Making the Reserve Retirement System Similar to the Active System: Retention and Cost Estimates

RAND Arroyo Center researchers analyzed a proposal allowing vested Army reservists to receive military retirement benefits immediately upon retiring from the Selected Reserve. They assessed effects on the size and experience mix of the Army reserve and active components, for enlisted personnel and officers, and for the steady state and the transition to it. They concluded the proposal would save the Army $800 million per year in personnel costs.