Military Pensions Called Vital for Defense

The chiefs of the armed forces, complaining that discussion of cutting military pensions has created unrest and even “despair” in the ranks, told Congress Tuesday that the current pension system is integral to the national security.

“Military retirement is a cost of maintaining defense,” Gen. John A. Wickham Jr., Army chief of staff, told a subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. “Like everything else in life, you get what you pay for.”

Wickham, joined by the chiefs of staff of the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, said that the debate in Washington over reducing military pensions as part of the effort to trim massive federal deficits has led to “despair over breaking faith or reneging on promises” and apprehension about the Army’s ability to attract and retain volunteers.

‘Apprehensions High’

Adm. James D. Watkins, Navy chief of staff, added: “We are surrounded by people who are firing shots, and the apprehensions are extremely high out there.”

Although President Reagan proposed no change in the military pension system, David A. Stockman, Reagan’s budget director, touched off an uproar earlier this year when he called the proposed $18-billion budget for military pensions next year a “scandal” and an “outrage.” Stockman charged that officers would sooner compromise the national security than their pensions.

Such critics as the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities maintain that the costly pension system benefits the already well-to-do and encourages officers to retire before their prime.

At Tuesday’s hearing, Rep. Patricia Schroeder (D-Colo.) argued that military personnel are poorly compensated during their years of active duty and suggested that Congress shift resources from retirees to active personnel. Armed Services Committee Chairman Les Aspin (D-Wis.) said that budget restraints compel Congress to take a hard look at military compensation.

Hazards of Duty Cited

But the chiefs of staff said that military officers deserve their pensions because of frequent separations from their families and the hazards of duty. Wickham raised the recent killing of Maj. Arthur D. Nicholson Jr. by a Soviet sentry in East Germany as an example of the dangers of military life.

“Breaking faith with our people who joined the Navy and serve with an expectation of their present retirement system at the end of their careers will cause an exodus--and rightfully so,” Watkins said. “It will cost us money and readiness to get back to where we are today.”

About 1.4 million Americans now receive military pensions. Military personnel are eligible to retire at half their basic pay after 20 years, with the average officer or enlisted person leaving the force before the age of 45.

Many begin new civilian careers while receiving their pensions, estimated by Watkins to be nearly twice as generous as the average private pension plan.

The chiefs rejected proposals to raise the years of service to qualify for full pension benefits, maintaining that the 20-year standard is essential to keeping the armed forces young and energetic.