Everybody knows that the Defeatocrats never fail to jump at any opportunity to undercut the troops. Which is why it's so unusual to read that it's John McCain who is holding up a trio of bills increasing aid and benefits to troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The measures, two of which were introduced at least in part by Republicans, give troops a month off for every month in combat, and offers them much-needed education assistance. McCain is worried that the benefits would be so juicy people would leave the military to get their education. "I want to make sure that we have incentives for people to remain in the military as well as for people to join the military," he said.
But the logic is circular. If military personnel are better compensated, then becoming a member of the military would become a more attractive option. And, as John Noonan points out, the Army is independently resuscitating its "menu of incentives" program, whereby active-component captains can choose from a cash bonus, or attendance at a graduate school. Programs like these greatly boost recruitment.
McCain and his allies are particularly worried about the month-off/month-on protocol."The worst thing you can do is let a bunch of politicians worrying about their reelections mandate troop rotations," said Sen. Lindsey Graham. Well, no. The worst thing you can is let a bunch of politicians worrying about their reelections send troops to fight in an unnecessary war, and then drastically underfund the returning veterans and their families. That's the worst thing you can do.
--Jordan Michael Smith
