California National Guard Members to Keep Improper Bonuses

The government tried to get back money that wasn't supposed to be given out

"After much controversy, the Pentagon is suspending its attempts to recover bonuses overpaid to thousands of soldiers in California more than 10 years ago.

In a Wednesday press release, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said:
I am ordering a series of steps to ensure fair treatment for thousands of California National Guard soldiers who may have received incentive bonuses and tuition assistance improperly as a result of errors and in some cases criminal behavior by members of the California National Guard.


While some soldiers knew or should have known they were ineligible for benefits they were claiming, many others did not. There is an established process in place by which service members can seek relief…. But that process has simply moved too slowly and in some cases imposed unreasonable burdens on service members. That is unacceptable."