So I spoke with a TSP rep which honestly confused the hell out of me the way he explained my situation. When I got to boot, I had been in the process for long enough that I pre-dated the automatic BRS enrollment, and was given the option to opt in if I wanted to. I chose not to opt in or contribute at all.

My understanding is that I'm no longer eligible for BRS, and only have the "old" option to use. So how does it work? I've read that they base it on your pay rate while you were in, but looking at the contribution form it reads like a 401k to me. Can you possibly clear that up for me? Am I needing to contribute X % to qualify for a pension?

I feel like at this point I feel like I came out of that phone call knowing less than I did originally.