Posted on 02/15/2013 7:39:35 AM PST by KeyLargo
SEAL who killed Bin Laden reportedly knew he’d lose benefits
Published February 15, 2013
| FoxNews.com
The former Navy SEAL who says he shot Usama bin Laden reportedly knew he was leaving the service well short of a retirement and without benefits, according to the commander of Naval Special Warfare.
The “man who killed" bin Laden — featured in the March issue of Esquire — made headlines earlier this week when the former SEAL asserted was “screwed” and abandoned by the military after losing his military health insurance benefits upon leaving the service in September.
But Rear Adm. Sean Pybus told Navy Times the SEAL knew what he was giving up in leaving the service with 16 years of service, shy of the 20-year retirement mark.
“Concerning recent writing and reporting on ‘The Shooter’ and his alleged situation, this former SEAL made a deliberate and informed decision to leave the NAVY several years short of Retirement status,” Pybus said. “Months ahead of his separation, he was counseled on status and benefits, and provided with options to continue his career until Retirement eligible. Claims to the contrary in these matters are false.”
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
I’m a Vietnam vet, dad was a WWII and Korean War vet, most of my relatives who of my generation or older have served. So, I’m pro military. I’ve been reading Chris Kyle’s Book, American Sniper. And, one thing becomes obvious about Seals and the other Special Op’s units is that they are their own worst enemy. These guys (and I say this in admiration) are so patriotic and mission commited, loyal to their brotherhood that they will go to almost any length to stay on their team. Per Chris’s writings, if these guys get an injury that could jeopardize their ability to remain on their team and perform their mission they will go to a civilian doctor so to conceal their injury or ailment from their military doctors who might rate them unfit for future missions. Such a rating would mean being assigned to a “desk jockey” job or if they refuse such a demeaning assignment, then retirement or disability discharge probably would be their only option. These are proud and tough guys and need to be protected from themselves. I think as with military pilots, they should be required to take a thorough annual physical. And, being that combat and the rigorous missions these guys
go on is a young man’s game, I think about mid 30’s or so they should start transitioning into less physically demanding assignments. It’s for their own good and would be difficult to accept I’m sure. Much like professional athletes, it’s rare that they can accept when it’s time to step down.
I can think of a couple of good reasons why a person would retire before being eligible for benefits.
He might want to speak out on what he sees as problems in the military. Except for things which are considered secret etc., he is now free to speak out.
He probably figured he could sell his story for enough to make up for whatever he lost while also telling what he wants to get out to the American public.
I don't know about that...there's a story whose flames are being fanned here, possibly by Esquire magazine. They should be held to task.
I served six years, from the mid-to late 80's, and recall no such promise. Upon honorable discharge, I recall being "eligible" for certain benefits, such as a VA loan, but I recall no such litany of benefits such as health insurance or healthcare.
Because the asshats (most of them anyway) in congress are speeciaall! Just ask them. Would have loved to only had to work 4 or 6 years at my job to get full benefits no matter when I bailed after that time frame. I knew when I went in the USN in ‘67 that if I didn’t stay 20 minimum there would be no benefits other than possible VA stuff. Kind of common knowledge I thought.
I read it as he left after 16 years of service, four years short of retirement benefits eligibility.
Exactly!!
I read it as he left after 16 years of service, four years short of retirement benefits eligibility
I read it wrong. I met a SEAL that had 9 Purple hearts so I expect that he has claims against VA.
I read it as he left after 16 years of service, four years short of retirement benefits eligibility
I read it wrong. I met a SEAL that had 9 Purple hearts so I expect that he has claims against VA.
The Seals have been fighting more or less non-stop for the last 12 years..ever since 911. Deployment upon deployment. A lot get out early because they simply can’t do more or they have growing families and their family can’t take it anymore. This crew of special warriors deserves some other kind of treatment.
We do know some of these people and some that are close to the same level of commitment and combat. We have asked too much..this is twice the length of WWII. Sure they have time at home, but even those are broken with missions.
I’m afraid that few of these real combat veterans will be lifer’s...as a result those who remain have even more pressure to continue in combat assignments.
You can’t talk about classified things just because you are no longer in.
Yes I am aware that you can’t disclose classified info, that is why I mentioned it in my post.
miss read it, sorry
Exactly what I was thinking.
It’s a matter of personal responsibility. Anyone with 16 years in the military knows the requirement to go to 20 to gain retirement benefits. Any notion he was “screwed” should be directed at himself, as he screwed himself over by leaving at 16.
SOF guys are under incredible stress, not only on the mission, but in their family lives.
When they are “hot” they get a call and are gone, no notice, cannot tell their family where they are going or when they will return.
Physical injuries are not reported, sometimes, so they won’t get on the binnacle list.
His wife might’ve told him either get out or get divorced.
He has since found employment with benefits.
It is not uncommon for SOF guys to get out (won’t call them quitters) before retirement kicks in at 20 yrs.
God Bless SOF personnel and their families...we have NO IDEA what they go through to keep us safe.
Well at least you cured my brain freeze. I was trying to think of the word, “classified” and just couldn’t come up with it so I said “secret”.
Well my husband does recall it, he served from 81-88, in addition to this he was to receive Veterans preference, and now they have changed those laws too. Thank God we have good insurance, but we do believe that when promises are made they should be kept.
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