We must not shrink from the opportunity before us to create a modern system of compensation and retirement benefits that would provide greater value and choice for those it serves.

It is our obligation to ensure the Services have the proper resources to support our servicemembers.

I wish that every member of the Senate could have heard your last comment, because we are going to be in a very significant struggle here in regard to sequestration.

Commissioners, you have recommended that military retirees' healthcare costs increase over a 15-year period such that retirees ultimately would pay about 20 percent of the overall costs of their healthcare.

Commissioners, under your proposed TRICARE Choice plan, Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) would be network providers to commercial health plans.

people would sign up for this retirement benefit when they came in because, as Senator McCain has said, it would be prospective.

Commissioners, in your view, how much money are retirees willing to pay for better healthcare for themselves and their family members?

Our recommendations strengthen the foundation of the All-Volunteer Force and ensure our national security.

What causes the child care shortage on military bases? Is it due to a lack of skilled personnel available to work in child development centers or a lack of physical space available in those centers? Are there any other limiting factors…

I would argue, in the earlier question, as I live around Fort Lewis, WA, today, the biggest issue for retention today is uncertainty.

We will have this increase of more non-VA care.

Why are we the first in line to get cut?

Commissioners, how would your recommendation affect the current savings percentages that patrons receive when shopping in defense commissaries?

Commissioners, what are your estimates of the annual healthcare costs--premiums, co-pays, deductibles--for retirees and their families under the proposed TRICARE Choice?

It appears DOD could save more money through additional efficiencies with a single exchange system.

Commissioners, in your deliberations, did you consider commercialization of the commissary and exchange systems?

Commissioners, what safeguards have you included in your recommendations to protect active-duty family members from experiencing higher than usual out-of-pocket costs for healthcare?

Commissioners, how do your recommendations improve beneficiaries' access to care, quality of care, and the experience of care?