They confront civilian job opportunities that offer a higher quality of life for them and their families. Many of our best NCOs and officers are deciding that continued military service is not as financially appealing as it was under previous retirement plans. Exacerbating the problem is the fact that many mid-career Redux Marines who are deciding their futures work next to fellow Marines that are covered under more lucrative retirement plans. Unfortunately, Redux is increasingly perceived as a disincentive to remain in the Marine Corps rather than an incentive. Although Redux benefits increase by 3.5 percent for each year served beyond 20, this advantage is mostly lost on Marines who are focusing on 40 percent vice 50 percent retired pay at twenty years.
Retention is a complex issue.
Retirement provisions are not the only consideration in the stay or leave decision. As Marines make their career decisions, the erosion of benefits translates into a growing perception that military careers are less advantageous than civilian employment. Our field commanders indicate that Redux increasingly reduces the inclination of their Marines to pursue a military career. Unabated, the negative impact on force retention will, in turn, affect the stability of our officer and enlisted middle grade leadership. Readiness will eventually suffer as more experienced personnel leave for the civilian job market and are replaced by new, less experienced Marines.