Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Troops long out-of-uniform sent to Iraq
AP ^ | 19 Aug 06 | REBECCA SANTANA, AP Writer

Posted on 08/19/2006 2:54:04 PM PDT by leadpenny

click here to read article


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061 next last
To: calex59
Yes, and a lot of those WWII guys got called back in during the Korean war too.

My former neighbor, now deceased, was one. He caught the tail end of WWII, and a leg wound, in the Navy. When they called him for Korea he told them he'd done his time and they educated him otherwise.

His leg wound was a permanent disability that sometimes had him limping and sometimes not. The VA made him come in each year to prove his disability. He said to me, "What was I supposed to do if I wasn't limping for the physical? Fake it?" He stopped going for the physicals and forfeited the benefit. Probably a lot of guys did the same.

41 posted on 08/19/2006 4:00:05 PM PDT by decimon
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: imahawk
"The guys in WW2 deployed overseas and never saw home until the war was over."

Some are still there.

42 posted on 08/19/2006 4:08:33 PM PDT by FreedomCalls (It's the "Statue of Liberty," not the "Statue of Security.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: FreedomCalls

That puts my little deployment in proper perspective.

I would not relish another deployment or recall from retirement, but that doesn't enter in to it.

It is up to the service chiefs and the executive branch to consider the benifits and costs of deploying IRR and retired service members. My job would be to shut up and go if called.


43 posted on 08/19/2006 4:15:18 PM PDT by M1911A1
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies]

To: Normal4me

"Like we could get a lib to defend this country today by forcing him?"

News Flash: There are libs in the military. There just isn't any politics in a foxhole

As far as the draft goes, Vietnam gave it a bad name. Prior to that, even with the corruption of local draft boards, it worked pretty well since before WWII. Quite frankly, Elvis was not atypical of the draftee during the inter-war years. He gave them two years, did his job, and went home.

I agree with those who say a draft is not going to happen now, especially in the current political climate. But, had W asked for authority to draft in Sep 01, he'd have had a bill on his desk to sign before the end of the month.


44 posted on 08/19/2006 4:20:55 PM PDT by leadpenny
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies]

To: Lokibob
"If you retire from the military (20 years+), you are subject to recall until age 60 "

I have six more years till 60 and retired four years ago. I read this article with interest obviously. My only concern is leaving a new business that just cost me a bundle. Other than that I would leave tomorrow without any regret.

45 posted on 08/19/2006 4:26:29 PM PDT by strongbow
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: GrandEagle
It is a 6 year hitch when you sign up. Everyone knows it, it is not hidden.

It's 8 now.At least it was in the early 80's when I went in.

46 posted on 08/19/2006 4:29:38 PM PDT by Uncle Meat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: CharlesWayneCT
I bet they cashed their reserve checks......

Inactive reserves don't get paid. Your military contract has 3 components: active duty, active reserve, and inactive reserve. You get paid for active duty, paid for drills when in the active reserve, and paid nothing when in the inactive reserves.

47 posted on 08/19/2006 4:37:52 PM PDT by JoeGar
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: leadpenny

Good points and thank you for your service. How many service members do you think are signing up just for the perks nowadays? I have read and talked to many who signed up just for the "free" college or the "bonuses".

One couple I know has a 22 year old son serving in Iraq. They were livid that he re-enlisted without talking to them first. Turns out he took his re-enlistment bonus and bought a brand new 4x4 truck and had it customised. The truck is in Florida and he won't see it for a year atleast.


48 posted on 08/19/2006 4:52:59 PM PDT by Normal4me
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies]

To: CharlesWayneCT

IRR status is a non-pay, non-training assignment. Thus, there'd be no checks to cash.


49 posted on 08/19/2006 5:01:41 PM PDT by middie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: Lokibob

Every commissioned officer at retirement is assigned to the 'Retired Reserve' not discharged. Thus, even at at advanced ages officers with special skills, such as being able to fog a mirror, are subject to be recalled to active duty. Example, a psychologist from Melbourne, Fla., age 69, was recalled and, as far as I'm aware is in Iraq still. The Bush/Rumsfeld military is a classic FUBAR and it's only gonna get worse. The leadership at DOD is non-existent and the current policy stupid beyond all description.


50 posted on 08/19/2006 5:12:23 PM PDT by middie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: Lokibob

Or you can volunteer as a Department of the Army Civilian to go to Afghanistan for a few weeks to work as a historian. Getting to draw civilian pay, retired pay and a chance to get shot at (well not to good of a chance of that in Kabul).


51 posted on 08/19/2006 5:30:42 PM PDT by GreyFriar ( (3rd Armored Division - Spearhead))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: leadpenny
This is not news, especially to anyone who ever enlisted in this nation's uniformed military service.

I guess it's news to the media that some people honor their oaths and contracts, I'm sure it's a foreign concept to most liberals.

52 posted on 08/19/2006 5:42:16 PM PDT by Feckless (En Temps)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: calex59

My father was a Marine during WW2 and was seriously wounded.When the Korean war started,he was called back up.He only made it through half the war,as his old injurys caught up with him.He has never recieved a purple heart,and many other medals he was entitled to.To this day,he will never talk about anything war related.He has no interest in getting any medals due him or any recognition whatsoever.I have seen his discharge papers,and am very proud of him.He was a great soldier.


53 posted on 08/19/2006 5:44:19 PM PDT by xarmydog
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: leadpenny
Although troops are allowed to leave active duty after a few years of service, they generally still have time left on their contract with the military that is known as "inactive ready reserve" status, or IRR.

IRR is "Individual Ready Reserve." Of course, the subtle change to "inactive" makes the story so much better...

54 posted on 08/19/2006 5:51:30 PM PDT by TankerKC (Step Back! Doors Closing.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: CharlesWayneCT

IRR is non pay


55 posted on 08/19/2006 6:31:59 PM PDT by Ace's Dad ("There are more important things: Friendship, Bravery...")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: middie

Ooops. The 69 year old retired 0-6 recalled is a dentist not a psychologist. Just got so advised by a colleague at the MOAA chapter.


56 posted on 08/19/2006 6:51:48 PM PDT by middie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 50 | View Replies]

To: Uncle Meat; 5Madman2
RE: 8 Years. I stand corrected - I've been out a while!
Thanks for the info. GE
57 posted on 08/20/2006 6:45:37 AM PDT by GrandEagle
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies]

To: FreedomCalls

Right you are.


58 posted on 08/25/2006 7:58:37 PM PDT by HANG THE EXPENSE (Defeat liberalism, its the right thing to do for America.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies]

To: leadpenny

Cost effective and they know the score.


59 posted on 08/25/2006 8:05:54 PM PDT by HANG THE EXPENSE (Defeat liberalism, its the right thing to do for America.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 32 | View Replies]

To: Clara Lou

If you want to see a great movie on said subject look for The Bridges At Toko-Ri. starring William holden,Mickey roony. Very sad but great Flick


60 posted on 08/25/2006 8:12:10 PM PDT by HANG THE EXPENSE (Defeat liberalism, its the right thing to do for America.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson