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2010-08-06 Home Front: Politix

Oh US Military? About your pay and benefits....

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Posted by Mike Kozlowski 2010-08-06 12:04|| || Front Page|| [5 views ] Top

#1 Cote and other members, including the commission's co-chair Alan Simpson, are focusing instead on "freezing military pay, making military people pay for their health care."

Posted by No I am The Other Beldar 2010-08-06 12:54|| 2010-08-06 12:54|| Front Page Top

#2 There actually does need for some sense to be put back into military support mechanisms, for the simple reason that they are unsustainable at current levels.

The greater context for this is likely that, with an economic collapse, Defense is going to be slashed by at least 50%, and for years there won't be any major system upgrades, and in many cases, replacements. So the military will have to make do with its current and reserve equipment, of which it has a lot, or has already procured.

This leaves military pay, which is going to take a huge hit. Programs like the G.I. Bill and home loans are out the window. There will probably be significant co-pays for Stateside family members medical, if they get any at all. And they will be Stateside, because there will be no family travel outside the US.

Overseas postings will probably be limited to four or five critical areas, and everybody else is pulled home unless there is a hot war. This means leaving about 90 countries where they are currently posted.

I wouldn't even be surprised if most of the VA hospitals are closed, their patients outsourced to HMOs, if it costs less.

Posted by Anonymoose 2010-08-06 18:49|| 2010-08-06 18:49|| Front Page Top

#3 Thank you for that most encouraging analysis Anonymoose.

Posted by Besoeker 2010-08-06 19:20|| 2010-08-06 19:20|| Front Page Top

#4 When I enlisted in the USMC in 1968, the promise was free healthcare for life if I did a career. Well, I did, with some truncation, but a full 20+ in the USMC and Army, the Active Duty Guard, title 10.

Now my wife and I get Medicare Part A and Part B for which we pay like everybody else, and whatever is left is Tricare for life after deductibles.
Gee, does that sound like they keep their promises?

Posted by NoMoreBS 2010-08-06 19:53|| 2010-08-06 19:53|| Front Page Top

#5 If this happens, and I agree with Moose, I hope it happens right after the Congressional retirements are gutted.

Posted by Nimble Spemble 2010-08-06 20:10|| 2010-08-06 20:10|| Front Page Top

#6 This is part of the upcoming larger battle: Battle Looms Over Huge Costs of Public Pensions
It's been easy up to now to promise future payments based on future revenues. The future is biting us on the a** now.

Posted by Anguper Hupomosing9418 2010-08-06 21:02|| 2010-08-06 21:02|| Front Page Top

#7 But.... but... Illegal aliens will still get free healthcare and education right? Right?

And inconvenient pregnancies can still get -er- taken care of on the taxpayer's dime right?

Right?

Posted by CrazyFool 2010-08-06 23:03|| 2010-08-06 23:03|| Front Page Top

#8 Not to mention ~~political payback~~ billions in financial aid for state teachers unions to cover state shortfalls.

Posted by Procopius2k 2010-08-06 23:26|| 2010-08-06 23:26|| Front Page Top

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