Brickbat: Holding Up Your End of the Deal

U.S. Army

Ten years ago, with wars in Iraq and Afghanistan raging, the Pentagon created special bonuses and other benefits for soldiers with critical skills to re-enlist. Now, the California National Guard says it awarded those bonuses to nearly 10,000 soldiers who should not have gotten them, many of whom not only re-enlisted but did multiple combat tours. The Guard is demanding that money back, with interest. Those who don't agree to pay have had their wages garnished and tax lines placed on them.