| NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY OBJECTIVES 2008, 2009 |
1. Increase the size of ground forces: We are finally starting to increase the size of our land forces. But, we have almost “broken” our Army and no longer have a viable strategic reserve. We must rebuild our readiness! We urge Congress to fully fund and increase the end strength of the active Army to at least 700,000; ARNG to 358,000, Army Reserve to 206,000 and Marines to 202,000. Do not reduce USAF/Navy strength to increase our land forces, nor resort to a draft.
2. Prevent the erosion of TRICARE benefits:. Cost savings in the Defense Budget must not be borne by retirees who have served an arduous 20 to 30 year career. Proposals that increase costs of retiree health care are unfair and send the wrong signal to those serving, especially when recruitment and retention for the all volunteer force are major challenges.
3. Implement Recommendations of Veterans Disability Benefits Commission (VDBC): The SBP-DIC offset must be eliminated and full concurrent receipt approved! We keep hearing that there “isn’t enough money” to finally fix these inequities. The answer is to increase the budget “top line” so that there is enough money. It is the fair and right thing to do! These benefits have a strong impact on the all volunteer force.
/COL Sam Wilder, USA, Ret, VCOC Legislative Chair and 1st VP
14 March 2008
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| VCOC NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 2007 & 2008 |
STRENGTHEN THE ALL VOLUNTEER FORCE
1. Increase size of ground forces.
2. Finally fix SBP & Concurrent Receipt.
3. Stop erosion of TRICARE benefits.
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Talking Paper on Virginia National Legislative Priorities approved 22 Jan 2007 |
| Of all the positions identified by MOAA, the VCOC has determined these are the top three needing attention this year. Virginia MOAA members, please write and talk with your federal legislators about these important issues and join your chapter representatives for the Virginia MOAA lunch with congresspersons in Washington DC APRIL 16, 2008. |
- Increase the size of ground forces: The Administration has finally realized the need to increase the size of our land forces. Current demands have almost “broken” our ground forces. We urge this Congress to fully fund and increase the end strength of the active Army to at least 547,000; Reserves to 350,000, and Marines to 202,000. Increased pay and benefits are needed to recruit and retain a larger All Volunteer Force! We should not resort to a draft.
- Finally fix SBP and Concurrent Receipt: The SBP-DIC offset must be eliminated and full concurrent receipt approved! We understand there “wasn’t enough money” to finally fix these in the last Congress. Again the answer is to increase the budget “top line” so that there is enough money. It is the fair and right thing to do. These benefits have a strong impact on the all volunteer force.
- Stop the erosion of TRICARE benefits for retirees. Cost savings in the Defense Budget must not be borne by retirees who have served an arduous 20 to 30 year career. Any future proposals that increase costs of retiree health care are unfair and send the wrong signal to those serving, especially when recruitment and retention for the all volunteer force are major challenges.
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