The new Blended Retirement System (BRS) went into effect on Jan. 1. If you are thinking about opting into the new BRS, there is a suggested five step checklist to success: (1) determine your eligibility; (2) take the mandatory BRS Opt-In Course, Joint Knowledge Online (JKO); (3) educate yourself on the BRS and use the BRS Calculator to analyze your estimated benefits; (4) schedule an appointment to consult your installation personal financial counselor; and (5) make your decision between now and Dec. 31. Also, if a servicemember elects to opt into the new BRS, he or she cannot change their mind at a later date; the decision is irrevocable. For more information about BRS, visit the Military Compensation website.
For more on the new blended retirement system and whether you should opt in, see this Military.com Blended Retirement page.
