California Guard vets told to repay millions in enlistment bonuses

[Proud liberal 80]

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/24/us/national-guard-recruitment-bonus-repayment/index.html

I don't really feel sorry for these guys. Being in the military myself, they always tell you that you are responsible for knowing your pay, bonuses, and entitlements. And if they overpay you or make a mistake they are going to take it back. There have been instances when I received extra money or a bonus. I always reasearch to find out why and if it was correct. I don't spend it until it is confirmed. I make sure to keep all my paperwork. Sometimes it was an error and sometimes it was correct.

[mwrguy]

1. No sympathy

[manicdem]

2. Most of them probably thought it was legitimate

For most of the Soldiers affected, I think they thought it was truly legitimate. The recruiters lied to them and paperwork altered to show that they were eligible for it. I feel sorry for them. However I'm sure a fraction of those did know it was wrong and if they were further investigated, Soldiers will be going to jail.

[Proud liberal 80]

3. These were reenlistment bonuses

Not enlistment so recruiters weren't involved. Once you are in the military and want to reenlist, you know if your job is eligible for a bonus or not regardless of what someone is telling you.

So either they knew and were hoping that no one would find out or they didn't confirm it.