How would you react if you received a pink slip while deployed in a combat zone?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 08:45:24 -0500

There are many articles, in the media posting, about this topic and this one caught my attention. Look it over and voice your opinion. Thanks!!!

http://nypost.com/2014/07/09/sending-pink-slips-to-a-war-zone/

Sending pink slips to a war zone

In a stunning display of callousness, the Defense Department has announced that thousands of soldiers — many serving as commanding officers in Afghanistan — will be notified in the coming weeks tha...

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 8:54 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 08:54:27 -0500

I'd say it's a "kick in the gut," SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, and it's negatively affecting our military readiness. In my opinion, this quote from the article pretty much hits the nail on the head:

"Yet the issues go far beyond thanklessness. The nation should worry about the increased national-security risk of separating such a large pool of combat-experienced leaders. The separated soldiers are those who carry the deepest knowledge base of counterinsurgency operations."

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Nov 26 at 2014 8:56 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 08:56:44 -0500

The "knee jerk reaction" when I heard this several months ago was that it is just wrong. Yet as I thought about it more, what about the SM's that just got back from deployments or have done 2-10 and just happen to not be deployed right now? Should they be "force shaped" because they just happen to not be in the AOR right now so that someone that is doesn't get a notification? I personally think not.

We don't like that the military is downsizing, we dislike even more when those notifications go to those still in harms way, but it honestly the only fair thing to do. Consider all candidates regardless of current location based on the merits of their records and keep the best of the best in line with the drawdown requirements.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 10:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 10:39:48 -0500

I think is pretty dirty to send a "pink slip" to someone in deployed, they put that Soldier and everyone around them at risk of getting killed. Why they can't wait after redeployment and then do whatever they need to do.