Has anyone used the 15 Year REDUX option to receive the 30K payout? Pros & Cons?

I know of 2 Soldiers, close friends of mine, that did the REDUX. It does have some advantages, but you have to have a clear (and realistic) goal on how to invest the money. Unfortunately, my friends purchased cars, electronics, clothes, etc., so there money is now gone and they can only look forward to a 40% retirement check with no COLA adjustments. The lack of COLA adjustment, which is an increase in retirement to adjust for inflation, is the greatest Con in my opinion. The time value of money will exponentially decrease your retirement check as the years pass by. Think of it this way, how much more are paying for gas, groceries, homes (rentals), phone service, and internet as compared to 20 years ago (1995)? Imagine if you retired in 1995 with a 40% check and there was no increase to your pension check. That $1.00 cost per gallon of gas average $3.00 dollars now. That's more than tripled the cost. Bottom line: Have a goal, make a plan and invest wisely if you choose the REDUX.

I haven't but the obvious con is that you lose a lot more than you gain. There is a reason why it is being offered.

I wouldn't necessarily say the cons outweigh the pros. If you think you are going to live to be 100+ years old then yeah, the cons have a slight advantage.

I took the REDUX however, I was deployed at the time so received the full $30,000. I in turn invested that money 15 years ago and it is still growing, significantly. I am also retiring at 30 years so I will receive 75% just like someone who didn't take the REDUX. Sure, I won't receive the cost of living increase until the one time catch up but, that significantly growing $30,000 well exceeds the difference.

It really depends on what you do with the CSB. Truthfully, I probably wouldn't have done it if I would have had to pay taxes on the $30,000. Do the math and factor in what you plan on doing with the $30,000, you would be surprised how the pros may outweigh the cons.