I think you’re right to point out that at the platoon level is where the most effective level where the discussion of retirement can take place.  Small groups are always more effective in this sense.   This then enables you to then make it more than “just online training”.  For me, this is why I see conversations with leaders in the unit is a Long Game. This conversation is going to go well into 2018.  Yes, you will not be able to log onto MilPay and switch to BRS until you have completed the JKO training, but you also won’t be able to do that until 1 Jan 2018.  We – leaders, Soldiers … the whole Army – we have 9+ months to, I concede, ensure every  Soldier subordinate to us does online training, but also to make sure that there are discussions and information presented to them in order to assist their decision.  And that’s just when it starts because all eligible Soldiers have all of 2018 to make their decision to stay or change their retirement plan.    Part of this process from leaders is really keeping an open mind.  I suggest that giving your Soldiers an ultimatum to “complete a block of instruction and you can’t go home until it’s complete” is the wrong mindset.   That’s treating it like a check the block, when we’ve both agreed that it’s far more important than that.

The suggestion of getting a financial counselor to come in and talk with Soldiers is a great idea!  I’m tracking that for E1-E5 a financial readiness class is required of a Soldier when they in-process a new duty station.  Therefore, I presume that the resource is available for all Army posts.   From your suggestion, I plan on calling ACS to see what options my post offers and sharing that information with my unit.  However, as you articulated from your post, this is best at the platoon or troop/company level.  I would encourage you (if your unit isn’t already looking into it) to find out what your financial counselors can provide for your platoon/troop.   As members of Cav Squadrons, we’re used to being out front before everyone else, so let’s start this movement together.

For members of USAA, their website offers some resources: usaa.com/brs  . Perhaps other military-focused banking institutions do as well.