[Box]

If you look at the world with rose colored lenses, this is a great thing to see.
Our nations best warriors getting a nice chunk of change to offset the immeasurable sacrifices they make; our nations finest receiving a bit of pocket change to offset the fact that their wages don't truly reflect the titanic challenges they take on.

Wait...
...did that last line reference the Titanic? Wasn't that an 'unsinkable' ship that sank to the bottom of an icy sea because of arrogance and hubris?

I digress...
These types of bonuses show up when good men are in high demand and low supply. These bonuses aren't a thank you - they are a bribe. "Please don't leave us to work for Blackwater - how about this six figure retention bonus to stay for six more years?" The "thank you bonuses" are a sign of true success. Bribery ALWAYS signals a problem.

The Regiment needs selfless warriors. Selfless warriors are eager to be in the presence of other selfless warriors. They need'nt demand good leadership because they are never lacking good leadership. Selfless warriors are hesitant to follow sheep into battle. Selfless warriors set out on their own in search of righteousness when there is no inspirational leadership to follow.

Selfless warriors don't generally enjoy being used as lab rats. A selfless warrior will sit quietly atop a stone, protecting the valley simply with his existence. A selfless warrior will not sit by and watch the valley fall into disarray - eventually he will seek greener pastures.

When our nations elected representatives impugn the dignity of selfless warriors - paint them as oppressors conducting needless and wanton 'night raids' - portray them as supporters of a systemic rape culture - depict them as wrong minded extremists - what do you think is going to happen?

So you must resort to paying someone for their efforts. The problem is - when you agree to pay someone for their service - you skew the very definition of the word "service member" - a true 'service member' didn't join to the military to trade goods and services for a profit. They joined to serve.

There was a time when the appreciation of that service felt sincere. Now - not so much. You can't say you support the troops while simultaneously voicing a message that military service cultivates and empowers a patriarchal rape culture built on a foundation of toxic masculinity.

Bonuses are awesome. They are welcome. They are badly needed.
They need to be properly targeted though - otherwise you might as well be hiring mercenaries that will only stay until the money is gone.
And they aren't going to fret about such frivolous ideals as duty and honor.


...just my two cents. I could be wrong.