LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
THE NEED FOR PARITY IN BENEFITS BETWEEN ACTIVE AND RESERVE
What follows is NRA Testimony presented on March 9, 2000 before the United States Committee on Armed Services, subcommittee on personnel, chaired by Senator Tim Hutchinson (AK). Members include Senators Thurmond, McCain, Snowe, Allard, Cleland (senior minority member), Kennedy, Robb and Reed. The subcommittee was convened to hear testimony on active and reserve military and civilian personnel programs in review of the "Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2001, and the Future Years Defense Program". Panel #1 was made up of representatives from five veteran/military associations, three as spokesmen for the Military Coalition (TMC) and two for spokesmen for the National Military Veterans Alliance (NMVA). I had the privilege to speak for NMVA on Guard and Reserve Issues. Panel #2 which followed was made-up of the Armed Forces Personnel Service Heads, and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management Policy; the Asst. Secretaries in Manpower and Reserve Affairs for the Navy, Army and Air Force."Good Afternoon Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. On behalf of 850,000 members of the Guard and Reserve, the National Military Veterans Alliance, and the Naval Reserve Association, we are grateful for the time that you have allowed us to testify before this subcommittee.
"Changing threats and utilization of the Guard and Reserves has created an environment, where our Reservists are being called upon more frequently than any time in the past other than in war. Reservists are now being called into service by Area Commanders (CINCs) more often and for longer periods of time each year to defer a 'hollowing out' process that could draw down the strength, readiness and flexibility of our combat units. Our Commanders in the field realize that they can no longer do the mission in the long term without the Guard and Reserve. The Department of Defense's plan for a Total Force has emphasized the integration of regular and reserve components for each service.
"But this integration is adding stress on our Reservists. The Guard and Reserve is no longer a force 'in waiting.' It is now a 'force on call.' Frequency and duration of call-ups place stress on families and on employers. And 'Family' and 'Job Conflict' are the two top reasons given by individuals who leave the Guard or Reserves.
"But as a member of the Reserve myself, I am not asking for less tasking. Serving the United States is a privilege that gives pride, and it motivates members of the Guard and Reserve. What is asked is that, as members of the Total Force doing the same job as Active Duty personnel, Guardsmen and Reservist share the same benefits as the Active Component. Not creating parity within the total force brings the risk of creating a second string on our national defense team. Being treated as a second class Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airmen is an affront. Because of Optempo and aging equipment, retention and recruiting are becoming problems in the Guard and Reserve today.
"There are three general categories of concern:
First, Fair Pay and compensation to the Guardsman and Reservist. Many reservists are working without pay because there is a need to support the mission.
Second, as mentioned earlier, there is a need for Parity of benefits between the Active and Reserve Components.
And third, support for the Employers. Without the backing from our Employers, we will have no Guard or Reserves.
Details of specific concerns have been included in the statement that was submitted to the committee. I again thank you for the opportunity to testify. I stand ready for any questions."Issues submitted to the SASC personnel subcommittee:
> Restore to Reservists full tax deductibility for non-reimbursed expenses
> Provide tax incentives to employers of recalled Reservist employees
> Reduce Reservists service charges on proposed Thrift Savings Plan
> Increase maximum credit to 90 Points for additional non-pay drills
> Single rate basic allowance for housing (BAH); same pay with and w/o dependents
> Availability of Bachelor Quarters for drilling Reservists
> Extend Legal Services Availability returning from Presidential Recall
> Heroism Pay for Guard and Reserve
> Military Funeral Honors, Reserve support through active orders
> Travel: Space "A" equity: Reserve no-cost orders be given higher category status
> Travel: Space "A" equity: Gray area retirees have the same travel benefits as paid retirees
> Change the law to permanently reduce the required eight years to six, as the current waiver allows
> Retirement COLA: 100% Cost of Living Adjustment to match inflation
> MGIB: Deferred repayment of student loans for activated Reservists
> MGIB: Loss of benefit entitlement period because of recall
> MGIB: Ten-year eligibility clock starts at termination of reserve career
> MGIB: Currently authorized only to 2003, make it a permanent program