I was talking to a man yesterday who brother is a soldier, who is stationed in Iraq. He said he was going to sign up for another term, but they told him Obama had done away with the signing bonuses for military personel. Not only that, but they also told him if he signed up for another term, he would have to relinquish his E5 rank, and return to an E1 ranking. So he claimed his brother got frustrated and decided to leave the military. He had planned on making it his career until this happened. He also claimed they were now waving the signing bonus for anyone enlisting into military. I don't know why they are taking away the incentive to sign or resign, but it does not sound like the US stand on keeping a strong military presence. Maybe they are going to reinstate the draft, or do away with the military completely. rockhound