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Thousands of U.S. troops are being barred from overseas duty because they are so deep in debt they are considered security risks, according to an Associated Press review of military records.
The number of troops held back has climbed dramatically in the past few years. And while they appear to represent a very small percentage of all U.S. military personnel, the increase is occurring at a time when the armed forces are stretched thin by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We are seeing an alarming trend in degrading financial health," said Navy Capt. Mark D. Patton, commanding officer at San Diego's Naval Base Point Loma.
The Pentagon contends financial problems can distract personnel from their duties or make them vulnerable to bribery and treason. As a result, those who fall heavily into debt can be stripped of the security clearances they need to go overseas.
The problem is attributed to a lack of financial smarts among recruits; reckless spending among those exhilarated to make it home alive from a tour of duty; and the profusion of "payday lenders" - businesses that allow military personnel to borrow against their next paycheck at extremely high interest rates.
The debt problems persist despite crackdowns on payday lenders and the financial counseling the Pentagon routinely offers to the troops.
Data supplied to the AP by the Navy, Marines and Air Force show that the number of clearances revoked for financial reasons rose every year between 2002 and 2005, climbing ninefold from 284 at the start of the period to 2,654 last year. Partial numbers from this year suggest the trend continues.
More than 6,300 troops in the three branches lost their clearances during that four-year period. Roughly 900,000 people are serving in the three branches, though not all need clearances.
The figures gathered by the AP represent just a piece of problem, because the Army - which employs an additional 500,000 people and accounts for the vast majority of the 160,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan - rejected repeated requests over the past month to supply its data, saying such information is confidential.
Members of the brass also blame runaway interest rates at payday lending businesses, many of which are clustered outside bases around the country. Several states have cracked down on payday lending practices, and on Tuesday, President Bush signed legislation limiting how much these businesses can charge military personnel.
the financial counseling the Pentagon routinely offers to the troops.
Does anyone else get a little shiver of irony from that statement?
"Look here, soldier, if Uncle Sam can live within a $78,041,200,000 defense budget, you and your family should be able to manage on $28,000 a year! Just stop buying such expensive ashtrays and toilet seats!"
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oderint dum metuant (Latin for 'let them hate, so long as they fear').
Well, in truth I'm actually not a total hawk, but I'm not a dove either -- I'm more like an angry pigeon flying over the political arena after a really big meal. -Abba Gav
the financial counseling the Pentagon routinely offers to the troops.
Does anyone else get a little shiver of irony from that statement?
"Look here, soldier, if Uncle Sam can live within a $78,041,200,000 defense budget, you and your family should be able to manage on $28,000 a year! Just stop buying such expensive ashtrays and toilet seats!"
I would be pleased as punch to make $28,000 a year.
Maybe if the gubberment paid us more money, we wouldn't have as many financial issues? I guess being poor as hell IS a financial issue.
I'm getting out of the military I've decided. The pay, the lack of time to take leave (training DURING holiday seasons), and the forfeiture of rights is starting to wear on me. And I'm not alone; most soldiers I know want out.
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26-year-old Saermengsi last season rated average 25.1 minutes, with 7.5 hours, 2.7 times and 2.7 backboard secondary attack, he Yifusen general as the replacement came in March Yifusen injuries ever period of time, three matches in a row, his secondary attack will reach 10. By Sun team, he could strengthen outer lane line, but also as the replacement fullback scored his general customary activities in the stadium two wings. On the season Saermengsi-ball hit rate reached 30%. He was in flames and Jones made a three-year teammate, Jones said that the organizers he pitches, but he can also shooting. His shooting is deceptive.
I love being in the Army. It's a great organization for the most part. Few jobs are as easy, as fun, and as guaranteed. But the emotional costs it's creating on my family are too great. I don't want to add to the Army's divorce statistic.
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26-year-old Saermengsi last season rated average 25.1 minutes, with 7.5 hours, 2.7 times and 2.7 backboard secondary attack, he Yifusen general as the replacement came in March Yifusen injuries ever period of time, three matches in a row, his secondary attack will reach 10. By Sun team, he could strengthen outer lane line, but also as the replacement fullback scored his general customary activities in the stadium two wings. On the season Saermengsi-ball hit rate reached 30%. He was in flames and Jones made a three-year teammate, Jones said that the organizers he pitches, but he can also shooting. His shooting is deceptive.
As an ex-soldier, the pay was one of the top 3 reasons I didn't re-enlist. I, also, was in debt when I was discharged, however, most of my debt came from items that weren't really needed. While in Germany, I purchased a video camera, tv, and stereo, charged it all, and payed the minimum until I got out. As a single soldier, I had it a bit easier than a married person even though I got paid less, because when I was broke, I could eat at the mess hall. IMO, the military pay scale is way out of whack as well, high ranking Officers make decent money while low ranking enlistees make peanuts. Sounds a bit like the rest of corporate America!
As an ex-soldier, the pay was one of the top 3 reasons I didn't re-enlist. I, also, was in debt when I was discharged, however, most of my debt came from items that weren't really needed. While in Germany, I purchased a video camera, tv, and stereo, charged it all, and payed the minimum until I got out. As a single soldier, I had it a bit easier than a married person even though I got paid less, because when I was broke, I could eat at the mess hall. IMO, the military pay scale is way out of whack as well, high ranking Officers make decent money while low ranking enlistees make peanuts. Sounds a bit like the rest of corporate America!
I'm married and I have no credit cards (got rid of them when I enlisted).
I buy everything I want slowly and delay gratification so that I won't be in debt. The only thing I owe money on, is the computer I'm typing on right now.
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26-year-old Saermengsi last season rated average 25.1 minutes, with 7.5 hours, 2.7 times and 2.7 backboard secondary attack, he Yifusen general as the replacement came in March Yifusen injuries ever period of time, three matches in a row, his secondary attack will reach 10. By Sun team, he could strengthen outer lane line, but also as the replacement fullback scored his general customary activities in the stadium two wings. On the season Saermengsi-ball hit rate reached 30%. He was in flames and Jones made a three-year teammate, Jones said that the organizers he pitches, but he can also shooting. His shooting is deceptive.
I'm married and I have no credit cards (got rid of them when I enlisted).
I buy everything I want slowly and delay gratification so that I won't be in debt. The only thing I owe money on, is the computer I'm typing on right now.
You are doing yourself a favor, it may suck now, but I think in the long run you are doing the right thing. I haven't owed on anything except my vehicles and house since I got out of the Army in 96. Being in debt and blowing my paychecks at clubs finally taught me a lesson. I may not have a toy hauler or everything else I want, but I no longer have to worry about paying too many bills. Good luck to you and thanks for serving our country.
Sorry but the money soldiers are paid is enough. Do I think they should be paid more? Most certainly and they deserve it. However its not as bad as many of you make it out to be. Krang and everyone else who may try and refute what im saying? Just remember I was an E-1 an E-2 an E-3 and and E-4 in the Air Force and have experienced the very bottom of the pay scale myself 1st hand both as a single airman and married living off base. So I have experienced the full range. This was before the military got the very big raises they got with in a few years of my leaving too. It was sometime around 97 that they got a huge jump in pay which I never had the luxury of experiencing. If Soldiers are going into debt it is clearly and obviously their own fault.
Many of you seem to forget all of the benefits that come with that. Such as free housing, free medical, a chow hall to eat at etc.... etc.....
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“They said the road comes through Seattle. We came through here and took care of business.” Anquan Boldin
Last edited by Shane H; October 23rd, 2006 at 10:45 PM.
You'll never get rich as an elisted man (me-USMC 90-94) but if you take care of your spending habits you'll never be broke either. They deserve more money for sure but just about anyone who isn't a politician, movie star or athlete deserves more money.
Krang if you want something easy and guaranteed come work for the federal government when you get out(I work for Customs). The pay is good (not initially but by your 4th year you'll make close to 70K), you have good benefits and a great retirement system. My 4 yrs military time count towards my retirement too so when I retire at 55 I'll have 32 years government service rather than 28.
You'll never get rich as an elisted man (me-USMC 90-94) but if you take care of your spending habits you'll never be broke either. They deserve more money for sure but just about anyone who isn't a politician, movie star or athlete deserves more money.
Krang if you want something easy and guaranteed come work for the federal government when you get out(I work for Customs). The pay is good (not initially but by your 4th year you'll make close to 70K), you have good benefits and a great retirement system. My 4 yrs military time count towards my retirement too so when I retire at 55 I'll have 32 years government service rather than 28.
Thank you. The military pays well enough to support your family, Go on vacations, have nice things, etc etc...
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shane H
Thank you. The military pays well enough to support your family, Go on vacations, have nice things, etc etc...
i don't care, that's not the point. they still should be paid more. when i think of all the crap the government wastes OUR money on, it pisses me off that one of the few things i'm willing to be taxed for is under funded, imo. this goes for cops and firemen too.
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i don't care, that's not the point. they still should be paid more. when i think of all the crap the government wastes OUR money on, it pisses me off that one of the few things i'm willing to be taxed for is under funded, imo. this goes for cops and firemen too.
Your right they do deserve to be paid more. If you read this you would see thet I 100% agree with you on that issue.
But the point is the miltary is paid "enough" to take care of their families and have nice things. If all these soldiers are going into major debt it is their own stupidity thats causing it. Not their pay scale.
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“They said the road comes through Seattle. We came through here and took care of business.” Anquan Boldin
Last edited by Shane H; October 24th, 2006 at 09:13 AM.
But the point is the miltary is paid "enough" to take care of their families and have nice things. If all these soldiers are going into major debt it is their own stupidity thats causing it. Not their pay scale.
gotcha.
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We all need more Izzard in our life. - Gaddabout
I'll try to be more observant from now on. - dogpoo32
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