U.S. soldiers balk at staying another year in Iraq for $10,000 bonus

[Sub Atomic]

BAQOUBA, Iraq – At a checkpoint on the barren plain east of Baqouba, word of a new U.S. Army plan to pay soldiers up to $10,000 to re-enlist evoked laughter from a few bored-looking troopers.

"Man, they can't pay me enough to stay here," said a 23-year-old specialist from the Army's 4th Infantry Division as he manned the checkpoint with Iraqi police outside this city 35 miles northeast of Baghdad.

His comments reflect a sentiment not uncommon among the nearly two dozen soldiers in Iraq who have spoken with The Associated Press since the Army announced the increased re-enlistment bonuses for soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait on Monday. Other soldiers at home were divided about the offer.

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[Cha]

1. They don't want to die for an extra

"$10,000"?! Good on them!

This is the one I like! "Man, they can't pay me enough to stay here!"

[Baclava]

2. Whelp...

After spending 7 months in Baghdad myself...I would have to concur...

[metisnation]

5. Thank you

for your service to the American People. EVERYONE on here knows that you did not choose your fate we are glad you made it back ok and pray that others have a speedy return. I don't blame you for not taking the 10,000 bucks hopefully others wont be scammed by this ploy. Anyways welcome back please help us spread the truth about this war.

:grouphug:

[kainah]

3. does the military pay for funerals?

That $10,000 would be a little more than their families would need if they were killed.

[Holly]

4. Life is

priceless. Time for Bush* to learn...not everyone's for sale. Given the small amount that they are paid, this is a big statement.

[sasquatch]

6. NFL minnimum salary 400K; BCF bonus to troops 10K

Can't say I blame'em. I say with the profits the BCF&friends will make I'd try to get 1mil to sign and then 600K a year to stay. And I want it guarunteed for all four years though.

[maveric]

7. A $10,000.00 bribe with taxpayers money to keep a bullseye on you?

I cant see many of our military personell going for this one.

bu$h and Rummy ought to be ashamed of themselves!

[teryang]

8. American corporate CEOs make enough

...to go there. Those that benefit the most should sacrifice the most.

[Benhurst]

9. How selfish! Don't these soldiers realize the Bush* Gang

is counting upon them to protect their oil?

[Solly Mack]

10. Our company is losing NCO's with 10-15 years experience

the money just isn't enticing enough to keep them in...They want out....the lies and the shabby treatment did it.....

The military knows this....hence the extended stop-loss and stop-movement.

[DemoTex]

11. What is $10K in face of the cut benefits?

Sounds like working for the airlines to me.

[Karenina]

13. Chump change.

.

[The Backlash Cometh]

12. Meanwhile, CEOs keep rewarding themselves with million dollar

bonuses while their corporations get closer to bankruptcy. Something is terribly wrong here.

[Voltaire99]

14. $10k. . .and 20% off ammunition and picnic coolers at Wal-Mart!

"That's my final offer, guys. I mean, come on! This is your Uncle Sam! I've got SUVs to fill! Don't leave me out on a limb here, guys -- do it for... do it for, um... Jessica ...yeah, Jessica Lynch! Your hero! Her huge book and movie deal needs defending! And...and...and do it for frothing uber-patriot Dennis Miller! Ok, you hate Miller; well, I don't blame you. Come on, guys! How about I promise you a chance to have USO night with Britney Spears, and all she's wearing is a dinky American flag over each nipple? Howzat, eh? Eh? Heh heh heh, that's more like it, huh?"

[The_Casual_Observer]

15. Reminds me of Lorne Michaels Offering the Beatles $1000

to play on SNL.