NEW LEGISLATION OFFERS JOB SECURITY TO US COAST GUARD MEMBERS APPROACHING RETIREMENT
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans introduced, on March 18, the Coast Guard Separation Parity Act.
This bill ensures that US Coast Guard retirement would be received by Coast Guard members, who would have the same 20-year retirement benefits as their military counterparts in other branches.
The bill was introduced by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans with Congresswoman Jill Tokuda to establish equal protection for members of the Coast Guard.
Understanding the Need for Job Security in the Coast Guard
Coast Guard members dedicate their careers to protecting the nation, but they also face some unpredictable deployments and demanding conditions.
As members of the Coast Guard near retirement, their job security becomes one of their major concerns. Additionally, Coast Guard members also want to ensure a smooth transition into civilian life without financial uncertainty.
The Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security, unlike the other military branches. Therefore, sometimes, it’s challenging for members to find job security as without proper benefits, they might struggle to find a stable job.
How the Bill Supports Coast Guard Retirement
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans introduced the Coast Guard Separation Parity Act, a bill that will ensure that members of the United States Coast Guard will receive the same 20-year retirement benefits as other military branches.
“After years of dedicated service to our country, every member of our Armed Forces deserves the right to retire with the benefits they’ve earned – including the Coast Guard,” said Congresswoman Kiggans.
This bill would ensure that retirement benefits are received by all members of the Coast Guard. This ensures that these service members receive the same 20-year retirement benefits as other military branches.
This bill includes Coast Guard members who have served at least 18 years and are not forced to leave the service shortly before reaching a 20-year retirement. This puts them in the same benefits class as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Space Force.
This bill is endorsed by the Navy League, Concerned Veterans for America, Blue Star Families, Military Officers Association of America, With Honor, and Veterans for Mustangs.
“The Coast Guard Separation Parity Act ensures that the brave men and women who wear the uniform in our nation’s maritime force receive the same protections as their military counterparts in other branches.
This is about fairness, recognizing the sacrifices of our Coast Guard, and ensuring these servicemembers are not forced out just before reaching retirement eligibility.
As a Navy Veteran, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to uphold our commitment to those who serve,” said Congresswoman Kiggans.
How the Leaders View the Bill
Many military, Veterans, and communities from all branches have been supportive of the bill. For so long, Coast Guard members have been overlooked when it comes to retirement protections, even though they have been essential to national security.
“This bill ensures enlisted Coast Guard members who have served at least 18 years are not forced to leave the service shortly before reaching a 20-year retirement, and aligns their protections with other military branches,” said John Vick, Executive Director of Concerned Veterans for America.
“The Coast Guard Separation Parity Act ensures they receive the equal 20-year retirement benefits they’ve rightfully earned — honoring their selfless commitment and reinforcing that no service member’s sacrifice is valued less than another’s,” said Kathy Roth Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families.
“The introduction of the Coast Guard Parity Act is a long-overdue step toward addressing the inequities faced by Coast Guard members compared to their counterparts in other military branches,” said Veterans for Mustangs. “For too long, these dedicated servicemembers, who perform critical missions safeguarding our nation’s waters and responding to emergencies, have been denied equal retirement benefits.”
Overall, organizations are happy with the new bill, as it provides fairness and stability for the members of the Coast Guard who are dedicated to serving the country.
What’s Next for the Coast Guard?
As the new bill is set, it would make a big difference for the future of the Coast Guard workforce, especially with the US Coast Guard retirement.
It would also help keep experienced members, making sure they are not forced to leave right before retiring, as well as keeping them encouraged to choose a long-term career in the Coast Guard, as they will also have the same job security and benefits options in the Coast Guard.
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