In response to the post-cold war environment brought about by decline of the Soviet block countries, it became necessary to build-down US armed forces--both active and reserve. The DoD, prompted by NERA and The Military Coalition, created Reserve Transition Benefits (RTB) as a way to ease the impact on those military members who were voluntarily/involuntarily separated. The benefits were authorized in 1990.

• In 1993, RTB was authorized for Reservists separated as a result of high-year-tenure (HYT). RTB for members reaching HYT ended in 1996.

• Initially, RTB was not authorized for Coast Guard personnel impacted by the drawdown. NERA was instrumental in getting these benefits extended to Coast Guard personnel.

• Effective 1 Jan 95, RTB special separation pay was no longer authorized for enlisted SELRES affected by HYT policies. However, CY 95 HYT members could apply for other RTB benefits. (ALNAVRESFOR Message 091102 Dec 94.)

Prior to 1978, Reservists had no way to provide benefits for a surviving spouse or qualifying children in the event of their death. After many years of hard work, the Reserve Component - Survivor's Benefit Plan (RC-SBP) was established to provide a degree of protection for survivors. Steady progress has been made over the years but participation remains low, about 53 percent. This is a clear indication that the plan still has a ways to go before Reservists sign on. The reasons are as follows:

• If the spouse is covered by an SBP option and the spouse has qualified for full Social Security benefits under his/her own work history then the spouse may lose a portion of that SBP benefit. The reason is the "offset" rule which Federal Law requires under certain circumstances. NERA recommends that each member seek guidance from Social Security and the Dept. of Veterans Affairs representatives, before an SBP election is made.

• Changes have been made to the plan to provide a new SBP option which provides the spouse with 55% of the members retirement pay, but this new option requires an additional out-of-pocket expense for the Reservist.

Serviceman’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) has existed since WWII. The first SGLI benefit was $10,000. Only during the last 20-25 years have there been any meaningful improvements to the plan.

• Prior to the early 70’s, SGLI was only available during periods of activity duty or AT.

• The current SGLI benefit of $200,000 is due largely to the efforts of NERA and The Military Coalition. This benefit is in force 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Exchange privileges were some of the most difficult benefits to win for Reservist.

• When many of us entered the Navy Reserve, Reservists were not allowed to enter the Exchange or Commissary except during periods of active duty or their 2-weeks of AT.

• In the early 70s Reservists were allowed greater access to the Exchange; however, they were required to show valid orders or reserve pay stubs as proof that they were entitled. Even then, you received one shopping day for each drill point.

• Reservists were also limited as to what they could purchase and the quantities that they could purchase.

• Reservists now receive unlimited exchange privilege.

NERA paved the way for gold uniform accessories for Reservists.

• Prior to the early 70's, reservists were not allowed to wear gold uniform accessories, unless the gold was earned by 12 years on active duty with good conduct.

• It was not unusual to see senior Reserve LPOs on AT without the customary gold rating badge and hash marks. This obviously had a serious impact on Reservists morale.

• NERA led the way to DoD authorization for Reservists to wear the gold. In addition, the initial issue of gold uniform accessories--for E6 and below--is now provided by the Navy.

• Prior to the early ‘80s Reservists were not allowed to use the commissary system except while serving on active duty or AT. A "green ID" or valid orders were required to shop.

• Following years of hard work culminating in the early ‘90s, Reservists were allowed 12 days per year in commissary facilities.

• During the late 90s, commissary privileges were increased to 24 shopping days per year.

• Prior to 10/1/90, retired Reservist who were not yet 60 years of age were not allowed to use these facilities at all. On 10/1/90 the Pentagon changed the rules to allow "gray area" Reservists (retired without pay) and IRR members to use MWR facilities, exchange and 24 commissary visits.

• As of 11/15/99, friends and relatives may now accompany commissary customers into the store as their guests. The change is designed primarily as a convenience to authorized shoppers to be accompanied by close relatives. However, guests are not allowed to make purchases.

• NERA made it happen. NERA is now working to add unlimited Commissary benefits for Reservists, "gray area" retirees, retirement eligible IRR members, and VTU members.

While the most recently instruction on "portal-to-portal" coverage (SECNAV Instruction 1770.3A, dated 8 Jan 1990) provides more protection then we had, it still falls short in a couple of ways.

• Members are not covered between school or work locations and drill sites.

• SELRES are covered if they go home during IDTT, but not covered if they go anyplace else.

• Technically, members must "log-out" on official business if they leave the drill site (including eating off-site) to retain coverage.

Reservists must have 50 points a year for a good year toward retirement. Most Reservists earn from 85 to 90 points a year to meet the requirements of the billet occupied. That includes 48 drill points, 15 gratuitous points, 12 AT, and points for correspondence courses required for advancement. In addition, some units are authorized 60 drills per year and more. Prior to FY1997 only a maximum of 60 inactive duty points per year were credited toward retirement pay computations. NERA has always felt that retirement pay should be based on all points earned and not be limited to 60 points a year.

• Beginning in FY1997, the inactive duty points cap was raised from 60 to 75 points per year. This represents a 25% increase in retired pay, attributed to inactive duty points and NERA made it happen.

• NERA continues to press for retirement pay based on all points earned.

NERA has consistently worked to improve GI Bill educational benefits while at the same time helping to control costs. The result is the current Montgomery GI Bill.

Prior to the mid ‘80s, GI Bill benefits were earned only during periods of active duty of 180 days or more.

The current GI Bill provides educational benefit for drilling Reservists who reenlist for 6 years.

Improvements to the GI Bill include the addition of vocational, technical, correspondence and apprentice-ship training for Reservists. Flight training is also currently available.

NERA is now working to add graduate programs under the GI Bill. Work remains, but the fact that Reservists now qualify for educational benefits confirms the progress made by NERA.

The death gratuity is currently $6,000. The death gratuity is paid by the United States to the beneficiary of a service member killed while on active duty. The death gratuity is intended to provide an immediate sum of money to cover some of the costs associated with the untimely death of a service member. The death gratuity remained unchanged from 1956 ($3,000), until NERA and the Military Coalition were successful in getting it increased to $6,000 in 1991.

In June 1997, Humana Military Healthcare Services was awarded the contract to administer the TRICARE Selected Reserve Dental Program (TSRDP). The program provides basic dental insurance on a voluntary basis for approximately 889,000 members of the Select Reserve. The plan covers diagnostic, preventive, restorative, oral surgery and emergency dental services. Coverage is limited to the SELRES only. Family members were not covered.

The Pentagon established the Retiree Dental Plan with benefits beginning on 2/1/98. More than 4.2M retired military members are eligible. Benefits and an annual $50 deductible will be uniform across the program, which is available to all retirees and their families. Premium prices, however, will be based on costs in the areas where the retirees live.

The Military Retirement Reform Act of 1986 created a two tier retirement system in order to eventually eliminate the pension system that gave military retirees 50% of their base pay. This new retirement plan was based on 40% of base pay and included caps on inflation adjustments. Obviously, the impact on morale was great. It took 13 years of hard work but NERA and the Military Coalition finally saw legislation passed to end REDUX.

NERA successfully campaigned for a longevity pay increase at 24 years of service.

At various times in the past, the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for military retirees has been reduced, most recently by 1percent, from the governments own calculations.

The Naval Reserve community consists of over 150,000 reserve officers and enlisted personnel. Currently, about 14,000 NERA members in chapters all across the country are involved in the real work of insuring that the "process" doe’s not forget the enlisted Reservists. NERA provides a voice and a presence for Reservist.

The National Officers, elected and appointed, are all volunteers.

The bimonthly magazine, "Mariner", provides important information on subjects from benefits, career advancement, legislative issues, etc.

NERA provides an opportunity to learn more about issues relating to the career of Reservists. It provides a forum for information flow.

NERA provides a service review service for members and nonmembers alike. Trained personnel will review your NMPC microfiche record and provide detailed information necessary to cleanup your NMPC record to give you the edge in the advancement process.

NERA, together with 21 other military organizations, funds The Military Coalition. The Military Coalition lobbies before the Pentagon, House and Senate on those issues important to Reservists and the nation. We provide direct input on issues concerning home-porting, force strength, TAR program, billet stability, training and personnel issues.

Unpaid Legislative Representatives (NERA members) keep their finger on the pulse of the "Hill", often advising NERA membership of pending legislation of importance to Reserve personnel.

NERA members receive free $1,000 of accidental death and dismemberment insurance ($2,000 for life members).