The Fairness of Change in the Military Retirement System.
Abstract
This thesis addresses the issue of fairness as it relates to changing military retired pay. Taxpayers, as well as retirees, are seen as central to the discussion of fairness. Determination of fairness is accomplished by examining the purposes of retired pay. Further evidence of the system's fairness (or unfairness) is provided by comparisons with other retirement plans. A final perspective on fairness is obtained by analyzing how military life has changed since the current system was instituted. Each perspective suggests that military retired pay is overly generous. This thesis rejects the view that retired pay is compensation for the sacrifices endured during a military career, and concludes that the benefits provided by the current system could be reduced and still remain fair to retirees. This thesis addresses the issue of fairness as it relates to changing military retired pay. Taxpayers, as well as retirees, are seen as central to the discussion of fairness. Determination of fairness is accomplished by examining the purposes of retired pay. Further evidence of the system's fairness (or unfairness) is provided by comparisons with other retirement plans. A final perspective on fairness is obtained by analyzing how military life has changed since the current system was instituted. Each perspective suggests that military retired pay is overly generous. This thesis rejects the view that retired pay is compensation for the sacrifices endured during a military career, and concludes that the benefits provided by the current system could be reduced and still remain fair to retirees.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA307240
Entities
People
- David S. Mazenko
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School