We Work Hard on Behalf of Active, Reserve and National Guard Components of our Military.
The following is a summary of where AUSA stands on key issues including Pay, Health Care, Housing, Families, Retiree, Sustain the Army, Readiness, Transformation & Modernization of the Force
Pay
- Maintain pay parity (military and federal civilian)
- Pay increases equal to Employment Cost Index
Health Care
- Fully fund Wounded Warrior, TBI/PTS care/research initiatives
- Retain and improve TRICARE military health care system for all beneficiaries
- No erosion of benefits (pharmacy, quality of and access to care)
- No TRICARE for Life enrollment fees
- Limit increases in TRICARE fees/deductibles/pharmacy copay to COLA
- Increase Medicare reimbursement rates to ensure access to care
Housing
- Additional funding (Sustain, Restore, Modernize)
- Innovative programs (Maintain public/private partnership funding)
- Eliminate servicemember out-of-pocket expenses for BAH
Families
- Fully fund Army Family initiatives/programs
- Expand spousal and family member education and employment opportunities
Retiree
- Retain defined benefit retirement system
- Full concurrent receipt for all disabled retirees
- Reduce Reserve Component retirement age from 60 to 55
Sustain the Army
- Maintain National Guard, Reserve and Active endstrength to support national defense strategy, Joint Force and Army statutory and mission requirements
- Maintain assured access to the Reserve Component
- Fully resourced recruiting and retention
- Fill 100% of ARNG and USAR full-time manning positions
Readiness
- Defense spending – at least 4% of GDP/Army share at least 28%
- Continuing support for overseas contingency operations (OCO) funding
- Spare parts – no shortages
- Facilities/Utilities – fully funded and energy efficient
- Operations & Maintenance funds for all missions of AC &RC
- Maintain Full Spectrum Training and simulation funding (Soldier, unit & Army civilian)
Modernization of the Force
- Fully fund resetting of the Current Force
- Fully fund Soldier Modernization; Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, Armored Multi-purpose Vehicle, Aviation modernization, and Network
- Increase funding for research and development in support of Future Force
– See more at: http://www.ausa.org/legislation/Pages/WhereWeStandOnKeyIssues2012.aspx#sthash.kZx9fDYe.dpuf