February 7, 2008


On behalf of the more than 107,000 members of the Association of the United States Army, I write to urge further action this year on upgrading the reserve retirement system to reflect the realities of “operational reserve” service in the 21st century.
AUSA appreciates that Congress recognized the need for change in the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act by establishing prospective authority for currently serving reservists to retire three months earlier for each 90 days of qualifying active duty service. However, the new law change excluded such early retirement credit for the extraordinary service and sacrifice already offered by hundreds of thousands of National Guard and Reserve members activated in the Global War on Terror, including more than 150,000 with multiple active duty tours.

AUSA strongly recommends that the Armed Services Committee at a minimum favorably report Rep. Joe Wilson’s H.R. 4930, ‘National Guardsmen and Reservists Parity for Patriots Act,' which would make the new authority retroactive to September 11, 2001.

Today’s “operational reserve” forces are essential to every national security mission at home and overseas. The reserve retirement system was built over 60 years ago when routine activations for the full range of operations were unimaginable. To optimize retention and readiness outcomes and to be fairer to our reserve warriors, the system must be overhauled.

AUSA also believes strongly that ultimate reform of the reserve retirement system should include access to military healthcare for these warriors. We believe the government should not cut off TRICARE eligibility once a member has completed career service but has not attained age 60. AUSA understands that such interim coverage would have to entail a higher beneficiary premium.

AUSA strongly supports H.R. 4930 and urges that you incorporate it into the FY 2009 National Defense Authorization Act.

GORDON R. SULLIVAN
General, USA Retired