The U.S. Department of Defense recently introduced the new and improved Blended Military Retirement Plan. There are some significant changes to the system and calculating the difference between the old and new military retirements plan might be a difficult endeavor for current service members.

Let's shed some light on the new BRP: What is it, who's impacted by it, and how do you navigate the new system.

How big is the change?

The upgrade isn't a minor tweak of the military's current retirement system, rather it's a sweeping disruption. Anthony Kurta, who is performing the duties of undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, spoke with Pentagon reporters about this key step in modernizing the military's retirement system to more closely align with similar private-sector plans.

"[The new military retirement system is] one of the most significant changes to military pay and benefits that we've ever had over the past 70 years," explained Kurta. "We'll now be able to offer to 85 percent of our force a portable government retirement savings while still maintaining a traditional pension for those that serve at least 20 years."

What is the Blended Military Retirement Plan?

Now that we know it's a pretty big deal, let's dive into what the changes mean. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) originally introduced the change that will affect all new entrants to the military as of Jan. 1, 2018. The change, known as the Blended Retirement System, is a dramatic departure from the military's current retirement plan. As it stands, immediately upon retirement, the military awards 50 percent of base pay as a pension for qualifying services, according to Military Times.

However, the new Blended Retirement System merges the defined benefit plan with a defined contribution plan, which is similar to a 401(k). Dubbed the Thrift Savings Plan, this feature will add up to a 5 percent match on all personal contributions to the plan.

Who's impacted by the change?

Anyone who joined the military before 2006 is automatically grandfathered into the old system. Meanwhile, anyone who joins in 2018 or beyond will be covered by the new system. However, active duty service members with between one and 12 years must decide between either the old system or the new system. This is no easy decision, yet about 1.15 million service members, or roughly 88 percent of all active duty military, fall into this third category.

How to navigate the new system

Thankfully, active duty service members don't have to make their decision immediately – they'll have one year to make a choice on which plan they'll want to use. This provides ample time to speak with support groups, such as family and friends, consult with an accountant or other wealth management advisors and make an informed decision about the best path forward.

To assist in the decision-making process, the military rolled out a Blended Retirement Service Comparison Calculator designed to assist eligible service members in their efforts to compare and contrast the new and old systems.

It will be crucial for those active duty military members who will be impacted by this change to review the Blended Retirement System to ensure they fully understand the changes and they make the most informed decision on the fate of their retirement. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a pervasive affliction that affects active duty military members, veterans, first responders and even government contractors working in combat zones.

Spreading awareness of PTSD

In 2010, Congress designated June 27 as PTSD Awareness Day to promote visibility and effective treatment for the affliction. Four years later, Congress set aside the entire month of June for National PTSD Awareness. The goal is to increase knowledge among the public about issues related to PTSD, to encourage those suffering from this affliction to seek help and to provide insights into caring for family members coping with PTSD.

"Greater understanding and awareness of PTSD will help veterans and others recognize symptoms, and seek and obtain needed care," explained Paula P. Schnurr, M.D., executive director of the National Center for PTSD.

During June, government agencies, advocacy groups, medical associations and other PTSD-related associations come together to boost awareness for the condition.

How common is PTSD?

The nature of the environments where military members and first responders work puts them in precarious and sometimes life-threatening situations and the lingering trauma can have a big impact on their lives. These traumatic events can lead to:

• Nightmares.
• Flashbacks.
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating.
• Negative feelings.

Often people experiencing PTSD think they're alone, but the truth is it is far more widespread than many might believe. Veterans often have higher incidences of having stress disorders. According to VA statistics, veterans with PTSD account for:

• Between 11 and 20 percent of soldiers who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
• Around 12 percent of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans.
• An estimated 30 percent of military members deployed in the Vietnam War.

While veterans comprise a large percentage of those with PTSD, first responders are also regularly exposed to the types of traumas that lead to stress disorders. A recent report published by the International Association of Fire Fighters found that firefighters and paramedics suffer from PTSD at similar levels to veterans.

Writing on the American Military University's website In Public Safety, faculty member Michelle Beshears explained how police officers often experience cumulative PTSD – the result of repeated stress-related incidents.  

Further, PTSD is not strictly limited to the military and first responders. The VA also noted that roughly 7 to 8 percent of the U.S. population will experience PTSD at some point. In a year, approximately 8 million U.S. adults have PTSD. However, many won't seek treatment for a number of reasons.

What you can do to help

If you know anyone who might be suffering PTSD, be sure to offer support. While not everyone will want to discuss the issue, it's important to let them know you're available to help.

If a dialogue about the person's PTSD opens up, encourage him or her to seek treatment. There are a variety of centers and organizations that offer options for assistance and care. 

Congress mandated the formation of the VA's National Center for PTSD in 1989 to address the needs of veterans with military-related PTSD. They have extensive research, education material and training opportunities for advancing the social welfare and clinical care of veterans with stress disorders. 

In addition, non-governmental groups like Operation We Are Here provide an extensive directory of resources for those who have experienced a traumatic incident. From anonymous self-assessments and financial assistance to veteran service organizations and reintegration sources, there are plenty of options available to help.

By spreading awareness and contributing to ongoing treatment efforts, everyone can lend a hand in combating PTSD.

There are many ways that companies and communities show their support for the brave men and women who protect our great nation. From organizing benefits and raising donations to hosting gatherings and simply saying "Thank you," these acts of kindness and generosity go a long way toward welcoming soldiers back from deployment and encouraging firefighters, police officers and other heroes to continue their efforts.

For instance, patriotic breweries and distilleries are saying thanks by crafting signature beers, whiskeys and vodkas and donating their sales for active duty military members, veterans and first responders. Other establishments provide discounts for these individuals. As craft breweries and local distilleries grow in popularity all across the country, the efforts these owners put forward demonstrate their gratitude. These are a great way to give back to soldiers, while also having some fun yourself.

Check out these companies doing their parts to lift spirits for those who serve:

Refreshing first responders

Virginia Distilling Company is one organization showing its appreciation for the heroics of local first responders, according to Nelson County Times. In April, the distillery launched the Nelson County First Responders Single Cask, with the net proceeds of sales donated to local fire and EMS crews.

Virginia Distillery CEO and Chairman Gareth Moore said they wanted to help the first responders for their work in fighting a wildfire that destroyed more than 1,500 acres in Livingston.

"There are no words to describe how thankful we are for the Nelson County first responders who assisted this past November when there was a forest fire behind the distillery," said Moore. "We're so excited that this special release will be able to benefit such an important group of people within our community and that we can give back in this way."

Another example is recently opened Loose Rail, a local brewery in Columbus, Ohio, which offers all first responders and active and former military personnel a 10 percent discount. The bar also boasts the original 48-star flag flown on the USS Compton in 1945 at the end of WWII in Tokyo Bay, which initiated Japan's formal surrender five days later.

Serving our soldiers

Just like the support shown for first responders, craft brewers and local distillers have been serving up special drinks for active duty military members and veterans.

Beer and Brewing recently highlighted 12 different breweries that have been playing a part in lifting spirits for the troops. There's Veteran Beer Co. in Chicago that donates a portion of their revenue to help veterans while also employing them. Gettysburg's Battlefield Brew Works's Red Circle Ale provides children of Special Operators with enrichment scholarships and the emergency gap funding for injured soldiers and their families.

For cocktail afficionados, Warrior Vodka uses revenue to provide monetary grants to disabled veterans wounded in combat. Jonathan Jans, an injured veteran himself, partnered with Mid Oak Distillery, the makers of CD Vodka on Chicago's Southside, and launched the line of vodkas to help those who sacrificed for our country.

With all that active duty military members, veterans and first responders sacrifice to keep us safe, it's great to see breweries and distillers providing grants, savings and other financial and moral support for these groups.

The Space Available Travel program, better known as Space-A or HOPS, offers Department of Defense members and their families open seats on flights at no charge. Hurlburt Air Force Base recently joined the ranks of participating bases in the the Space-A program, according to the base's news page.

Hurlburt Field welcomes HOPS

The first Space-A flight took off from Hurlburt Field April 8, 2017, en route to Las Vegas, Nevada. The efforts follow three months of planning and execution by the 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron air transportation team and it amounted to a major success.

This unique privilege offered to active duty military servicemembers, retirees, and their families lets eligible passengers fill unused seats on military aircraft at no cost. With Hurlburt Field now supporting air travel for the Space-A program, Gulf Coast servicemembers can take advantage of this great opportunity.

Master Sgt. James Tompkins, superintendent of air terminal and aerial delivery at Hurlburt Field, noted that a study showed the 1st SOLRS air transportation shop fell under the classification for both an aerial delivery shop and a small terminal. This officially made Hurlburt a Space-A supported base and kickstarted the entire process. 

The source noted leave status, type of leave and a first-come, first-serve will form the basis for seat assignment.

• Emergency leave.
• Environmental morale leave.
• Active duty military on leave.
• Dependents when sponsors are deployed.
• Command sponsorship.
• National Guard, Reserves and retirees.

"Colonel Palenske has said if it's going to improve our Airmen's lives and not going to be a negative factor let's go ahead and do it," explained Lt. Col. John Klohr, commander of the 1st SOLRS. "It's a way of saying 'thank you for your service'."

This provides another opportunity for both active duty military members, veterans and their families to take advantage of free air travel.

Other travel options

While the HOPS program offers a great benefit for current and discharged soldiers, it's not the most reliable means of transportation for someone on a strict schedule with little room to maneuver. These flights don't operate like normal commercial aircrafts. This means there typically isn't a backup flight if the plane gets diverted or canceled, in addition to there not being any guaranteed seats in the first place. Servicemembers should still seek out any opportunities for Space-A flights when they get the itch to travel, but they should remember they also have other discounted recreational options available to them.

The U.S. army also manages the Armed Forces Recreation Center, which offers affordable joint service hotels and resorts for servicemembers and their families. These locations in Florida, Hawaii, Germany and South Korea are great destinations for a vacation.

The Armed Forces Vacation Club arranged low rates for the military at more than 3,500 companies, including hotels, resorts, campgrounds, cruise lines, air fare, rental cars and more.

From HOPS to discounted travel options, active duty military members have many convenient options to take a much-needed vacation, visit family or go on a new adventure. 

With Loyalty Day on May 1, Victory in Europe Day on May 8, Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 12, Armed Forces Day on May 20 and Memorial Day on May 29, this is a big month for the military. Due to the number of days honoring the armed forces, in 1999 Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month, according to Military.com. These days of national unity offer an opportunity for everyone to honor, recognize, remember and appreciate all those who have served and continue to serve our country.

• Loyalty Day kicks off the month-long celebration as a day set aside for everyone to reaffirm their loyalty to our great nation and take a moment to reflect on the proud heritage of our unique American freedom. 
• Victory in Europe Day commemorates the Allies acceptance of the German surrender to end World War II in Europe.
• Military Spouse Appreciation Day honors the important role families play in supporting their spouses in the armed forces.
• Armed Forces Day is when when citizens can show their appreciation and thanks to everyone serving in the U.S. military branches, including the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy.
• Memorial Day, while traditionally the kick-off to summer for most people, is one of the most cherished days for remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by those men and women who gave everything for our country.

Some of the great benefits during this month

As a way of celebrating National Military Appreciation Month, many retailers, restaurants and recreational organizations provide discounts and promotions for members of the armed forces and veterans.

Home Depot and Lowe's offers a 10 percent discount on all in-store purchases on Memorial Day.

Blue Star Museums, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Endowment of the Arts and Blue Star Families, offers free admission to military members starting Memorial Day and going through Labor Day.

Various hotels, such as Hilton, Red Roof Inn and Westgate Resorts also offer a 10 percent discount to all active, reserve or retired service members, offering a great incentive to hit the road and take in some much-needed relaxation.

Military families who want to take advantage of these hotel discounts, can take a trip and receive a discount at the following amusement parks and tourist sites:

• California's Great America.
• Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina.
• The Cincinnati Zoo.
• Colonial Williamsburg.
• Kings Island.
• Michigan's Adventure.
• Valleyfair.

In addition to these national chains offering great perks for military members and their families, small businesses and local organizations all across the country are also doing their part with various discounts and promotions. From parades to concerts to special events, people everywhere will be showing their support for the brave men and women who keep our country safe. 

While most people tend to think of adults when it comes to the armed forces, children and teenagers play an important role in the military family. From dealing with a deployed parent to moving from one base and school to another, military children face their own set of challenges that most kids their age never have to experience. To applaud the commitment and sacrifices made by the youngest members of military families, the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) designated April as the Month of the Military Child.

Spotlight on the military child

Started by Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger in 1986, all the branches of the armed forces honor the Month of the Military Child in their own way. For instance, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) celebrates these brave youths by:

• Implementing strategies designed to prepare DoDEA students more thoroughly for college and career readiness.
• Challenging students to embrace their full potential and excel academically, socially, physically and emotionally.
• Creating the organizational capacity to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of its model, unified school system.

As noted by National PTA, since the 2001, about 2 million military children have seen one of their parents be deployed. Further, more than 900,000 youths have had one or both of their parents deployed multiple times. Currently, there are 1.2 million children around the world with a parent who's on an active duty.

Supporting military children

Regularly switching home, communities and schools can place a stressor on military children that other kids don't always have to face. Compared to civilian children, children in a military family will move, on average, about three times more often throughout their youth, the PTA noted. All told, military children move on average 10 times, with some youths moving up to 36 times. 

From schools to sports to community programs, there are organizations and groups of all sorts that help children deal with some of the stressors arising from their unique experiences. For instance, the University of Southern California houses an entire department solely dedicated to researching and supporting military children in school. This is extremely helpful, as the PTA noted that it takes a school-wide effort to support military children during their transitions.

In March, the Washington Capitals hockey team invited more than 200 military members and their families to enjoy a night of ice skating at the Kettler Capitals IcePlex in Arlington, Virginia, according to the official blog of the Coast Guard workforce, All Hands. Several players of the team also came out to meet with the families.

One way that families with active duty servicemembers can alleviate some of their children's stress that arises from the constant moving is by adequately preparing them for the transition. All Hands noted that being honest with the children about what is happening should be a top priority. Communicating with children helps reassure them about the move and makes it easier to adjust to the changes. Further, providing fun activities for the trip, whether it's a short plane ride or a cross-country drive, can help.

Another way that organizations and groups show their support is by offering scholarships for military children. From Fisher House, a nonprofit organization that helps servicemembers and their families, to the Corvias Foundation, a private, charitable group, military children have plenty of options to choose from to pursue scholarship opportunities.

While their childhood might be a bit different than their civilian counterparts, military youths enjoy the support and gratitude from everyone for their strength and perseverance during what can sometimes be tough times.  

In addition to wanting to serve their country, many people join the armed forces as a launchpad for a college education. The GI Bill and other military-based programs provide assistance to smooth out the transition and help fund a higher education. Active duty servicemembers interested in attending college after discharge should consider military-friendly universities and schools.

How the army helps vets attend college

Thanks to the passing of the GI Bill, the armed forces offers one of the best routes for Americans to gain access to a higher education. There are many options for colleges all across the country for our men and women in uniform, as well as a growing number of online programs. Best of all, many universities are uniquely suited to help veterans or servicemen and women transition from active duty to civilian life through campus engagement groups, veterans clubs and other memberships.

The military is there to help servicemen and women obtain a college education in many different ways. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial help for those eligible for:

• Tuition and fee payments.
• Monthly housing allowance.
• Books and supplies stipend.
• One-time rural benefit for certain veterans.

For the 2017 academic year (Aug. 1, 2017 through July 31, 2018), the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers all tuition and fee payments for an in-state public school or up to $22,805.34 per academic year for a private or foreign school. The Post-9/11 GI Bill also established the Yellow Ribbon Program, which allows colleges, universities and other degree-granting programs to voluntarily work with the VA to fund any costs that the bill doesn't cover.

Top 10 best schools for vets

Active duty servicemembers researching schools for after discharge or current veterans who want to apply now should consider institutions that rank highly for being friendly to members of the military.

The Military Times released its Best for Vets: Colleges 2017, with its top 130 schools listed based on military enrollment, retention and graduation rates, as well as affordability, extracurriculars and Yellow Ribbon compliance. The Military Times listed the following as the top 10 schools:

1. The University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
2. Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
3. Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York.
4. Armstrong State University, Savannah, Georgia.
5. D'Youville College, Buffalo, New York.
6. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.
7. Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.
8. South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota.
9. University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
10. The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.

Best military colleges online

Unlike traditional students who attend college after graduating high school, servicemen and women enter college after their enlistment period. This means many military personnel already have a family and a household in place that needs support. With so many responsibilities and limited resources, pursuing a degree online can be a smart move.

U.S. News & World Report released its list of Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans, ranking the offerings to obtain a degree in higher education using predominantly internet-based coursework. The list relied on factors such as reputation, faculty credentials, retention rates and graduate debt loads. The publication also included whether the program has a critical mass of students with military backgrounds and if the school designed the programs to make them veteran-focused, either participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program or charging in-state tuition which the GI Bill can cover.

 U.S. News & World Report's top five online bachelor's programs for veterans were:

1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, Daytona Beach, Florida.
2. University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma.
3. Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
4. Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky.
5. California University of Pennsylvania, California, Pennsylvania.

With so many options to choose from, military personnel should have no trouble finding the college or university that best suits their financial needs and helps them transition back into civilian life. 

We are proud to announce our 70th anniversary!

We were created as a nonprofit organization in 1947 with the support of General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Initially formed in the basement of the Pentagon to provide $10,000 of life insurance to active duty officers serving overseas, we are one of the oldest and largest associations of our kind. Over the years, we have changed our name a few times, moved offices, added new products to our portfolio, and expanded our membership eligibility to cover all military, DoD, federal employees, and first responders. We have also created our own insurance company, 5Star Life, to underwrite our member eligible products and to serve our country's civilian work force through the worksite market.

While we have grown considerably and come a long way since our founding, our core mission remains steadfast – serving those who serve this great nation. And we will never be too large to forget that we are here to serve with integrity by offering flexible, customized insurance solutions.

Because there are no limits to the sacrifices our members and policyholders may be called up on to make, we do not exclude any occupation, duty assignment, deployment, or hazard from our protection at any time. From workplace to war zone, we stand behind our insured families, ready to deliver on our promise to pay claims quickly and compassionately. We hope to pay a benefit to the families suffering loss in every claim instance and we lean forward to do just that. And unlike anyone else in our industry, we offer a no cost scholarship benefit to the survivors of those whose deaths occur as a result of combat, terrorism, or participation as a first responder in an emergency.

We have paid almost $2 billion in claims, served thousands of members, and helped countless families achieve financial security in time of need. Today, we are 430,000 members strong, financially sound, and strategically positioned to face the future and serve new generations of members.

Thank you to our members, employees, field representatives, board of directors, and senior leaders as we say Happy Birthday AFBA!

It's always heartening when  protection and support for active duty service members and veterans are added to state and federal laws. These regulations show that lawmakers are aware of the issues that affect today's military personnel and are doing something to help.

The challenges that come with serving and coming home from active duty are well known and documented, and this means there is plenty of scope to take action and step up aid at both state and national levels. The United States prides itself on being a country that looks after its veterans and current military members, and a few recent laws should help it live up to that promise.

Two new bills in Massachusetts
As the Eagle-Tribune recently reported, Massachusetts has recently passed not one, but two laws designed to help with everyday needs faced by military members in the state. The first piece of legislation eliminates state excise tax on vehicles. The bill was sponsored by state Representative Diana DiZoglio, who heard from a constituent that when military members are on active duty, their vehicles rack up high tax bills back home. Creating the new exception allows a little more financial peace of mind for service personnel.

The news provider reported the bill has now become a law after getting the approval of Governor Charlie Baker, and applies to members of the military deployed outside of Massachusetts over a period of six months or more. The fact that the new law deals with a single tax shows that it was conceived and passed with a specific problem in mind.

As for the second new military-focused bill, the Eagle-Tribune explained it is a wide-ranging bill seeking better conditions for veterans. It will achieve this end by authorizing the creation of a commission. The new body is meant to investigate pressing matters for returning service personnel, such as the risks of suffering from depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. Broader topic areas to be addressed by the committee include the transition process from active duty soldier to civilian, with all the challenges that entails.

Medical records fees waived in Rhode Island
Rhode Island newspaper The Breeze recently explained that the state has just passed its own piece of practical, veteran-friendly legislation. The Rhode Island bill is designed to ensure that veterans applying for benefits do not need to pay money to access their medical records. One of the bill's sponsors, state Senator Donna Nesselbush, explained that the law is meant to create a clear pathway to benefits, a much-needed consideration when individuals return home with pressing medical needs.

The news provider laid out the fees covered by the law, including processing, retrieval and copying fees as well as postage. Language in the legislation also insists that agencies process requests quickly – within 30 days of submission. This is yet another bill that has a narrow scope but could be a huge help for the many veterans returning to their communities and applying for valuable medical services that can improve their quality of life.

The Navarre Press reported that May has been recognized as Military Appreciation Month since Congress first designated it as such back in 1999, and has been successful in bringing communities together in the years since. The source pointed out that there have been countless examples of extreme heroics and selflessness among the nearly 1.5 million individuals who currently serve in the armed forces, while communities should take this opportunity to recognize the veterans in their local areas. 

Events have been hosted across the nation throughout the past two weeks, and more are certainly to follow in the remaining days of Military Appreciation Month. From governors and state senators passing new legislation to assist veterans to relatively simple recognition programs and events, civilians will have a wealth of opportunities to support veterans and active duty service members throughout the coming months. 

South Dakota's big statement
The Rapid City Journal recently reported that South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard spoke to the reasons behind May acting as Military Appreciation Month across the nation, and urged the state's residents to honor those who have or are serving in the armed forces. The source pointed out that Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day both fall within the days of May, and act as an even greater chance for communities to rally around their veterans. 

"The vigilance of the members of the Armed Forces has been instrumental to the preservation of freedom, security and prosperity enjoyed by the people of this great nation," Governor Daugaard stated in his proclamation last week, according to the news provider. "The success of the Armed Forces depends on the dedicated service of its members and their families."

High-ranking politicians in Washington, D.C., Utah and elsewhere have put forth similar proclamations to kick off and recognize Military Appreciation Month. Another well-known figure took to writing a blog post regarding his backing of this month's appreciation events. 

A message from Chuck
Chuck Norris recently published an opinion piece in WND regarding some of the reasons he believes May has been designated to honor veterans and service members. The renowned action-movie actor noted that he served as an Airman First Class in the U.S. Air Force, and that his experiences while on active duty shaped many of his life's core missions and goals. 

Norris also took the opportunity to point out the increasing division between military and civilian life, and the need to bring the groups a bit closer together in the near future. He argued that the tiny percentage of the population that serves now – 0.5 percent – compared to the 12 percent who did for World War II might be one of the sources of misunderstandings and division. 

Communities that pull together behind their veterans will be making a big difference, as service members act as champions for their neighbors and fellow Americans throughout and following their time on active duty. May is the perfect month to increase these types of efforts.