Reply #8: once they discharge

[bigtree]

almost none of the military support systems are available to them anymore, no emergency fund, no insurance, no military charity . . . Ironically, the only attention they actually get when discharged is in the screwed up system we're fighting, but only if they're disabled. The rating system is a joke. For disability payments, you have to wait in line (pay your money to join the VA) behind, not only this occupation's casualties, but many of the last 'Gulf War', as well as the aging veterans who are just finding themselves in the system with war injuries aggravated by age.

Not disabled, relatively short term of duty (not enough to collect a pension), and you're on your own. The military doesn't want to know you. You get in line behind the rest of the struggling Americans in the food stamp lines etc. If you're single, without children, it's much harder to get any of that aid . . .