How does the Blended Retirement System differ from the High-3 retirement?

• A. It Offers Higher Pension Payouts for Everyone
• B. It Eliminates Survivor Benefits
• C. It Reduces Eligibility for Some Members
• D. It Provides Retirement Benefits to a Broader Range of Service Members, Even Those Who Serve Less than 20 Years

Answer: (D)

Blended Retirement System introduces a two-part approach: a smaller defined benefit pension plus a defined contribution component through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions. This means service members can build retirement assets even if they don’t reach 20 years of service. The High-3 system is a pure defined-benefit pension based on the highest 36 months of base pay and years of service, with eligibility effectively tied to 20 years to receive the pension. By adding the TSP with government matching, BRS broadens who benefits—those who depart before 20 years still have retirement savings in the TSP. That’s why this option is the best answer.