And you thought your insurance increase was ridiculous?

[hydrodamoper]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bionicarm http:///t/390762/and-you-thought-your-insurance-increase-was-ridiculous#post_3462211
Here are the changes:
http://www.military.com/benefits/content/tricare/retiree/proposed-tricare-fee-changes.html?comp=7000022778863&rank=1
I personally have no sympathy for officer retirees that get $40K - $80K per year in retirement pay, then get Tricare healthcare that isn't far off from the services I receive for a whopping $450/YEAR. You have independent contractors and small business owners who have to pay that amount every MONTH (or more) for health insurance.
Based off those proposed changes my family and I would go from paying $0/yr to $140/yr in FY2013 with a $300 deductible. Then average ~20% increase over the next few yrs until the total annual fees are $250/yr and a $580 deductable. I'm I looking at that wrong?? I will be the first one to tell you that if that is all that changes coming for the retirees, Im good, LOL! Not sure what the average 45 yr old with a wife and 2 kids (and a heart attack less then 1 year ago) would pay monthly, but I'm sure it isnt $12.00.
"I personally have no sympathy for officer retirees that get $40K - $80K per year in retirement pay, then get Tricare healthcare that isn't far off from the services I receive for a whopping $450/YEAR. You have independent contractors and small business owners who have to pay that amount every MONTH (or more) for health insurance." REALLY, REALLY??
Did those independent contractors and small business owners ENLIST in the military and dedicate 20+ years of their lives to said military? (BTW - most of those big old meany retired officers that make $40K - $80k did more than 20yrs). If all those independent contractors were to "contract" with the military, maybe they could get in on the "gravy train" too, LOL.

 

[hydrodamoper]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bionicarm http:///t/390762/and-you-thought-your-insurance-increase-was-ridiculous#post_3462363
Only the hater of the incompetent officers that sit around shuffling papers all day at their desk waiting to get their 20 years so they can get full retirement. I'll ask you like I asked mantis, did you serve? Try working at a military facility for over 20 years like I have. It's a real eye opener when you see how your tax dollars are wasted.
Says the independent contractor, lol

 

[mantisman51]

I think if citizens have devoted 20+ years to the defense of our country, they should have $0 healthcare the rest of their lives. When illegal aliens and unwed mothers are draining us dry, no one cares, but those same people complain about those who EARNED their retirement and healthcare.
p.s. I specifically mentioned the federal employees and contractors I have dealt with: hospital personnel and security guards. The woman who signed my daughter up for Tricare told her to go get a military ID before she could finish the process. No problem. Then we asked where to get it. The woman sighed, rolled her eyes and said, quite hatefully, "Turn left at the driveway and keep going until you see the Provost Marshal office." She never mentioned they only give ID's by appointment and it has to be made by phone on Tuesdays and Thursdays or online. Then the contract security guard at the medical center told her not to come back without an ID-I asked an MP and he said the guard was full of crap. She could come and go as she needed until the ID was straightened out.

 

[bionicarm]

Quote:
Originally Posted by mantisman51 http:///t/390762/and-you-thought-your-insurance-increase-was-ridiculous/20#post_3462388
I think if citizens have devoted 20+ years to the defense of our country, they should have $0 healthcare the rest of their lives. When illegal aliens and unwed mothers are draining us dry, no one cares, but those same people complain about those who EARNED their retirement and healthcare.
p.s. I specifically mentioned the federal employees and contractors I have dealt with: hospital personnel and security guards. The woman who signed my daughter up for Tricare told her to go get a military ID before she could finish the process. No problem. Then we asked where to get it. The woman sighed, rolled her eyes and said, quite hatefully, "Turn left at the driveway and keep going until you see the Provost Marshal office." She never mentioned they only give ID's by appointment and it has to be made by phone on Tuesdays and Thursdays or online. Then the contract security guard at the medical center told her not to come back without an ID-I asked an MP and he said the guard was full of crap. She could come and go as she needed until the ID was straightened out.
I've been working at military installations in San Antonio since 1981. Started out at Kelly AFB workinig in the main data center maintaining all the computer support equipment for the maintenance of B-52's. Also worked at Randolph AFB at the Personnel Data Center, which basically maintains all the personnel records for the Air Force. Even went up in a T-38 trainer a couple of times. Moved over to Ft Sam Houston, home of the 5th Army Recruiting Brigade and BAMC Hospital, the major burn unit for any critically burned patient in the world. Worked at Brooks AFB for 5 years maintaining systems at the Laser Eye Protection Division. They designed eyewear and visors for pilots to defend against laser flash blindness attacks from the ground. Used to get criticized because we shot lasers into little bunnies and monkey's eye to test the eye wear. Unfortunately had to blind a few to get it perfected. Been at Lackland AFB for the better part of the last 10 years working where I still call the Air Intelligence Agency. I still play golf every once in a while with the retired general and LC I worked for at Brooks and Kelly. Guess I should have joined back then. I'd have over 30 years and most likely would be a Full Bird by now. That'd be a nice chunk of retirement change. Woulda, shoulda, coulda....

 

[darthtang aw]

  I'll ask you like I asked mantis, did you serve? 
I signed the dotted line. 3 Partial Pnuemothorax's prevented my heading off to basic. My father served (Vietnam 20 years in) My grandfather served (Navy pilot in WW2, ace. Flew a Corsair. My Uncle was airforce, My other uncle was navy. My cousin is a Marine. my brother did a stint in the coast guard My grandfather's brothers served. In fact I can trace my family history back to every major war we were involved to the Civil War. Before then it gets a bit muddy. But since we are playing "look who in my family served" I figured I would name a few.
You complain about wasted tax dollars? LMAO...you are the biggest proponent of wasted tax dollars.....You support the bail out that still continues.........lmao.

 

[mantisman51]

I signed up for delayed entry in high school and because of a permanent injury I got in September of my senior year, was deemed medically ineligible to serve and removed from the program. But what difference that makes I'll never know. We can only stand up for the military if we have served? I have a philosophical predisposition to err on the side of those who actually do something to make my family and me safe. Now there are some federal employees and contractors doing some good work. But that does not justify the bureaucratic/entitled mindset that pervades the government employee union and some contractors. But beyond that, our servicemen should be better paid and have better benefits than civilian federal employees and contractors.

 

[jerthunter]

If the numbers from the military.com website are correct it doesn't seem like the military is getting hurt to badly by the changes. I mean I hate seeing any costs raise and I can understand people's frustration, but honestly this sounds rather minor compared to the recent? increases in services to veterans.

 

[darthtang aw]

If the numbers from the military.com website are correct it doesn't seem like the military is getting hurt to badly by the changes.  I mean I hate seeing any costs raise and I can understand people's frustration, but honestly this sounds rather minor compared to the recent? increases in services to veterans.
I agree...the cost is minimal...but if you are gonna raise costs on one section of the governmental employees, do it to all of them. Military personnel sign a contract...they give X amount of years and receive X in return. This technically is breach of contract as well.

 

[jerthunter]

I agree...the cost is minimal...but if you are gonna raise costs on one section of the governmental employees, do it to all of them. Military personnel sign a contract...they give X amount of years and receive X in return. This technically is breach of contract as well.
That is an interesting way of looking at it. I am sure if I was still in I'd be complaining about it and trying to find a way to convince them that it was a breach of contract so they would let me out early.

 

[acrylic51]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bionicarm http:///t/390762/and-you-thought-your-insurance-increase-was-ridiculous#post_3462363
Only the hater of the incompetent officers that sit around shuffling papers all day at their desk waiting to get their 20 years so they can get full retirement. I'll ask you like I asked mantis, did you serve? Try working at a military facility for over 20 years like I have. It's a real eye opener when you see how your tax dollars are wasted.
Dude you have no clue......Regardless officer or not, they earn what they got.....I usually don't chime into these threads, but your clueless.....You look at what these guys earn......Take into account "they" technically aren't working a 9-5 job such as yourself.....These military individuals are working 24/7 365 days a year to safe guard your candy little rear......
Yes I do take it personal when someone who hasn't laced up a pair of boots, and had rounds sent down range on them speak out their butt......I guess your not over paid military contractor

 

[bionicarm]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Darthtang AW http:///t/390762/and-you-thought-your-insurance-increase-was-ridiculous/20#post_3462402
I signed the dotted line. 3 Partial Pnuemothorax's prevented my heading off to basic. My father served (Vietnam 20 years in) My grandfather served (Navy pilot in WW2, ace. Flew a Corsair. My Uncle was airforce, My other uncle was navy. My cousin is a Marine. my brother did a stint in the coast guard My grandfather's brothers served. In fact I can trace my family history back to every major war we were involved to the Civil War. Before then it gets a bit muddy. But since we are playing "look who in my family served" I figured I would name a few.
You complain about wasted tax dollars? LMAO...you are the biggest proponent of wasted tax dollars.....You support the bail out that still continues.........lmao.
You and mantis are hilarious. So because you signed up, BUT DIDN'T SERVE, you are somehow any different than me?

I've actually 'served' than most people who have. The only thing I didn't do is sign the commitment papers and put on the uniform.
That "bail out" has saved thousands of jobs in Michigan and Ohio. You keep touting, "Let them just file bankruptcy, and they'll be fine." Sorry, they wouldn't have been fine. There was no money from any investors to keep them solvent. There was no money to keep the lines running. They would have closed shop. Period. The Republicans supported the bailout. Who do you think started the Freddie/Fannie debacle? Bush and Gingrich were on board with the entire thing. You want to keep things status quo. Let the ultra rich keep raking in the dollars, and they'll toss the middle class a bone every once in a while. You're a fool if you think any of these CEO's with multi-million dollar paychecks give a rats arse what happens to the worker bees. Company folds? Who cares? They get million dollar golden parachutes, then find some other company stupid enough to hire them because of their "experience". Go ahead and keep cutting their taxes. Oh wait, they'll use that money to "invest in their business and employees". BS. They'll invest in that 20,000 square foot house, jewelry and clothes for that bimbet hooker wife of theirs, that Hawker Jet, and a couple of Bentley's to round things off.

 

[acrylic51]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bionicarm http:///t/390762/and-you-thought-your-insurance-increase-was-ridiculous/20#post_3462400
I've been working at military installations in San Antonio since 1981. Started out at Kelly AFB workinig in the main data center maintaining all the computer support equipment for the maintenance of B-52's. Also worked at Randolph AFB at the Personnel Data Center, which basically maintains all the personnel records for the Air Force. Even went up in a T-38 trainer a couple of times. Moved over to Ft Sam Houston, home of the 5th Army Recruiting Brigade and BAMC Hospital, the major burn unit for any critically burned patient in the world. Worked at Brooks AFB for 5 years maintaining systems at the Laser Eye Protection Division. They designed eyewear and visors for pilots to defend against laser flash blindness attacks from the ground. Used to get criticized because we shot lasers into little bunnies and monkey's eye to test the eye wear. Unfortunately had to blind a few to get it perfected. Been at Lackland AFB for the better part of the last 10 years working where I still call the Air Intelligence Agency. I still play golf every once in a while with the retired general and LC I worked for at Brooks and Kelly. Guess I should have joined back then. I'd have over 30 years and most likely would be a Full Bird by now. That'd be a nice chunk of retirement change. Woulda, shoulda, coulda....
Nice work!!!!!!

Still not impressed; bottom line you've never been in the trenches!!!!!

 

[bionicarm]

Quote:
Originally Posted by acrylic51 http:///t/390762/and-you-thought-your-insurance-increase-was-ridiculous/20#post_3462478
Dude you have no clue......Regardless officer or not, they earn what they got.....I usually don't chime into these threads, but your clueless.....You look at what these guys earn......Take into account "they" technically aren't working a 9-5 job such as yourself.....These military individuals are working 24/7 365 days a year to safe guard your candy little rear......
Yes I do take it personal when someone who hasn't laced up a pair of boots, and had rounds sent down range on them speak out their butt......I guess your not over paid military contractor

Dude, you don't have a clue. Military life in the Army and Marines is 180 from the Air Force. When I worked at Brooks, I had two Captains, 1 Major, and a LC that had been stationed at that base for 12 YEARS. I've got a couple of Captain's working where I'm at now that have been stationed there as long as I've been there. I'd say in the last 15 years I've been working for the Air Force, I've seen less than 10% of the non-comps, and probably less than 5% of the officer's ever deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. I'VE BEEN OVER THERE more than several of the officer's in the unit I work in. I don't just sit around a dark room all day monitoring networks and potential hack attacks. I get deployed to the "field" when certain situations occur. Notice I didn't post here for a couple of months? That's because I was over on the other side of the world working on a critical network compromise. Guess what. I work 24/7 365. If the Colonel that runs the facility myself and my employees work in need ANYTHING, or need someone to go ANYWHERE, we drop what we do and go. I had two guys over in Germany on Christmas Day. You people have not one iota what I do, not only for my business, but for this country. If I could tell you some of the things I've done, and the places I've been, you probably wouldn't be calling me "an overpaid contractor."

 

[darthtang aw]

You and mantis are hilarious.  So because you signed up, BUT DIDN'T SERVE, you are somehow any different than me?  :rotfl:
I've actually 'served' than most people who have.  The only thing I didn't do is sign the commitment papers and put on the uniform. 
That "bail out" has saved thousands of jobs in Michigan and Ohio.  You keep touting, "Let them just file bankruptcy, and they'll be fine."  Sorry, they wouldn't have been fine.  There was no money from any investors to keep them solvent.  There was no money to keep the lines running.  They would have closed shop.  Period.  The Republicans supported the bailout.  Who do you think started the Freddie/Fannie debacle?  Bush and Gingrich were on board with the entire thing.  You want to keep things status quo.  Let the ultra rich keep raking in the dollars, and they'll toss the middle class a bone every once in a while.  You're a fool if you think any of these CEO's with multi-million dollar paychecks give a rats arse what happens to the worker bees.  Company folds?  Who cares?  They get million dollar golden parachutes, then find some other company stupid enough to hire them because of their "experience".  Go ahead and keep cutting their taxes.  Oh wait, they'll use that money to "invest in their business and employees".  BS.  They'll invest in that 20,000 square foot house, jewelry and clothes for that bimbet hooker wife of theirs, that Hawker Jet, and a couple of Bentley's to round things off.
You win. want a cookie?

 

[mantisman51]

Did anyone discount anything he has said? He's protesting what no one has said. Seems rather odd to me. He thinks some officers are jerks and contractors are doing some important work. No disagreement from me. That has no bearing on taking care of those who are defending us. I must have missed something...

 

[darthtang aw]

Ok, now that I have had time to read the daily comic strip, I can properly respond.
You and mantis are hilarious.  So because you signed up, BUT DIDN'T SERVE, you are somehow any different than me?  :rotfl:
I've actually 'served' than most people who have.  The only thing I didn't do is sign the commitment papers and put on the uniform. 
Oh, and the 6 figure a year income. I am sure most enlisted and officers would trade salaries and benefits with you. As you stated, you send others on many occasions as well. If that isn't Haliburton mentallity. You used to rag onn Journeyman for his overseas contractor work in Iraq. Yet here you are, bragging about doing the very same thing. and collecting a nice salary off it, far more than the average citizen.Hypocrite much?
the difference that you fail to grasp is we don't belittle the military personnel. We don't feel they should lose the benefits the were promised when they agreed to serve the country in what ever fashion the government tells them to. You can also walk away at anytime with out reprecussions on a prison level. The Military personnel you claim to be so akin to, can not. They MUST serve their tour of duty. THEY must ship overseas if told. You, can hire someone else to go in your stead, and often do...as you have stated here in the past.
That "bail out" has saved thousands of jobs in Michigan and Ohio.  You keep touting, "Let them just file bankruptcy, and they'll be fine."  Sorry, they wouldn't have been fine. 
1. I didn't say they would be fine. However, recent history has proven this statement to be correct. The auto industry, bailed out. Still Filed bamkruptsy afterwards. Now back stronger than ever. So apparently the bankruptsy filing did make them stronger and things are fine in that industry. Or are you going to argue otherwise?
There was no money from any investors to keep them solvent.  There was no money to keep the lines running.  They would have closed shop.  Period.  The Republicans supported the bailout.  Who do you think started the Freddie/Fannie debacle?  Bush and Gingrich were on board with the entire thing.  You want to keep things status quo.  Let the ultra rich keep raking in the dollars, and they'll toss the middle class a bone every once in a while.  You're a fool if you think any of these CEO's with multi-million dollar paychecks give a rats arse what happens to the worker bees.  Company folds?  Who cares?  They get million dollar golden parachutes, then find some other company stupid enough to hire them because of their "experience".  Go ahead and keep cutting their taxes.  Oh wait, they'll use that money to "invest in their business and employees".  BS.  They'll invest in that 20,000 square foot house, jewelry and clothes for that bimbet hooker wife of theirs, that Hawker Jet, and a couple of Bentley's to round things off.
Please make a point. This entire paragraph is unclear and rambling. Pick a subject matter and stay on it and you might be able to get a response rather than look like a rambling hippie that just got their medical prescription card.
It looks like you support repeated bailouts of a company, but want to increase their taxes....Yet if a company constantly operates at a loss they pay no taxes....what is your point? And you want to continue bailing out a company every quarter that does not pay taxes? What are you saying here?

 

[jerthunter]

Quote:
Originally Posted by mantisman51 http:///t/390762/and-you-thought-your-insurance-increase-was-ridiculous/20#post_3462668
Did anyone discount anything he has said? He's protesting what no one has said. Seems rather odd to me. He thinks some officers are jerks and contractors are doing some important work. No disagreement from me. That has no bearing on taking care of those who are defending us. I must have missed something...
I second (or third) the notion that some officers are jerks... except I'd say MOST officers are jerks and/or worthless. Although they tend to be be nothing compared to officer's wives... yikes...

 

[acrylic51]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bionicarm http:///t/390762/and-you-thought-your-insurance-increase-was-ridiculous/20#post_3462484
Dude, you don't have a clue. Military life in the Army and Marines is 180 from the Air Force. When I worked at Brooks, I had two Captains, 1 Major, and a LC that had been stationed at that base for 12 YEARS. I've got a couple of Captain's working where I'm at now that have been stationed there as long as I've been there. I'd say in the last 15 years I've been working for the Air Force, I've seen less than 10% of the non-comps, and probably less than 5% of the officer's ever deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. I'VE BEEN OVER THERE more than several of the officer's in the unit I work in. I don't just sit around a dark room all day monitoring networks and potential hack attacks. I get deployed to the "field" when certain situations occur. Notice I didn't post here for a couple of months? That's because I was over on the other side of the world working on a critical network compromise. Guess what. I work 24/7 365. If the Colonel that runs the facility myself and my employees work in need ANYTHING, or need someone to go ANYWHERE, we drop what we do and go. I had two guys over in Germany on Christmas Day. You people have not one iota what I do, not only for my business, but for this country. If I could tell you some of the things I've done, and the places I've been, you probably wouldn't be calling me "an overpaid contractor."
Bionicarm honestly you can tout all you want about your magnificant work your do or have done, but bud, bottom line you've never laced up the boots, dug foxholes, or been to the front lines.....or even remotely gone through the training, SO NO.....YOU HAVE NO CLUE!!!!!! You talk like an arm chair quarterback...... So easily to past judgement when you've never walked in a soldiers boots.....

 

[acrylic51]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bionicarm http:///t/390762/and-you-thought-your-insurance-increase-was-ridiculous/20#post_3462484
Dude, you don't have a clue. Military life in the Army and Marines is 180 from the Air Force. When I worked at Brooks, I had two Captains, 1 Major, and a LC that had been stationed at that base for 12 YEARS. I've got a couple of Captain's working where I'm at now that have been stationed there as long as I've been there. I'd say in the last 15 years I've been working for the Air Force, I've seen less than 10% of the non-comps, and probably less than 5% of the officer's ever deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. I'VE BEEN OVER THERE more than several of the officer's in the unit I work in. I don't just sit around a dark room all day monitoring networks and potential hack attacks. I get deployed to the "field" when certain situations occur. Notice I didn't post here for a couple of months? That's because I was over on the other side of the world working on a critical network compromise. Guess what. I work 24/7 365. If the Colonel that runs the facility myself and my employees work in need ANYTHING, or need someone to go ANYWHERE, we drop what we do and go. I had two guys over in Germany on Christmas Day. You people have not one iota what I do, not only for my business, but for this country. If I could tell you some of the things I've done, and the places I've been, you probably wouldn't be calling me "an overpaid contractor."
On your cushy little salary!!!!!!! Ohhhhh that's right your not overpaid.....but are military men and women are!!!!!! Get a grip!!!!!
That other statement you made.....I had 2 guys over in Germany on Christmas Day.....Sounds just like one of those "typical" "worthless" officers your bad mouthing there my friend........Ohhhh why weren't you there.....Ohhhh cause I'm in charge, send someone else to do the dirty work....Just like those "worthless officers" you so easily bashed......

 

[stdreb27]

lol, they should go on strike, sit in a capital building and cause millions of dollars in damage. That is what union thugs do. and it is called free speech...