the government is denying assignment overseas to military personnel
with bad credit. their thinking being that someone with financial
instability is more susceptible to bribery and treason. it also opens
aloophole for members trying to avoid a tour in an unsavory locale, what
is your opinion?

i can understand their reasoning on the issue but i don't think they
should use credit history as a guideline.

Humm, I do know that certain services will not let some even in on there
credit status But ya got one that will let them in and go overseas its
the Army I know for this is were my son is fixing to go. So its not all
well almost this is the only one that get that picky on serves this
country.

The service members need to take all the credit cards from their spouses
:P Just my 2cents lol

If a soldier can't handle financial responsibilites then how is he going
to handle a war time decision that can be the determination between life
and death. All units and company commanders are made aware of their
soldiers deliquent financial responsibilites. If the financial problems
are not taken care of then it's the commanders discretion to take action
in accordance to the uniform code of military justice.

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"

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.

Well I do understand the reasons you gave Ole Sarge and very good ones
at first when you said alot was the up bringing of the kids from there
parents well yeah that got my feathers a little ruffled cause I don't
have a credit card one and only buy what I can afford had a few before
but had explained over and over to mine not to get them and go wild for
you are just digging yourself deeper in that hole. But then you also
stated later that it could also be due to other reasons medical and also
soon to be ex wife was alot of his problems but he is trying to clear up
what he owes and alot is also medical. But neither less he is doing all
this so he can go into the service. So his head must be going the right
direction. But regardless what you said is very true. For years ago if
you had a GED you could get in the service now that is not even good you
have to graduate from high school which my son did so that was not one
of his issues.

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

thanks for the information. i guess i left out the part about their
classification being revoked sorry.

i didn't mean to leave out that important piece of information. the
main thing i was asking is should they be kept home because of it?

Ole Sarge , well my son is 24 now was going into the service a year ago
went to bootcamp and all then they sent him home. Due to a metal plate
on his ankle were he had broke it a year or so before which they knew
about before he even went in and took xrays and had to have his doctor
sign a piece of paper. When they let him go he came home and was very
upset for going all that way and being honest with the miltary and then
for that to happen. Of course they told him if he had it taken out he
could get back in. He has been talking to his recruiter and the doctor
that actually did the first surgery which we knew the plate might
possible have to come out but at the time I was told it would help the
bone to heal faster and stronger so I opt to have it put there. He is to
have the plate removed in Dec. then was told after 60 days he could see
if he could pass the test or not what actually got him in bootcamp was
he could do the marches but there were certain ways they had to turn
there feet in the marches he could not do and yeah I did think that was
pretty harsh since he was running 3-4 miles everday without a bother but
now who knows what will happen after the plate is taken out. Still does
not mean he will be able to do those steps.

Excellent reply Ole Sarge. I am currently an active duty sergeant in
the Army and feel exactly the same. Good
Job..........HOOOOOOOOOOHHHHAAAAA

This is my take on the situation-
It is one more example of the system of economic discrimination
that has established itself in our country.
There is not as much racial discrimination in
this country anymore as there is economic discrimination.
People in more affluent areas get better schools, better
chances their kids go to college, better jobs.
People in poor and middle class communities get shitty
schools, their kids have no guarantee for college, and
their prospects are limited. Who is more likely to
have bad credit- someone from a rich area or someone
from a poor or middle class area?
Now Credit is being used to keep people from obtaining jobs
and getting housing. Now I am deeply disturbed to see
credit making it's way into the military.
Economic Discrimination. Money talks, fools walk.
It is one more indicator to me that our society
seriously messed up. What does your credit rating have
to do with how hard you work or what your character is?
You could have had family problems, you could have been
self employed and find yourself struggling, you could
have just made some bad decisions. We have given up
on judging people on a case by case basis and are now
judging them based on a number spit out by a computer.
The credit card companies are laughing at us all the
way to the bank! One factor too to take into account
is that credit is way too easily obtained. I has 10
credit cards at one point. I got credit card offers from
companies that I was behind on paying already.
Economic Discrimination exists people.
The use of a credit score to discriminate should be illegal.

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
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

well at the same time there were several guys being sent home heck some
were full fledge medical problems to the point that they should have
never been let in that is a down fall of our military signing women and
men in knowing that they will be sent home in bootcamp looks like a
whole lot of wasted money on the militarys part to me.

But as far as my son they are again telling him that there should not be
a problem getting in after the plate is removed but only time will tell
on the removal of the plate which is only a day surgery process. His all
had to do with his medical which to me should have been dealt with from
the beginning instead of after since I made sure he was honest from the
start with them. Hey not downing our military I have the highest respect
just some cracks in the system that is not right

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

"WORD" CRAZY