Top enlisted Marine pens open letter after testimony angers troops

Stars & Stripes ^ | April 14, 2014 | Stars & Stripes Staff

[driftdiver]

Just because you are a retired marine doesn’t make everything you say gospel.

I know thats a shock for you.

[Hulka]

“I’ve found many officers have been duly trained to think the junior enlisted ranks are worthless. I saw it all the time with pilots.”

Hey, driftdiver, don't make me side with a Marine. . .(22-yrs Air Force, former A-10 and F-15E fighter pilot).

You are both correct;
a) If I want to spend all my bucks on whatever and am able to serve and meet my duty, family/financial obligations, no ones business.
b) If I demonstrate fiscal irresponsibility and fail in my duty/family responsibilities that does become the concern of the service, no matter what service you are in—you are now a security risk if you act irresponsibly.

The question is at what point do you, as a commander, get involved and how deeply.

[Hulka]

Senior ranks have on base housing to match that number of essential personnel. Senior ranks are usually required to live on base. They live in homes that are dedicated to their position. They do not “take” homes from enlisted.

By the time you are senior in rank and have huge responsibilities, the last thing you want is to ‘snap’ up a base house. . .especially one that is for enlisted (of any rank).

You want to go HOME, get away from the base, not live on it. . .but you have no choice.

[Old Teufel Hunden]

"If I demonstrate fiscal irresponsibility and fail in my duty/family responsibilities that does become the concern of the service, no matter what service you are in—you are now a security risk if you act irresponsibly."

This was the point I was trying to get across to him. His original statement was that it was not the Marine Corps business how the Marine spends his money. My answer is it most certainly is and I know from experience having to deal with these matters. The Marine Corps (as I'm sure it is in the Air Force) is unique unlike a civilian job, if an irate wife calls the company commander saying you are not supporting your kids, they are getting involved and are going to force you to support your kids. So his original and second statement were wrong. He just is too proud to admit it.

[driftdiver]

See there ya go and make it personal again.

Its not about pride. The military doesn’t give a rats ass what you spend money on as long as its legal.

They do care if you overspend or fail to meet financial or family obligations.

Different issues. Perhaps if I put it in a comic book?

[Old Teufel Hunden]

"Just because you are a retired marine doesn’t make everything you say gospel."

While I merely responded to exactly what you said you seem to want to put words in my mouth. I never stated that everything I said was gospel. If I did indeed say and know everything I'd be in a whole different place than I am today. However, in this particular instance I do know what I'm talking about and I am correct. You just don't want to admit it. That's okay, I've been too proud to admit I'm wrong many times and no that is not sarcasm, it's the truth. Thanks for talking to ya'...

[Old Teufel Hunden]

"The military doesn’t give a rats ass what you spend money on as long as its legal.

They do care if you overspend or fail to meet financial or family obligations."

"Perhaps if I put it in a comic book?"

Perhaps if I put it in a comic book you might understand as well. I just think you don't want to understand, but I'll state it again. The first two statements are incongruous. If you fail to meet financial or family obligations, those are moral issues. No one goes to jail because they fail to pay a bill. Your civilian employer could care less if you're not paying your fair share of child support. The Marine Corps (and probably the other services as well) get involved when a Marine fails to meet legal and/or moral obligations with his money.

[elteemike]

In Obambi’s DOD you either get your mind right and push the regime’s socialist agendas or you don’t get to be a senior military leader...

Those who balk get retired, passed over or smeared...

The Purge is a time tested tactic of the Progressives...

[Jet Jaguar]

Active Duty ping.

[CodeToad]

He is a monkey in uniform. He dances when his master tell him to.

[Gamecock]

Translation: Funding for weapon systems that he will sell to the military in his postretirement career.

[rabidralph]

You just need to fire enough of them to find the current crap pile.

[ConorMacNessa]

I hear stories of soldiers returning with serious injuries - amputations, for example, who are not being medically retired, as in my day, but discharged. What, exactly, are they supposed to do?

Absolutely disgusting!

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[GATOR NAVY]

Per the latest pay chart:

For the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the AF, Sergeant Major of the Army or Marine Corps or Senior Enlisted Advisor of the JCS, basic pay is $7,816.20.

Officers don't pass that until O-5 over 16 years.

[SZonian]

Those “Top enlisted” positions in the services are political in nature. In the AF, after E7 MSgt, an individual’s promotions are subjective and political in nature...ass kissing and political correctness are the order of the day if you wish to go beyond E7 MSgt.

Those E9’s don’t get there because they tell the cold hard truth, they get there because they’re POLITICAL animals.

They are not Chiefs, they are E9’s and just about anyone who’s ever served will know to what I refer.

[Hulka]

“I hear stories of soldiers returning with serious injuries - amputations, for example, who are not being medically retired, “

Have not heard that. Got a link?

Retirement regulations are regulations, and if medically discharged, you can draw VA pay and benefits (tax free) commensurate with your rank, years of service and injuries.

[Old Teufel Hunden]

I do not know of the issue in which you speak, but I know that a similar issue exists for the first Fort Hood shooters. I have read it in a reputable source (The American Legion magazine) that the Obama administration has classified it as workplace violence and not as combat. In my opinion for political reasons. This means that they did not receive a purple heart and many benefits that are accrued to people who get combat related military injuries. They are treated the same as if they were in a humvee crash during training in CONUS. Yes, they will get medical disability but I know there are other benefits they will not get since they are not classified as being wounded in combat.

I could care less that it was in Texas. They were shot by an enemy combatant. He declared it himself by saying the magic words, Allah Akbar.

[ConorMacNessa]

The short answer to your question is no, I do not have a link. On the radio on my drive to work most days I hear a spot for Wonded Warriors where the narrator states that he was wounded by an IED in Afghan and that his arm was ripped off at the shoulder. He then states he was "discharged", not "retired." I have seen numerous other stories over the last few years dealing with the plight of combat vets, often with head injuries, who were discharged but not retired.

I recognize that they can get VA benefits - back in the Dark Ages when I served, a soldier wounded in combat who was not able to return to duty was not discharged, but was medically retired.

My Senior Partner (law firm) was a Sergeant with the Screamin' Eagles in 'Nam who took a .50 cal in the arm. He was medically retired, not discharged.

I will search for backup as time permits - this is an issue that sticks in my craw, and our wounded Brothers and Sisters deserve far better treatment than they are now receiving.

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[Jet Jaguar]

Thanks!