Dave I am a retired First Sergeant and no we did not have slush funds. 8 years ago when I was in an E-5 with 3 kids qualified for food stamps. Like you though I do have questions about this. As you say the medals are worth very little it's the act that is worth everything. If he lost any of his gear and it was found out by inspection or whatever, he is required to go sign for replacement gear and the money will be taken out of his next paycheck. The government is very slow to pay anyone what it owes to them. It's very fast and efficient at collecting what it is owed. What ticks me off about your post the most you have already condemned someone of being an unfit soldier. That seems at odds being that you said that you believe the whole thing is fiction. I've seen many good soldiers and marines that had financial problems due too many different factors. I never chaptered anyone out that for that reason alone. Just my 2 cents.
