|
While somewhat off topic (though it is about special pay) How about making some changes with who actually needs to be on jump status (and thus receive jump pay) and using a portion of those funds to increase the jump pay for others?
I'm sure I'm not the first to bring up this subject. The 82nd has around 17,000 troopers (if I'm off feel free to correct this error) and from personal experience for at least 30-40% of personal, there is neither a tactical nor strategic need for them to be on jump status. While jumping is part & parcel of being in the 82nd, at the end of the day parachute drops are training. ie: Training for combat.
Therefore if a soldier is not directly assigned to either a combat arms unit or direct combat support (Riggers would be an exception), there does not exist a tactical need for them to train in a skill-set that will never be employed.
Within 5-7 years, the cost-savings from jump pay, jump school, aircraft maintenance/fuel, parachutes, reduced injuries, etc would be considerable. All forms of jump pay (static & freefall) could easily be doubled, while still spending less overall.
That is my thought, and may the debate begin!
Travis
__________________
Eventually, I'll think of something very profound to use as a sig...
|