I see this as a completely different issue from the veterans VA benefits. Many of us were compelled to serve for 20 years or more based partly on those promises of healthcare and a retirement check. Over the past few years healthcare has been deteriorating for retirees but it doesn't surprise me.
Just wait until us baby boomers really start making a dent in social security. Watch how quickly they target us retirees with such arguments as "you already have a government retirement check so why should you get social security?" Also the argument over VA disability and military retirement copayment will linger for a long time.
I learned a long time ago that my govermnment doesn't always do the right thing or honor their word. Hell, they've been doing it forever. They broke nearly every treaty they signed with Native Americans and whenever convenient they screw the rest of us.
My advice to anyone who is still on active duty is to make the best of it. Take full advantage of the education benefits. Earn a degree so you can make a decent income when you separate or retire. Don't count on your rich uncle Sam to be there in your time of need. In other words, don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Sorry got a bit off topic.
