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Deferred Retirements, Unemployed Spouses, Field Officers Working as Generals: Democrats' Memo Details Effects of Tuberville Blocking Military Promotions

September 13, 2023

Rebecca Kheel

Military.com

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., arrives for a Senate Armed Services Committee nominations hearing on Gen. David Allvin for reappointment to the grade of General and to be U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

By Rebecca Kheel, Military.com / September 13, 2023

At least 25 three- and four-star officers were forced to delay retirements to ensure continuity of command due to a Republican senator's months-long blockade against hundreds of military promotions, according to a new memo from Senate Democrats.

The memo released by Democrat lawmakers on the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday evening details personal stories of hardship and breaks down an array of effects stemming from Sen. Tommy Tuberville's hold on confirming general and flag officer nominees. Tuberville, who opposes a Pentagon policy allowing troops leave time and travel expenses for abortions, is a member of the committee.

"Most of these officers have served for 30 or 40 years, mobilized for numerous combat deployments, and have missed countless birthdays, anniversaries, children's births, sports games and music recitals," the memo said, referring to service members who have put off retirement because their replacements can’t be confirmed.

Read the rest of the article here: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/09/13/deferred-retirements-unemployed-spouses-field-officers-working-generals-democrats-memo-details.html

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