The EAF is designed to add predictability and shorten tours for those who must deploy, he said. This will add stability and predictability to the military lifestyle for both the service member and his or her family. Along with the deployment issue, Benken said retirement is one of the biggest concerns of Air Force members. He said even though the plan is in the works to boost retirement pay back up to 50 percent, people should look at other options to increase income after leaving the service. The military retirement plan can't be matched by many civilian companies but nevertheless, service members need to look at other ways to supplement income after their service commitment is complete.
Financial counselors are available at almost every base's family support center.
Benken said supervisors and first sergeants need to get involved to help with the financial security of their troops. Don't just send troops to a financial counselor after they get in a financial bind, send them before so they will stay out of trouble. Benken said the Air Force is going in the right direction and encourages those who might be looking at getting out before retirement to take a step back and look at what the Air Force is really all about. We appreciate Air Force members' dedicated service to the country day in and day out.