Should there be added benefits to Soldiers who completed their full 8 year requirement and were discharged honorably?

SGT Del Lavature — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 19:07:07 -0400

Just throwing this out there to see how what kind of response it would get. I think some sort of yearly stipend would be cool. Nothing outrageous but something to say hey thanks for your service!

Response by SGT Del Lavature made Sep 26 at 2015 7:09 PM

SGT Del Lavature — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 19:09:06 -0400

Sorry for the autocorrect. Should*

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 7:09 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 19:09:55 -0400

What kind of benefits would you be talking about? You already get the GI Bill, etc. If you're not retired, why would you get any additional benefits?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 7:20 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 19:20:50 -0400

I served four years active duty, so should I receive anything? Unless you retire, I do not think veterans should receive a yearly stipend.

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made Sep 26 at 2015 7:46 PM

CPO Joseph Grant — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 19:46:36 -0400

Why? It's what we do. What's next, a letter from POTUS thanking us for taking a shower ???

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 8:06 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 20:06:13 -0400

Short answer is no. You fulfilled your contract, nothing more.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 9:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 21:16:07 -0400

The benefits you receive are knowing that you honorably gave those 8 years of your life to the great people of this beautiful country. That within itself is a benefit. It's enough for me

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Sep 26 at 2015 9:17 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 21:17:28 -0400

They already do get benefits (through the VA). However, they don't get a stipend (unless it's disability). IMHO, I don't think they should get a stipend. Once your contract ends, direct payments should cease.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 9:29 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 21:29:08 -0400

AH, NO! If you want retirement benefits then stay for 20+.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 9:37 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 21:37:50 -0400

No. Finish out 20 years then you're entitled to your monthly retirement stipend.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 10:03 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 22:03:20 -0400

I think the "thanks for your service" you get after 8 years and an honorable discharge comes in the form of a free college education and tuition assistance while still in. That's 50k+ dollars in benefits.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 26 at 2015 10:05 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 22:05:55 -0400

SGT Del Lavature, What about the truly committed Marines who are being dumped after their 2nd hitch because of a minor mistake! They chose the USMC, the Corps wouldn't keep them! No one is perfect, but there are some outstanding, high performing Marines being forced out due to "force reduction"! Loyalty? To who from whom ?

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Sep 26 at 2015 10:21 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 22:21:56 -0400

I believe this is already coming with the modernization of the retirement plan which will make it more like the private sector, and not require a 20 year or nothing status.

Response by MSgt Erik Copp made Sep 26 at 2015 10:25 PM

MSgt Erik Copp — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 22:25:12 -0400

I don't think so. You come into it knowing there is nothing on the back side unless you do 20 or more. Obviously if your injured you should def get VA compensation.

Response by SSgt Ed Lewandowski made Sep 26 at 2015 11:33 PM

SSgt Ed Lewandowski — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 23:33:54 -0400

I did 4 active then the rest of them in reserves and air national guard.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Sep 27 at 2015 2:36 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 02:36:58 -0400

Well... in addition to the Post 9/11 GI Bill and whatever VA disability you may receive, there is also the fact that you don't have to serve any time in the IRR!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2015 9:58 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 09:58:50 -0400

No. They already receive some benefits, i.e. GI Bill. If they want more then they need to stay for 20+ years.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 27 at 2015 11:13 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 11:13:04 -0400

This is kind of what the idea behind the 401K pension idea is promoting...

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 27 at 2015 11:17 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 11:17:15 -0400

NO! all personnel who serve should have the same benefits. My only alterations to this would be those who were injured in the line of duty. I would make a special exception for children of those we lost in battle. They should be able to have full use if the GI Bill. WE owe them that much for the loss of a parent.

Response by MAJ Danny Clark made Sep 27 at 2015 4:58 PM

MAJ Danny Clark — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 16:58:36 -0400

No, you already get a ton of veterans benefits. Retirement should befor those who make a career out of it.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2015 5:06 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 17:06:02 -0400

I don't know about added benefits but with the cutbacks going on it would be a good idea to look closer at the personnel that are being cut and being denied access to disability and entrance into wounded warrior. How would you feel if you have served your country then denied compensation or cut before retirement and you have done your part?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2015 8:51 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 20:51:27 -0400

Double No. You should get a letter that says thanks for participating in free insurance for 8 years and BTW, go get a degree in anything on us. And well will pay you to go.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Sep 28 at 2015 1:11 AM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 01:11:57 -0400

The mark for stipends as you put it for service is 20 years.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Sep 28 at 2015 8:16 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 08:16:03 -0400

I think that all members who serve honorable should be able to keep their base/post access without having to go through the visitor's center. Some type of I.D., not the retiree I.D. or a CAC but something that allows base access. That way you can still visit bases in your area, maybe stop and say hi to former co-workers and stop at the BX/PX to buy things. I know I will probably still have family asking me for AF stuff like shirts and what not even after I am out. Would be nice being able to go up to Grand Forks AFB and get some.

I wouldn't say that we should receive money though. That is the only real incentive for staying in for 20+ years. You start giving that to everyone even at a reduced amount and retainability is going to become a huge issue.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 10:33 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 10:33:34 -0400

I think the new proposal in discussion is good enough, a matching contribution of their TSP that should be good enough. At least they have something to "retire" into. lol

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 10:58 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 10:58:09 -0400

The only thing I'd like to be able to receive would be the Tricare coverage. I have no qualms with paying the standard fees as that's affordable on almost any level of income.

Response by PFC Robert Falk made Sep 28 at 2015 12:31 PM

PFC Robert Falk — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 12:31:31 -0400

What you mean more the the "joke" of COLA increases. I think we should because some are disabled and have no other way to liive.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 1:16 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 13:16:15 -0400

To be fair, I think we get enough as it is.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Sep 28 at 2015 2:44 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:44:59 -0400

No, because we have a hard enough time with disability claims and payments, how much more will the system get screwed up start paying veterans who served less than 20 years.
Nice idea but I think its not really feasible.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 28 at 2015 3:56 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:56:11 -0400

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 4:29 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 16:29:10 -0400

Where is this entitlement coming from? You signed up to protect your oath, If you joined for benefits only... well you fucked up. Only doing 8 years in a civ job and leaving will leave you with nothing and no pay check. If you really want more then a sticker stay in for 20 years. If active is too much for you join reserves, only deal with the BS twice a month. As others has said college tuition and the befits of saying you were in the service and got out with a honorable discharge. That alone gives you a huge jump on the average Joe in the civ world.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Sep 28 at 2015 4:33 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 16:33:14 -0400

You do get VA benefits including VA home loans and GI Bill for what you did. I could see something like a Veterans ID card which would allow PX benefits (I think there have been some discussions on that). Otherwise, your contract is over, along with your service obligation.

Response by SSgt Lonnie Montgomery made Sep 28 at 2015 4:33 PM

SSgt Lonnie Montgomery — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 16:33:26 -0400

SGT Del Lavature
This is the all-volunteer forces so you kind of signed up for the “war” part of it and the not so good stuff that comes with it. You are entitled to some educational benefits and most states even have programs to assist a vet in purchasing a house and or land. But, unless you have a service related disability; I would have to say NO to a “stipend.” Stay the twenty plus years and retire with a modest but secure monthly income and the thanks from those that appreciate what you have accomplished. Thanks sergeant!

Response by SPC Tony Bucaro made Sep 28 at 2015 4:39 PM

SPC Tony Bucaro — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 16:39:02 -0400

I served 8 years in the Army (all Infantry) and I am a DoD employee. I have a total of 13+ years of government service and still going strong. I am 70% Disabled by the VA for injuries occured while on active duty to include PTSD. Even with all this, I still can not shop in the PX or Comm. those are benefits that I feel I should have at the very least since I am still serving my country. But what can ya do. Once your out of the military, they could give two rats asses about you.

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Sep 28 at 2015 5:00 PM

SFC Terry Murphy — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 17:00:33 -0400

First off, most of the people that complete their 8 years do so with a combination of active and inactive status. So you may only be active for 3 years and then 5 years of IRR (inactive ready reserve). After your active time you get the GI Bill. If you want more, stay in 20 years.

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made Sep 28 at 2015 5:26 PM

MSG Greg Kelly — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 17:26:45 -0400

you get more then a sticker, its called thanks of your country, a GI bill, Vet benefits to buy a home, a car, not to mention the VA and if you happen to be injured in combat during your 8 years you are able to receive combat injury pay if approved stay for 20 and you get many of these things for life and more that's not bad on top of pay and just having a great job

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Sep 28 at 2015 5:37 PM

SPC Christopher Perrien — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 17:37:00 -0400

VA health care, alone, is worth a good bit. Moreso now , because even with fair regular health insurance with say a 20%-30% deductible, any major medical expense can bankrupt you. And even after bankruptcy they can garnish your wages now. Thank George Bush Jr. and repubs for that.

Response by CW4 Brian Haas made Sep 28 at 2015 5:47 PM

CW4 Brian Haas — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 17:47:45 -0400

Is that why you signed up? To get something else out of it. You got your pay check, your combat pay when warranted...good job. Thanks for doing your part. The rest is for retirees...you EARN the retirement pay and being able to use the base facilities. If you want that, do 20 or whatever early retirement you end up being eligible for.

This generation...I want more, give me give me...

Response by SP6 Daniel Witmer made Sep 28 at 2015 6:11 PM

SP6 Daniel Witmer — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 18:11:32 -0400

Just do the other 12 and you get 40% for life...

Response by PO1 Unex Law made Sep 28 at 2015 6:44 PM

PO1 Unex Law — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 18:44:22 -0400

To be honest I think so...I even think If u do more than 5 years you should be entitled to base privileges only if you have an honorable discharge..I mean if Congress can do four years and receive a pension of some kind of benefits then why can't the men and women who protected and served once upon a time do so...just my thought U.S.NAVY RETIRED

Response by 1SG Bill Wayne made Sep 28 at 2015 7:10 PM

1SG Bill Wayne — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 19:10:12 -0400

You have to be kidding me. I would like to know what makes the new service person better than the old. You signed the line do your time. If your in the right MOS you get a additional funds. The government don't take care of retirees so what makes you so special. Not being disrespectful to you cause. But if you look at a E-8 that went through the first Gulf War at 1200 per month and a retired E-8 today 2500. I think you got your bonus

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 7:44 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 19:44:40 -0400

You volunteered fulfilled your contract, you want more benefits do 20. No other company gives you benefits after 8 years.

Response by CSM Arthur La Rue made Sep 28 at 2015 8:43 PM

CSM Arthur La Rue — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 20:43:38 -0400

Each of us signs up for a reason. My reason was the GI Bill. Funny thing happened along the way, Turns out I loved the life. What's my point? Each of us must've clear in the why. A veteran is a veteran because of selfless service and sacrifice for and to this great Nation. We know the rules from day one...the tasks, the conditions, and the standards...the standard is, do the time, all of the time...earn your full measure, all of it, every damn inch.

Response by SGT Jayson Mocarsky made Sep 28 at 2015 8:49 PM

SGT Jayson Mocarsky — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 20:49:10 -0400

I'm gonna say no. We knew what we were getting ourselves into plain and simple. I do believe any military personnel who served honarbly should still be granted base access and privelages. And I'd like to see them be able to keep Tricare if needed. And it would be nice to be exempt from property taxes. I'm disabled and have base privelages and are exempt from property taxes but it would be nice for all who served honarbly. Just my thought.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Sep 28 at 2015 9:08 PM

SrA David Steyer — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:08:30 -0400

I don't think money or a pension, no but I think an ID with base access and PX/BX and DeCA privileges sure. Only because it could keep DeCA and AAFES alive. People don't bat an eye that AAFES is (or was) looking for a way for all honorably discharged veterans to shop online, plus people who have a star card but are discharged can shop from AAFES online and when you bring up the idea of letting veterans (again honorably discharged) physically visit the base and shop at AAFES and/or DeCA and possibly keep them afloat, people loose their minds.

Response by SPC Kortney Kistler made Sep 28 at 2015 9:12 PM

SPC Kortney Kistler — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:12:11 -0400

There are posts on this forum where they are saying there are all kinds of benefits for just having served. That's sort of true. What might be a benefit to some is a burden to others. I'm not saying we deserve an annual stipend either.

Don't get me wrong, I loved every second of my service, but there is a lot of things that can take the wind right out of a guys sails. That dream of sticking around until retirement is just not what it used to be.

I did 9 years as an Army Reservist (3 years at Stop-loss, we had warning orders and I was waiting to take advantage of a deployment re-up). Changed my mind on the Re-Up and no longer qualified for the GI Bill (retention tool is what they called it). My deployment nest egg was spent on an associates degree.

Everybody isn't conveniently located near a VA hospital. It's a hassle for a lot of veterans to take advantage of what the VA has to offer. For those of you who have known nothing but the service since high school, employers can find a way to get rid of you for missing too much work so you can travel to the VA.

VA home loans: The only benefit to taking out a VA home loan is ZERO down payment. You still have to have good credit to be eligible. Other than that, the interest rates are higher. The closing costs, at least in my area, are more than double. Not only that, but there are origination fees that the VA charges ($3,500) that they tack right on the principle amount. So, basically VA loans only benefit people that can't manage to come up with a down payment, but still have good credit.

How you think your job skills translate into what you should be able to do as a civilian and how civilian companies translate those same skills are two completely different worlds. Sure, your time in service can land you "a job", but probably not the job you want. Why, you ask? If many of you recall the fancy training you get in Basic and AIT (tech school, etc.), you might recall that the things they were teaching you were different than ways you had been taught prior to the military (CPR and first aid were the obvious ones). We always said, "It's the Army Way." The Army way isn't the civilian way.

Response by CPT Tamara Brewer made Sep 28 at 2015 9:25 PM

CPT Tamara Brewer — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:25:38 -0400

No, BUT Thanks for the question.
I say that, because I think that it brings up a struggle that many former military deal with in not being proud of their service to their country.
You put in 6-8 years and then use your training to make a decision NOT to re-up. We should do a better job supporting one another and helping in the transition. Instead of giving the cold shoulder to those who make a decision not to Re-Up. It is like we sever ourselves from SM who don't continue to retirement.

JUST TODAY, I questioned whether I should be called a combat veteran. Irrational argument with myself I know. I have been sworn into the enlisted Corps, Re-upped 2 times as an NCO and commissioned as an officer and deployed once in my 12 1/2 years of service. I medically retired. BUT During my PEB/MEB/Medical Retirement process, I had a senior officer state to me that, "I was taking up a Junior Officer slot." This was after I came off of life support for lung issues from my Iraq deployment. 4 years later, I questioned whether I should be called a combat veteran, because of that comment. I question whether I fought hard enough to get better. I know that this is an idiotic argument that I am having with myself because in the past 2 months I have been admitted to the hospital 2 times and had to visit the ER 2 times. I digress.
INSTEAD of being proud of my service, I go back to comments made by fellow servicemen who demeaned my service and I have a hard time remembering to be proud of my service time.

So my answer to your question is this....no there should not be added benefits to Soldiers who complete their 8 year requirement honorably. BUT being proud of your service AND the courage it takes to step out into the civilian world after that commitment is completed is what I wish as the benefit for all former service members. Just my two cents.

Response by MSgt T Murray made Sep 28 at 2015 9:49 PM

MSgt T Murray — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:49:36 -0400

I would think of it this way, in the 8 years you were in, you were taught a profession, sent to leadership schools, given leadership opportunities and were offered college with tuition assistance and free access to CLEP exams. If you took it, you also get the GI Bill coming out. Ask anyone who has worked for a company like Boeing, Lockheed, etc, what they get after 8 years in a company, did the company give them education while they were in, and what benefits were offered when they left. I would say the Military does good by you now, versus when I was in at 8 years, and definitely takes care of you better with the GI Bill, than the original VEAP that was offered a lot of people who got out when I was at the 8 year mark. So, count your blessing, you have been given a great opportunity, one that a lot of your predecessors wish they had, and your post military benefits are the best since the original GI Bill. Oh, and the pay is a lot better and housing benefits are equal to what you pay, versus in 1991, when I shelled out over half of my base pay, because BHA didn't cover a studio apt, let alone a apartment big enough for your family. So again, I think the military today, are taking care of the troops, a lot better than the 90's, or even the 80's.

Response by 1SG Bill Wayne made Sep 28 at 2015 10:00 PM

1SG Bill Wayne — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:00:48 -0400

My yearly Stipend is the memory for good Men and Woman standing side by side in the face of the unknown. Its the pride in the hearts of the young troopers going the extra mile. Its that Damn cup of Joe at 4:30 waiting on the troops to get rolling at 5:00. Its the heart brake when we had to send them home before there time. It is the colors flying above enemy ground. Sorry got carried away.

Response by PO1 Dan Patrick made Sep 28 at 2015 10:29 PM

PO1 Dan Patrick — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:29:35 -0400

Every single person that signs on the dotted line gets paid for what they do. I don't see any reason to reward someone for doing what they have already agreed to, especially after the fact.

Response by CPO William Reid made Sep 29 at 2015 1:02 AM

CPO William Reid — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 01:02:53 -0400

No, you receive a Retirement check monthly upon completing 20 years of service.

Response by SGT Tommy Silvas made Sep 29 at 2015 1:56 AM

SGT Tommy Silvas — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 01:56:58 -0400

Knowing that I volunteered to defend the greatest nation that this planet has ever seen and served with some of the best humans I have ever met is all I need

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made Sep 29 at 2015 9:06 AM

MSgt Rob Weston — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:06:05 -0400

I would say at most, the ability to access the PX and Commissary. However nothing more then that and here is why. Besides the VA Benefits such as Post 9/11 and others people have already stated, one advantage you have over the retiree is that if you go into another federal Job your time in can be counted towards that retirement. However if a retiree does this they may actually lose the pension they earned. It is a double edge sword.

Response by SSgt Jonathan King made Sep 29 at 2015 9:13 AM

SSgt Jonathan King — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:13:21 -0400

If you take full advantage of the benefits you're already entitled to, you'll see that there are more than enough. If you finished at least an associate's on active duty, you can work all the way through a master's on the Post 9/11 and they'll pay you to do it. The VA Loan guarantee is a really big deal. All of your years of service are transferable to Federal Service (if you pay back into FERS). The VA will pay you if you're injured and there are additional benefits from the States just for having a disability rating (CalVet's College Fee Waiver program is a good example). You get an advantage applying to federal jobs as well, and a lot of employers specifically look for veterans. There are a lot of areas where the VA could improve service to veterans, but it's by improving (or in some cases just delivering) existing benefits, not by adding more benefits and not by removing benefits for those who've served less time than you.

I'm assuming by "full 8 year requirement" you're referring to a 4 year enlistment and 4 years of obligated service? Just so we're all on the same page, that's kind of the bare minimum. A lot of veterans decided to reenlist, serving their "full 8 year requirement" on active duty the whole time. Take advantage of the benefits you're already entitled to and remember that they give you a pretty strong leg up on the rest of the population.

Response by SMSgt Keith Stephens made Sep 29 at 2015 9:48 AM

SMSgt Keith Stephens — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:48:52 -0400

Try staying for 20, or more like a lot of us did. Then you get that little more......lol

Response by CPL Seth Price made Sep 29 at 2015 9:52 AM

CPL Seth Price — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:52:24 -0400

I think the benefits and entitlements for those who meet the current requirements for such things as PTSD or other issues are fine; the VA has taken long strides to make change to a broken system.

I do think the education and leading former troops into the right direction on how to access these benefits can be more enthusiastic and would be more beneficial.

But you can't push soldier who doesn't put forth the effort to apply and utilize these benefits.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 29 at 2015 9:56 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:56:04 -0400

I did my full 8 years on Active Duty. Got my honorable discharge and moved on. No, I don't those that complete the 8 years should get anything extra. You have a lot of benefits laid out before, it is just up to you to go after them. A simple thank you, a free meal on November 11th and maybe a free drink every now and then is just fine by me.

Response by Capt Whitney Davis made Sep 29 at 2015 10:58 AM

Capt Whitney Davis — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 10:58:40 -0400

While I agree with the vast majority out here, that a yearly stipend is not the way to go, I would like to see a reform of the retirement program. Ideally, for me anyway, military retirement would look a lot more like civilian retirement planning.

As it stands now, less than 20% of service members receive any retirement benefits, because they have to serve 20 years to earn them. A 401(K) type plan, with a relatively generous government match of service member input, would allow those who serve less than 20 to have some retirement savings when they leave. It would also allow those who serve 20 or more to have the same or better monetary benefits than they currently receive (depending, of course, on their commitment to saving over their career).

That would, I think SGT Del Lavature, address the concern you raise and perhaps some other issues with the military's retirement/veteran benefits programs.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 12:00 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 12:00:10 -0400

Not unless they have a combat duty tour within in those 8 years. Those soldiers who complete their initial 8 year contract should be encouraged to stay the 20 and get the real benefits.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 12:06 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 12:06:37 -0400

Interesting idea, I think retired soldiers should get some special benefits, and combat veterans as well. Hell, members of our government continue to get privileges for life for their service of 4 years. But I do think commissary and px privileges should be permanent if you were discharged honorably. Base access should be allowed as well. There's something inside you that adapts to being a soldier for life. When you leave there is no total adjustment for most people.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 1:12 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:12:19 -0400

I think it would be funny if we could switch the outgoing benefits between the Services and the Congress. After 5 years you get 85% of your max salary and free medical. Congress gets what we get after 20 - if they serve for 20. But that's just a "for fun" statement - there are lots of complications that make it not truly relevant.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Sep 29 at 2015 1:34 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:34:19 -0400

First of all, you have my humble thanks for serving. 1 term , 2 terms, whatever. It all counts. And I understand that this is just a topic of discussion.
However, I am going to jump on the Post 9-11 GI Bill benefit bandwagon. It doesn't take much to qualify for at least partial BAH. Online course count. In most cases this will cover housing expenses for several years. If you are able to work full time, you could (and should) use the BAH stipend as a means to pay extra to knock down the principal of your VA guaranteed home loan for 4 years and reduce the terms of your loan by half. I think this would suffice as an adequate thank you for your service. I bet not one single company in this country offers anything that would compare.

Response by MGySgt George W Iliffe Jr made Sep 29 at 2015 3:07 PM

MGySgt George W Iliffe Jr — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 15:07:52 -0400

Yes if those who are disability and full career retired get even more benefits.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 3:34 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 15:34:26 -0400

NO! They got paid and got their benefits while working for the government like all else do. They chose to leave on their own or were asked to leave because of bad behavior. Maybe if one is ousted for force reduction. I would then consider a benefits package if they were good military folks and did not ask to be put out.

Response by SSG Benjamin Raymond made Sep 29 at 2015 4:47 PM

SSG Benjamin Raymond — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 16:47:41 -0400

I don't think we should get anything other than our education benefits, If a soldier decides to leave then that's a choice they made, if they are reaching RCP(Retention Control Point) then they should have reclassed if points were too high or done something to get points. In the END they could join the reserves which has no RCP and finish their Career out that way. I don't mean to sound callous but in this generation most soldiers I have run across feel they are entitled to something extra. We get better pay, better medical and better food than previous generations, why should we get something extra?, I could do a lot in 8YRS, use tuition assistance to get a bachelors degree, OK 7 because you cant start till after your first year. If your in longer than ten you can make it a Masters, this is not including the Montgomery GI/ BILL or post 9/11 which is 36 months of more education, and 48 if your on disability and use VOC/REHAB. Lastly the US Government through USAJOBS has mandated that we get hired into certain positions, which if I am correct should open up October 1st( so mark your calendars and check the federal employee only link, look for VRA jobs. My point is this, we get so many benefits already and most soldiers don't even use them. I do think however the 36M education is not enough, a lot of bachelors degrees take longer than 4yrs(engineering) longer if your me and cant add. Maybe adding as a reenlistment incentive you can pay more money into your GI/BILL. again sorry if I come accross as not caring, I am the complete opposite actually, I just don't think the ARMY or the Government needs to shove more money at the military rather, get out of debt or use the money to have a stronger military instead. My knowledge is based on my Career in the ARMY not any other service, your programs are different than ours I believe.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 5:16 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 17:16:36 -0400

No body made anybody sign on the dotted line, or place finger prints down now as it is, the US Armed forces provide exceptional benefits to it's members especially when it comes to edumication. Nah I think it's fine just as it is :-) especially with how America is on it's back side with what is it $18T in debt.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 5:46 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 17:46:22 -0400

Only benefit I think needs to be changed is that reservists shouldn't have to use their G.I. Bill while in their contract or lose it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 5:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 17:50:18 -0400

Why? This is again showing us how society has become entitlement happy. You signed up and got your benefits. If you left early they would be stripped from you. Stay your 20 years and get the additional benefits.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 5:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 17:52:38 -0400

Your DD 214 is your benefits. You have that and whatever are in it are your added benefit

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 6:24 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 18:24:45 -0400

Since you have completed your 8 years of service, and since we have 1 mandatory thing in the country to replace mandatory military service. I believe the ONE thing that should be afforded to servicemembers who have completed their full 8 year commitment is.......

Permanent exemption from Jury Duty! (if desired)

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 6:28 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 18:28:32 -0400

I don't think so. We all know the breaks from the start. And serving less than 2 years doesn't entitle you to a damn thing.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 10:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 22:17:44 -0400

No, the benefits you get are more than enough. If you actually figure out how to navigate the bureaucracy that is....or how to work the system like SOOO many do. You want a "thanks for your service" outside of that then go for broke and retire. I have never needed anyone to tell me thank you for doing what I did. I did what I did because it was what I wanted to do for me and mine. Whatever benefit others got/get from my service is paid for by them and needs no thanks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 11:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 23:36:20 -0400

Maybe I see SGT Lavature's question in a different way, but here's my answer: No, I don't think that the "8 and out" should get any added benefit. However, I'd really like to see the "2/3rds and fat" see some reduced benefits. As SSG Anton Savin put it, busting my ass to do what is required of me is fair and what I expected when I signed up. The job's not easy. How about reduced benefits for those who get ousted [early] for body composition, PT failures, etc., but not the troops with injuries?

One medic that I'm good friends with estimated "30% of SMs with deployment-limiting conditions in a time of peace," based on who she sees in the clinic. That grinds my gears. Obviously, most injuries are genuine; I firmly believe that. But it's easy to see the sham when you look at the work ethic. Some get blown up, but some blow it off, and that's pitiful.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 2:58 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 02:58:55 -0400

yes, I believe those of us who have completed our 8 year requirement on Active Duty should get something for it. So many don't make that far, it's only fair that we should have something for our sacrifices, not just a pad on the back and a kick in the ass.

Response by SSG Alex Toulomelis made Sep 30 at 2015 7:39 AM

SSG Alex Toulomelis — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 07:39:52 -0400

Absolutely not. The benefit you get from honorably serving your country is the education/experience that you get in and the money for college/living stipend when you exit. The reward you get if stick it out to retirement is collecting your retirement as soon as you retire.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 8:33 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:33:22 -0400

Yeah its called a DD-214

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 9:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 09:40:41 -0400

SGT Lavature,
I would say definitely. If they give 100 percent separation pay for RCPed Soldiers then everybody should receive equal benefits. The Army is downsizing and using a plethora of "tools" designed to aide in their goals, but in my opinion they have not given enough focus to what damage the infamous downsizing will cause to the economy. Veterans are eligible for a lot of compensations whether the military provides it or the federal government your veterans and their families deserve and will get paid for their service.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 12:41 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:41:17 -0400

I'm SPC Ramsey, and yes I think there should be some kind of benefits for us who do complete our 8 year obligation. Now it doesn't have to be something major, but benefits for accomplishment. For instance I signed my 8 yr obligation at the age of 17 and put in delay entry program so I got paid to finish high school and after graduation I left straight for basic. The Army was alot of fun and I did deploy at 19 6 months after graduation. My first 18 months of service I went to training and got deployed. When, I returned home I did get care for ptsd to help me out. I was very young and confused about alot of stuff but I had the best NCOs to help me out. My mos is 92Y and on deployment I worked my but off and did supply of class 1 sending out supplies to 19 outstations. I am a proud Bandido Charlie and always will be. When we returned we did alot of pt, being in a tanker company and my Ltc being ranger and CSGM being airborne ranger we did pt like no other. After awhile I started having problems with my back and shoulder. I ended up having to take the honorable discharge for full active duty service. And with that I still had 3 yrs of reserves to finish my 8 yrs because I couldn't do 6 yrs active. I had a PA who wouldn't believe what I told him and ended up getting out of the army with spinal stenosis and lumbar thoracic problems that got really bad. Yes I have 80%, from active duty but nothing for my back. Being in the reserves they're helping me out with it so I can get medical discharge and get the proper treatment I need. You may ask, am I proud for my service and my answer is yes. But at the same time I wish I had a doctor that listened to me. I can run anymore which I love doing, barely do stairs some days and my exercise is just walking. I got out of active duty Nov 2013, I was about 170 lbs. 2 yrs later I'm 248 the biggest ever mostly because of the fact I can't workout like I would love to. I really want to be 160 or less again, and being trans girl I'm completely open about I want to be able to look better. So yes, if you serve your 8 yrs there should be some kind of benefits cause I know I'm not the only one with problems like this. Even if there was a special benefits to help us get back in shape. And not physical therapy, cause that's boring and heart breaking. Something just for those veterans to help us out get back on our feet. And it shouldn't be a long wait should be really easy to get in with no problems. Sorry for it being long, but I wanted you to understand. I'm a 23 yr old disabled combat veteran who is 248 lbs and can barely work out. What will the army do for us other than saying we're just overweight.
SPC Ramsey, Jessica
Bandidos
Afghanistan Jan - Dec 2011

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 1:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 13:27:16 -0400

No, just no.

Response by SGT David D. made Oct 2 at 2015 2:43 AM

SGT David D. — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 02:43:03 -0400

No, on the stipend, you wanna get paid , do the 20. However you already get lots of Bennies ,VA loans for a house, loans, grants for college, and access to the VA medical system, look around you and you will see many more.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 10:02 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 10:02:53 -0400

I'd like to see a matching TSP program.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 10 at 2015 9:06 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 21:06:04 -0500

Its going to be called TSP.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 12 at 2015 6:49 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 18:49:59 -0500

This will break the bank.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 7:07 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 19:07:45 -0500

Nope. If folks want a yearly stipend, they can stay for 20 and get just that.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 12 at 2015 10:51 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 22:51:48 -0500

SGT Del Lavature That yearly stipend is available for the low low price of 20 years, notwithstanding medical retirement. If you served 8 years in any branch, in any capacity, and received an Honorable Discharge, will gladly call you brother or sister, you have earned it. You also benefitted from that service.
You do get Veteran's Preference on some jobs. You do qualify for VA loans, You do get some version of GI Bill.
It is no easy chore to make it to retirement, but that is how you get the big bucks (LOL).
The skills learned, the sacrifices shared, those are your real thanks.
And, I will say thanks, because you served 8 years, and a great many did not.

Response by PO1 Steve Holt made Apr 22 at 2016 3:15 PM

PO1 Steve Holt — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 15:15:56 -0400

They should get a partial benefit just for being in for a certain amount of time