Military (Political) Justice

[Grumpy]

Geo, if Penata and Obama continue with their proposed cuts to the military pay and allowences ACTIVE AND RETIRED, it is just a matter of time until there won't be any incentive for young people to join the military, much less make a career of it. Those that are in now and thinking of re-enlisting or staying for a career will see the broken promises to present retirees and they will say NO WAY AM I GOING TO STAY. When voluntary enlistments and re-enlistments drop to a certain point, even with the downsized force they are propsing, they will have to go back to the draft just to fill the basic military needs.

Just a few of their probosals: drasticly cut active duty pay and allowences (which are frozen right now); require a longer stay for basic retirement (presently 20 years and they want it to be 30 years); recind the GI Bill for educational benifits; require larger enrollment fees for healthc care for family members; increase co-pays for family member healthcare; insititute enrollment fees (starting at $750 yearly per person, meaning a retiree and spouse would have to pay $1,500) for reitree health care (Tricare for Life supplement to Medicare); and insitute or increase co-pays for all medicaines whether obtained in military or civilain pharmacies.

Those cuts are doing away with most of the incentives young military personnel have for enlisting and/or re-enlisting.

Grumpy

PS: I have already written letters three different times on this subject to Senators McConnel, Paul and Congressman Guthrie. McConnel and Paul have answered each with statements to the effect that THESE CUTS NEED TO BE MADE in order to cut the deficit. Guthrie is against them.

[kygorski]

My step father was in the army in the late 20,s. Talk about benefits, there were very few.In fact soldiers were not looked at with much respect. There was the depression, very few could even enlist, promotions?Pay raises?.One cost no one mentions very much, is the national guard, and ready reserve.We couldn't even fight Canada with using them.There will be more cost cutting, its sad but true.When it comes to increased taxes for military, the "what have you done for us yeasterday" comes up.If we are to continue to be the worlds policeman, who will pay?I dont care if the Iraqis kill each other off, same with syria,were going broke defending our point of view, and more and more of the world is not agreeing with us.

[Dave Stewart]

My step father was in the army in the late 20,s. Talk about benefits, there were very few.In fact soldiers were not looked at with much respect. There was the depression, very few could even enlist, promotions?Pay raises?.One cost no one mentions very much, is the national guard, and ready reserve.We couldn't even fight Canada with using them.There will be more cost cutting, its sad but true.When it comes to increased taxes for military, the "what have you done for us yeasterday" comes up.If we are to continue to be the worlds policeman, who will pay?I dont care if the Iraqis kill each other off, same with syria,were going broke defending our point of view, and more and more of the world is not agreeing with us.

Not sure where you are getting your views on the National Guard and Reserve. If you would take the time to go visit a National Guard or Reserve unit you will see just about everyone now days has a combat unit patch on their right shoulder. Many Guard and Reserve personnel have as much time in combat zones in the past 10 years as their active duty counter parts. Many have given their lives in combat since 911. Implying the Guard and Reserve are ineffective is a slap in the face to a whole lot of folks that have performed their duties with the highest standards and honor...both here in this county during crisis and overseas in combat zones.

I for one an glad that I have passed the age that I can be ordered back to active duty from retirement without Congressional approval. I don't think I would be keeping my rank very long with all this sacrificing our troops in the name of "political correctness". Suicide rates and PTSD are at an all time high in our military because of too many deployments of troops with their hands tied behind their backs. No doubt we could have used the reinstitution of the draft years ago...but it won't happen unless someone starts coming across the border with tanks and guns...the reason is simple, now days if the draft was instituted, they would have to draft females....and if you think the public outcry was bad during Viet Nam when they were drafting little Billy....just imagine trying to draft little Suzy.

For sure the acitve military is on a draw down.....happens after every war. The Guard and Reserve are being drawn down too. The sad part of all this is that they are cutting the benefits for those that served and earned those benefits. Yes, we military retirees are taking a hit, especially in the health care area. Folks on active duty that have planned a career are taking hits also. Certainly all of us in this country are in for some sacrifices to get the deficits back on track....no doubt in the form of taxes and less government handouts...but to target veterans that earned their benefits by enduring all the hardships and sacrifices of military duty is just WRONG. One thing you can bet on........those high dollar pork barrel defense contracts will continue.

As for SSG Bales...he will be sacrificed also in the name of "political correctness". What they should do is put him in the same cell as the Muslim Major.

[Tom523]

The National Guard and Reserve have come a long way since I had to train with them in 1980. They are an effective fighting force now. I couldn't say that back then. I work with AGR and you couldn't tell the difference between them and AC.

[Big Gills]

[QUOTE=kygorski;485637]We couldn't even fight Canada with using them.There will be more cost cutting, its sad but true.


What an ignorant unintelligent comment. I am totally offended. We have an excellent military and saved many american soldiers over the years and fought side by side with the americans for many wars. I will stop there before i get my Irish up and say something to get myself banned.

[Grumpy]

[QUOTE=Big Gills;485765]

We couldn't even fight Canada with using them.There will be more cost cutting, its sad but true.


What an ignorant unintelligent comment. I am totally offended. We have an excellent military and saved many american soldiers over the years and fought side by side with the americans for many wars. I will stop there before i get my Irish up and say something to get myself banned.

I saw that comment and didn't refute it because I figured you would chime in. I totally agree with you, Gills, the Canadians have been steadfast allies with us and should't be disparaged.

Grumpy

[Big Gills]

[QUOTE=Grumpy;485777]

I saw that comment and didn't refute it because I figured you would chime in. I totally agree with you, Gills, the Canadians have been steadfast allies with us and should't be disparaged.

Grumpy

Thanks Grumpy, you know me too well!

[Chubminnow]

I agree about Canada...good people up there to the best of my knowledge. Heck they can't be all bad if they put up with taking in our draft dodger's back during vietnam days.

Canada's alright by me.

[Big Gills]

Thanks Chubminnow