Troops' Debt a Growing Security Concern

[Generic Other]

Troops' Debt a Growing Security Concern
By THOMAS WATKINS, AP

SAN DIEGO (Oct. 20) - Thousands of U.S. troops are being barred from overseas duty because they are so deep in debt 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 while 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 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.

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http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/troops-debt-a-growing-security-concern/20061019142409990013?ncid=NWS00010000000001

[demnan]

1. That's one way of getting out of going to Iraq

but seriously this is an awful problem. A lady in our local Democratic party has a son in Iraq and the wife and kids live in Texas. They've been on food stamps since he went over in December of last year. Imagine how horrible that is that our fighting forces' families have to live on welfare! Thanks for supporting the troops, House and Senate Republicans.

[orpupilofnature57]

2. Imagine if Shrub had to take responsibility for his Debt ,and speaking of

security risks due to personal debt's, ShrubCo has used our government to pay back " their " debts since Prescott, poppies poppy was a pup.

[Generic Other]

3. Breadlines at Camp Pendleton!!

EDUARDO CONTRERAS / Union Tribune
Volunteer Marisela Helgeson (left) and Military Outreach Ministry associate director Patty Dutra prepared to distribute food to Marine families at Camp Pendleton. Behind them, some family members waited to pick up the donated items.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20061013/news_7m13bread.html

[wicket]

4. Here's the DU thread on that:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x2430781

:cry:

[Generic Other]

5. It's a disgrace, isn't it?

Thanks for posting the thread.

[butterfly77]

6. Contractors are being paid a lot more for the same job

that the troops are doing.