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TRAiNiNG
Chaplain’s thoughts ...
Policy letters and life
Policy letters are documents that declare a commander’s position on any given topic.
For example, your commander may produce a policy letter on physical training requirements, or a policy related to leave or off-duty activities. These policy letters serve the purpose of making the decision-making process simpler. Simply put, one doesn’t have to think quite so much because the decision has already been made.
I’d like to submit that this idea of policy letters can be applied in our personal lives as well. When it comes to some of the major muscle movements of our personal lives, some policy letters can make life a lot simpler. Perhaps some personal examples would be helpful.
I have a policy letter on marriage. It’s my policy, it’s quite simple and it has kept me between the ditches of life, and out of domestic court for the past 30 some years. Namely, I’m married thus I don’t cheat, I don’t even con- sider divorce as an option. We seek help when we need it from time to time. The policy letter, puts certain behaviors off the table. Decisions have been nailed down that reflect our faith and values.
We have a policy letter on finances. Admit- tedly it took us a while to actually adhere to the policy, but when we do, we prosper, and when we don’t, we lose ground. Because of the policy let- ter, I don’t have to wonder if we are going to go into debt for a pizza, or a tank of gas by paying with a credit card and then carrying a balance.
I don’t have to have a conversation with a car salesman about how much of a payment we can afford, because we don’t do car loans. The policy letter clearly states it. The decisions have already been made.
Some other policy letter ideas?
How about a policy letter on sports and ex- tracurricular activities for the kids, or spiritual disciplines and religious life for your family, or family vacations? How about a policy letter on in-laws, or on parenting and house rules. How about a policy letter on how mom and dad argue especially when around the kids? The policy possibilities are positively prodigious. (Sorry I just had to say that). However, think how much simpler life could be if you already had these items sorted out in advance.
Of course there are some more serious policy letters you may want to consider. Like end-of- life considerations, “Do-Not-Resuscitate” orders, when to switch to palliative care, last will and testament decisions, residential care facility or in-home care, burial or cremation? Working through these, though not easy, can alleviate a lot of stress for yourself and more importantly for your family.
With this in mind, perhaps a long conversa- tion with your spouse and a note pad would be a great way to make some headway.
So, how are you doing on your policy letters? Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Courtesy of Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Larry Fowler, 56th Fighter Wing Chapel
“I briefed them on both the BRS as well as the thrift savings plan because it’s a part of the BRS,” Carmichael said. “Currently we have an all or nothing retirement system. If you don’t do 20 years you get nothing from it as far as finances. However, the BRS is going to take care of a lot more Airmen and get them to start their retirement savings early. It’s also a portable retirement system so Airmen can start early and take it with them.”
According to Carmichael, Airmen with 12 years or less who are serving by Jan. 1, 2018, will have the option to opt-into the BRS or to stay with the Legacy system.
“If you don’t opt-in or make a decision members with 12 years or less will stay with the legacy system,” Carmichael said. “Life is expensive, and if we don’t start saving for our future we might not be prepared for our financial future, the BRS gives us a chance to start early.”
An “opt-in” course is targeted at those eligible to opt into the new system. This course will provide eligible active and reserve component members an understanding of both the current and new systems. The course will be available in January 2018.
A “train the trainer” course for personal financial managers, counselors and retirement services officers is targeted at those experts who serve in an advisory role to commanders, Airmen and their families. This course should be ready by fall of 2017.
A new accessions course targets individuals who enter military service on or after Jan. 1, 2018. It is intended to provide those members who enter service under the BRS an understanding of their blended retirement benefits and personal options.
The Air Force is taking a comprehensive approach to BRS education. “On- line courses are designed to provide basic knowledge and understanding,” Kelly said. “In addition to the aforementioned courses, Airmen will receive in-person education at various points in their career, starting in basic train- ing, and professional counseling will also be available.”
The Airman and Family Readiness Center will be conducting classes to educate Airmen leading up to the January release.
To learn more about the Blended Retirement System, visit militarypay. defense.gov or call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 623-856-6550. Story modified by Senior Airman James Hensley, 56th Fighter Wing Public
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