Six-Figure Bonuses Retain US Commandos
Special Forces unload in Tora Bora.
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon has paid more than $100 million in bonuses to veteran Green Berets and Navy SEALs, reversing the flow of top commandos to the corporate world where security companies such as Blackwater USA are offering big salaries.
The retention effort, started nearly three years ago and overseen by U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Fla., has helped preserve a small but elite group of enlisted troops with vast experience fighting the unconventional wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Defense Department statistics.
Overall, more than 1,200 of the military’s most specialized personnel near or already eligible for retirement have opted for payments of up to $150,000 in return for staying in uniform several more years.
The numbers gathered by The Associated Press and other Pentagon research indicate there has not been an extended exodus of commandos to private security companies and other businesses that value their talents.
“Back in 2005, we saw quite a few exits,” said Rear Adm. Michael LeFever, director of the Navy’s military personnel plans and policy division. “What we’re seeing lately is just the opposite. We’ve become very aggressive.”
Defense Secretary Robert Gates remains so concerned over the lure of high salaries in the private sector that he has directed Pentagon lawyers to explore putting no-compete clauses into contracts with security companies that would limit their recruiting abilities.
Full AP Article by Richard Lardner HERE
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smart decision
October 11th, 2007 at 3:47 pmThese are highly trained, highly motivated people. They’re in the shit all the time…nin-stop. But what they do is so highly specialized, that it makes sense to offer them outstanding incentives to hold in place for awhile longer.
I like it. It’s money well-spent.
October 11th, 2007 at 3:51 pmSome private sector competition is letting the military know what our soldiers are really worth. THis is fine with me, our men (not the women though, who let them in the military anyway?) should get more money across the board, and especailly these units.
October 11th, 2007 at 3:53 pmGood pay them what they are worth, belay my last, we could not pay them all what they are worth for what they do, but it is good to know that there is an concerted effort to stem the tide of quality troops being lured away. Encouraging these men to stay in the face of incredible civilian salaries has to remain the priority with the flexibility to counter any solid offers from the civilian market. However, watch the libtards shriek about the Pentagon and SOCOM are using mercenary practices or some other leftist tripe.
On the topic of compensation for service to one’s country Congress should send to the President a bill stating that anyone who serves honorably should be exempt from taxes for life. This will be an incentive for many of the population who would not consider enlistment in the armed services and cutoff the Charlie Rangel’s from screaming “we need a draft”. Recruiting and retention goals were met or succeeded for the force level we need now. The military needs to increase to its pre-Desert Storm levels before it was cut and slashed by the Clintonistas. Doing that will have recruits knocking down the doors.
October 11th, 2007 at 3:57 pmFinally, the government is getting close to giving me my money’s worth. Some of these guys are away from home for years at the time, with very short respites. They allow us all the peace to sleep comfortably at night without ever even knowing they are on point. They infiltrate scenarios even Hollywood can’t think up. As far as I’m concerned, they are worth their weight in gold and should be paid $150K every YEAR, not just a one-time bonus.
October 11th, 2007 at 7:18 pmOh, DMAC -
I’m not a big proponent of chicks in the Army either, especially around my husband. However, I can introduce you to a female MP SGM and LTC (who are both married) that could kick your ass from can to can’t. Besides, there are no girls in SPEC OPS so you don’t have to worry about them getting any extra money!!
October 11th, 2007 at 7:33 pm“As far as I’m concerned, they are worth their weight in gold and should be paid $150K every YEAR”
I agree
October 11th, 2007 at 10:46 pmHouse 6, that is the funniest name, for those that understand. I have also heard it called Household 6.
October 12th, 2007 at 5:49 amHouse 6 said:
“Oh, DMAC -
I’m not a big proponent of chicks in the Army either, especially around my husband. However, I can introduce you to a female MP SGM and LTC (who are both married) that could kick your ass from can to can’t. Besides, there are no girls in SPEC OPS so you don’t have to worry about them getting any extra money!! ”
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Bring it on House 6, I’ll whoop both those chicks at the same time, I was raised beatin up girls, I can take down any woman any time. I get tons of practice whoopin on my wife. This fight is in the bag.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:02 amDMac-
I think I’m in love!!?! I love a man with a sense of humor, especially when it is politically incorrect.
October 12th, 2007 at 4:54 pmGood. They deserve MORE than their administrative counterparts at the top levels of bureaucracy and business, so this is certainly appropriate.
October 13th, 2007 at 5:34 pm