Staff Reports
You've probably heard quite a bit about student loan debt forgiveness in the weeks after Democratic President Joe Biden disclosed his plans to do so. The case for the program is a very logical one, since those qualifying are delighted they will no more be accountable for the thousands of dollars of debt they have amassed in the pursuit for higher education.
Obviously, though, that is precisely the reason why many people aren't fond of the concept. After all, persons who enroll in classes, take out loans, etc., with the expectation that they will be responsible for repaying the money they borrow, do so with full knowledge that they will be solely accountable for the debt they incur.
After all, persons who enroll in classes, take out loans, etc., with the expectation that they will be responsible for repaying the money they borrow, do so with full knowledge that they will be solely accountable for the debt they incur. They were, and then suddenly they weren't.
They were, and then suddenly they weren't.
One could reasonably argue that it does not instill in children the values of responsibility, accountability, or keeping one's word or promises.
However, this is just one criticism leveled at the loan forgiveness proposal. There are a plethora of additional concerns, such as the impact on the national debt and the potential fallout for academic institutions.
However, the recruitment and retention of enough personnel to maintain a functional and effective armed force has emerged as a major issue of late.
It has been brought to the attention of Congress and the White House by a group of Republican Representatives that the loan scheme may further impede military recruiting efforts.
Rep. Pat Fallon of Texas wrote to President Biden to express his concern that the new measure could have a negative impact on the military and ask what could be done to remedy the situation. Although the upcoming repercussions for the military are unintended, Fallon and the other signatories to the letter stressed the urgency of addressing them.
So how precisely will Biden’s debt forgiveness damage the military?
First and foremost, it diminishes the significance of the military's emphasis on education and its sponsorship of that education.
According to the letter, the Department of Defense lost some of its clout as a fast and easy option to pay for college because of the decision to forgive so many student loans.
Even more so, I find myself in agreement.
As the parent of a high school senior who is currently exploring career and life options, the military has been given serious thought for two main reasons: 1) it provides opportunities and experiences that very few people ever get to have, and 2) it rewards your service by paying for additional schooling and training so that you can get a career in the private sector later in life without having to go into debt doing so.
That makes it a viable alternative for those of us who can't afford to send our kid to any old college or school in the country.
Of course, the military is an excellent choice for young Americans for a variety of different reasons, regardless of what they hope to do with their lives.
Those few people who were genuinely considering enlisting in the U.S. military now have another cause to rethink that decision.
Biden's plan, revealed in August, would forgive $10,000 in federal loan debt for students owing less than $125,000, benefiting both current and future borrowers. Those who got Pell Grants might have up to $20,000 in debt eliminated.
The White House estimates that over forty million people would be impacted by the initiative.
In comparison, those who have served in the military for at least three years on active duty are eligible for 36 months of in-state tuition and a monthly housing allowance under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act (GI Bill).
I know; it’s still one heck of a deal. There is a catch, though; first, you need to put in a specific amount of years of service. And that may be the determining factor for some people.
The letter also notes that our armed forces are having trouble recruiting enough people to meet their needs. Despite the Army's difficulties, it appears that all other branches will narrowly meet their recruitment targets for the year.
This is partly due to the fact that in today's competitive job environment, fewer young Americans than ever are ready or able to serve in the armed forces.
Since this is the case, Biden's plan is even more likely to cripple them.
In light of the potential loss felt by the military, the letter requests that Biden "create incentives" to make up for it. I'm curious if they do or not.
The preceding is a summary of an article that originally appeared on American People Daily.
