Posted on Oct 22, 2016
Report: California soldiers must repay enlistment bonuses
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Nearly 10,000 California National Guard soldiers have been ordered to repay huge enlistment bonuses a decade after signing up to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Los Angeles Times reports the Pentagon demanded the money back after audits revealed overpayments by the California Guard eager to fill ranks and hit enlistment targets.
Faced with a shortage of troops at the height of the two wars, California Guard officials offered bonuses of $15,000 or more.
Soldiers say they feel betrayed at having to repay the money.
One former Army Captain says he refinanced his home mortgage to pay back his $25,000 reenlistment bonus.
The California Guard says it has to follow the law and collect the money.
The Los Angeles Times reports the Pentagon demanded the money back after audits revealed overpayments by the California Guard eager to fill ranks and hit enlistment targets.
Faced with a shortage of troops at the height of the two wars, California Guard officials offered bonuses of $15,000 or more.
Soldiers say they feel betrayed at having to repay the money.
One former Army Captain says he refinanced his home mortgage to pay back his $25,000 reenlistment bonus.
The California Guard says it has to follow the law and collect the money.
Report: California soldiers must repay enlistment bonuses
Posted from militarytimes.comPosted in these groups: 
SoldiersCalifornia ARNG
SoldiersCalifornia ARNG
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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That is deplorable SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL that 10,000 California National Guard soldiers have been ordered to repay huge enlistment bonuses a decade after signing up to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Pentagon bureaucrats are who decided to re-collect the bonus are despicable. If California paid those bonuses to the CA ARNG then the Pentagon has no business taking the money back.
The Pentagon bureaucrats are who decided to re-collect the bonus are despicable. If California paid those bonuses to the CA ARNG then the Pentagon has no business taking the money back.
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Looks Like there should be a statute of limitations... what are they being Charged with
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This story is horribly incomplete. Did the enlistees defraud the state in some way? Under what authority were the payments made? The State of California is famous for making extravagant promises that they can't really afford. Is that the fault of the enlistees or those who authorized the payments? I have countless other questions but I don't expect answers. I simply expect more irrational behavior by our state government and irreparable harm to our military services by their behavior.
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SSG (Join to see)
I agree with you. Honestly, if the state of California had any moral compass, they would repay the government for the wrongly given bonuses. The fault was not the Soldiers. If you tell me for instance, that I am due a bonus, I would believe you. After all, why say that I'm eligible and give me the money if you know I'm not? Sorry, but the state needs to foot this bill.
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