John Allen Dodges a Second Bullet

"Retirement, we understand, is great if you are busy, rich, and healthy. But then, under those circumstances, work is great, too."

--- William E. Vaughan

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Caught up in the web of rumors surrounding the David Petraeus scandal, Marine General John Allen, whom President Obama had recently nominated as head of European NATO forces, declined this offer and, instead, chose to retire. If you'll recall, when Petraeus, then director of the CIA, was indicted for a suspected extramarital affair, certain communications between Allen and a Florida socialite fell under suspicion, as well. Despite having been cleared of any charges or suspicion, Allen felt it necessary to retire, citing family reasons.

While this decision has sparked talk of a guilty conscience in Allen, others might see this as the General's way of avoiding greater misfortune in future, this time financial. In the upper echelon of federal workers, Allen's job might have been secure from such recent plagues on employees as furloughs or layoffs, but greater evils may well be on the horizon for those employed by the U.S. government. In the lower ranks of the military, for example, even a partial government shutdown, which has been looming for months now, could mean lost wages and livelihood that might not easily be recovered.

Recent reports indicate that not only are the predicted furloughs already being enacted among federal employees across the nation, but no increase in federal pay is predicted for this year, despite this having also been the case for the past 2 years. Some theorize that the government is targeting a particular economic demographic of federal workers; rather than covering funding deficits by reducing salaries among top earners, they have enforced furloughs, pay cuts, and benefit revocations among only middle-class workers. To an already financially stressed American middle-class, this is not a welcome move.

For General John Allen, however, the future is certain: he will spend, by his own admission, his remaining years enjoying life with his wife and family. And why shouldn't he? Why shouldn't any American who has poured his or her heart and soul into a job with the federal government, toiling toward this common dream we all tend to share? That is, of course, the question on the minds of so many hit hard by furloughs, budget cuts, and layoffs.

John Allen dodged a bullet when cleared of all charges in connection with the Petraeus scandal, but his retirement is no stroke of genius; rather, it is simply what every federal employee in America deserves. The second bullet was in planning well for his retirement and knowing that when he chose to leave his post, his financial future would be well-secured. For more information on how to ensure the security of your own future retirement, contact us, and start your journey toward financial freedom. 

References (click to link to articles):

"Gen. John Allen, caught up in David Petraeus scandal, is bypassing NATO post and retiring," The Daily Beast, 2/19/2013.

"General Allen to retire from military," Associated Press Eyewitness News, 2/19/2013.

"Hoyer doubtful of salary increase for federal workers," The Washington Post, 3/6/2013.