Soldiers told to return bonuses
UNITED STATES: Members of the United States Congress and veterans leaders have called for federal action to absolve the debts of nearly 10,000 California soldiers who have been ordered by the Pentagon to repay enlistment bonuses a decade after they signed up to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Lawmakers from California expressed outrage, including Democratic senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer; House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a Republican; and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat.
Major General Matthew Beevers said the California National Guard was working with members of Congress to introduce legislation that, if approved and signed by the president, would order the National Guard Bureau to clear the debts of soldiers who were wrongly told they were eligible for bonuses of US$15,000 or more.
The total amount given out in bonuses is not clear, but US$22 million had been recovered so far, the Los Angeles Times reported.
``This is how you destroy all faith in a Pentagon that is supposed to have your back,’’ said Brian Duffy, head of the national service organisation Veterans of Foreign Wars.
``Instead of seeking repayment, the Pentagon owes them a debt of thanks and an apology for insulting their honorable service to our nation.’’
The National Guard offered the bonuses and student loan aid to reenlist at the height of the two wars in the 2000s. The Pentagon demanded the money back after audits revealed overpayments by the California National Guard, which was under pressure to fill ranks and hit enlistment goals.
If the soldiers refuse, they could face interest charges, wage garnishments and tax liens.
Soldiers said they felt betrayed by having to repay the money. They can apply for a federal review of their debt, but that appeals process does not guarantee it will be waived.
``Our military heroes should not shoulder the burden of military recruiters’ faults from over a decade ago,’’ McCarthy said.
In California, four people have been convicted of fraud over the improper bonuses.
At least 54 members of Congress have sent a letter to Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter, as have Republicans in the California Legislature, asking that he halt the collections and provide further information.
A federal investigation in 2010 found that thousands of bonuses and student loan payments were improperly doled out to California Guard soldiers.
About 9700 current and retired soldiers received notices to repay some or all of their bonuses.
- AP