April 24, 2007


On behalf of the more than 100,000 members of the Association of the United States Army, I write to thank you for introducing S. 648, the National Guard and Reserve Retirement Modernization Act, which would address the need to upgrade the reserve retirement system to match the nation’s operational reserve policy.
S. 648 would reduce the minimum age for receiving retired pay by three months for each three months served on active duty for a contingency operation and for related emergency duty.

This bill recognizes that today’s operational reservists must forego substantial civilian career advancement opportunities and civilian retirement funding capabilities because of their military service. To offset inevitable economic losses and to create incentives for continued military service, the reserve retirement system must be modernized. An important first step is S. 648.

The Association of the United States Army appreciates your introduction of this legislation. Your bill is a very positive step in helping sustain the Reserve Component as a full partner in our operating forces. AUSA strongly supports S. 648 and pledges to work with you to secure its enactment.

GORDON R. SULLIVAN
General, USA Retired