MilitaryConnection.com Archives

Military Connection: Service Members’ Colossal Mistake: By Joe Silva

November 13, 2014/in Archived Blogs

Members of the Utah National Guard are in hot water after allowing a video, complete with bikini-clad women riding tanks and firing high powered weapons, to be shot on their installation.

An internal investigation conducted on Camp Williams in Bluffdale, Utah, found that a film crew shooting a risqué “behind the scenes” video of a pinup calendar was escorted on to the installation where the Utah National Guard trains. The women wore suggestive clothing, rode in military vehicles, and even fired weapons.

An unidentified non-commissioned officer, with a 19^th Special Forces detachment headquartered out of Draper, Utah, has been relieved of his leadership position. He also faces a reprimand and forced early-retirement. At least three other unidentified soldiers will also face lesser disciplinary actions. All four soldiers were ordered to reimburse the Utah National Guard approximately $200 to cover the cost of the fuel that was consumed during this escapade. Two members of a local police SWAT team also appeared in the video, in uniform, and also face disciplinary action from their superiors.

A statement in defense of the four soldiers indicated that the members of the Utah National Guard didn’t supply the crew with weapons or ammunition, and that the makers of the video brought and used their own. The investigation apparently confirmed this report.

This may be even more troubling, as the film crew, which included foreign nationals, brought weapons and ammunition onto a U.S. military site and fired them. To say that these service members made a foolish mistake is grossly understating the situation. Many commenters, including Veterans, are wondering what the harm in the situation was. Well, not only were military vehicles and property misused for a frivolous, if not completely inappropriate purpose, but security was breached and most importantly, the uniform was disrespected.

For more than a century, the U.S. military community was an all-boys club. Men assigned to fight in all-male units were allowed to talk and act differently than they are today. Military leadership counseled, motivated and fraternized differently with their “men.” But today’s modern military is a diverse fighting force, made up of men and women from all ethnicities and ideologies. Things that were normal “back in the day” just aren’t acceptable now. This means that allowing a bikini photo shoot should not be allowed.

But at no time was it ever acceptable to allow visitors onto a military installation with weapons and ammunition. This lapse in judgment is disappointing, to say the least. The reason that I am writing about it is to state clearly that this behavior would have been wrong yesterday, and is wrong today. It should not be shrugged off as “old fashioned fun,” but viewed as a stupid decision that should never be repeated.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Service Members’ Colossal Mistake: By Joe Silva

Military Connection: More USAF Officers Disciplined: By Debbie Gregory

November 12, 2014/in Archived Blogs

It can be argued that the function of the Air Force’s nuclear missile community is among the most sensitive operations in the entire U.S. military. But recently, issues with discipline, leadership, morale and training have plagued the USAF commands in charge of nuclear missiles. Consequently, two nuclear commanders were fired and a third was disciplined.

On November 3, 2014, Col. Carl Jones, vice commander of the 90^th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Base in Wyoming was relieved of his duties, and reassigned as a special assistant to the wing commander. The 90^th Missile Wing is responsible for 150 Minuteman 3 nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles. It has been reported that Col. Jones was dismissed “for a loss of trust and confidence in his leadership abilities.” Reports of multiple incidents of extreme behavior prompted allegations of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, as well as cruelty and maltreatment of a subordinate.

The other officer who was relieved of command was Lt. Col. Jimmy Brown of the 741^st Missile Squadron at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. Brown was relieved of his duties for apparent “loss in confidence” in Brown’s ability to lead his squadron by Col. Michael Lutton, commander of the 91st Missile Wing, which oversees the 741^st.

One of the main incidents that led to Lt. Col Brown’s dismissal occurred in March, 2014, when crew members under his command fell ill due to exposure to fumes. Air Force leadership believe that Lt. Col Brown failed to fulfill his responsibilities as a commander by ensuring the safety and well-being of his airmen.

Another officer in the 91^st Missile Wing disciplined after the investigations at Minot AFB was. Col. Richard Pagliuco, commander of the 91^st Operations Group, which is in charge of all three missile squadrons at Minot. The Air Force found that Col. Pagliuco “failed to promote and safeguard the morale, well-being and welfare of the airmen under his command.” Although Col. Pagliuco received disciplinary action in the form of a letter in his personnel file, he remains at his position.

The punishments issued to these three commanders were the latest in a series of dozens of disciplinary actions against senior nuclear officers over the last two years.

In June, 2013, Lt. Col. Randy Olson, commander of the 91^st Operations Support Squadron was fired. Olson was responsible for the training and proficiency of launch officers at Minot. Shortly after his dismissal, stories emerged that 19 launch officers had been taken off the job.

In August, 2013, Col. David Lynch was fired as commander of security forces for the 341^st Missile Wing, following a failed nuclear inspection.

And in March, 2014, nine officers were dismissed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, following an investigation into an exam-cheating scandal. Col. Robert Stanley resigned, and wrote in a goodbye message that he regretted having let down the American people. On the same day, the 90^thMissile Wing at F.E. Warren disclosed that it had fired Col. David Holloway, but never released a full explanation as to why.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: More USAF Officers Disciplined: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: US Soldiers Under Quarantine: By Debbie Gregory

November 12, 2014/in Archived Blogs

A group of US Army soldiers are under quarantine after assignment in Africa.

About a dozen Army personnel are currently under quarantine for 21 days in Vicenza, Italy. The measure is just a precaution. None of the personnel have yet to display any signs that they have contracted the Ebola virus. The group, including Major General Darryl Williams and his staff, are the first American service members to visit the Ebola hot zone in West Africa.

The quarantine was pushed for by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and approved by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. For their period of isolation, personnel can’t have any physical contact with family *or* loved ones. They must take their temperature twice a day and eat with plastic utensils that are destroyed after each use.

The isolated service members have been given phones and internet, and even places to exercise. General Williams told reporters that morale is high, and that this precautionary measure is just another part of their duty and assignment.

While the 21 day isolation period may seem like over-kill, and has been likened to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s quarantine of nurse Kaci Hickox, it makes more sense in the military. First of all, service members are not average citizens who are free to come and go as they please. Service members have sworn to obey orders and must do what they’re told, even if it places them in harm’s way *or* is inconvenient.

That being said, with the rapid movement of service members from installation to installation where thousands of service members are massed in close quarters, it makes even more sense to take extra precautions with military personnel.

There are 75 more Army personnel expected to return to Italy from Liberia soon. They are also expected to go through a similar period of isolation. The current procedure will be closely monitored, and face a review after a 45 day period.

There are currently around 1,000 U.S. service members in West Africa, mainly in Senegal and Liberia. It’s expected that the number will be closer to 4,000 troops within the next several weeks. No American service members have been reported to have contracted Ebola, and with precautionary measures in place, it should stay that way.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: US Soldiers Under Quarantine: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: A New Type of Holiday Carol: By Joe Silva

November 11, 2014/in Archived Blogs

Music is a very important part of celebrating holidays. Just as carols can bring out the spirit of Christmas, a good patriotic anthem can get an American’s blood pumping for their country during patriotic holidays, including Veterans Day and Independence Day.

Michael Souders, a music teacher at Colonial Heights, Virginia’s Tussing Elementary School, has been instrumental in expressing the true spirit of Veterans Day through song. Back in 2009, Souders posted a video on Youtube featuring students from Tussing Elementary singing a song that he and his wife, Angela, wrote, called “Thank You, Soldiers!” The video has more than 2.5 million likes. Souders offered the sheet music to schools across the nation, and scores of schools have used it over the last few years.

For Veterans Day, 2014, Mr. Souders composed a new piece called “I Still Believe.” Souders posted a video on Youtube of Tussling Elementary School’s third graders singing this newest devotional to Veterans and service members. The beauty of the message is perfectly captured in the sweet voices of the singers.

It is amazing how many Americans find ways to support Veterans through their talents. I commend Mr. Souders for using his as both a composer and educator to provide these gifts of song to Veterans. Mr. Souders has generously offered up the sheet music to everyone, with a link to it from the video.

In reply to an individual who questioned Souders’ sincerity with the first video, he replied, “…I say for our country to show our care and gratitude to you all, we all are different, so we ‘do what we do’ to show it. Doctors will give aid, philanthropists will give millions, contractors will build and renovate veterans” homes, engineers will design things to help the injured, and MUSICIANS WILL WRITE SONGS OF GRATITUDE. All of it put together is what counts….”

Well, this Veteran is impressed, as I feel that I am another individual “doing what I do” to help my comrades, through my writing. I have spent many a Veterans Day and Independence Day, and every other holiday, deployed *or* otherwise away from home. I remember Guantanamo Bay, 2008, playing patriotic songs on my laptop and amplifying them to my band of buddies using speakers that I bought at the exchange. My time off, after working on those holidays, were spent listening to patriotic songs with my deployment family, talking about home with my comrades, all of us singing along proudly, though not very well.

I like to envision that my comrades who are still serving will add Mr. Souders’ songs to their playlists for similar occasions, and that at barbecues and gatherings across the nation, the voices of children will sing along with the patriots from their generation.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: A New Type of Holiday Carol: By Joe Silva

Military Connection: Army’s Next Senior Enlisted: By Debbie Gregory

November 11, 2014/in Military, Military News, Military Veteran, Veteran News

The Army has named its next senior enlisted leader.

Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Raymond Odierno announced that Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Dailey will be the next Sergeant Major of the Army.

The Sergeant Major is the most senior enlisted member of the Army. As such, Dailey’s responsibilities will include recommending quality-of-life improvements to Army leadership, and sitting on councils that make decisions affecting enlisted soldiers and their families. The Sergeant Major of the Army is also the public face of the Army’s NCO Corps, representing them to the American people in the media and through community outreach.

The position is comparable to the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard. They all are the most senior enlisted member of their branch, unless a member of their branch is serving as the Senior Enlisted Adviser to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Sgt. Maj. Dailey is originally from Palmerton, PA, and has had a remarkable career as a soldier, dating back to 1989. Early in his enlistment, Dailey participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm with 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. Dailey would again deploy to Iraq in 2003, eventually earning the Iraq Campaign Medal with five bronze service stars, representing time spent in the war zone of Iraq during five of the seven phases of that war.

Sgt. Major Dailey’s list of awards is a long one. It includes the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Bronze Star Medal (3rd award), Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Army Commendation Medal (7th award), Army Achievement Medal (10th award), Good Conduct Medal (7th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), South West Asia Service Medal (one bronze service star), Iraq Campaign Medal (five bronze service stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4th award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd award), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Drivers Badge (wheel), Ranger Tab, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, The Order of Saint Maurice (Centurion). He is a member of the Distinguished Audie Murphy Club.

Daily will take over on January 30, 2015. He will replace current Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler, who has served in the position since March 2011.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Army’s Next Senior Enlisted: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: CELEBRATE Veterans Day: By Navy Veteran Joe Silva

November 10, 2014/in Archived Blogs

Military Connection would like to thank all who have served their country this Veterans day.

Each year, November 11^this reserved as a federal holiday intended to celebrate all of those who served in the U.S. military.

The origins of Veterans Day can be traced back to 1919, when, at the end of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11^th “Armistice Day” to commemorate the end of the of “The Great War.” The signing of the armistice occurred on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. In 1954, Congress approved an amendment to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. The spelling of “Veterans Day” by the U.S. government does not include an apostrophe, in order for the word “Veteran” to be used as an adjective.

As a federal holiday, government buildings, post offices and banks are closed. In years past, most Americans were given the day off work to celebrate. Nowadays, it is estimated that fewer than 20% of Americans will be given the day off by their employer. That is a trend that we, as a generation of Americans who have witnessed more than thirteen years of war, might want to change, especially for Veterans.

Throughout the nation, Veterans Day is observed with patriotic events, including parades, community rallies and social gatherings, all designed to thank all Veterans, from all generations, for their military service. Many Veterans organizations, including the American Legion, American Veterans (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), hold their own celebrations and gatherings with the support of their local communities.

A number of retailors and large restaurant chains also offer Veterans Day specials. The MilitaryConnection.com website offers a substantial list of Veteran and Military Deals & Discounts, including Veterans Day specials. (Please note that deals are only valid at participating vendors, and most all deals will require proof of service.)

Perhaps the best way to observe Veterans Day is by actually CELEBRATING it. Attend a party… better yet THROW a party: invite your friends, especially your Veteran friends, fly the Stars and Stripes, hang some red, white and blue bunting, play some patriotic music, and eat some great American food. Let Veterans know that you care.

Veterans, be sure to show your military pride. If you separated under honorable conditions after serving during a time of war, you are authorized to wear your military uniform at weddings, funerals and patriotic functions, as detailed in Executive Order 10554. Even if you don’t wear your uniform, be sure to wear some Veteran pride apparel. Wear your medals, a military ball cap, a t-shirt, something displaying that you are proud to have served. If Veterans don’t celebrate the holiday, then what’s the point?

Veterans Day is a holiday. By definition, a holiday is an occasion to take a break from normal labors to celebrate or commemorate. This November 11^th, whether you have the day off or have to work, be sure to step away from your everyday routine and celebrate, any way you want. It’s your right… thanks to Veterans.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: CELEBRATE Veterans Day: By Navy Veteran Joe Silva

Military Connection: Marines End OEF Mission: By Debbie Gregory

November 10, 2014/in Archived Blogs

On October 26, 2014, U.S. Marines turned over their last base in Afghanistan, as they handed Camp Leatherneck in the Helmand province over to the Afghan National Army.

Both Camp Leatherneck and Camp Bastion, a British airfield adjacent to Leatherneck, were changing control, and the transfer had been kept secret from the media The Helmand province was hard fought territory for U.S. Marines and British forces. Of the 458 Marines killed in Afghanistan, 350 were lost in the Helmand province. The British lost 407 service members in the region as well.

The cloak-and-dagger switch was deemed necessary, as the Helmand province is still rampant with Taliban insurgents, as well as drug traffickers and gangs.

Giving control of Camp Leatherneck and Camp Bastion to the Afghan military marks what could be the beginning of a rapid reduction of coalition forces in Afghanistan. Approximately 24,000 U.S. service members, including Marines who are still providing security at the now Afghan-controlled Camp Leatherneck, remain in the country. That number is expected to be closer to 10,000 by January, and reduced again by 2016. The U.S. military will be watching the Helmand province with great interest for the next several months.

While many in and around the military community are criticizing the transfer due to the importance of the bases and the high-threat from Taliban in the region, it does make some sense to try to gauge the effectiveness of our Afghan allies before the end of this year, when our forces will be cut by more than half.

Since 2009, the base has been used by U.S. Marines and other American and coalition forces. Along with the land and the fortification, the Afghan military also received an estimated $230 million worth of buildings and equipment that the Marines have left behind. The Afghan Ministry of Defense is planning to use the use the 1,600-acre base to connect with Kabul, and to support its aviation operations.

The transfer of Camp Leatherneck marks the end of the Marine Corps’ thirteen year mission in Afghanistan. During their campaign in Afghanistan, Marines have fought with the valor and dedication worthy of their name. They completed every objective they were asked to, and now hand the reigns over to their comrades in different uniforms.

“We are doing exactly what our commander in chief has asked us to do,” said Capt. James M. Geiger Jr. He continued, “We have taken great pride in this mission. We are the last Marines and we’re protecting the reputations of our brothers who paid the ultimate price.”

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Marines End OEF Mission: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: See Who’s Hiring Veterans: By Debbie Gregory

November 9, 2014/in Employment, Jobs, Military Veteran, Veteran News

Finding meaningful employment is one of the biggest challenges faced by Veterans. But one of the best ways to remedy the employment situation is by letting Veterans know which companies are specifically looking to hire those with military experience.

Companies that are awarded federal government contracts employ approximately 25% of the American workforce. Federal law requires that these contractors cannot discriminate against former service members. There are even laws in place mandating these employers set affirmative action plans, with specified efforts to hire and promote Veterans, and report back to the federal government on their progress.

On September 24, 2013, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs published a Final Rule on the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. The update went into effect in March, 2014, and requires contractors to establish annual hiring benchmarks for protected Veterans (disabled and wartime Veterans).

Under the law, contractors can choose to establish a benchmark equal to the national percentage of Veterans in the civilian labor force, published in the Benchmark Database, below, and updated annually by OFCCP. Alternatively, contractors may establish their own benchmarks using certain data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Veterans’ Employment and Training Service/Employment and Training Administration (VETS/ETA), also published by OFCCP, as well other factors that reflect the contractor’s unique hiring circumstances. The data is posted in the Benchmark Database, below.

Veterans can take advantage of jobs with federal contractors by looking at Military Connection’s Job Board. Veterans can also use the thousands of Labor Department offices, also called American Job Centers. Major federal contractors must list their available positions with these centers. Among the major employers with substantial government contracts are:

The Shaw Group Inc: 26,208 total hires; 1,642 Veterans hired.
Allied Barton Security Services: 69,046 total hires; 1,612 Veterans hired.
UPS: 161,812 total hires. 1,150 Veterans hired.
Home Depot USA Inc: 79,915 total hires; 916 Veterans hired.
General Dynamics: 13,283 total hires; 701 Veterans hired.

Scores of companies have been awarded major contracts by the federal government, and are looking to hire qualified Veterans. Perhaps the key to diminishing the Veteran unemployment rate is connecting Veterans to the right employers. Make sure that you and the Veterans in your life know where the jobs are.

Military Connection: See Who’s Hiring Veterans: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: More Veterans Owning Homes: By Debbie Gregory

November 8, 2014/in Archived Blogs

Over the last few years, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Program has gained significant market share, compared to competing private and government mortgage options. One of the main reasons for this is that big banks and mortgage companies have increased efforts to help returning Veterans become homeowners.

The VA Home Loan Program is now at record highs, having more than doubled since 2007. Back in 2011, VA guaranteed home loans made up only 3% of mortgages in the country. In Fiscal Year 2014, VA guaranteed home loans jumped to around 7%.

There are many reasons why VA loans are rapidly increasing. First and foremost, there is a large demand for homes among the Veteran community. With the number of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans separating from the service, there is an influx of families, relocating and looking for homes. In total, the VA estimates that there are more than 22 million Veterans from all generations, across the country. The majority of these Veterans will qualify for VA loans. And with today’s economy, the only way that some Veterans will get approved for a home loan is through the VA.

Here’s how the process works, in a nutshell: A Veterans applies for a certificate of eligibility from the VA. The VA reviews the Veteran’s credit, earning potential, etc. and then approves or disapproves the Veteran. Veterans with a certificate of eligibility are then free to seek out private lenders vetted with the VA. The lenders provide the loans to the Veteran, with the VA’s guarantee that if the Veteran is unable to pay the loan, the lender will still be paid back.

Lenders recognize VA loans as good business. And VA guaranteed loans come with zero down payment and generous finance rates that make home ownership more affordable for the men, women and families who have made sacrifices in service to their country.

There are also scores of non-profits that partner with large corporations and lenders to help Veterans become homeowners. Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Homes for Heroes, the Military Warriors Support Foundation, HomeStrong USA, Operation Homefront, and Purple Heart Homes have gifted hundreds of homes to Veterans. Many of these houses were acquired through donations from major lenders, including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, SunTrust Mortgage, Wells Fargo, and U.S. Bank.

Considering the struggles many Veterans face in light of the current economy, it’s satisfying to see so many Veterans and military families are able to fulfill their dream of owning their own home. It’s the very least a grateful nation can provide for as a way to say thank you for the sacrifices they have made.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: More Veterans Owning Homes: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Iraq Vets To Get Relief: By Debbie Gregory

November 7, 2014/in Archived Blogs

Late in October, the Defense Department announced that it will provide medical examinations and long-term health monitoring to service members who were exposed to chemical warfare agents in Iraq.

Over the last several years, an increasing number of Iraq Veterans have come forward with health complaints as a result of exposure and inadequate treatment. To date, neither the Pentagon, nor any of the service branches have released a full list of chemical weapons recoveries and exposures.

A review ordered by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel found that the military did not follow its own healthcare protocol during the initial care of many patients, and did not establish a means for following the exposed patients’ health over time, as the guidelines required.

Medical officials from the Army said that in the early months of 2015, the military will begin conducting medical exams for soldiers exposed to chemical agents. It is estimated that approximately 25 members from the Army and the Navy have been affected by chemical agents due to their service in Iraq.

Previously, the events involving their exposure to the chemical agents had been kept under wraps. Nearly all of the incidents of exposure involved the discovery or demolition of stockpiles of rusted and corroded ordinance. Missiles and bombs, some utilizing mustard gas and other chemical agents, were hidden by Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq, and found by U.S. forces. There was a fear that insurgent groups in Iraq would look for and discover more hidden stockpiles of chemical weapons.

The discovery and acknowledgement of the exposures may be late, but going forward, it will help these Veterans apply for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. By acknowledging the exposure, the Veterans will be able to link their current health problems to their service, making it easier to get approved for disability benefits and medical treatment.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.