Reservist Issues Discussion

Rumsfeld group shoved to the side

Congressional Panel on National Guard Reserve Spotlighted

"The independent Commission on the National Guard and Reserves is charged by Congress to recommend any needed changes in law and policy to ensure that the Guard and Reserves are organized, trained, equipped, compensated, and supported to best meet the national security requirements of the United States. The Commission was established by the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005."  From the CNGR web site introduction at http://www.cngr.gov

The commission is taking testimony and conducting a study that must report with preliminary findings by June to the Armed Services committees of both houses.  A full report is due in one year from convening.

One Lady's Opinion

- by Ann Caddell Crawford,  Publisher, Military Living Publications

Having been a part of the military family for over 51 years, and the Publisher of Military Living for 38 years, I am keenly aware of bennies for the military and their families. Granted, there have been thousands of morale-boosting changes over the years. Many of them have been very expensive.

Here's my idea on boosting Guard and Reserve and their military family members (dependents) MORALE - because it is something that would not cost very many $$$s to implement.

I am concerned that these members are called on to serve our country over and over again; many have died in battle. I'm told that some have lost their small businesses, farms, medical and dental practices and more.

Commission on National Guard and Reserve (CNGR) Considers Compensation Changes

The age 55 receipt of retire pay concept seems clearly tossed out by the Military Compensation Panel's recommendations. Is it dead? Advocates must realize that panel doesn't have the final say on its fate.

A new commission, empanelled by Congress may be the final hope for this particular proposal – or one at least equal or better in retaining Reservists for 20-year careers.

That commission, needs a demonstration of strong support by Reservists themselves to demonstrate retirement pay at 55 is their preferred reform. The commission's web site is at http://www.cngr.gov

Indisputably it is, given that the much more costly immediate annuity after 20 years that their Active Component counterparts enjoy would cost quite a bit more. The age 55 receipt of retire pay was viewed as "compromise" at its birth.