Gator Country

Row6 · 02-11-2013, 10:23 AM

..is screwed according to Esquire.

http://www.esquire.com/features/man-...-0313?click=pp

The_Ultimate_Gator · 02-11-2013, 10:41 AM

I've only gotten through the first page but I can tell it's going to be an interesting article. Thanks.

**LittleBlueLW** · 02-11-2013, 11:03 AM

Good read Row. Terrible that these guys get lost in the mix after all they've done.

**gatorman_07732** · 02-11-2013, 11:21 AM

What a shame

cocodrilo · 02-11-2013, 11:21 AM

I was under the mistaken impression that any veteran was entitled to free health care at VA hospitals. Not hardly, eh?

**G8trGr8t** · 02-11-2013, 11:39 AM

still reading but it seems odd that he would retire after 16 years rather than stay in and get his 20 and all the bene's that go with

**gatorman_07732** · 02-11-2013, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G8trGr8t

still reading but it seems odd that he would retire after 16 years rather than stay in and get his 20 and all the bene's that go with

Still reading but perhaps he was pushed out due to downsizing.

Spurffelbow833 · 02-11-2013, 11:46 AM

How is this guy screwed? Instead of looking at it from the viewpoint that he is owed something, how about looking at the incredible opportunity he got courtesy of the U.S. Navy? He got to live every adrenalin junkie's wet dream, to off OBL. That's kinda like being the Neil Armstrong of that walk of life. The opportunities have got to be out there for him if he really wants to look for them and not expect a handout the rest of his life. For starters, why not stay in the Navy until he comes up with a better plan? It doesn't look like he's being forced out.

MichaelJoeWilliamson · 02-11-2013, 11:56 AM

Obama takes credit of killing Osama. The man who actually did it is suffering.

What a surprise.

gatorev12 · 02-11-2013, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleBlueLW

Good read Row. Terrible that these guys get lost in the mix after all they've done.

Very good article.

While the article focuses on the SEALs--keep in mind that the same thing applies to veterans of all stripes. Many regular infantry guys who see things no less traumatic struggle to find jobs after they get out since employers don't think they have "marketable skills."

I point this out because many people on these boards own their own businesses and are in a position to hire returning veterans.

**gatorman_07732** · 02-11-2013, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G8trGr8t

still reading but it seems odd that he would retire after 16 years rather than stay in and get his 20 and all the bene's that go with

Here it is, it appears he chose to walk.

Quote:

Anyone who leaves early also gets no pension, so he is without income. Even if he had stayed in for the full twenty, his pension would have been half his base pay: $2,197 a month. The same as a member of the Navy choir.

Spurffelbow833 · 02-11-2013, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorman_07732

Here it is, it appears he chose to walk.

If I had no better options at the time, and I only had to do another 4 year hitch to get that kind of benefit for the rest of my life, I would happily count paper clips and rubber bands to get it. He's got no gripe coming if he walked away from that and threw away 4 years in which to do some planning for his future while still in the Navy.

gatorev12 · 02-11-2013, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G8trGr8t

still reading but it seems odd that he would retire after 16 years rather than stay in and get his 20 and all the bene's that go with

I'm guessing you've never been in a job where you're gone for 9-10 months out of the year in extremely stressful and physically/mentally demanding conditions; have limited to no contact with your family and loved ones in that time; and the ever-present dangers associated with said job.

Needless to say, it wears on you and many people walk away to spend more time with their kids, families, and loved ones.

GatorAbe7 · 02-11-2013, 01:07 PM

Thanks Row, great read.

**gatorman_07732** · 02-11-2013, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spurffelbow833

If I had no better options at the time, and I only had to do another 4 year hitch to get that kind of benefit for the rest of my life, I would happily count paper clips and rubber bands to get it. He's got no gripe coming if he walked away from that and threw away 4 years in which to do some planning for his future while still in the Navy.

I have to agree, it's no secret that you retire with pension and benefit package after 20 years.

brainstorm · 02-11-2013, 02:09 PM

I agree as well. Why not stay in for another 4 years and get some retirement. I would take 1/2 the base pay since he'll get it for life. Perhaps he could re-enlist? Of course, he may have some problems after going public.

**LittleBlueLW** · 02-11-2013, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorev12

Very good article.

While the article focuses on the SEALs--keep in mind that the same thing applies to veterans of all stripes. Many regular infantry guys who see things no less traumatic struggle to find jobs after they get out since employers don't think they have "marketable skills."

I point this out because many people on these boards own their own businesses and are in a position to hire returning veterans.

I have hired several and find them to be task and results oriented. They are consistently the ones I have to give very little guidance to.

Unfortunately one of them was rear ended this AM and was airlifted to St. Josephs in Tampa. He hasnt regained consciousness.

madgator · 02-11-2013, 02:33 PM

a lot of people have stressful jobs. a lot of us also have employment contracts that specify what we have to do in order to receive certain requirements.

personally, I have a contract with an employer that if I break right now (even though I have a better opportunity) would cost me too much in commissions on work I have already performed.

sucks but contracts are contracts.....

gatorev12 · 02-11-2013, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brainstorm

I agree as well. Why not stay in for another 4 years and get some retirement. I would take 1/2 the base pay since he'll get it for life. Perhaps he could re-enlist? Of course, he may have some problems after going public.

Again, there are few jobs out there that require you to be away for 10-11 months out of the year with minimal to no contact with your family/loved ones.

I think all of us can understand "sucking it up" for 4 years to get a pension--but that's assuming a normal job with 40-50 hours and you getting the weekends off and whole days to spend with kids/loved ones. That doesn't apply here.

4 years is a lot of missed sports games, dance recitals, dinners, etc--and especially given the fact that he's been missing these things for most of the last 16 years as well.

**bluelang** · 02-11-2013, 05:58 PM

you guys saying "why didn't he "just" finish his service" seem to have missed the part where he said he'd kind of like to not die - and to have a chance to get to know his kids.

you can't underestimate the amount of physical and mental pain these people are in all the time. combat ****s you up. i'm surprised as many make it to the finish line as do.