Wilson Reintroduces National Guard and Reserve Retirement Bill

Today, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) reintroduced The Armed Forces Retirement Equity Act, which allows members of the National Guard and Reserve to draw an immediate annuity at the time of retirement."Today in the National Guard and Reserves, it is not if you will be called to active duty, but when you will be called to active duty," said Rep. Wilson. "When the horrific events of September 11th transpired, National Guard and Reserve members did not wait for the call to action, they responded immediately, as they have done countless times over their history."With the increased dependence on these men and women in the War on Terrorism and defending the homeland, it only makes sense to give them equal treatment with their active duty counterparts when it comes to retirement."The age at which members of the Reserve Components receive retired pay was set at 60 in 1948. While the age has not changed, the role and responsibilities of these citizen-soldiers have increased considerably. Reservists provide nearly 13,000,000 mandays per year in support of active duty contingency missions.The Armed Forces Retirement Equity Act would put Reserve Component Members on equal footing with their active duty counterparts, who are eligible to draw their retirement after 20 years of service. With this legislation, members of the National Guard and Reserve would qualify for an immediate annuity based on the current point system upon completion of a minimum of 20 good years for retirement. There would be no change in the way Reserve Component retirement is computed."Currently a drilling Colonel in the Army National Guard with over 29 years of military service, and with two sons in the Army National Guard, I have seen firsthand the exceptional dedication of these men and women in uniform. It is time we give them the retirement benefits they deserve. However, to avoid conflict of interests, if the bill is enacted, I will exempt myself from retirement benefits until age 60," said Rep. Wilson.###