texaschickeee wrote:

---

Debt holds U.S. troops back from overseas duty Thousands are so mired they're considered at risk for bribery, espionage

 

SAN DIEGO - 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.

While the number of revoked clearances has surged since the beginning of the Iraq war, military officials say there is no evidence that service members are deliberately running up debts to stay out of harm’s way.

Officials also say the increase has not undermined the military’s fighting ability, though some say it has complicated the job of assembling some of the units needed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

One problem, numerous causes
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.

 

MORe at..

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15337932/

 

first off, these guys are paid chicken feet for what most people wont do for huge amoutns of cash. they WORK, they are dedicated and they do it for chicken feed.

IF they would raise their pay, and give them what they need to, this really would not be a problem.

yes some could become a threat, but for the most part the ones you ahve to watch are the ones making the cash.

ever here of Robert Hanssen, Aldrich Ames or Klaus Fuchs?

 

 

My respect and thanks to all vets.....

---

Da Po po wrote:

---

USofAcop wrote:

---

They make plenty to make a decent living, and they signed on knowing what they would be making. Because they can not control themselves, it is not anyones fault but their own or perhaps the soldiers spouse.

---

I hope you remember that statement the next time you bitch about police pay...

---

 true, because cops ahve to go through that to get hired. At least harris county sherrifs do.

(and yes Im still waintg for a fucking response. but they did the background, and ll, plus the credit check)