What are your thoughts on the proposed budget cuts put forward by the SECDEF and CJCS yesterday? How will this impact your Soldiers?

2014-02-26T07:49:40-05:00

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 7:51 AM

2014-02-26T07:51:23-05:00

It has already lowered the morale of many of my co-workers. Very frustrating that we don't have the power to stop what is happening. Feels very much like a betrayal of our leadership.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 10:43 PM

2014-02-26T22:43:29-05:00

While I respect Hagel, his actions and thoughts are not his own, they belong to this Administration. Our current predicament is not about ideology, it is simple math. The exponential increase in domestic spending and national debt by this president cannot go silently into the night. The effects of unreigned and relentless public spending will be felt by generations of Americans, both legal and "illegal". These cuts to defense budgets are not a conscious decision by the democrats<font color="#4d4d4d"><span style="font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">, but a mathematical eventuality born from the loins of fools.</span></font>

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Dec 3 at 2014 9:12 AM

2014-12-03T09:12:46-05:00

Gentlemen MSG Private RallyPoint Member and LTC Private RallyPoint Member I think you are both spot on. We have gone through this many times in the past. The military/DOD are always a target and they never look at the social welfare programs and those that play the system and get away with it. They "congress" never put themselves and their benefits on the line either.

Why do congressional members receive medical and retirement for life so easy? How do they receive high pay raises when DOD and Federal personnel get 1- 1.3% raises.

You want to impress me and other Americans quickly? Take your paycheck Senator and send it right back to the treasury to help bring down the deficit. Really impress me and sett a wage of $50,000 per year for Senators or Congressmen while they serve. Really impress the nation and the people you work for by working your term at the nation's lowest minimum wage and then talk to us about cuts and raises. JMO

Response by LTC Scott O'Neil made Dec 3 at 2014 9:53 AM

2014-12-03T09:53:06-05:00

This is not really a response to the question but maybe some food for thought. Why is a congressman's service to the country more important than those serving in the Armed Forces. Think a moment they will get free medical and dental benefits for life for serving one tour, it takes a soldier 20 years to earn that and we still have to pay for it in the end, because it is not free. Why do Congressman and Senators get retirement pay after and don't quote me o this one term (not sure it it is 1 or 2) but it is a short period of time condsidering a member of the Armed Services has to serve 20 yrs or over to get the same benefits and the money service members gets is a HELL OF A LOT LESS then Senators and Congressman. Congress and subsequently the SECDEF and CJCS when looking to cut the budget always look to cut benefits of either thosed who served (Retired or Medically Retired) and those on active duty first because it is the largest chunk of the budget. I say we earned those benefits and they should never be touched by the SECDEF and the CJCS.
To those who have served and are currently serving it is this thankless act that is so quickly forgotten by those who lead this country, yet they are so quick to put our service members in harms way when the need calls.
Impact every little cent that is taken from the serving and served members of the Armed Services is a travesty. Remember those who serve the contracts won for equipping the Services and modernizing the Services do not go to the best solution the majority of the time they are awarded to the lowest bidder because of budget cuts and constraints. What is the price of Freedom and the unallieniable Rights our Four Fathers Started this Great Nation Upon worth, I will tell you "The Blood Sweat and Tears" of those who have served, are serving and will serve in the Armed Forces of America. We don't do it for the money, the glory or the rcognition; we do it for the people and future of this great nation. So why do we contiue to see our benefits cut and diapear? I say Congress and The President need to look from within and cut their own benefits befor they touch ours!