Debt holds thousands of troops back from overseas duty

[Judi Lynn]

Oct. 20, 2006, 12:59AM
Debt holds thousands of troops back from overseas duty

By THOMAS WATKINS
Associated Press

SAN DIEGO — Thousands of U.S. troops are being barred from overseas duty because they are so deep in debt that 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 though 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 that 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.
(snip/...)

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/4274618.html

[Kiouni]

1. why not raise their pay?

if the number of people over their heads in debt are rising then it is probably a good sign that the military personnel arent making enought to live on.

[izzie]

2. Maybe it is a way to get out of the back door draft?

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[REP]

3. Who Thought Debt Could Save your Life?

I'm sorry they're paid so poorly, but can't help be delighted at the irony. They can't use their cannon fodder as cannon fodder because they've kept them too broke. Being in debt is not fun, but it beats being dead.

[Heidi]

4. Locking.

Duplicate of: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=2571124