TxsGal3333

Its folks like you I like conversing with. You are correct! The
military is not perfect either I agree.

Keep hanging in there. Tell him to make sure he has records of
everything.

Ole Sarge

TxsGal3333
That was some important information to have upfront. It is evident to
me there is more than just financial problems and some may or may not be
your sons fault. However, I don't know all the facts and can't assume
what they are. I can guarantee you this, the US military won't take
actions to single out a young man and put him out of the service without
just cause. Whether it is a military physical profile requirement or
finances there are certain standards that need to be met.

You do have recourse if you feel your son has been wronged by way of
contacting your congressional representative. Let me caution you
though. Make sure that your package contains facts, not emotional
filled supposition, assumptions or inuendo. They will be forced to
initiate a formal investigation into the case by federal law and review
the overall situation. This action forces the command and installation
to reply directly to the congressional representative with answeres.

Just an option to think about.

Sincerely
Ole Sarge

Jimi366

I want to know something before I answer to in-depth or sound like a
real ass here. Have you ever honorably served in the US Military?

There has never once been a mention of discrimination in this forum, not
once, zero, notta, nothing. Just the opposite, We were pointing out the
ways to help and get people back on track so they are productive and not
having to worry about the stresses of finances.

I have one more question: What is your definition of responsibility and
accountability? Please answer candidily and forthcoming.

Sincerely

Ole Sarge

TxsGal3333
You tell your son from the ole sarge to perservere and keep looking down
that tunnel. One things we don't like in the military is a quitter.
Keep that attitude you will be successful and he will be with some hard
work.

Very good advice provided me by an E-8 over 30 years ago: Looks like a
turd, smells like a turd, more than likely a turd! Getting to the point
again: Your are only as successful as those you surround yourself with,
surround yourself with negativity you gain negative results, surround
yourself with positive influence and mentor's you will be successful and
gain much in the military.

Tell him be don't be afraid of failure. I would much rather have
someone willing to try then some slug not willing to try anything. That
show's me initiative, courage, and the tenacity to step out of the norm
and be something.

A great many military leaders have had failed marriages, and turbulant
careers, the key is how you or what you learn from it and don't make the
same mistakes twice.

The ole sarge

I wanted to add one more statement concerning the comment that services
won't allow troops in on their own credit ratings. It is not the
services responsibility to maintain credit ratings nor can they prevent
anyone from obtaining their rating. Any person that walks the face of
this earth can gain their own credit rating by simply taking it upon
themselves to contact any of the credit bureaus like TRW. Keep in mind
though that every time you check the credit rating it can effect your
actual score by a few points.

Point to be made though: The branch of service can't prevent any troop
from gaining their credit rating. It's illegal!
Tell your young troop to seek help at their Family support Center on the
installation. They can help.

Sincerely
The Ole Sarge.

Folks,
There are a number of issues here. I will try and explain them as you
would here them from myself the old USAF E-8 retired with over 26 years
of honorable service and now serving as a Chief of Safety in the JMC
command for the US Army.

One: Each service has core values that are instilled in each recruit
from the day they raise their right hand to Uncle Sam. Those core
values outline our responsibility to do our job with honor, commitment,
and service before self. With that said that means meeting your
obligations and being a respectful member of society and not bring
dishonor and negative publicity to the US Department of Defense, your
branch of service, your community, and therefore yourself.

I have counseled more troops than I can even count over the years that
come out of their AIT or tech schools and immediately try to live what I
call the $50 dollar life style on a $5.00 dollar budget. Too many young
troops come in and have never had anything in their lives so I don't
blame them completely. I blame society and their parents. The parents
train their children on what is right and wrong, they help educate them,
and they teach them to drive, why not teach financial awareness? This
is why the services have invested numerous hours and monies to train
troops on financial responsibility and the consequences of
irresponsibility. The later of the two brings definite discredit to the
service and sheds a negative light on the installation in local
communities where merchants and other business's try and give breaks to
troops and they get taken advantage of.
The down side of financial irresponsibility is the fact that military
personnel are held to a standard way above our civilian counterparts,
meaning this is punishable under certain guide lines given the Uniform
Code of Military Justice. If the civilians had to abide by the same
standards us in the military do they would be in an uproar. The
merchants know this fact and understand how easy it is to contact a CO
or 1st Sergeant for restitution.

Does it have an effect on assignment availability? ABSOLUTELY, AND
RIGHTLY SO!

The reason is not so much because of the location of assignment as it is
the fact the troop has been placed on a control roster action and
probably has an unfavorable information file within the command section
of their respective unit.

Now, let me say in all fairness: There are some troops who are in this
situation because of things beyond there control. Family emergencies,
mistakes made on finances by financial institutions being the main two
that come to mind.

So as you can see there are a great many factors that influence this
topic. The majorities though are irresponsible troops living outside
their means and normally are counseled and they are very responsible
after that period of time. Others, well they continue their negative
actions and as we say become a low speed, high drag turd we have to
continually baby-sit.

BTW, the bribery and treason part is usually only a matter of concern
given the type of job you as a troop hold. If you are in a command and
control job, Intel job, those jobs with a high level of security are
much scrutinized and I support it 100%!
Understand anyone with a secret security clearance and above are looked
at for financial standing. They are not singling anyone out without a
darn good reason. I state my entire 26+ years with DoD on that.

I appreciate the opportunity to sound off on this topic. Good one
folks.

Sincerely,
The OLE Sarge
"HOOAH"