RVW posted: "Looks like Obama is gonna' fix this mess by f'cking with those willing to sacrifice so much for this country."
Like GoHarley wrote, there is no indication that this came from Obama. However, the subject is legitimate and germane, although hardly in the same class as closing loopholes or otherwise increasing taxes on the rich or super-rich. Just as the federal civil service retirement was over-hauled in 1984 (does that mean we should blame Reagan?), it's entirely appropriate to review and likely modify DOD retirement. The system has changed significantly. When Aunty M's husband enlisted, military pay was poverty level or thereabouts. Military pay scales changed when the country changed to the all-volunteer force, and the pay scale is much improved, especially for those who achieve time and grade. And just like the rest of the population, military retirees are living longer. As a result, military pensions, like the old civil service pensions and Social Security are less affordable to the nation.
The fact that it's military up for discussion makes the issue more sensitive because of the life and death prospects associated with military service. However, society already deals with that issue in the context of LE and firefighter retirement systems, which are far more generous than standard civil service. Just because it's a touchy subject doesn't mean that the status quo is the right or just outcome, and in the final analysis it does come down to a business analysis that has to make sense for the nation. Practically speaking, if DOD makes the "wrong" modifications, citizens won't join the all-volunteer military as people vote with their checkbooks, so to speak.
Sg