Special Perks To Retain Special Forces

[seemslikeadream]

Christian Science Monitor
January 22, 2005

WASHINGTON - In a bid to stanch an outflow of elite U.S. troops skilled in combatting terrorism and insurgencies, the Pentagon has approved an unusual incentives package aimed at retaining Special Operations Forces such as Green Berets and Navy SEALs.

Facing stiff competition from private security firms, the CIA, and other government agencies that are luring the seasoned commandos with six-figure contracts, the Pentagon plans to budget over $100 million a year for bonuses and special pay for junior and senior Special Operations Forces (SOF) members who agree to stay in the force, according to senior defense officials and military sources.

In an unusual departure, the package approved Dec. 22 offers lump sum payments to keep the most experienced special operators in the force past the military's traditional 20-year retirement mark.

The policy underscores the urgency with which the Pentagon needs senior noncommissioned officers to maintain high standards as the 49,000-strong force expands its ranks to meet heavy demands around the globe and has become a more integral part of the war on terror.

"We are offering handsome rewards to agree to substantial service beyond 20 years. That's a new objective," says David S.C. Chu, under secretary of Defense for personnel and readiness. "We're reaching a point ... where we're going to want more Special Operators to stay past 20 years of service than has been true historically, and particularly to be successful in the war on terror."

Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Special Operations Forces have faced their biggest deployments in history, playing central roles in defeating the Taliban in Afghanistan and overthrowing the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. They've also conducted smaller campaigns against terrorist and anti-government groups in a number of other regions, including the Philippines, Colombia, and the Horn of Africa.
more
http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,FL_retain_012205,00.html

[DS1]

1. I'd rather see that money to go training funds for the rest of the

services, because I sure felt like a dumbshit running through obstacle courses yelling "BANG!" at targets in Parris Island :eyes:

I've read that the Seals have more money for practice rounds than the entire Marine Corps. While it sounds a bit farfetched, it wouldn't surprise me.

[Ezlivin]

2. They offered $20K in cash to nuclear-trained Submariners

when I was in.

In fact, one of my shipmates re-enlisted, got the $20K, bought a brand new Corvette and then claimed that he was gay.

He exploited a loophole that allowed him to keep his money, get an honorable (medical) discharge and leave the service. He married a beautiful blonde and got a job on Oahu at the power plant.

The Navy quickly closed this loophole!

If they offered this kind of money to select people in 1978, I can only imagine what they're offering today.

[Moderator]

3. duplicate topic

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1172902