[EricT.]

Something doesn't add up here...Before garnishment would occur there would be a quick investigation at his former command as to the disposition of the vest. On the DD-200 Survey form, the findings would be documented and he Commanding Officer makes a determination whether to "write off" the lost/damaged equipment or garnish the cost from the servicemember. What CO in his right mind would charge one of his wounded under these circumstances?

You would be surprised at some of the assinine things I had to deal with while on active duty. Some CO's only have a focus on what's above them and care nothing about what's below them. The sad thing is that their attitude forms an identical culture of brown-nosing and ass-covering in the suboordinate officers as well.

[robowombat]

Which is why, if I had a Bn CO who really was that much of an A hole and was on my way out of the US Army I would have visited the Brigade commander at the least making sure to show up in Class A's so he could see my ribbons and make sure my arm was really 'crippled' that day and I would be certain my USMA ring was gleaming on my ring finger.

I know of a USMC SSGT who brought a world of hurt down on a Navy Supply Corps LT during Viet Nam in similar circumstances. Of course he had a leg amputated compliments of Charlie and when he went to visit the regimental commander his prosthetic limb was unfortunately out of service that day.