The US Armed Forces recruiting crisis was earned by the politicians, generals, and high ranking civilians who have been running the Pentagon over the past 30 years or so. The crisis is also upon us due to newspeople not asking questions going back to the time the Cold War ended.
Sorry guys- Veterans Day is over for another year. Sorry for the bait & switch on the pharmacy deal. See us in November 2023 for your free meal at participating major restaurant chains. We’ll also offer up some sort of militarized pageantry at major sports events.
Welcome Home Troops – Penn Valley, California
Not enough undeclared/unwon wars to get it right. Plenty of cash to ship to other countries. Plenty of cash for DOD to go and nibble around the edges of distant countries that may be potential enemies.
Every few years, no matter what political party or personality is in power, there are moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.
This is the same country where both major parties invite veterans to be momentarily honored at State of the Union events when they control the White House.
The guys who did time in the Vietnam War may have grown up in a family where Dad was a WWII veteran.
The guys who did time in the Vietnam War may have been WWII veterans.
It feels like the people who run the Pentagon have made a career of undeclared/unwon wars. It is understandable that people would not want to take part in this.
After squandering DOD credibility for decades in distant lands, top generals are now hurting for people to sign up.
The Dept. of Defense was nowhere to be found on 911. We haven’t won a war since.
Any college or pro football coach would have been fired a dozen times over for what DOD has done with the US Armed Forces during the fake GWOT era.
If this is an emergency, please hang up and dial 911.
If this is not an emergency, please stay on the line to participate in our tortuous, routine protocols.
TRICARE
You have earned health care benefits with your career/job. You have made subscription/dues payments during the year to keep your health care turned on.
It almost seems like they hire people to make it difficult and confusing to use the benefits you have already earned and paid for.
This whole thing should be no more tricky to use than an Amazon account.
Did the press attempt to ask questions at a more appropriate time?
If I was a member of the press I would ask public policy related questions at an appropriate time. If questions were not answered, that would become the story.
My questions appear in bold type. To be fair, the issues of concern have been in place no mater what political party of personality has occupied the White House and no matter who the First Lady has been.
If I was a member of the press, I would ask, at an appropriate time:
What can we expect in terms of undeclared/unwon wars that never end?
Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady-even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang. At 2:33 Dr. Jill Biden is thanked.
“Comments are turned off.”
Military Benefits
Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.
I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.
Every few years, no matter what political party or personality is in power, there are moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.
This is the same country where both major parties invite veterans to be momentarily honored at State of the Union events when they control the White House.
Maybe go ahead and skip the VIP photo ops and cross-country visits where the press is kept at a distance.
Recommendation for budget savings:
Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Recommendation:
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Some will say that this has already been done, and that you will see if you read the fine print. I say take it out of fine print and make it read like the warnings on a pack of cigarettes.
If I was a member of the press, I would ask, at an appropriate time:
What can be done in terms of public policy/congressional action to ensure people keep the benefits they thought they were earning by doing multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Recommendation for budget savings:
Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady-even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang. At 2:33 Dr. Jill Biden is thanked.
Dr. Biden will visit Puget Sound area military installations:
Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.
I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.
Every few years, no matter what political party or personality is in power, there are moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.
The plan is to save cash by reducing the traditional DOD military benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This is the same country where both major parties invite veterans to be momentarily honored at State of the Union events when they control the White House.
Football games are also used to honor veterans:
0:12 the man is barely conscious when greeted by team owner Jerry Jones:
Everyone seems to love it. When the made for TV event is over, veteran’s benefits may be up for grabs again.
“That means that some of those facilities may stop offering pharmacy support for users not on active duty. On-base pharmacies are currently the only way for all Tricare beneficiaries, including elderly Tricare for Life enrollees, to receive no-cost, same-day medications.”
“Some military retirees and their families will also see increased out-of-pocket costs, the memo notes, since care received off-base by those users require copays.”
We can’t have poor sales numbers. We will not put the benefit back to the way it was when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We will open up eligibility and get more people to show up to shop on base.
No need to volunteer to go to far away places and maybe never come back again. If you work at the facility-you now qualify for this traditional benefit.
0 percent disability
Out there in the world, somewhere, there are people who believe military benefits are too generous. Wait until they find out that their neighbor now gets a lifetime shopping on base privilege after doing 4 years in uniform and coming away with a 0 percent disability. Wait until the average person learns what it takes to qualify for a 0 percent disability.
The idea that military benefits are too generous will catch on as time goes on.
If the general public begins to believe the benefits are too generous, it will be easier to make moves to downsize benefits earned in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service and save more DOD cash later on.
Once an incentive to stay for 20, now maybe an incentive to qualify for a 0 percent disability:
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Some will say that this has already been done, and that you will see if you read the fine print. I say take it out of fine print and make it read like the warnings on a pack of cigarettes.
Recommendation for budget savings:
Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Big Spending
Need more cash for undeclared/unwon wars that never end:
“The laundry list of setbacks includes faulty ejection seats, software delays and significant helmet-display issues. The program had an initial acquisition cost of $406.5 billion.”
Political parties and personalities are not as interesting as what stays the same no matter who is elected to office.
I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.
The commissary has introduced their own store brand, which in some cases works out fine. In other cases, is the store brand an inferior replacement for an item that has been eliminated from the inventory? Not against store brands, but some items we have been able to get at the commissary over & again are no longer stocked. Not sure if this is because of store brands and limited shelf space, or really what the reason is. The folks who run the commissary system seem to be more about taking a promotional approach and less about delivering bad news or admitting that things are different and not better as time goes on.
June 1, 2018 Stars and Stripes
DECA chief hears you: Commissary shelves will be better stocked
“Many commissary patrons echoed this complaint in reacting to our recent news column on base stores, and it’s not news to the interim director of the Defense Commissary Agency, retired Navy Rear Adm. Robert Bianchi.”
No need to volunteer to go to far away places and maybe never come back again. If you work at the facility-you now qualify for this traditional benefit.
Once an incentive to stay for 20, now maybe an incentive to qualify for a 0 percent disability:
We can’t have poor sales numbers. We will not put the benefit back to the way it was when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We will open up eligibility and get more people to show up to shop on base.
The folks who lied about progress in Afghanistan and those who promote giant flag rituals at sporting events are running the show. Look for more in the way of marketing spin. The traditional benefit isn’t coming back.
Recommendations
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Did these guys sign up for benefits?
No. They stayed for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and kept reenlisting until they had 20 years in for benefits.
They could have left the armed forces to stabilize their lives Re: children in school, home ownership, a chance at decent local jobs for a two income household, family separation, getting shot at, etc.
They stayed in based on what they thought was an honest understanding of the benefits they were earning.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
Don’t miss our companion blog-found here: Old Man Blog
No matter what political party or personality is in power, there are ongoing moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.
I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.
Recommendations
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
For budget savings:
Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Took a ferry ride and went to see my sister yesterday. At the end of our visit she pointed out the new flag she had placed at the front of her home and asked why she didn’t see one when she came to visit us on July 4th. I was able to provide her with some answers.
Bait and switch on incentives used to get people to stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces
No matter what political party or personality is in power, there are ongoing moves to modify what people thought they were earning in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service.
I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.
Undeclared/Unwon Wars That Never End
No matter what political party or personality is in power, the wars roll on.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Whatever happened to the formal congressional declaration of war?
This would be the time to hear from elected leaders and top generals on all the issues that have doomed the Department of Defense track record for winning wars since DOD was established in 1949.
We’re told that we are in a life and death struggle in the War on Terror. Bad people will come here to destroy our American way of life if we don’t send The Troops to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 2009, we need a special ID to go have lunch in Canada and then return home.
Seems like strict post-911 security protocols, the War on Terror, and a $40.6 billion US Dept. of Homeland Security would be a drug cartel’s worst nightmare.
No matter what political party or personality is in power there is no shortage of cartel-sourced meth or heroin anywhere in the US.
I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.
Defense Commissary Agency – trying to explain themselves:
Where did my coffee go?
A large number of comments have been posted in response on the Defense Commissary Agency Facebook page. Real people who aren’t paid by the federal government to post articles and comments aren’t having it.
Many comments about Cooper cheese and why it’s gone. The article posted by DeCA says items are removed if they are slow to sell?
I’ve never been one to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.
Over the past few months, things have gone downhill.
DeCA can’t keep the shelves stocked. A year ago- things were good. Not anymore.
DFAS can’t mail out IRS Form 1095. No problem with this a year ago.
Extended time on hold with DFAS to request 1095 form results in being transferred to TRICARE. Message during TRICARE holding time tells us to contact DFAS. After another extended time on hold, TRICARE says they are unable to send out the form because of some sort of problem with their system. No attempt is made to update web sites so people will know what to expect or to reduce phone calls.
Each one of these agencies maintains a Facebook page. It’s easy to post comments there, and people are letting them know how things are going.
Recommendation for budget savings:
Phase out ongoing undeclared/unwon wars overseas.
The Department of Defense track record for winning undeclared wars goes back to 1949.
Don’t miss our companion blog- found here: Old Man Blog
Thank you for contacting me regarding TRICARE. I appreciate having the benefit of your views on this matter.
The views of Washingtonians are very important to my work. I will keep your thoughts in mind, and I encourage you to stay in touch. If you would like to know more about my work in the Senate, please feel free to sign up for my weekly updates at http://murray.senate.gov/updates. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.
Sincerely,
Patty Murray
United States Senator
Dec 22nd, 2017
Dear Mr. Potential Voter,
Thank you for contacting me regarding TRICARE fees. I appreciate having your input on this important issue.
I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind as I continue to work here in the Senate during the 115th Congress. It is important to me that the many voices of Washington State are being heard, and I encourage you to stay in touch.
Thank you again for contacting me to share your thoughts on this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of further assistance.
Normally I would pay annual fees in Sept. This year- I was only able to pay for the last 3 months of the year while they transitioned to the new provider.
Billing statement recently arrived in the mail. Would love to mail in a check and have all this taken care of. Same way I prefer to pay many other bills.
TRICARE billing statement says- “Checks are not accepted…”
Called Pay by phone 1-844-866-9378 to pay with credit card.
Sorry- system is down & we cannot accept payments.
“There will be a grace period after the first of the year for payments.”
You mean the system might be down for weeks to come?
Yes.
Today-
Called TRICARE again to attempt annual payment using credit card.
After the representative took all credit card info I was told that I must agree to an additional $20.00 fee if phone lines are busy when they attempt to credit my account.
Senator- it is 2017.
We all do business on the phone and on the web.
When we make travel reservations or order on Amazon- we do not pay an extra $20 fee if the order is botched.
Seems like we’ve had enough undeclared/unwon wars now to get this right.
Thank you,
Potential Voter
Update- 2nd call on Friday:
First call today somehow got cut off when I questioned the $20.00 fee.
Talked to a different customer service rep who explained the $20.00 fee in a different way. She said a $20.00 fee would be charged in the case of insufficient funds- a term not normally associated with credit card transactions.
She was very courteous on the phone and explained that no credit card confirmation number could be provided today. The transaction will not actually be run for another 1 to 5 business days.
Still think it would save time for all to have the option of mailing in a check. My auto insurance company is good about this. I can mail a check anytime or drop by their office to pay. They will stop whatever they are doing to process my payment/answer questions, etc. No complaints. Life in 2017- almost 2018.
Don’t say things that I disagree with. If you didn’t do time in uniform you have no right to speak out. If you did time in uniform- you should see society as a group of first & second-class citizens. Those who never wore a uniform are second class citizens and their commentary should be supervised by those who once wore a uniform.
They stayed for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and kept reenlisting until they had 20 years in for TRICARE.
They could have left the armed forces to stabilize their lives Re: children in school, home ownership, a chance at decent local jobs for a two income household, family separation, getting shot at, etc.
They stayed in based on what they thought was an honest understanding of the benefits they were earning.
I saw a pro-war meme on facebook yesterday. It shows the inside of a US military aircraft fully loaded with troops- headed out to kick some ass. Other similar posts that go around show one of several precision airstrike videos. We see the target- then, a few seconds later the building/facilities, vehicles, people on the ground are wiped out by a direct hit. This theme goes all the way back to the ’91 Gulf War- Desert Storm.
2015-
A whole lot of kicking ass going on- yet the US seems to struggle to get the upper hand- against opponents who have no modern navy, air force, etc.
Remember when the take down of Saddam Hussein & Osama bin Laden was big news in the War on Terror?
Hey school teachers- if the wars aren’t won- how can they protect our freedom?
Young people of America- considering a career in the US Armed Forces? When you’re done sitting through years of Veterans Day assemblies– hosted by the teachers mentioned above- learn about using your whoop ass military benefits by reading comments from The Troops here.
Young people- please consider avoiding a career in the US Armed Forces.
Why?
Ongoing, undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands while heroin traffickers cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Constant proposals to play bait & switch with the traditional DOD military benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
How about just letting people keep the same benefits they had when they did their first of multiple tours in Iraq or Afghanistan?
Recommendation-
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.
Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady- even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang:
Recommendations for saving:
Phase out decades of ongoing, undeclared/unwon wars overseas. Phase out the Drug War, allow U.S. farmers to answer the global demand for Industrial Hemp.
Young people- please consider avoiding a career in the US Armed Forces.
Why?
Ongoing, undeclared/unwon wars in distant lands while heroin traffickers cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Constant proposals to play bait & switch with the traditional DOD military benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
How about just letting people keep the same benefits they had when they did their first of multiple tours in Iraq or Afghanistan?
Recommendation-
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.
Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady- even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang:
Recommendations for saving:
Phase out decades of ongoing, undeclared/unwon wars overseas. Phase out the Drug War, allow U.S. farmers to answer the global demand for Industrial Hemp.
Losing focus & failing to render honors as the undeclared War on Terror drags on.
Maybe these sorts of images will make it easier in a political sense to cut back on the traditional DOD military benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.
Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady- even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang:
Recommendations for saving:
Phase out decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas. Phase out the Drug War, allow U.S. farmers to answer the global demand for Industrial Hemp.
These are the traditional DOD military benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Welcome Home Troops
Thanks for your service
Recommendation-
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.
Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady- even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang:
Recommendations for saving:
Phase out decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas. Phase out the Drug War, allow U.S. farmers to answer the global demand for Industrial Hemp.
These are the traditional DOD military healthcare benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In every discussion forum I take a look at- someone makes the point that the TRICARE program is much more generous than any civilian plan.
Most Americans never do a day in the Armed Forces, fewer still are interested in doing 20 years.
The country does not support a draft, but is OK with decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas. The wear & tear required during 20 years in the crotch is not similar to most civilian jobs.
& see where savings are available to pay fees for healthcare earned by people who volunteered to go to far away places and maybe never come back again.
Many Americans may associate free medical care with people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.
Recommendation-
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.
Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady- even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang:
My concerns are not specific to any political party or personality.
Here’s the Republican position Re: making good on healthcare benefits for The Troops:
There was a time when Moms & Dads, friends, relatives, folks at church and school and people with years of military experience encouraged a younger generation to take a favorable look at making a career of the US Armed Forces.
Even if there was another draft- people would be drafted for an enlistment- not a career.
Good luck with your all-volunteer military.
Recommendations for saving:
Phase out decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas. Phase out the Drug War, allow U.S. farmers to answer the global demand for Industrial Hemp.
If you have any thought of doing 20 years in the US Armed Forces in order to make use of the traditional DOD military healthcare benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan- please read comments following this post.
Just spent the past 30 mins. trying to pay TRICARE annual dues on the web.
Keep getting directed to a new page that asks me to upgrade my account- then tells me I already have an account- then asks me what page I want to go to.
Extremely frustrating.
If the TRICARE payment option was as easy as ordering retail products/booking travel reservations, etc. on the web- you would never hear me complain.
Just trying to send money- that is all.
I liked the old system- write a check once a year and mail in time to arrive prior to the end of Sept.- never had a problem.
& see where savings are available to pay fees for healthcare earned by people who volunteered to go to far away places and maybe never come back again.
“The total amount of funds unaccounted for has now reached a staggering $7 billion, officials say — and they warn that the Iraqi government is likely to demand at least some of that money back.”
Elected officials preside over waste & decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas- then tell us there is no more money for the traditional DOD military healthcare benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
No union rep. No grandfather clause.
Many Americans may associate free medical care with people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.
Recommendation-
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.
Instant, non-experimental jobs program/revenue generator requiring zero tax dollars-
Allow U.S. farmers to answer the global demand for Industrial Hemp.
It is unfortunate that the American people seem to want to support the troops, but lack a basic understanding of public policy related to the troops.
To be fair- public policy in this area can be confusing- even to people who did time in uniform.
This confusing article seems to indicate that people in highly respected and specialized units, or people involved in high-profile operations would be eligible for a different benefit package than the average people who were in average units over the years. Investigative reporters may not have had a clear understanding of public policy in this case.
This very popular marketing device for a US auto manufacturer is not connected in any way to public policy:
Take a look at comments below the video and you will see that people truly feel connected to supporting the troops by watching a made for TV car commercial.
The First Lady has made an effort to support military families. Unfortunately- these efforts appear to be completely unrelated to public policy.
Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady- even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang:
No definite benefit package is offered for people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.
Honest management of public information could improve the situation.
Many Americans may associate free medical care with people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.
Recommendation-
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.
“State ferries officials say they had no choice but to fairly enforce security policies that were stepped up in the aftermath of terrorist attacks on the East Coast on Sept. 11, 2001.”
Security policies?
The Washington State Patrol uses dogs to check vehicles at some ferry terminals on some days. Walk-on passengers are not checked at any terminal- at any time.
A free and independent press plays no role here in questioning public policy- simply passing down dictates from above.
So, if this guy is arrested it might be done in secret if the one page report is already full, the arrest is not selected by the agency for public release or is an apprehension that results in an ongoing investigation?
Suspicionless checkpoints on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula- away from border crossings and ports of entry-
We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists.
The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50
At that same forum a lady asked:
“What is the penalty for not identifying oneself to federal agents at an internal, suspicionless checkpoint?”
US Border Patrol said they would call in the Sheriff when a person refused to identify themselves.
Sheriff says they will not respond to a non-emergency situation involving a person peaceably refusing to interact with federal agents.
Question about providing ID is at 0:35
Checkpoints ended here in 2008- possibly due to well-informed citizens and local protests. Looks like they weren’t vital to national security after all.
& see where savings are available to pay fees for healthcare earned by people who volunteered to go to far away places and maybe never come back again.
“The total amount of funds unaccounted for has now reached a staggering $7 billion, officials say — and they warn that the Iraqi government is likely to demand at least some of that money back.”
Elected officials preside over waste & decades of ongoing, undeclared wars overseas- then tell us there is no more money for the traditional DOD military healthcare benefits that were used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Senator McCain speaks about military healthcare benefits-
There was a time when Moms & Dads, friends, relatives, folks at church and school- and people with years of military experience- encouraged a younger generation to take a favorable look at making a career of the US Armed Forces.
Even if there was another draft- people would be drafted for an enlistment- not a career.
& see where savings are available to pay fees for healthcare earned by people who volunteered to go to far away places and maybe never come back again.
“The total amount of funds unaccounted for has now reached a staggering $7 billion, officials say — and they warn that the Iraqi government is likely to demand at least some of that money back.”
They stayed for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and kept reenlisting until they had 20 years in for TRICARE.
They could have left the armed forces to stabilize their lives Re: children in school, home ownership, a chance at decent local jobs for a two income household, family separation, getting shot at, etc.
They stayed in based on what they thought was an honest understanding of the benefits they were earning.
Traditional DOD military healthcare benefits used to entice people to stay for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan should be written in stone.
Many Americans may associate free medical care with people who stay for 20 years in the US Armed Forces.
Recommendation-
Insert language into recruiting literature and enlistment documents stating that rules concerning benefits may change at any time & that no definite benefit package will be provided in exchange for 20 years of unrestricted worldwide service. No grandfather clause will apply. Have unit leaders refer to this disclaimer when promoting retention drives, giving re-enlistment speeches, etc.
Stop spending federal money on meaningless support the troops promotions, campaigns and VIP photo ops that are not connected in any way with public policy.
Here is a hand selected lady who was surprised (1:12) to get a phone call of support from The First Lady- even though cameras were rolling in her home when the phone rang:
My concerns are not specific to any political party or personality.
Here’s the Republican position Re: making good on healthcare benefits for The Troops:
There was a time when Moms & Dads, friends, relatives, folks at church and school and people with years of military experience encouraged a younger generation to take a favorable look at making a career of the US Armed Forces.
Even if there was another draft- people would be drafted for an enlistment- not a career.
Good luck with your all-volunteer military.
Photo- A symbol of freedom & federal government credibility
Talks about legalizing marijuana while including restrictions that leave prohibition and the drug war in place for adults age 18-20, those who want to grow a plant at home, possess more than an ounce, or possess marijuana from non-state sanctioned outlets.
Talks about placing high taxes on legal marijuana.
Dealers, traffickers and cartels are good with this idea.
Think terrorists are smart enough to pose as drug traffickers- then cross into the US free of screening, scanning, pat downs, special IDs, inspection of personal items, etc.
Domestic heroin busts are reported as some sort of law & order success-
Each one is evidence that- 11 years after 911– the US Dept. of Homeland Security is unable to prevent criminal traffic from entering the US.
Conspiracy Theory-
More information is better- this is how science and medicine works. Over the years some people have been freed from prison based on new DNA evidence becoming available.
Are the people who took steps to discover that new evidence conspiracy theorists?
Apply this same curiosity and desire for knowledge to some controversial topics and you’ll be labeled a conspiracy theorist.
Military suicide rates are up. Value of benefits is down-
I have an acquaintance who has had a positive, long term relationship with a mental healthcare professional.
That healthcare professional will not contract with TRICARE after United HealthCare takes over.
It sounds like the tortuous paperwork processing requirements are not worth the low reimbursement rates provided to the mental healthcare professional.
People who have the ability to help others find internal peace realize the strain will be unbearable when the next lowest bidder moves into place.
Welcome Home Troops
What is likely to happen in the case I am familiar with is a continued patient/client relationship based on negotiating a fee- same as people did 100 years ago. This way- none of the patient’s money & none of the healthcare professional’s money will be chopped out by a middleman agency staffed with people who enforce mind-numbing paperwork mandates.
Here is $6-8 billion that could have paid for healthcare fees for people who volunteered to go to far away places and maybe never come back again & those who stayed for multiple tours in Iraq.
Here is another $60 billion that could have gone to pay healthcare fees for those who made a 20 year commitment to whatever wear and tear came their way.
Photo- pre-tsunami debris scene on the Washington Coast
& see where savings are available to pay for healthcare fees earned by people who volunteered to go to far away places and maybe never come back again.
Politicians figured out that ending the draft & pretending to honor The Troops for a few moments at major sporting events would make it all good.
This is the same DOD that says they are running out of money to pay for the healthcare benefits that were used to entice people to reenlist for ongoing, undeclared wars in distant lands.
Why are multiple National Guard deployments to distant lands- absent any military emergency, draft or declaration of war- required if the active force has all the bodies they need?
Cutting back on benefits used to entice people to reenlist during long wars…
How about letting people keep the plan that was in place when they signed up?
How about letting people keep the plan that was in place when they completed 20 years?
No definite benefit plan for people who volunteer to go to far away places and maybe never come back again-
No recommendation from these career federal employees to save money by keeping the National Guard and all the rest out of undeclared wars in the first place.
Madam First Lady- what is your position on raising healthcare fees for 20 year veterans?
At graduation time-
If you have school-age sons and daughters- tell them to stay away from the US Armed Forces.
30 years ago- healthcare benefits were nowhere near the issue they are today & most Americans had little interest in doing time in uniform.
The country supports ongoing, undeclared wars in distant lands, but not a draft. National Guard troops face multiple deployments overseas- long after any emergency phase of operations. People who operated without the benefit of labor unions paid their dues to earn benefits & now the rules are changing.
…”What medical plan in the nation has not had a single increase in the premium or co-pays in the last dozen years?”
What other plan has been earned by people who volunteer to go to far away places and maybe never come back again?
Notice Secretary Gates does not demand that congress properly fund the “All Volunteer” military that continues to fight 2 wars overseas- his solution is to have the guys that already did their time pay out of pocket to save the government some money here.
Semper Fi Secretary Gates!
Thanks for supporting “The Troops”
Jim Webb took a stand back in the 80’s and resigned as Secretary of the Navy because he refused to agree to reduce the size of the Navy.
We don’t see much of that any more. High level government officials get paid the same wether they take a stand or not. Maybe they are nominated because it is likely they will just go along with whatever comes their way.
There is federal money to move around to provide for bailouts, clean up after white collar crime, remind everyone to line up to get a converter box to keep old TVs running, etc.
Maintaining a definite healthcare package for those who signed on to go to far away places and maybe never come back again may not be such a priority.
Military Healthcare Benefits-
Some would say “Free” healthcare.
Not free- (there is already an enrollment fee- in order to make appointments- plus co-pays and prescription fees)- but earned as part of a deferred compensation/incentive package offered to qualified individuals who were willing to serve or continue to serve in the US Armed Forces.
Offered partly because of the supply and demand problem that has existed for decades- most Americans have no interest in taking on the wear and tear that comes with serving in the Armed Forces, fewer still are interested in investing a spare 20 years in making a career of the military.
We hear many good things about the generation who fought WWII. People lied about their age to serve. There was a draft. Women went in, along with movie stars, entertainers and sports celebrities- the whole country understood and was involved in the war effort. School kids participated. Most people probably had a family member who served or at least knew people who did.
“Support the Troops” is a common slogan and big political parties push and shove to stake out their own reputation for “Supporting the Troops”.
It’s all good for the average American as long as slapping a Communist Chinese Yellow Ribbon magnet on the car means the dues are paid up.
Our “Something for Nothing” culture does not pause to consider a minority of citizens who have gone the extra mile to take risks and- in return- earn benefits.
The military package never was meant to be comparable with civilian benefits.
Name another job that you can not quit that requires random, unannounced drug testing.
The demands of the job are not comparable- but- all freely accepted with the understanding that some will be sent to far away places and never come back again- and- that it all counts towards earning a definite benefit package- and not the easy way.
People made decisions and sacrifices in order to serve or continue to serve based on an understanding of the benefits they were fighting for.
Message to parents, young adults, recruiters, educators, veteran’s groups, church groups, flag lapel pin wearers, politicians, football teams with flag stickers on helmets, 911 marketers, and “support the troops” promoters- Teach your children- “bait and switch” tactics are in effect. Know this before considering serving in the Armed Forces.
Not here to say that military benefits are inadequate. Just stick with whatever was offered when people signed up to stay on for multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and we’re good.
