Thursday, November 13, 2003

This NBC report is appalling:

National Guard pay delayed, denied

GAO report: 94 percent of those in six units had pay problems


...WHILE NATIONAL Guard soldiers fulfill their duty, risking their lives around the world, the Pentagon apparently is not living up to its obligation to pay them the right amount or on time. That’s according to a new congressional report obtained by NBC News, which finds the Pentagon’s pay process is such a mess it’s having “a profound financial impact on individual soldiers and their families.”

...One sergeant, who wanted his identity concealed, said when his unit was in Afghanistan chasing al-Qaida terrorists, every single soldier had pay problems — mostly late or missing checks.

“It was very frustrating,” explained the sergeant, “it distracted you from the job at hand.… You have to worry about whether your family has enough food on the table.”

In six Guard units examined by the General Accounting Office, a stunning 94 percent of soldiers had pay problems, including:

* Under- and over-payments.

* Three-month delays in active duty checks.

* Pay and benefits cut off for wounded soldiers in the hospital....


But ... but ... but didn't contempt for the troops instantly cease on January 20, 2001, when the Evil Satan Peacenik Clinton left office?

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