JALALABAD, Afghanistan – U.S. infantry officers at a combat base here near the border with Pakistan griped about changes being proposed to the military's retirement program — part of a broad effort to cut government spending.

"I signed a contract with the Army. I can't change that contract. Why can they?" says Master Sgt. William Murphy, who has served for 20 years.

The plan unveiled last month would end the time-honored, lifetime pension for those who retire at 20 years from the military, and replace it with a 401(k) program that pays benefits after turning 60 to 65.

Offered by an advisory panel to the Pentagon, the plan would save the government $250 billion over 20 years