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apatzer
31-Aug-25, 08:33

Our National guard

Our men and women who serve our nation in the national guard.

Does this matter to anyone?

Q) is the Trump administration cycling our national guard troops troops for 29 days to avoid paying them for housing and health insurance on day 30 according to law?

The Trump administration has reportedly been cycling National Guard troops on 29-day orders to avoid paying them full housing and health insurance benefits. According to multiple reports and veteran accounts, orders less than 30 days only qualify troops for a reduced housing allowance and no full health insurance benefits. By repeatedly deploying Guard members for 29 days, then ending the orders before the 30-day mark, the administration saves on the full allowances and benefits that would normally start on day 30 or 31. This practice has sparked outrage among veterans and critics who call it an abusive policy that denies troops rightful compensation and benefits. Former GOP Representative and veteran Adam Kinzinger publicly condemned the tactic as abusive and harmful to the troops' welfare .

Additionally, delays and withholding of activation orders have resulted in some National Guard troops—such as those deployed to Los Angeles—to remain unpaid and without access to health benefits while on duty . The overall financial and logistical handling of these deployments have drawn criticism for ignoring troop welfare and causing hardship.

Thus, this 29-day cycling practice by the Trump administration is an intentional move to avoid paying full housing allowances and health insurance to National Guard troops deployed for short durations .

Sources:

Military. Com
www.military.com

www.rawstory.com

www.yahoo.com

And the Trump administration is being sued again.
www.pbs.org

www.reuters.com


Q) Has military leadership spoken about all this?


The military has spoken about aspects of the Trump administration's National Guard deployments. There are reports and statements from Defense Department officials and military task forces indicating that some National Guard units deployed to Washington, D.C., have been armed under strict rules for use of force, with training provided to the troops. Military spokespersons have emphasized that the use of force is limited to last resort situations and that the Guard members are also participating in non-combat tasks such as community beautification and cleaning efforts .

However, there is also internal military concern reported about the deployment decisions and the implications of the missions, particularly regarding the legality, the strain on troops, and the possible political motivations behind them . Additionally, some state National Guard officials, like those in Illinois, have publicly stated they have not received orders for deployments and have highlighted the constitutionality and legality challenges posed by such federal actions .

Overall, the military acknowledges the deployments and the rules of engagement for troops on these missions but also reflects unease about the political handling and short-duration orders affecting benefits and troop welfare.


Opinion

In my personal opinion, our troops are worth their wages and shouldn't be jerked around, left unpaid or manipulated by pushing right up to the boundary or threshold for extra housing pay. By taking them right up to the edge of it. This is a total lack of respect. We can hand the oil companies an extra 80 billion a year in subsidies or pay millions for Trump to play golf. But to save around $2500 per guard member we are cutting them right at the threshold point and then possibly re-upping them again for another.;29:day rotation.

These are hard working Americans who volunteer their time for our national defense. The vast majority of them have families and full time job that pay way more money. Than deployment pay.

They deserve better.
valley_forge
31-Aug-25, 09:09

Trump National Guard Authority
President Trump cited Title 10 of the U.S. Code, section 12406, to justify federalizing the National Guard in Los Angeles, asserting authority under two conditions: a "rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States" or when the President is "unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States".
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld this action, ruling that Trump likely lawfully exercised his statutory authority under section 12406.
The three-judge panel unanimously concluded that the evidence presented—such as protesters pinning down federal officers, throwing concrete chunks and bottles, damaging federal buildings, and attacking a federal van—demonstrated that the federal government was unable to enforce its laws without additional support.

The appeals court emphasized that while the President does not have unfettered power, the administration provided a defensible rationale for federalization based on the violent acts committed during the protests.
The court also determined that even if the federal government failed to properly coordinate with California Governor Gavin Newsom beforehand, the governor had no power to veto the President’s order.
This decision allowed the National Guard troops to remain under federal control while the legal challenge continues.

Additionally, the court acknowledged that presidential actions under this statute are subject to judicial review, but such review must be "highly deferential," reinforcing broad executive discretion in these matters.
Two of the three judges on the panel were appointed by Trump, and during oral arguments, all three suggested that presidents have wide latitude under the law and that courts should be reluctant to intervene.

www.factcheck.org

www.pbs.org

www.brennancenter.org

www.gov.ca.gov
apatzer
31-Aug-25, 12:56

And I can site the law's founded when there was a tuberculosis epidemic like if you spit outside in public you can get it go to jail or get fined.

That post is nothing more than a distraction the question wasn't can he do it. Or if it's lawful for him to do it.

You should look into The legal term for "abuse of lawful authority" is most commonly called "abuse of authority" or "abuse of power." This refers to the improper, arbitrary, or capricious use of power or position granted by law or authority for wrongful or unjust purposes. It involves someone using their lawful authority in a manner that is inconsistent with the intended mission or duties, often to obtain an undue advantage, harm others, or act outside legal or ethical boundaries.

Abuse of authority includes actions such as intimidation, coercion, favoritism, harassment, or using one's position to undermine or negatively influence another person’s rights or job security. It can be seen in contexts such as government officials, law enforcement, or organizational leaders misusing their power in harmful ways despite having lawful authority in general.



The entire post is he is playing games with their pay. Not weather he is allowed to do it
valley_forge
31-Aug-25, 20:18

The manner in which President Trump’s rational for using National Guard troops IMO will be upheld by Federal Courts and the Federal Judiciary. So far President Trump winning percentages regarding his political policies are coming up 7’s.

This issue about National Guard’s getting paid is a sticky problem which I have no idea how President is to win, but I’m betting his “hot streak’ continues.

"Appeals court lets Trump keep National Guard in Los Angeles"

A lower court judge had declared Trump’s deployment illegal just hours earlier and ordered the president to return control of the Guard to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

www.politico.com
apatzer
31-Aug-25, 20:44

It isn't about winning or loosing.

When we disrespect our members of the national guard by pourposly short changing them. Our Government is sending them a clear message.

But hey it's no different than how he treated his employees and contractors. Is it?
valley_forge
01-Sep-25, 07:12

In response to Apatzer's post @ 31-Aug-25, 20:44

President Trump is NOT going to allow any two bit, red tape political policy interfere with the morale of these National Guard troops!

Right now the ONLY complaining we're hearing about is coming out of those political leaders and talking heads (MSM) who are not actively on duty as per the Commander in Chief.

apatzer
01-Sep-25, 07:51

VF
"Right now the ONLY complaining we're hearing about is coming out of those political leaders and talking heads (MSM) who are not actively on duty as per the Commander in Chief."~VF


Sorry but that statement is patiently FALSE.

National Guard members have been complaining about being cycled for 29 days precisely to avoid crossing the 30-day threshold that would entitle them to housing allowance (BAH), healthcare, and other federal benefits. National Guard troops on Title 10 federal orders receive housing allowance and special pays only if their orders exceed 30 days. By cycling orders just under 30 days, the military avoids those extra costs, which leads to Guardsmen suffering from lack of benefits despite mobilization. Troops also report poor living conditions and delayed pay as part of this issue. This has been a consistent frustration among Guardsmen, including complaints that these orders are designed to disadvantage service members financially.

Military.com
www.military.com


www.reddit.com

newrepublic.com


Disrespecting and de valuing our service members is never a good Idea.


Your going to have to imagine a better excuse. You first two are wanting. May I suggest using whatsboutism instead? That pathway of false comparison is usually very muddy and may flummox me in my response.
valley_forge
01-Sep-25, 07:57

In response to Apatzer's post @ 01-Sep-25, 07:51

Look, I don't have all the answers, okay?

And most likely, neither does President Trump.

However, moving forward I believe and am convinced that President Trump's MAGA Movement is not running solely on his own ideas and visions.

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who work labor in vain.
apatzer
01-Sep-25, 08:06

VF
No one on this earth has all the answers. So don't feel bad about that.

The Lord also said the workers in the field deserve their wages.

The surest way to get someone de motivated and uncaring is to NOT pay them
You would think that since this situation is supposed to be so serious. That Trump would make sure that they are being treated with respect and paid for their services. But then again when has he ever done that?
thumper
01-Sep-25, 08:26

Apatzer
I've worked closely with the National Guard, the Air National Guard and the Coast Guard many times during my SAR activities. How are they being financially abused? Are you aware that active duty orders can and often are issued on a week by week basis? Are you aware of "per diem"?

<The term "per diem" comes from Latin, meaning "by the day." It refers to a daily allowance provided to employees to cover expenses incurred while traveling for work, such as meals, accommodation, and incidental costs. This allowance simplifies the reimbursement process by offering a fixed amount rather than requiring itemized receipts for each expense. Per diems for federal government employees who travel for work are set by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of State (DoS), and the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO).>

"Per diem" is payed out in addition to standard military base pay. For fiscal year 2025, the per diem rates are as follows:
Lodging: $110 per day
Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE): $68 per day
These rates are specific to the location and can vary based on the travel location.

Note: People don't join the military to get rich.
apatzer
01-Sep-25, 08:37

Thumper
"People don't join the military to get rich"~Thumper

Yes exactly! They join out of wanting to be of service and because they are patriots. To push the bro the 29 day threshold and stop, only to cycle some of them yet again for another 29 day cycle to stroke someones ego is beyond the pale. Perhaps things have changed since you've worked side by side. Please don't insult our collective intelligence.

It is wrong to treat them that way period. And yet again we have a situation that may be immoral but it isn't illegal. They are also having problems being paid for the service they have given.

I am very familiar with per diem, are you familiar with "Mala fide" ?
thumper
01-Sep-25, 09:14

Apatzer
If you're very familiar with how per diem and temporary orders work, can I then assume you're familiar with TDY and TAD and how that works? Feel free to google if you're not.

I have to admit being confused by your argument. I get my related 'intelligence' (knowledge) first hand from actually walking in those shoes for 12 years. I've received short duration temporary orders, per diem, TDY (USAF) and TAD (USMC) many times. Where does your "collective intelligence" come from? "Mala fide" indeed.
apatzer
01-Sep-25, 10:36

Thumper
You sir were a full-time enlisted service member, and these National Guard members volunteered their time for our national defense. As you said, no one joins the Guard to get rich. Your argument focuses on whether it is legal to do this under regulations, but I never disputed the legality or lawfulness of the situation. So essentially, you are responding to an argument I never made. It seems you are trying to justify this through technicalities, and while your argument may be technically correct, my point was never about the legality. Just as you agreed with me that calling the George Floyd protest "mostly peaceful" was technically correct, I also acknowledge that you are technically right in this case. However, the core of my disagreement is about the morality of the situation and the respect owed to these volunteers, not the letter of the law.

While your explanation about per diem, TDY, and TAD is technically accurate and reflects standard military administrative procedures, it misses the deeper moral issue at hand. The problem isn’t about knowing how the system works—it’s about the fairness and dignity of the men and women who serve. Cycling National Guard members just before the 30-day mark to avoid paying full benefits is a clear example of treating these dedicated individuals as expendable resources rather than as human beings who have made significant sacrifices.

These service members volunteer to leave their civilian lives, often risking financial hardship and family strain, to protect and support the country. By manipulating the rules for financial benefit—essentially short-changing them—you send a message of disrespect and disregard for their commitment. It damages morale and could discourage future service when those who volunteer see that their dedication is met with cost-cutting measures rather than genuine appreciation.

Morally, respecting and valuing the service of the Guard should take precedence over administrative loopholes. Even if it's legal, it’s wrong because it undermines the trust and honor that must underpin military service. These troops deserve full recognition, fair compensation, and support that acknowledges the true cost of their service, not tactics that diminish their worth. This is about honoring their sacrifices and ensuring the long-term integrity and spirit of the force.

And in addition to that there is evidence that some National Guard members have been subjected to a practice where they are cycled in for orders lasting 29 days, released, and then reissued new orders for another 29 days. This cycling under 30-day thresholds appears to be a deliberate administrative tactic to avoid paying full housing allowances and certain benefits that only kick in after 30 days of continuous orders. For example, under Title 32, if orders run fewer than 30 days, Guardsmen receive a reduced housing allowance (BAH-Type 2), but full benefits (BAH-Type 1) start only on day 31 and forward, not retroactively. By dropping orders before 30 days and restarting them shortly after, the administration saved thousands of dollars per service member per month but caused significant personal and financial disruption for the troops affected, leading to frustration among Guardsmen who felt shortchanged despite their deployments.

Are you going to justify that as well?
thumper
01-Sep-25, 11:17

Apatzer
I was active while in the Corps and was a Reservist while in the Air Force. I myself have stacks of 7 day orders. I think I'm qualified to speak on the matter with more than 'google knowledge'.
apatzer
01-Sep-25, 11:32

So you are saying that it is also Morally correct and the right way to treat our volunteers? Is that what you are getting at?

BTW, I never questioned your qualifications and as you well know there are distinct differences between reservists and the national guard. You still crafted an answer to an argument I never made.
thumper
01-Sep-25, 11:51

I'm saying they're being paid for their time (Their military rank plus per diem). You seem to be arguing they aren't being paid enough and that's because... Trump.

Does that about sum it up?
apatzer
01-Sep-25, 12:16

Thumper
Nope, that isn't the argument I was making. Not even close. I had thought that I made my position perfectly clear, but evidently not.
apatzer
01-Sep-25, 12:17

And here I was under the impression that you actually read what I wrote.
apatzer
01-Sep-25, 12:19

Thumper
So you decided to reply to something you either didn't fully read, didn't fully digest or understand with an answer to a question that I never asked?

Because hey it looks like someone is attacking Trump again?

Does that about sum it up?
valley_forge
02-Sep-25, 09:01

President Trump’s Attempts to Address Increasing Crime/ Violence in American Cities
President Trump’s using NG to address the increasing crime and violence in American cities is overstepping the boundaries of what the Constitution allows. Period.

President Trump does not have the “see all and solve all” ability to fulfill his promises to the American people. Period.

Hopefully, IMO, he will back off this course of action, and abide his time until American realize that other measures in those cities where crime and violence are untenable will either find their own solutions, or migrate where lawlessness isn’t as widespread as where they are currently living. Period.

"Lawlessness Is Spreading in Our Cities"

www.aei.org

"Most say crime is a major problem in America’s cities, but few support a federal takeover of police departments"

Overall, 53% of Americans approve of how Trump is handling crime – higher than his overall job approval or approval on other issues.

August 27, 2025

apnorc.org

"Most Dangerous Cities: 2025 Rankings for the 30 Largest U.S. Cities"

Aug 26, 2025

www.security.org


"Crime is Making Americans Flee Democratic States"

www.buffalo.edu

"More Cops, Less Crime"

On October 7, 1969, the Montreal Police called a wildcat strike. Next morning, the Montreal Gazette described the result:

Hundreds of looters swept through downtown Montreal … as the city suffered one of the worst outbreaks of lawlessness in its history. Hotels, banks, stores and restaurants … had their windows smashed by rock-tossing youths. Thousands of spectators looked on as looters casually picked goods out of store-front windows.

www.johnlocke.org




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