Should I do BRS? What are the main differences between the two options?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 11:54:57 -0500

I am currently Army National Guard pursuing a release to the AD Air Force I did the BRS training but I am having a hard time deciding if I should opt in or not.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2018 2:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 14:26:09 -0500

I do not see the long term benefit with BRS unless you plan to invest a lot of your earned military income. Otherwise, you are better off setting yourself up for an annuity at age 60 (when Reserve/National Guard members are eligible after qualifying for retirement). BRS in my opinion is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

If released into the AD, you have to weigh how much you will make with the standard annuity versus 401k style investment with diminished annuity payments. Check out the various comparison calculators and see what's best for you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2018 9:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 21:03:04 -0500

There is training on JKO to break it down. The differences are too numerous to put into a post. But, if you don't plan on doing 20 years, you should switch because on the legacy retirement you get nothing if you don't serve 20.