Military Tri Care..
HEALTH CARE NEWS
Merry Christmas from the Task Force.
On Thursday, the Task Force on the Future of Military Health, a
14-member panel, hand-picked by the Pentagon, presented its final
report that contains several recommendations to sharply increase
out-of-pocket expenses for many TRICARE beneficiaries. These include:
A new annual enrollment fee of $120 per year, indexed to increase
annually for each TRICARE For Life Beneficiary.
A new annual enrollment fee for TRICARE Standard, indexed to increase.
This fee will be phased-in over a 5-year period to a level of $60 for
individual coverage and $120 for families.
An Increase in deductibles for TRICARE Standard from $300 a year for
families and $150 for individuals to $600 and $300 respectively.
An increase in TRICARE Prime enrollment fees over a 5-year period, with
annual indexed increases. These fee increases, based on the amount of
retired pay, would double for some and nearly quadruple for others.
For example:
- Single retirees currently pay an annual TRICARE premium of $230.
After the 5-year phase in period, individuals receiving less than 20K
in retired pay would pay $450 ($220 increase); under 40K, $595($365
increase); and 40K or more $875 a year (a $645 increase).
- Retirees with eligible family members pay an annual TRICARE premium
of $460 now. After the 5-year phase-in period, retirees receiving less
than 20K per year in retired pay would pay $900($440 increase); under
40K, $1,190 ($730 increase); and those over 40K, $1,750 ($1,290
increase).
And pharmacy copays would steeply increase, generics would jump from $3
to $15; brand name from $9 to $25; and non-formulary from $22 to $45.
The panel also recommends the creation of a "fourth tier" of
un-specified cost for more expensive and special medications.
Look for Pentagon adoption of these proposals in the fiscal year 2009
budget request. Congress prohibits any fee increases prior to Oct. 1,
2008.
NAUS will press DoD and the members of Congress to honor the Nation's
obligation to the men and women who dedicated the best 20 to 30 years
of their lives in defense of this country. Our service members have
kept their promise to defend and protect; now it's time for the country
to keep its promise to them.
To read the final report, go to
http://www.dodfuturehealthcare.net/images/103-06-2-Home-
Task_Force_FINAL_REPORT_122007.pdf.
Merry Christmas from the Task Force.
On Thursday, the Task Force on the Future of Military Health, a
14-member panel, hand-picked by the Pentagon, presented its final
report that contains several recommendations to sharply increase
out-of-pocket expenses for many TRICARE beneficiaries. These include:
A new annual enrollment fee of $120 per year, indexed to increase
annually for each TRICARE For Life Beneficiary.
A new annual enrollment fee for TRICARE Standard, indexed to increase.
This fee will be phased-in over a 5-year period to a level of $60 for
individual coverage and $120 for families.
An Increase in deductibles for TRICARE Standard from $300 a year for
families and $150 for individuals to $600 and $300 respectively.
An increase in TRICARE Prime enrollment fees over a 5-year period, with
annual indexed increases. These fee increases, based on the amount of
retired pay, would double for some and nearly quadruple for others.
For example:
- Single retirees currently pay an annual TRICARE premium of $230.
After the 5-year phase in period, individuals receiving less than 20K
in retired pay would pay $450 ($220 increase); under 40K, $595($365
increase); and 40K or more $875 a year (a $645 increase).
- Retirees with eligible family members pay an annual TRICARE premium
of $460 now. After the 5-year phase-in period, retirees receiving less
than 20K per year in retired pay would pay $900($440 increase); under
40K, $1,190 ($730 increase); and those over 40K, $1,750 ($1,290
increase).
And pharmacy copays would steeply increase, generics would jump from $3
to $15; brand name from $9 to $25; and non-formulary from $22 to $45.
The panel also recommends the creation of a "fourth tier" of
un-specified cost for more expensive and special medications.
Look for Pentagon adoption of these proposals in the fiscal year 2009
budget request. Congress prohibits any fee increases prior to Oct. 1,
2008.
NAUS will press DoD and the members of Congress to honor the Nation's
obligation to the men and women who dedicated the best 20 to 30 years
of their lives in defense of this country. Our service members have
kept their promise to defend and protect; now it's time for the country
to keep its promise to them.
To read the final report, go to
http://www.dodfuturehealthcare.net/images/103-06-2-Home-
Task_Force_FINAL_REPORT_122007.pdf.
0
-
The page cannot be found.
It looks like congress put the kibosh on it for another year, but I think we can rest assured they will find another way to screw us.
http://www.naus.org/news/news.html
2008 NDAA Passed by Congress
12/17/07 - Late on 12/14, the Senate approved the Conference Report on the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which the House passed earlier in the day by a vote of 370-49. The bill now goes to the President for signature.
Some of the key provisions include:
? Rejection of the Pentagon plan for steep increases in TRICARE fees and pharmacy copayments for retirees under age 65 and their families
? 3.5% military pay raise (see story on Defense Appropriations bill)
? Extension of Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) to all combat-related disabled veterans
? Retroactive (to December 31, 2004), immediate full Concurrent Receipt of Disability Pay for all 100% disabled retirees rated Individual Unemployability (IU).
? Lowering of Guard/Reserve retirement age by 3 months for every aggregate 90 days served on active duty under certain mobilization authorities ("news_guard_reserve.html")
? Expanded Guard/Reserve education benefits ("news_guard_reserve.html")
Conferees were unable to find agreement on ending the SBP/DIC offset, however. The report calls for a Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance of $50 a month beginning Oct. 2008, increasing to $100 by Oct. 2012. NAUS has always supported a complete dismissal of the SBP/DIC offset and will continue to do so until it happens. The conference report also, unfortunately, rejected a one year acceleration of "paid-up" SBP premiums.
There are several other provisions important to many of our members. These include:
? Guarantee combat veterans mental health evaluations within 30 days of their request.
? Require DoD to use the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities in determining service member disabilities.
? Increase from 2 to 5 years the period during which recently separated combat veterans may seek care from the VA.
? Increase from 12 to 26 weeks, the amount of leave caregivers of seriously injured service members may take under the Family Medical Leave Act.
One issue that we worked closely with the office of Rep. Madeline Bordallo (D-GU) was to raise the Space-Available (Space A) flight eligibility of any retiree in remote locations in order to receive specialized medical treatment. We were partly successful in that Congress saw the necessity for a higher priority and raised it for those retirees and their dependents to Priority Four from Priority Six.
The bill authorizes $696 billion in defense spending, including $189 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Classic095
HEALTH CARE NEWS
Merry Christmas from the Task Force.
On Thursday, the Task Force on the Future of Military Health, a
14-member panel, hand-picked by the Pentagon, presented its final
report that contains several recommendations to sharply increase
out-of-pocket expenses for many TRICARE beneficiaries.
Always the doom and gloom. Get a life.
Clouder..0 -
I have never been billed the $230 and I have been under TC for 5 years. I guess I will be in for a pretty good bill when they finally catch up with me. I would turn myself in but don't know where/to/how. Tom
PS How does a proposed increase in rates equate to getting a life?0 -
When I signed on that dotted line and raised my right hand and took an oath to defend the Constitution way back in '71.............I was promised FREE healthcare for life if I completed 19 and 6. Before I made the 19 and 6 they changed that to 20. They been reneging on that promise and a few more ever since. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by A J Christ
When I signed on that dotted line and raised my right hand and took an oath to defend the Constitution way back in '71.............I was promised FREE healthcare for life if I completed 19 and 6. Before I made the 19 and 6 they changed that to 20. They been reneging on that promise and a few more ever since.
If you can show me that in writing I'd be very surprised. Took the same oath in Jan 77 and heard the same crap. Three years (IIRC) later I remember my ex FIL complaining about having to pay for his retiree health care.
Our government at work! Promise you the moon and take back their promise whenever they feel like it.
Still, I can't complain too much, considering how much some people I know pay for theirs health insurance. We are still WAY ahead of them.0 -
Clouder: If the government always stepping on the toes of Veterans doesnt bother you then you are the one that needs to "GET A LIFE"
You are a sad peice of work..[:(][:(]Thought you were a retired military person. OH I forgot the Navy isnt military LMAO[:D][:D][:o)][:o)][:o)]
I posted what I get fromm the Military.org which sends me notices of changes in military things.. Nothing wrong with letting other vets know what may be in store for them...
You just have to put your one line crap in where it isnt ask for..[:(]0 -
Military service for me was a job, classic, one I enjoyed, was proud of, and volunteered for. But when I quit that job to take another I did not expect the US Government to babysit me for the next 40 years. I can and will take care of myself and my family and will take what the military allows. I came through 20 years without a scratch, gained the education I have while serving and saw a good part of the world in the process. They don't owe me a whole lot.
Oh, the oneliner, sorry: Get off your lazy butt and kiss mine. How's that?
Clouder..0 -
While I may not be ex-military, I have a thought, and prehaps some won't like it.
Why expect the government to give you benefits ANY different than ANY OTHER employer?
If I work for Joe Blow's Widget factory, I know benefits are not set in stone. I couldn't expect Joe to give me something anyone else wouldn't. Likewise I wouldn't expect the government to give me anything more than Joe offered either. It's a job, plain and simple. While I symapthize with those affected, I would rather take care of myself, than have the hand of big brother careing for me.0 -
Freemind,
You would have trouble recruiting people for military service in your benefitless force.
Joe Bloe's Widget Factory workers don't have to suffer as part of their employment to provide for their family.
For example the Widget Factory workers.... force them to shave, get up at 3 am and march just 2 miles at first...then throw them on a plane and fly them to the other side of the planet for 15 months away from their family to work in 135* weather.
Bet you couldn't keep those Widget workers unless you created some kind of "benefits program" to lure people into working for you.0 -
quote:Originally posted by freemind
While I may not be ex-military, I have a thought, and prehaps some won't like it.
Why expect the government to give you benefits ANY different than ANY OTHER employer?
If I work for Joe Blow's Widget factory, I know benefits are not set in stone. I couldn't expect Joe to give me something anyone else wouldn't. Likewise I wouldn't expect the government to give me anything more than Joe offered either. It's a job, plain and simple. While I symapthize with those affected, I would rather take care of myself, than have the hand of big brother careing for me.
If you work for Joe Blow's Widget factory, Joe Blow doesn't expect you to be at Morning Quarters for muster, instruction and inspection at 0730 (7:30 AM), or if an officer, Officers Call at 0645 (6:45 AM), Turn To, Commence Ship's Work at 0800 (8:00 AM) for a twelve hour work day, stand a four hour watch every twelve hours (four hours on, eight hours off) in addition to regular working hours, around the clock seven days a week, three hundred sixty-five days a year including Christmas, Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Kwanzaa. Joe Blow doesn't expect you to be at sea or otherwise deployed for a year at a time. Joe Blow pays overtime. Joe Blow pays a full salary. And there is always the possibility you may be asked to get shot at or destroy a continent or something. Then there are the times we actually go to war.
I could go on for several pages explaining why Joe Blow's Widget Factory IS NOT comparable to military or naval service, but I'll just say "If it's such a gravy train, why don't you hop on for a little ride?"
I don't figure the government gives me anything. I call it deferred payment for services rendered.
When you retire from Joe Blow's Widget Factory, you are retired and receive a pension.
When you retire from military or naval service, you are subject to recall for the remainder of your life. Contrary to popular belief, retired military personnel do not receive a pension. We receive RETIRED PAY, reduced pay for reduced service.0 -
The only job you retire from homeless........serving in the military. 0 -
I see I have offened a few, not my intent. Appoligies are due if that is the case.
However,when I applied to Joe's I knew full well what was expected for job duties. If I don't like the TERMS, I don't accept Joe's offer, simple really.
Working at Joe's is NOT a gaurentee of saftey. I personally work for the most dangerious TYPE of joe's. I am a farmer. I don't get days off. I gave back to Joe's 9 of my 10 days of vacation, because Joe needed me to work, as I am the only one ABLE to do my job for more than a day at a time. Joe doesn't give me any type of insurance, and I don't make enough to pay for my own, so I have NONE. After I have worked for Joe for 50 years, I still won't get a "retirement" or a pension. While I may not get shot at, I have very real risks of being dismembered/goared/slip and fall death/crushed bones on a daily basis. I work with 1500 pound animals daily, and my little 250 pounds can only go to do so much when Mr. Steer gets upset about his shot of anti-biotics. My job isn't easy, and neither is/was yours. We all have to do something to make a living, and personal preference rules the day.
Now, I really tire of people jumping to "well sign up then". I am too old to begin with as I am 33, not 18.
Secondly, joining the military doesn't make you MORE American, or special for that matter. I serve my country in ways that others DON'T. And I do it at MY expense, and recieve NO compensation for it.
Third, I don't hold those that served in any higher reguard, than I do anyone else. If we were all doctors and lawyers, sure would look funny seeing a doctor bagging your groceries. We all have a place in society. My job serves a function for society, and so does yours. Anyone who gets it in their head they are "better" than anyone else because they served, are no better than the politicians that refuse to answer to the people THEY serve. I see us all on a LEVEL field, and prop no one up. We are all people after all, not God.0 -
Here we go again [xx(]! 0 -
You are correct, sir. I'll confess to being offended when anybody compares military or naval service to Joe's or "Community Service" or whatever. That's not really the point though.
As you say, when you applied to Joe's you knew full well what was expected for job duties and the TERMS. If you didn't like the TERMS, you didn't accept Joe's offer. You are correct, it is simple.
The point Classic made, and I agree with him on this one, is he and I knew the TERMS when we took the oath, and the government changed the rules (TERMS) after the game was over.
I really couldn't care less what your opinion of me is, but if you really think it is acceptable for the government (or anyone else) to change a contract after the terms have been met by the other party, that takes my opinion of you down a notch.
On a side note, if you would really like a ride on the gravy train, at 33 you will make it under the wire with room to spare. [;)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by FEENIX
Here we go again [xx(]!
Right you are.
0 -
quote:Originally posted by freemind
I see I have offened a few, not my intent. Appoligies are due if that is the case.
However,when I applied to Joe's I knew full well what was expected for job duties. If I don't like the TERMS, I don't accept Joe's offer, simple really.
We all knew the terms of the contract, too. We also had the opportunity to NOT reenlist if we so chose. The problem is, part of my decision to join the Army the first time was the promise of these benefits that have been reneged on.
Working at Joe's is NOT a gaurentee of saftey. I personally work for the most dangerious TYPE of joe's. I am a farmer. I don't get days off. I gave back to Joe's 9 of my 10 days of vacation, because Joe needed me to work, as I am the only one ABLE to do my job for more than a day at a time. Joe doesn't give me any type of insurance, and I don't make enough to pay for my own, so I have NONE. After I have worked for Joe for 50 years, I still won't get a "retirement" or a pension. While I may not get shot at, I have very real risks of being dismembered/goared/slip and fall death/crushed bones on a daily basis. I work with 1500 pound animals daily, and my little 250 pounds can only go to do so much when Mr. Steer gets upset about his shot of anti-biotics. My job isn't easy, and neither is/was yours. We all have to do something to make a living, and personal preference rules the day.
If it's too hard or you don't like it anymore, find another job.
Now, I really tire of people jumping to "well sign up then". I am too old to begin with as I am 33, not 18.
Secondly, joining the military doesn't make you MORE American, or special for that matter. I serve my country in ways that others DON'T. And I do it at MY expense, and recieve NO compensation for it.
You are not too old. Noone said it made you any more of an American. We also serve at our own expense. I am pretty beat up from twenty years of service. I am not disabled, just a little beat up. So what, most 47 year old men are. I don't complain about it or expect any special treatment and I don't believe anyone else here said it either.
Third, I don't hold those that served in any higher reguard, than I do anyone else. If we were all doctors and lawyers, sure would look funny seeing a doctor bagging your groceries. We all have a place in society. My job serves a function for society, and so does yours. Anyone who gets it in their head they are "better" than anyone else because they served, are no better than the politicians that refuse to answer to the people THEY serve. I see us all on a LEVEL field, and prop no one up. We are all people after all, not God.
I DO hold veterans in high regard! Noone here said they were "better" than you. Do you have some sort of complex? Two of my best friends own dairy farms here in Upstate NY. I tell them all the time that there's no way that I could do what they do for a living. Their whole life is a gamble. One or two bad years or business decisions and they are down the tubes. Again, THEIR CHOICE!
Basically this whole post sounds like sour grapes and oatmeal!
(oatmeal was NOT what I typed)0 -
quote:Originally posted by JamesRK
You are correct, sir. I'll confess to being offended when anybody compares military or naval service to Joe's or "Community Service" or whatever. That's not really the point though.
As you say, when you applied to Joe's you knew full well what was expected for job duties and the TERMS. If you didn't like the TERMS, you didn't accept Joe's offer. You are correct, it is simple.
The point Classic made, and I agree with him on this one, is he and I knew the TERMS when we took the oath, and the government changed the rules (TERMS) after the game was over.
I really couldn't care less what your opinion of me is, but if you really think it is acceptable for the government (or anyone else) to change a contract after the terms have been met by the other party, that takes my opinion of you down a notch.
On a side note, if you would really like a ride on the gravy train, at 33 you will make it under the wire with room to spare. [;)]
James,
I do NOT agree that changing terms is acceptable. Really I don't. I do realize though that it DOES happen, both civilian and governmentally. That doesn't make it OK OR right, but it should be stopped across the board, not just with the fuds.
As to joining, IF I were to join, I would accept nothing less than being a Marine, no slams to other branches. I have no college education, and only a GED. They won't want me, as I only have myself to offer. That and a buck will get me a cup of coffee at McDonalds.
So, you see, joining the military is not an option.
Thanks for you reply though.0 -
We are of the same cloth Clouder,, I do not depend on the military to do for me either.. I just dont like seeing anyone screwed by the system. Did you ever see combat in your 20 years or was it all spent as a turtle? What ships were you on?
As for kissing your butt, mark a spot,, you are all Butt...[:D][:D]0 -
quote:Originally posted by JamesRK
quote:Originally posted by freemind
...
Why expect the government to give you benefits ANY different than ANY OTHER employer?
...
If you work for Joe Blow's Widget factory, Joe Blow doesn't expect you to be at Morning Quarters for muster, instruction and inspection at 0730 (7:30 AM), or if an officer, Officers Call at 0645 (6:45 AM), Turn To, Commence Ship's Work at 0800 (8:00 AM) for a twelve hour work day, stand a four hour watch every twelve hours (four hours on, eight hours off) in addition to regular working hours, around the clock seven days a week, three hundred sixty-five days a year including Christmas, Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Kwanzaa. Joe Blow doesn't expect you to be at sea or otherwise deployed for a year at a time. Joe Blow pays overtime. Joe Blow pays a full salary. And there is always the possibility you may be asked to get shot at or destroy a continent or something. Then there are the times we actually go to war.
I could go on for several pages explaining why Joe Blow's Widget Factory IS NOT comparable to military or naval service, but I'll just say "If it's such a gravy train, why don't you hop on for a little ride?"
I don't figure the government gives me anything. I call it deferred payment for services rendered.
When you retire from Joe Blow's Widget Factory, you are retired and receive a pension.
When you retire from military or naval service, you are subject to recall for the remainder of your life. Contrary to popular belief, retired military personnel do not receive a pension. We receive RETIRED PAY, reduced pay for reduced service.
Baloney!! If I were still active I would be making about 75,000 a year as an E8. I NEVER worked around the clock for a year, neither has anyone else. I got 30 days leave the first year I was in. Retirees ARE NOT obligated for the rest of their lives. SHOW ME!!
We take good care of our servicemen, finally. The benefits are there, so is the RETIREMENT pay. So are the medical benefits.
And don't give me this "I could get shot at" crap. It's a volunteer force, if your balls ain't up to it, Joe is hiring.
Clouder..0 -
quote:Originally posted by Classic095
We are of the same cloth Clouder,, I do not depend on the military to do for me either.. I just dont like seeing anyone screwed by the system. Did you ever see combat in your 20 years or was it all spent as a turtle? What ships were you on?
As for kissing your butt, mark a spot,, you are all Butt...[:D][:D]
No doubt we are. I did not see combat, nor was I Naval. And as for kissing my ass, I realize I'm all ass, I just want to make it easy for you old folks.[:D]
Very few get screwed by the system. There are egregious exceptions, and we both know of one, but for the most part, the VA and DOD treat us pretty good.
Clouder..0 -
Clouder is right. Retirees from the Army were put on an active call up list untill a certain age. Then went on an inactive list which only in a case of national emergency could they be called up.. I was put on standby at the age of 49 but nothing ever came up other than the notice.. I was told to listen to the local news if there had been a national call up of retired individuals..If I had been called up It was that I would be only in a training capacity here in the US and told to report to Ft Leonardwood Missouri, and used as a combatant if absolutely necessary.. I dont know what the other armed forces had in this regard, I only know what happened to me in the army.. 0 -
I did not serve...but realize that this country/government treats those who served like second class citizens when they retire OR get injured while serving.
This country doles out zillions in foreign aid, pays illegals' health care and education for their kids, wastes trillions in pork barrel projects...BUT...our government can't afford to pay it's Vets.
Something is wrong with this picture....0 -
Clouder I think that you may have taken the "around the clock for a year" too literally.
I agree that the military is very good to me as well. I am an E7 and am not in as bad of shape finacially as others are, but I am not rich by any means.
However, Joes Widget factory has never called my brother up at 0200 to roll out on a 12 hour no notice departure to an arm pit of the world.
In a way I have worked 24 hours a day for a year straight. Its called the combat zone in Balad, Tallil and BIAP. 365 day deployment with 12 hours on...12 hours on the post with a radio in the vest and a weapon on the body. Not like I could go home, have a cold one and spend time with the wife. Not beaching at all...I chose the career and I love it...as I am sure many here have and do.
But I also know that the world has changed and there is no way for the govt to give us medical or dental free for life. It just is not good business...they would go broke. I am medical by the way and I know that we are scaled down drastically and deployed around the globe so most of our in-garrison medical forces have to focus on the AD and that means the family members and retirees need to use Tri Care. That coverage is pretty damn good and doesnt cost near what it does for civilian jobs.0 -
quote:Originally posted by dolfan
I did not serve...but realize that this country/government treats those who served like second class citizens when they retire OR get injured while serving.
This country doles out zillions in foreign aid, pays illegals' health care and education for their kids, wastes trillions in pork barrel projects...BUT...our government can't afford to pay it's Vets.
Something is wrong with this picture....
Well, I did serve, dolfan and that's not to diminish your choice or situation one iota. I retired in 1980 right at 20 years. With the retirement pay I've received, I paid for the education of three grand children completely, full ride, all they had to do was get 3.5 GPA to keep the money coming. I have more than enough to pay for two more and STILL have tens of thousands in the bank, and the money keeps coming. My meds cost what I pay for my beer, and my doctor bills are covered COMPLETELY with medicare and what the military pays. Same goes for the wife except the beer part.
Somehow, I don't feel second-class at all. Sorry to disappoint ya.
Clouder..0 -
I dont know about when Clouder enlisted, but I know in 1954 They promised (word of mouth) at the recruiting station, FREE medical Benifits for the enlistee and his spouse and minor children up to 18 years old or in school till the age of 21, and for life of the member and the spouse.. This has never happened, and The cost thrown on the military, active and retired keeps climbing.. I know that it is much less than in a civilian counterpart but the point is they keep hitting the service man with more demands.. Everytime The Cola went up, I wound up paying more in SBP and taxes than the increase.. Most retired military that retired around 1980 and later have it better than most civilians (not CEOs) that retire from the widget factory..
I make probably twice the average floridians wages in a month. Tri-Care for life and Social Security, I pay no doctor bills , I do pay for Tricare prime for BR which is minimal even tho I was promised Hers would be FREE due to my plus 20 years service..Hell a retiree cant even get into McDill AFB , it takes about 6 months to get an appointmen, therefor I go to civilian doctors and hospitals Free of Charge..Only thing I pay for me is my Meds which are only 27 bucks a month..
For them to double my payments for her is a kick in the ass as to their promise made to me in 1954.....[:(]
We want for nothing, have a good bank account,, I think it is called responsibility and planning for the future...[:0]0 -
Clouder, what the hell do you think we do on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays? Shut down and go dead in the water until Monday? Not hardly.
My comparing Joe's to the Navy was to show there is no comparison between Joe's and the Navy. If you want to turn it into a pissing contest, here we go.
Six months after I got married I went to Antarctica for a little over a year. We worked thirteen on and eleven off seven days a week until Winter-Over started. During Winter-Over we cut back to twelve hours a day five days a week and six hours on Saturday, plus standing watches. When Winter-Over was over, it was back to thirteen on and eleven off for most, but I was one of the lucky few who didn't have anybody to rotate with.
The first nine years I was in the Navy I was either underway or overseas every Christmas. And Christmas was not a day off.
When I was on the Gunboat I was in three section duty in port, and port and starboard underway for four years. Three section duty in port means every third day you stay on the ship thirty-two hours straight, then sixteen hours liberty, get to go home if it's homeport, then back to work for eight. During that thirty-two hours you can count on sixteen hours work and at least two four hour watches. Port and Starboard underway means you stand a four hour watch, four hours off, for as long as you are underway. Ship's work is done between watches.
Life on the Tank Landing Ships was a little easier, but not a hell of a lot. Life on the Submarine Tenders was almost comfortable. Turn To at 0800 and work an average twelve hour day, but in eight section duty in port and seldom underway.
That's why the Patrol Gunboat and Tank Landing Ships are called "Arduous Sea Duty" and the Submarine Tenders are called "Preferred Sea Duty".
I don't know what branch of service you were in but you obviously weren't a sea going sailor.
The current base pay for an E-8 over 20 is $52,335.60, so with other pays and allowances (which do not contribute to retired pay) the $75,000.00 you say is plausible. My base pay if I were still on active duty would be $76,053.60. Not bad considering I started at $68.00 per month. BUT, I'm not on active duty, so I don't get anything close to that. (I retired on my W-4 promotion date, so I retired as a W-3).
Retired Navy personnel are subject to recall for as long as they are retired. The Bureau of Naval Personnel reminds me of this from time to time and the Fleet Reserve Association mentions it in their magazine from time to time. That is why personnel in the Fleet Reserve draw retainer pay and retired personnel draw retired pay and not a pension. It is called "reduced pay for reduced service".
As insane as it might sound, I stayed in the Navy for twenty-eight years because it is a way of life I love. I didn't do it so I could have something to bitch about in my old age. I have said in this forum several times that I don't figure the Navy owes me a cent, but I damn sure figure the navy got their nickel's worth out of me.
"Sailors belong on ships and ships belong at sea." When a ship is haze gray and underway it's balls to the walls until she is in port. Ships stay at sea for months, some a year or more, at a time. If you had it better, good on ya Yank, but don't tell me I didn't do what I did.0 -
I don't do pissing contests James, and you know it. You said "Contrary to popular belief, retired military personnel do not receive a pension." You're FLAT wrong.
"Enlisted Navy and Marine Corps members with less than 30 years service are transferred to the Fleet Reserve/Fleet Marine Corps Reserve and their pay is referred to as "retainer pay".
Air Force and Army members with over 20 years service are all classified as retired, and receive retired pay.
When a Navy or Marine Corps member completes 30 years, including time on the retired rolls in receipt of retainer pay, the Fleet Reserve status is changed to retired status, and they begin receiving retired pay."
That's the LAW, James. Say what ya want, but you got it wrong.
Clouder..0 -
All I can say is what I know about the ARMY.. My pay comes form the DFAS retired Army section.. My pay is know as retirement pay .
There could be a possibilty that I be called back but only if the USA were invaded, therefor on the inactive "RETIRED" list..
Question: Do the other branches have different rules????0 -
quote:Originally posted by JamesRK
Retired Navy personnel are subject to recall for as long as they are retired. The Bureau of Naval Personnel reminds me of this from time to time and the Fleet Reserve Association mentions it in their magazine from time to time. That is why personnel in the Fleet Reserve draw retainer pay and retired personnel draw retired pay and not a pension. It is called "reduced pay for reduced service".
quote:Originally posted by whiteclouder
I don't do pissing contests James, and you know it. You said "Contrary to popular belief, retired military personnel do not receive a pension." You're FLAT wrong.
"Enlisted Navy and Marine Corps members with less than 30 years service are transferred to the Fleet Reserve/Fleet Marine Corps Reserve and their pay is referred to as "retainer pay".
Air Force and Army members with over 20 years service are all classified as retired, and receive retired pay.
When a Navy or Marine Corps member completes 30 years, including time on the retired rolls in receipt of retainer pay, the Fleet Reserve status is changed to retired status, and they begin receiving retired pay."
That's the LAW, James. Say what ya want, but you got it wrong.
Clouder..
Clouder, you just repeated what I said. How do you figure I got it wrong?0 -
Clouder, I think this is the quote you were referring to, but you are still repeating what I said. Do you understand the difference between PAY and PENSION.
quote:Originally posted by JamesRK
contrary to popular belief, retired military personnel do not receive a pension. We receive RETIRED PAY, reduced pay for reduced service.0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
32 comments