Flutterby™! : Abuse of veterans

Next unread comment / Catchup all unread comments User Account Info | Logout | XML/Pilot/etc versions | Long version (with comments) | Weblog archives | Site Map | | Browse Topics

Abuse of veterans

2006-10-23 18:02:01.190424+00 by andylyke 9 comments

I hate to muddy the flutterby waters with a downer, but I need to share this with the community. Putting aside opinions about our being in Iraq in the first place, I have a strong affinity with the men and women in uniform and with veterans of service (I served '67 to '70). I have met a man with an extraordinary story, who faces an absolutely outrageous (my judgment) problem. This man served for ten years, saw combat in various theaters, acknowledged and covert, was separated and honorably discharged. He has now received “orders” from services to which he has no current ties or obligations to report for 2 years' service (“Involuntary Active Duty”), most probably to support the invasion of Iran, given his mos and experience (this latter is my assessment). His orders cite an Executive Order for their authority. Speaking as a veteran, I am outraged that this man, who has completely discharged any reasonably expected “duty” to his country, would be called up when Jenna, Barbara, and all the other scions of wealth face no obligation whatever. Just one more instance of the back door draft. So – I've let off steam. I'd like to ask you, dear reader, if you know of any other such situations, to share them with me so I can take some action other than supporting, and possibly hiding, this man. andylyke@mindspring.com

[ related topics: Interactive Drama Community ]

comments in ascending chronological order (reverse):

#Comment Re: made: 2006-10-23 19:29:28.641559+00 by: meuon

I'd have to go dig up my "contract" for my original 4 years in the USAF to be sure, but I remember such things being a possibility and remember it as part of my outbriefing as being expressed as: "You'll hopefully never actually see this, cause if you do the world is coming to an end if it's that bad.."

Still, dispite the "B" movie plot scenerio, it's wrong if we aren't in that kind of "all able hands defending the country" situation. As for -hiding- this man, well.. that's illegal within the borders of this country. Getting media attention and political involvement isn't. I'll ask a former JAG tomorrow.

#Comment Re: made: 2006-10-23 21:20:43.419605+00 by: Dan Lyke

I've been poking around a little bit, and while I've heard of ex-active duty non-reserve folks being called back up for "Involuntary Active Duty" before, I'm having trouble finding that specific reference right now.

Do you have the Executive Order number? And perhaps a few (non-identifying) details so that us armchair lawyers can find a little more background on other cases, because it seems to me that this is something where those called up again need a higher media profile, and banding together is a way to do that.

It also occurs to me that during the Marin Century I loaned the pedal off my bike to someone who, if I can track him down again, might be able to point me in the right direction. I'll try to dig through some papers and see if I can find his contact info.

#Comment Re: made: 2006-10-23 21:22:25.045296+00 by: Dan Lyke

And, since it does seem to make a difference, officer or enlisted?

#Comment Re: made: 2006-10-23 21:29:42.750991+00 by: ebradway

I know that when my father retired from the USAF (E9) in 1990, he faced the possibility of getting called back to active duty for the first Gulf War. But that was was pretty limited in scope.

Bush seems to be pulling out all possible stops to avoid an actual draft. If you get a chance, check out Iraq for Sale. I didn't realize how much Bush has been relying on private firms in the War on Iraq.

While some people think it's just Bush cronies' profiteering, it really appears to be a way to avoid the Draft and the enormous shift in public opinion that would come with it.

#Comment Re: made: 2006-10-23 21:33:47.156899+00 by: Dan Lyke

Aaaand, the critical bits of the law seem to start at: Title 10 Subtitle E Part II Chapter 1209 Section 12301.

Here's a few notes on the Ready Reserve, which seems to indicate that those who've served in active duty less than eight years can get called up, and I don't see a time limit on how long after discharge that lasts.

#Comment Re: made: 2006-10-24 10:57:19.759488+00 by: andylyke

In general response - He was enlistedand served ten years. I'm due to get a copy of his orders on Thursday and shall make them available (appropriately redacted) as soon as i get them.

thanks, all for your interest in this!!

#Comment Re: made: 2006-10-24 19:33:18.700191+00 by: ebradway

I believe my father's discharge (after 29.5 years of active duty) included 4 years of "ready reserve". He had a heart attack three months after retiring and would have been excluded for medical reasons at that point.

#Comment Re: made: 2006-10-26 13:19:09.315725+00 by: DaveP

There's also a discussion of this over at The Claire Files which has some interesting overlap.

#Comment Re: made: 2006-11-07 01:28:11.716458+00 by: Shawn

I wasn't given anything like the warning meuon describes when I finished my six years, but I did see it in the contract. What I remember is that with an initial enlistment you're obligated for 8 years Active/IRR. That can be split up as 1/7, 2/6, 4/4, or (for those who want money for school) 6/2 or 8/0. However much time you serve as "active" (I use quotes because I was National Guard - a reservist), the remainder is your Inactive Ready Reserve obligation. I have no idea how, or if, IRR is handled for those who re-enlist, since I didn't.

Raise Hell Andy.