First of 2 parts

FOR the country's protectors and defenders — both in the active service and those who have served their tours of duty to the country and flag — the military and uniformed pension (MUP) system remains an unsettling issue. Apprehensions among active and retired military personnel abound. They are anxious about the deleterious effect the various pending bills on MUP reforms will have on their families. A number of highly trained, seasoned professionals and experts in their respective fields have filed their papers for optional retirement. They will not allow the uncertainty of a new law that contemplates the diminution of their hard-earned and well-deserved retirement pay to catch up with them.