On Tuesday, the Department of Defense released training on the new Blended Retirement System, set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2018. The new system combines a 20-year cliff vested defined benefit, similar to the legacy high-3 system, with a defined contribution and government matching benefit. Service members on or entering active duty before Dec. 31, 2017, will be required to complete the training before deciding whether to opt-in to the new system or remain in the legacy system. Access training and additional details on the BRS.