B-174552, JUL 10, 1972

REPRESENTING THE COST OF COVERAGE UNDER THE RETIRED SERVICEMAN'S FAMILY PROTECTION PLAN WHICH WAS WITHHELD FROM HIS RETIRED PAY DURING THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1. THE PROVISIONS OF AFR 211-14 AND DOD DIRECTIVE 1332.17 HAVE REFERENCE TO AN "APPROVED" OR "EFFECTED" WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PLAN. IT IS THE OPINION OF THE COMP. THAT THEIR INTENT WAS NOT TO MAKE A MERE REQUEST TO WITHDRAW IRREVOCABLE WHERE THE MEMBER IS GIVEN 30 DAYS TO CONSIDER THE FINALITY OF HIS ACTION. THE GRANTING OF A SHORT GRACE PERIOD IS PROPER IN THE MEMBER'S INTERESTS SINCE IT DOES NOT CONTRAVENE THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW BY PROVIDING A MEANS OF VACILLATING BETWEEN WITHDRAWING OR REMAINING IN THE PLAN SO AS TO AFFECT ITS ACTURIAL SOUNDNESS.