#1 I think overhauling retirement is stupid. I'm not staying in 20 years but those who do put up with the military for 20 years deserve the current pension. Not to mention the savings from this overhaul is extremely minute compared to other programs we could cut or halt in the Government. I say this even though this new retirement system would help people like me out with matching contributions, but man alot of people stay in until 20 to hit that retirement. I'm guessing alot more disgruntled people will be exiting earlier now.Starting in 2018, newly enlisted troops will no longer have the traditional 20-year, all-or-nothing retirement plan. Under the changes, it will be replaced with a blended pension and investment system, featuring automatic contributions to troops' Thrift Savings Plans and an opportunity for government matches to personal contributions.
Allowing personal firearms on stateside bases — Lawmakers are requiring Defense Secretary Ash Carter to develop a plan by the end of this year that would allow stateside base commanders to decide whether to allow their service members to carry personal firearms on duty, or in areas where that is currently restricted by the military. Any such plan would not supercede local laws.
A pay freeze for general and flag officers — Troops will see a 1.3 percent pay increase in January, lower than the rate of expected private-sector wage growth but more than their senior officers will get. General and flag officer pay will stay at fiscal 2015 levels.
Another ban on a new BRAC round — Like in past years, the measure includes a prohibition on defense officials starting another base closing round. But lawmakers did include language allowing military officials to conduct studies on how much excess capacity exists in their stateside footprint, which could ease the path to such a move in the future.
A ban on "paid patriotism" with sports leagues — The bill includes language that would prohibit the department from entering into contracts "making payments for honoring members of the Armed Forces at sporting events," in response to congressional reports that several professional sports teams were given tens of thousands of dollars to conduct on-field military appreciation events.
Easier rules for military animal adoption — The measure changes the rules on adopting military dogs and other animals to make it easier for former handlers and families of injured handlers to adopt them following their military service.
Developing "gender-neutral" standards for military jobs — In response to a push to open more military specialties to female troops, lawmakers want Pentagon leaders to craft "gender-neutral occupational standards" that would allow "decisions on assignments (to) be based on objective analysis."
#2 allowing CCW on bases, I want to see the plan Defense Secretary rolls out with. I'm not sure how much planning is needed, just allow CCW on base.
#3 Gender neutral standards. I'd agree if females were required to have same PT standards, which they don't. I'm all for equality and would trust a woman as I would a man, but you can't have true gender neutral standards when the standards for admission aren't equal for men and women.
Have a great thanksgiving!
Also massammo.com is having free shipping, just bought a few thousand rounds.
