Guaranteed retirement benefits are essential to having “Boots on the Ground” in both the Active and Reserve Component. These benefits are inextricably linked to recruiting and retention of the current and future All-Volunteer Force. Any erosion of retirement benefits, implied or actually promised, affects Soldier morale and leaves many retirees with the impression that they have been abandoned. Soldiers earn, and deserve, a quality retirement program for their selfless, dedicated service to this Nation and its citizens. Retirement benefits are nonnegotiable.

The Reserve Component (RC) retirement system was developed more than 50 years ago, when reserve forces were indeed held in reserve. Currently RC units and individuals are called on repeatedly for myriad support missions and combat missions for extended periods. The continuing Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) further emphasizes this point. Despite the protection provided in law, this protracted service can diminish the RC member’s opportunity for civilian career advancement and retirement. The retirement system must be modified and modernized so that those who serve are properly compensated, retained and encouraged to complete their RC careers. In addition, we must ensure the benefits available to these Soldiers and their families are commensurate with the increased demands and sacrifices they endure.

We appreciate the continued support of the Administration and Congress for improving the Soldier’s retirement benefits and encourage further support for enhancements to these benefit. As new benefits are implemented, it is important that deficiencies are remedied expeditiously.

WE THEREFORE RESOLVE to urge the Administration and Congress to:

• Protect the full value of retiree and annuitant income
  
  
• Accelerate implementation of the 30-year paid up Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to FY2008
  
  
• Give full SBP and Dependents Indemnity Compensation (DIC) entitlements to survivors of members whose death was service connected and retention of DIC upon remarriage after age 55
  
  
• Repeal the law that reduces military SBP annuities by the amount of any survivor benefits payable from the DIC program
  
  
• Enact legislation to repeal, in its entirety, the Department of Veterans Affairs offset on retirees military entitlement (concurrent receipt)
  
  
• Repeal the provision of the 1993 legislation that raised the tax limit on retirees’ social security benefits to 85 percent and return it to 50 percent and adjust threshold amounts for inflation
  
  
• Make appropriate adjustments to the TRICARE for Life (TFL) program as deficiencies are identified
  
  
• Amend the military postal system rules to authorize parcel mail privileges for box R patrons (Retirees) for parcels up to five pounds, unless further restricted by host governments
  
  
• Modernize the RC retirement system and reduce the age at which retired RC personnel begin to receive their pay and benefits from 60 to 55
  
  
• Enact legislation to waive Medicare Part B premiums for military retirees who entered active duty prior to 7 December 1956