Army tests program that pays $40,000 to recruits - Blood money

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071203/UPDATES01/71203016/1002/

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Army isn’t relying on patriotism alone to attract recruits.

Starting in January, recruiters will offer new enlistees up to $40,000 toward their mortgage or to start a business. The $40,000 requires a five-year commitment and is available after finishing the term of service.

The Army Advantage Program will be tested in Cleveland, Montgomery, Ala.; Albany, N.Y.; Seattle and San Antonio before it is offered nationwide. The Army public relations department would not say why the cities were chosen other than through demographic research.

The Army has suffered a historic dip in recruiting the last few years during the war in Iraq. Despite failing to meet recruiting goals, it has increased its overall size by several thousand. Last year, the Army eased restrictions on recruits with criminal offenses to help bolster numbers.

[flamin lib]

1. First question is, "What happens if I'm wounded and can't complete

my five years? Is it prorated or do I lose it all?"

[Hydra]

2. No skin off their noses to do it, either

they just print more money, and I bet they don't pay if the person is killed or diagnosed with PTSD or "let go" before the 5 years.

"The House always wins"

[Squatch]

3. You can cram that "blood money" comment

Millions of people serve honorably in the armed services and the majority of them have received bonuses for extending their careers.

[Vickers]

4. Two things...it's not to recruits, it's to veterans, i.e., after you get out.

With all the stop-loss nonsense, some of these people could get extended and extended and...

Second, it's not money in the hand, but money toward a business or a house i.e., major strings attached.