Pentagon leaves open possibility that some National Guard members could fall short of accruing benefits in virus response

By Dan Lamothe
5/22/2020, 5:52:45 p.m.

The Pentagon is open to having some National Guard members stay on federal orders beyond a June 24 date set by the Trump administration, Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper said on Friday, but he did not rule out that some involved in the coronavirus response could fall short of accruing some military benefits.

The issue arose after the administration decided to end federal deployment orders for National Guard members on June 24. The decision would leave some who were placed under federal orders in late March just short of reaching a 90-day threshold that would allow them to collect retirement benefits early, before turning 60. The date also would cut short access to some GI Bill benefits, though that could be earned later.

Esper, in an appearance on the “Today” show, declined to comment on whether he thinks the date was set by design and said he is “fully committed to supporting our National Guard members and our active-duty members as well.”

Esper said that he is open to extending federal status for Guard members “if they’re working a valid mission assignment” but that he was “not worried about the number of days” they did so.

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