Military Retirement -- Is it Time to Change?
Abstract
This paper focuses on two fundamental questions. First, what is the purpose of the current retirement program in the way it is presently structured? Second, what might be optimal goals for future retirement pay? After developing these goals, we consider the potential consequences to the present retirement program and outline possible next steps for action by the Department of Defense. The basic design characteristics of the present retirement program were derived in the aftermath of World War II. Our research indicates four stated purposes for this Cold War era retirement pay program. These purposes form the cornerstone for present system design. Purpose (1) To provide a pool of experienced military manpower that can be called in time of war or national emergency to augment the active-duty forces and establish a mechanism whereby persons in this pool can move into and out of the active-duty force smoothly. Purpose (2) To enable the armed forces to remain generally competitive with private-sector employers and the Federal Civil Service. Purpose (3) To provide a means of keeping the military forces of the United States young and vigorous, thereby insuring promotion opportunities for younger members. Purpose (4) To provide a socially acceptable level of payments to members and former members of the armed forces during their old age.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA351369
Entities
People
- Bruce Wilson
- Jack Faires
- Joseph Whitley
- Richard Pyatt
Organizations
- United States Army War College