Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division//