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Has anyone heard the story of the soldier that supposedly came up with the idea to save the Army money by moving the Fort Irwin property line further out so soldiers and family could not be compensated for living so far away from civilization (COLA.) Is there any legitimacy to this story? And who is the mystery soldier? Also, should the families and soldiers be compensated? For you that don't know, NTC is 35 miles away from the nearest Wal-Mart and Mickey Ds.
Compensation
COLA (Cost of Living)
Posted >1 y ago
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The version of that story when I was there in 1994 to 1998 was that people assigned to Fort Irwin were entitled to hardship duty pay and the SPC of legend determined the movement of the post boundary closer to Jack Hammer pass negated the requirement. Legend further had it that he was spirited away in a protective custody/ witness relocation-esque PCS in the dead of night along with a percentage of the savings ala the Army Suggestion Program. Probably living the good life in the Caymans next door to Jimmy Buffet with the 20 percent of our combined broken dreams. I had never seen a shred of official evidence or documentation to indicate that such a special pay had ever existed or that it was disallowed. It certainly makes for a great story, so I am sure that it is why it persists...when ever it is told, it is always referenced as to have happened "right before I got here" by the teller. Would love to see a LES or JUMPS statement that shows it paid.
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LTC Jason Mackay
SFC Bernard Walko the main post area was the total of about 4 grid squares in 1994, it has mushroomed significantly. The sand and rock portion still there. Now there are “towns” in the maneuver box now.
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Wal-Mart and McDonalds are slipping. 35 miles!? There are so many Mickey D's in my city there is talk turf wars.
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LTC Jason Mackay
SGT Jim Arnold - Fortress Irwin's famous 10 mile stretch, which is actually 37 miles
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That's the first I heard of this story, but I see you're not the only one who has heard it. Needless to say, I can see why this "mystery SPC" wishes to remain anonymous. Hell hath no fury like when you try to take someone's money in the military.
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