slowguy wrote:
I'd guess there's probably about 10K per year difference in after taxes retirement pay between the two ranks. So the difference between about 118K and 108K.
Added up over his expected post-retirement lifespan (25 to 40 years or longer, depending upon his age at retirement), the financial hit could be significant.
And then there's the matter of just what employment he could secure with the civilian defense contractor establishment or similar employers, given he's just been relieved for cause or close to it. Normally, general officers and flag officers such as fleet commanders can expect a lucrative offer from General Dynamics or Newport News Shipbuilding or with a big K Street lobbying firm or some premier consulting firm, mostly because of their contacts within the Department of Defense. Would be maybe be untouchable as far as they're concerned, at least for the first few years of his retirement?
Taken together, the VADM is looking at a serious hit to his wallet, potentially. That's cold comfort in the face of nearly 20 dead sailors over the summer, I know, but it's at least something for the retribution crowd to hang its cover on.
On a sidenote, I busted a few young Sailors and Marines at captain's mast (it's called "office hours" in the Marine Corps, and I mostly just read off what the sergeant major wanted me to hit them with) over the years (the standard reduction in rank, half-month's pay times two months, extra military instruction, confinement to quarters, etc.) and I felt bad about that. I can't imagine ever having to relieve a flag officer of command and don't know if I'd have ever had the strength to do it. I just get too sympathetic and 'understanding' about stuff like that. Which is why I knew when it was time to get piped over the side when I did. I didn't want to find out.
"Politics is just show business for ugly people."