The Cost of War

I found this (see WSJ link below) a remarkable story. Generally speaking, when thinking of the costs of war, I don't think of tallying the years of "after war" costs... moreover, I certainly didn't think of how expensive it really was!

It's a long, but great read that addresses more than just costs. I recommend it.

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Spouses, parents and children of deceased veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan received $6.7 billion in the 2013 fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. Payments are based on financial need, any disabilities, and whether the veteran's death was tied to military service.

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Veterans' Benefits Live On Long After Bullets Stop - WSJ.com

The financial cost of war means nothing whan this country tottaly ignores the plight of the grunts that served.
Over 200K vietnam vets are homeless and live on the streets.
The mental tole has no price,no dollor amt.

If the politicians (presidents, congressmen, the Pentagon, and the vast military-industrial complex they represent) were required to commit their own children and relatives to war first, we'd have a lot fewer foreign entanglements, I guarantee you. Think what this country could accomplish domestically with all that money!

The costs of war can be somewhat calculated for nations. The price what it costs to all related people is beyond any calculations. No matter win or lose.

Seems the Canadian government aka "The Harper Government" are trying their best to reduce the post Afghanistan costs. Seems they have rejigged the disability pension benefits and made it difficult to get other assistance for things like treatments related to PTSD. They only need you when they need you.

Bob

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Originally Posted by BobH

Seems the Canadian government aka "The Harper Government" are trying their best to reduce the post Afghanistan costs. Seems they have rejigged the disability pension benefits and made it difficult to get other assistance for things like treatments related to PTSD. They only need you when they need you.

Bob

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The hypocrisy of yesterday's "Day of Honour" for Afghanistan vets was staggering.

If they were at all truly interested in honouring servicemen and women, then treating them well and fairly upon their return would be a good start. This government loves to wrap itself in military glory whenever it serves its purpose (its use of War of 1812 propaganda, rebranding the party logo to resemble the air force logo, paying lip service to vets, etc.) while at the same time cutting benefits and access to benefits as you said, switching from a life time pension to a lump sum payment for disability, sharing the personal information of vets to make a stand in efforts to discredit them via their personal medical files... it goes on and on.

The next election can't come soon enough.

You couldn't pay me enough to be a soldier...

I am pretty sure that those that do sign up voluntarily though, after they get done doing what they are paid to do, feel undervalued and deserve everything they get and much, much, more. But that's not how it works. You take a job, and you agree to the contract... and Bob's your uncle no matter how much you like or dislike it.

So sure, on an individual basis - many might claim its not enough. But in the aggregate... That's a whole lot oh money!!! A whole lot of money!

When you are drafted however... Well that's a whole other matter.

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Originally Posted by pixelfixed

The financial cost of war means nothing whan this country tottaly ignores the plight of the grunts that served.
Over 200K vietnam vets are homeless and live on the streets.
The mental tole has no price,no dollor amt.

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You have any links proving that Pixel?

The self-promoting hillbilly arzes that claim they love the men and women serving, then won't look them in the eye when they want a job should be rounded up and sent. The difference is that now, and ever since Korea, those serving came home alone, or in dribs and drabs, not to the WWII tickertapes, but to a place that they didn't know. Today's fakes thanks them for their service, but do little to get them back iinto society, or a job ..

And, there isn't a weblink in the wold that can prove anything, sorry

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Originally Posted by pixelfixed

The financial cost of war means nothing whan this country tottaly ignores the plight of the grunts that served.
Over 200K vietnam vets are homeless and live on the streets.
The mental tole has no price,no dollor amt.

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Here is what I found - talking about all Vets.

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Although flawless counts are impossible to come by – the transient nature of homeless populations presents a major difficulty – the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that 57,849 veterans are homeless on any given night.

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National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

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Originally Posted by earcutter

You couldn't pay me enough to be a soldier...

I am pretty sure that those that do sign up voluntarily though, after they get done doing what they are paid to do, feel undervalued and deserve everything they get and much, much, more. But that's not how it works. You take a job, and you agree to the contract... and Bob's your uncle no matter how much you like or dislike it.

So sure, on an individual basis - many might claim its not enough. But in the aggregate... That's a whole lot oh money!!! A whole lot of money!

When you are drafted however... Well that's a whole other matter.




You have any links proving that Pixel?

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Google is your friend earcutter.
You obviously have zero militay experiance, in a time that your country needs you, you do not go into the service for the money.
1966/67 I made $185 per month, when I came back and walked thru the airport in San francisco, my uniform was covered in spit from the protesters.
We all thought we were doing the right thing,WRONG,being paid to defend your country,die for your country,has nothing to do with squat.