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Okay, I hope this isnt' too long...but I am able to speak on this topic first hand. I am a military spouse, and my husband has been in Baghdad since May 1st.
For those of you who don't know, Tricare is EXCELLENT insurance for activite duty and retired military. It is better than ANY civilian insurance I've ever had. I know, because I am seven months pregnant and have gotten amazing care with no co-pay. Since, I am away from our duty station (Germany) I am able to choose a doctor where I am. There is far less red-tape than with a regular HMO.
As far as military pay. Deployed military members are paid quite significantly more (although still not enough for what they're doing) for their service. Not only do we recieve separation pay (for service members with dependents), hazardous/combat duty pay, and rations pay (for meals)...they do not pay taxes either, which takes a big chunk of anyone's pay check. (Which IS taken out in during non-combat times, i.e. when we're at our normal duty station.) Bethany1982 is absolutely correct with the 'double-dipping' information. The money 'owed' will actually be taken out of the pay check, and not 'billed' to the soldier.
As far as the two week leave. My husband's leave has just come down, and he'll be coming to the states between December 9-28...which just so happens to fall on my due date. He was originally told that he could only be flown to Germany, because that is our duty station but that was changed. I'm just thrilled that he is able to come to see his son be born. I don't care what the cost!
As far as the 'Wag the Dog' war comment that was made....I'm going to be very civil and just say that my husband and thousands of other men and women are in Iraq right now, as you sit on your computer judging, guaranteeing your right to make those comments. I truly hope that not everyone is naive enough to believe what they hear on TV and read in the paper. I doubt the government has told us everything, and I personally like it that way. It helps make sure that my husband is safe, and he will be able to come home. He believes that he is there for a reason, and quite honestly, that's good enough for me.
aj
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