According to two defense officials, the US Army requested that close to 20 officers who intended to retire or take on new positions stay in their current positions through the month of December.
This request came as a result of a Republican senator blocking hundreds of military promotions over a Pentagon abortion policy.
13 of those policemen gave their consent to remain, some for nearly a year longer than anticipated, according to the officials.
Over 250 senior military commanders have been denied promotions for months due to Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) opposition to a Defense Department policy that reimburses service members’ travel costs for seeking abortions in places where they are allowed.
Tuberville claims he will lift his blockade if a vote is held on a bill presented by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, that would codify the Pentagon’s abortion policy into law.
In exchange, Tuberville requests the Defense Department’s agreement to revoke the policy if the initiative is unsuccessful.
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US Army Generals Delay Retirement Amid Uncertainty
Lt. Gen. Daniel Karbler, the head of the Space and Missile Defense Command in Huntsville, Alabama, is one person who consented to stay until December, according to the officials.
Although he had intended to retire this year, he has been in the position since December 2019.
The Pentagon-based Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office heads for the Army, Maj. Gen. Sean Gainey, was chosen to take his place.
The extensions were approved and signed by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Generals who intended to retire had to postpone job offers, halt their VA benefits, and halt their retirement process.
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said the blockade is not only having an impact on the general officers and their families but is also harming other troops while speaking at the Aspen National Security Forum on Thursday.
She said that some service members might decide to leave the military due to their unhappiness and uncertainty.
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Source: www.msn.com