Navy Seal who shot Osama Bin Laden "comes out". Money or pride?

[marylander1940]

The identity of a US Navy Seal who shot and killed Osama Bin Laden in 2011 has been revealed as Rob O’Neill.

 

Mr O’Neill, 38, is a highly decorated veteran who became a public speaker following his 16 years of service in the US military.

 

He has been named by the special operations community blog SPFrep.com ahead of an interview with Fox News, in which he decides to waive his anonymity and claims to be the man who killed Bin Laden, due to air on 11 and 12 November.

 

More on...

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rob-oneill-us-navy-seal-who-shot-osama-bin-laden-revealed-9843166.html

[gallahadesquire]

Randomly:

 

Cold War secret agents were noted as "coming in" when their secret identities were revealed, e.g., The Spy who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré.

 

Perhaps O'Neill didn't so much "come out" as he "came in?"

[marylander1940]

Randomly:

 

Cold War secret agents were noted as "coming in" when their secret identities were revealed, e.g., The Spy who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré.

 

Perhaps O'Neill didn't so much "come out" as he "came in?"

 

The Cold War (Communism vs. Capitalism) ended in 1990, many secrets have been declassified since then.

 

I was just a catchy game of words, that's all.

 

Personally I think that as long as he doesn't reveal any secrets about the proceedings of the Navy Seals he'll avoid going to jail, I'm sure next time there's a raid like this one, all participants will be sworn to secrecy.

[+ purplekow]

I do not think this was a secret so much as it was not for public consumption. This man faces the possiblity of reprisal for his role and while he probably will make some money, it seems that he has gotten fairly well jacked around. 16 years in the service and he leaves relatively penniless, that seems unfair.

[marylander1940]

I do not think this was a secret so much as it was not for public consumption. This man faces the possiblity of reprisal for his role and while he probably will make some money, it seems that he has gotten fairly well jacked around. 16 years in the service and he leaves relatively penniless, that seems unfair.

 

First of all nobody forced him to serve, it was his honorable choice.

 

I think he might become the next reality TV star, besides the obvious book deal.

[+ purplekow]

First of all nobody forced him to serve, it was his honorable choice.

 

I think he might become the next reality TV star, besides the obvious book deal.

I am not sure of your point. He served voluntarily but that has nothing to do whether his employer treated him fairly. Hmmm book deal vs Jihadist looking to kill you. I I would opt for remaining private. Mr. Rushdie is still in relative lockdown just for the book, imagine adding the revenge factor. He may need all his Seal skills to keep alive.

[Frequentflier]

I do not think this was a secret so much as it was not for public consumption. This man faces the possiblity of reprisal for his role and while he probably will make some money, it seems that he has gotten fairly well jacked around. 16 years in the service and he leaves relatively penniless, that seems unfair.

 

Relatively penniless and, respectfully, how do you know that? And that's the taxpayers issue to cure for the rest of his life? Some or perhaps many people in the military bank a lot of their annual pay because most of their living expenses are covered by the military. I'll say though that I imagine, like schools/private employers/sports teams, they could do better at offering free and maybe mandatory classes on personal finance and how to save money for the future. Hard to believe, unless he has other issues employers wouldn't like, that he can't get a very good job perhaps doing high level corporate security work. Way too many corporate CEOs travel in shareholder paid for private jets "for their security and benefit of shareholders because they are so valuable" to the company. Many of those same people have security guards. Il'll bet some of those one percenters would want this guy "guarding" them. I'd be hard pressed to recognize one of these oh so indispensable CEOs if I saw one. And while I appreciate the service of military who serve in combat, haven't we learned that we can't support congressmen and all veterans for the rest of their lives? I'm a Democrat with a calculator. Heck, most Republicans can't do math.

[marylander1940]

Relatively penniless and, respectfully, how do you know that? And that's the taxpayers issue to cure for the rest of his life? Some or perhaps many people in the military bank a lot of their annual pay because most of their living expenses are covered by the military. I'll say though that I imagine, like schools/private employers/sports teams, they could do better at offering free and maybe mandatory classes on personal finance and how to save money for the future. Hard to believe, unless he has other issues employers wouldn't like, that he can't get a very good job perhaps doing high level corporate security work. Way too many corporate CEOs travel in shareholder paid for private jets "for their security and benefit of shareholders because they are so valuable" to the company. Many of those same people have security guards. Il'll bet some of those one percenters would want this guy "guarding" them. I'd be hard pressed to recognize one of these oh so indispensable CEOs if I saw one. And while I appreciate the service of military who serve in combat, haven't we learned that we can't support congressmen and all veterans for the rest of their lives? I'm a Democrat with a calculator. Heck, most Republicans can't do math.

 

+ 1!

 

Maybe it's time for him and others to prove how right wing they're with their actions/lives and not just by their thoughts.

 

It amazes me how many of this men who at a war time decided to sign up for service, work for the government, get healthcare from the govt., a government loan to by a house and a car, GI bill to go to School, and can't wait to yell "get the government of my back" and called themselves anti-Socialists and Unions.

 

My dad and uncle became the firsts ones in my family to go to college because of the GI Bill, they got federal loans to buy a house, and open a business, finally moved to a "No Jews or Catholics allowed" neighborhood because of activist judges gave them the right to do it in 1955, and the 2 of them became fanatics of the Reagan Revolution when the government offered them (because it wasn't free) so much in exchange for their actions and contributions.

[+ deej]

I do not know this guy's circumstances, but I did hear he's basically unemployable. There aren't a lot of civilian opportunities for trained assassins.

 

However....

 

Some or perhaps many people in the military bank a lot of their annual pay because most of their living expenses are covered by the military.

 

This is utter bunk. It's "common knowledge" but absolutely and completely wrong.

 

Unless there has been a dramatic increase in military compensation (there hasn't been) in the last 30 years, most military work part time jobs in addition to their service duties to make ends meet. Particularly those raising families. The officer corps has it a little better than enlisteds, but they're still not getting rich.

 

For housing, there simply isn't enough leaving military families to compete in the civilian marketplace. They get a housing allowance in most places. Mine covered a third of my (modest) monthly rent. They get a uniform allowance that covers about half of what it costs to maintain uniforms. All of this is bundled with a salary that is considerably lower than a similar skill set will earn in the civilian workplace.

 

Civilians comfort themselves with the myth that military personnel have everything covered but it just isn't true.

[+ WilliamM]

I do not know this guy's circumstances, but I did hear he's basically unemployable. There aren't a lot of civilian opportunities for trained assassins.

 

However....

 

This is utter bunk. It's "common knowledge" but absolutely and completely wrong.

 

Unless there has been a dramatic increase in military compensation (there hasn't been) in the last 30 years, most military work part time jobs in addition to their service duties to make ends meet. Particularly those raising families. The officer corps has it a little better than enlisteds, but they're still not getting rich.

 

For housing, there simply isn't enough leaving military families to compete in the civilian marketplace. They get a housing allowance in most places. Mine covered a third of my (modest) monthly rent. They get a uniform allowance that covers about half of what it costs to maintain uniforms. All of this is bundled with a salary that is considerably lower than a similar skill set will earn in the civilian workplace.

 

Civilians comfort themselves with the myth that military personnel have everything covered but it just isn't true.

 

So true. Civilians hear about all the so-called beneifits, without realizing how little the monthly salary is in the military.

 

Even the Eisenhowers did not own there first house (in Gettysburg), until Ike became president of Columbia University just before running for president.

 

My benefits from the military have never been financial, rather the people I met and the good fortunate to survive in a war for 12 months.

[jgoo]

BASIC PAY: ACTIVE DUTY SOLDIERS

THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR SALARY PACKAGE

Active duty Soldiers and activated Army Reserve Soldiers earn Army Basic Pay. Basic Pay is your base salary as a Soldier on active duty and it counts only

as part of your total income. It is distributed on the 1st and 15th of every month, similar to many civilian jobs.

 

HOW'S THE MONEY?

 

Your Army Basic Pay as a Soldier depends on how long you’ve been in the Army and your Army rank (most enlisted Soldiers enter the Army as a private). Your Army base pay will increase as you climb in rank and years of experience.

 

BASIC PAY FOR ACTIVE DUTY SOLDIERS*

 

Chart reflects Basic Pay only and does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits. Learn about

total Army compensation.

 

 

Rank

<2 Years Experience 4 Years Experience 6 Years Experience

Private (E1) $18,378** — —

Private (E2) $20,602.80 $20,602.80 $20,602.80

Private First Class(E3) $21,664.80 $24,418.80 $24,418.80

Specialist or Corporal (E4) $23,994 $27,936 $29,127.60

Sergeant (E5) $26,172 $30,661.20 $32,814

Staff Sergeant (E6) $28,569.60 $34,171.20 $35,578.80

*Based on 2014 pay tables.

 

**Pay for Private (E1) will be slightly lower for the first four months of service.

 

BASIC PAY FOR ACTIVE DUTY OFFICERS*

 

Chart reflects Basic Pay only and does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits. Learn about

total Army compensation.

 

 

Rank

<2 Years Experience 4 Years Experience 6 Years Experience

Second Lieutenant (O1) $34,862.40 $43,866 $43,866

First Lieutenant (O2) $40,165.20 $54,464.40 $55,587.60

Captain (O3) $46,486.80 $62,013.60 $64,983.60

Major (O4) $52,869.60 $66,196.80 $69,987.60

 

 

*Based on 2014 pay tables.

 

http://www.goarmy.com/benefits/money/basic-pay-active-duty-soldiers.html

[Frequentflier]

I do not know this guy's circumstances, but I did hear he's basically unemployable. There aren't a lot of civilian opportunities for trained assassins.

 

However....

 

Civilians comfort themselves with the myth that military personnel have everything covered but it just isn't true.

 

What did you hear about why he's unemployable? Aren't veterans eligible for no down payment mortgages? Educational benefits? I don't comfort myself with any myths that military personnel have EVERYTHING covered and neither do I think that everything should be. Have you heard of enlistment and re enlistment bonuses? I do think those at the bottom of the totem pole in the military get screwed when the pay is compared to the risk but there isn't any amount of money that compensates them for risking life and limb. But that doesn't change the fact that those who pay taxes get screwed because there isn't enough tax revenue to cover a bloated federal government, medicare benefits that exceed what is collectively paid it plus a reasonable return on those contributions, governmental salaries (including pensions), veterans benefits (including administration) and a military budget (over $600 billion annually) plus foreign aid. If a veteran is injured to the point they can't work or take of themselves the taxpayers should take care of them 100% for the rest of their lives and take care of them very well. To everyone else - get a freaking job and stop sucking off my checkbook and thinking we owe you everything forever at no cost to you.

 

The privates are getting horrible pay. But a Captain at $46 K plus the chart does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits. What do you see when you look up median household income for a family of four in the US?

 

So if all in people serving in the military should get raises - give them raises. But lower all the other things I've listed more than dollar for dollar to pay for that. Its math - something Americans are clearly not good at.

 

And if you can't (for some unknown reason) get a job you don't get to make money off talking about secrets gained in your previous job. No different for people who work for corporations.

[+ deej]

What did you hear about why he's unemployable?

 

What part of "I do not know this guy's circumstances" went over your head?

Aren't veterans eligible for no down payment mortgages?

 

Sometimes. (If they're employed, for example.) But lenders look down their noses at VA loans and don't offer the best interest rates, if they accept VA financing at all. I actually qualify for a VA loan. It was the least viable way to go so I didn't use the benefit.

 

Educational benefits?

 

Depends on when they served. Post-Viet Nam the VA education benefit was watered down considerably. It became a matching grant program. During the Reagan administration, when "entitlement" became a dirty word, it was further watered down.

 

Post WW-II, an entire generation became educated on the GI-Bill. That ended a generation ago.

 

I don't comfort myself with any myths that military personnel have EVERYTHING covered and neither do I think that everything should be.

 

What you said was "most of their living expenses are covered by the military", and I pointed out that you are woefully and completely wrong.

 

Have you heard of enlistment and re enlistment bonuses?

 

Yes, I have. And I never saw one, nor did anyone I served with in one of the most highly specialized MOSs across all branches.

 

But that doesn't change the fact that those who pay taxes get screwed because there isn't enough tax revenue to cover a bloated federal government, medicare benefits that exceed what is collectively paid it plus a reasonable return on those contributions, governmental salaries (including pensions), veterans benefits (including administration) and a military budget (over $600 billion annually) plus foreign aid.

 

And the hammer falls. Hint: military personnel pay taxes too, while EARNING benefits that you want to take away.

 

But they can take comfort that people like you MOST CERTAINLY don't have their backs and think they're "takers".

 

Meh.

[+ WilliamM]

What did you hear about why he's unemployable? Aren't veterans eligible for no down payment mortgages? Educational benefits? I don't comfort myself with any myths that military personnel have EVERYTHING covered and neither do I think that everything should be. Have you heard of enlistment and re enlistment bonuses? I do think those at the bottom of the totem pole in the military get screwed when the pay is compared to the risk but there isn't any amount of money that compensates them for risking life and limb. But that doesn't change the fact that those who pay taxes get screwed because there isn't enough tax revenue to cover a bloated federal government, medicare benefits that exceed what is collectively paid it plus a reasonable return on those contributions, governmental salaries (including pensions), veterans benefits (including administration) and a military budget (over $600 billion annually) plus foreign aid. If a veteran is injured to the point they can't work or take of themselves the taxpayers should take care of them 100% for the rest of their lives and take care of them very well. To everyone else - get a freaking job and stop sucking off my checkbook and thinking we owe you everything forever at no cost to you.

 

The privates are getting horrible pay. But a Captain at $46 K plus the chart does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits. What do you see when you look up median household income for a family of four in the US?

 

So if all in people serving in the military should get raises - give them raises. But lower all the other things I've listed more than dollar for dollar to pay for that. Its math - something Americans are clearly not good at.

 

And if you can't (for some unknown reason) get a job you don't get to make money off talking about secrets gained in your previous job. No different for people who work for corporations.

 

These comments are directed at deej, not me. But, I agreed with deej yesterday. So I want to make sure that you understand that there are many, many more privates, privates first class, spec 4s, sergeants and staff sergeants in the miliatary than officers.

[+ deej]

These comments are directed at deej, not me. But, I agreed with deej yesterday. So I want to make sure that you understand that there are many, many more privates, privates first class, spec 4s, sergeants and staff sergeants in the miliatary than officers.

 

Very true. Actual numbers vary from branch to branch, but all of the services are pyramids. The widest part of the pyramid is the E-1. The pinnacle is the Chief of Staff (one per service). The Army has traditionally been a little command-heavy and the Marines have traditionally been sparse in the upper ranks, but there are vastly more enlisted personnel than officers in all services.