HR 5868 - Retain Those Warriors with Combat Related Disabilities
With the difficulty in obtaining good recruits, the high costs and long lead times of training them, I strongly urge urge you write your Congress person to co-sponsor HR 5868, the Martin-Dodson Act, submitted by Rep. Steve Pearce, on April 22.
Where the DoD currently discharges or retirees those with disabilities, HR 5868 would permit active duty regulars and active status reservists to with combat-related disabilities to elect retention rather than separation or retirement. They would have the further option of transfer to non-combat related specialties.
Be aware that some Iraq amputees have been retained on active duty and have been assigned to Iraq combat units, but as I recall they were highly decorated and retained as an exception to policy. By defining a broader spectrum, i.e., “combat related” as defined by 10 USC 1413a, HR 5868 would open the door for retention of those who can still be productive in less strenuous duties than required by direct combat or field duty.
Such retention is a cost effective win-win proposition as it retains a trained soldier on active duty (active status if a reservist) and thereby gives many otherwise well qualified members a way to continue to productive members of the Armed Services and continue to service their country.
Take a moment and write your Congress person and urge them to support HR 5888.
Info obtained from USDR web page.
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