CNN: Young officers leaving service at 'alarming' rate

[RamboLiberal]

Source: Raw Story

CNN reported on Friday about the "alarming number" of mid-level army officers leaving the military as soon as they complete their initial commitment, many of them citing family reasons and multiple deployments. The army has been forced to offer new incentives for re-enrolling, including bonuses and extra training.

The percentage of career officers deciding not to stay in the military is the highest it has been since the Vietnam War and includes many West Point graduates, "creating a brain drain in the top ranks." A general interviewed by CNN expressed concern that "we're losing the next generation of future combat leaders for the army."

The following video is from CNN's American Morning.

Read more: http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Young_Officers_leaving_service_at_alarming_0525.html

[Justitia]

1. Who could blame them? Run for your lives! -eom

[RufusEarl]

5. Perhaps their going for the money!

A young military officer would make more money working for Black water then serving in the military, perhaps they're just transferring to a better paying position?

And perhaps the US military allows this, one can only guess and that's all i'm doing i have no evidence of this.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. I'm shocked that they are allowed to leave the service.

The system seems to make it more likely to leave by way of AWOL or a coffin.

[neuvocat]

8. For the enlisted, yes.

For commisioned officers, they stay in as long as they want to (or maybe need to) but the enlisted ranks are obligated by their contracts (eg number of years and conditions that are outlined on said contract regarding circumstances that would keep them in).

[DKRC]

12. Only the officers can get away with this

See this link - About being forced to stay

LTE from a Sgt.

[FormerOstrich]

14. Your link isn't working for me.....maybe temporary?? n/t

[DKRC]

15. Posted the LTE and link here. Sorry for the broken link before.

‘Don’t re-enlist’ not an option

To the writer of “Just don’t re-enlist,” (letter, May 16): Thousands of soldiers, myself included, didn’t re-enlist. We were forced back in after our expiration of term of service. While we understood when we ETSed that we could be recalled for “national emergency,” we don’t feel Iraq qualifies.

While I appreciate your viewpoint, you should know that thousands of soldiers did just what you suggested when they decided the military was not the right place for them to remain. And regardless, we are still here.

Sgt. James Fitzer
Camp Adder, Iraq

http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=46156

Edited to include body of letter/link

[FormerOstrich]

16. tyvm

:hi:

[DKRC]

18. yvw

:hi:

[tabasco]

3. I'm sure the college republicans are rushing in to fill the gap.

They are so super-patriotic and all-American.

[Marrah_G]

4. Unless they resign their commissions and forfit any benefits they can get called back anytime

[msongs]

6. the christian terrorists are purging non-fanaticals? nt

[rocktivity]

7. Rocknation: The Commander In Chump Is Alarming The Officers At An Alarming Rate

:evilgrin:
rocknation

[Handsome Pete]

9. Why not?

I just thank God that I decided to retire when I had my 20 years in.

Me am like Wily Coyote: a super-genius.

[Barrett808]

10. $20,000 for three more years?

As if.

[Marrak]

11. Like, if reading the names, ages, & hometowns of the fallen every

day in the newspaper would dissuade you from participating in Arbusto's criminal enterprise...:wtf: :puke: :hurts: :kick:

[Zynx]

13. Ahah! I knew West Point grads were smart.

[tom_paine]

17. No Free Citizen would want to fight for the Totalitarianism of the Busheviks

Unfortunately, what it means is that soon, the military will be full of nothing but evil people at the upper ranks, as the honest and decent are chased out (like all the other Bushevik-run agencies).

They will then be ready to help Blackwater control the unruly populace as the Penultimate Phase of Bushevism begins somtime in the future...

[silverojo]

19. Now, THESE are the troops I support!

:patriot:

[Boo Boo]

20. CNN, the most trusted name in YESTERDAY'S NEWS. /nt

[pettypace]

21. Should be a talking point for the GOP

critizing these officers for neglecting their country in a time of great peril from Saddam, or Al Qaeda, or insurgents...I forget already.

[Demeter]

22. It's Much More Alarming That Young People Still "Volunteer"

for this illegal war, where they will be destroyed, sure as shooting.

[truthisfreedom]

23. Let me shorten the title of that article: "bush destroys military"

I think that says it all.

[David__77]

24. Good.

It's a healthy, positive sign. This applies pressure to end the war.