By Michael Margavitch, Columnist
Think about all of the reasons that you decided to come to Hofstra. There were aspects of the school that impressed you enough to ensure your attendance. Maybe you liked the dorm rooms or the diversity of the student body. Maybe it was a scholarship that you were offered from the school. In any instance, Hofstra showcases plenty of benefits to you as a new college student. The military also includes a multitude of benefits that guarantee a higher enrollment. However, the Pentagon’s budget is being challenged by Congress, which could lead to potential cuts to one of the most enticing benefits.
The current military rules state that service members are eligible for pensions that pay half of their salaries for life if they retire after 20 years or more of service. Therefore, one can retire at the age of 38 and receive some financial stability. That is a huge incentive for joining the military. In these times, where the economy is down and war always seems possible, this incentive is vital. Unfortunately, Congress is pushing the Pentagon to trim programs, including the reduction of retiree benefits.
These cuts will do more harm than good. Not only will they anger the troops who fight for our country and sacrifice so much, but it will almost certainly draw the ire of the American public. Support for war is usually divided on party lines, but support for our brave men and women in uniform is given by the majority of the country.
Additionally, less people will be willing to fight, which may lead to drafts. Most people do not want to fight in war and some do not even believe in the concept. Having somebody who does not believe in war fighting is ludicrous. Instead of drafting, we need people in our military that are willing to fight for us and believe in what they are doing. There are people who find serving their calling. However, some consider the risks associated with war too great. The incentive of benefits may act as that extra push people need to enlist. Specifically, the benefit of pension will also encourage troops to stay for a long period of time. The number of troops can increase and these troops may serve longer, which is a benefit to the United States, as it prevents drafts.
Nearly 80 percent of service people already receive no pension because they have not made it to the 20 years of service requirement. Why is the government considering not rewarding the less than one-fifth of the military that have dedicated their lives for twenty years or more? It’s a small enough fraction. Our country can handle giving pension to someone who has given us two decades.
Congress needs to let the Pentagon keep these military pensions for several reasons.
First, it’s better for the overall morale of the country. Second, it will keep enlistment numbers high and prevent drafts. Third, pensions will encourage members of the military to stay for two decades or more. Fourth, the fraction of service men and women receiving pensions is small enough that there is no justification to cutting them. Pensions are the least that we could give back to those who have sacrificed so much.
