Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Warehousing the Wounded

The military is warehousing more than 13,000 mentally and physically ill soldiers in "medical holdover" units. In short, it means taking wounded soldiers, locking them up in a barracks, and failing to provide treatment. Reservists and Guardsmen are particularly peeved by the practice. It frustrates their efforts to get a medical retirement. There are perks that go along with that -- a lifetime monthly pension and discounts at commissary stores. But it requires an Army judgement -- and means money out of the Army's pocket for people who will never be able to fight again. (Denver Post)

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