Different Perspective
My decision to take full SBP was based on my belief that the retirement pension isn't mine but ours. While I was living my dream flying jets for 27 years, she raised three boys while volunteering for countless squadron, group, and wing spouse functions/duties. She handled all finances so my TDY’s, deployments, and remote left me free to concentrate on my job. Not once in all those separations did I get a call, letter, email, etc burdening me with a home front issue/crisis. She just took care of her end of our Air Force experience. On top of all this, she put her career plans on hold while we PCS’d 10 times including 3 overseas assignments. While SBP may not be the best value from a purely financial perspective, I have great pride and peace of mind knowing she’ll be compensated for her service to the USAF for the rest of her life. She most definitely earned it!