Many have wondered why there was deft silence from the Generals on the recent cut to the Cost of Living Adjustment to military pensions that begins Jan 2016. Back on Nov 7, 2013 the military Service Chiefs made their case for it during a discussing with Senator John McCain (R-AZ). Gen Welsh (USAF) sort of spills the beans. He wants any savings to be plowed back into the Service. That's exactly what the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 does. It takes the savings from the military pension COLA cut and puts it back into the defense budget.
Its a safe bet the Service Chiefs knew what was coming ahead of other Congress people.
What is disturbing is the Service Chiefs were using new math to calculate personnel costs. They seem to be throwing the kitchen sink in to alarm the public.
You will notice they were firm with the need to look at personnel costs, but were just looking at contractor costs. Emphasis on personnel costs.