This will also help us in the campaign to raise the age limit for the recruitment and participation of young people in hostilities. United Nations estimates reveal that approximately 300,000 children under 18 are serving as combatants in conflicts around the world, and two million children have been killed in conflicts since 1987. While these issues are not new, in recent years funding for such benefits has taken a back seat to efforts by DoD and Congress to increase spending for weapons modernization and procurement. Among other problems, the series identified differences between military doctors and their civilian counterparts with regard to medical malpractice. Health care is just one area where the Pentagon has recognized shortfalls in the quality of benefits for military personnel and their dependents.
Serious problems exist in military housing.
Many of the units are contaminated by lead paint, which is of particular concern to families with young children, and who most often are those least able to afford their own housing. Also of concern is child care. The amendment was defeated 18-74. Another issue which came up during the Senate hearings was that of inequities in the current retirement benefits program. The plan had the opposite effect, however, causing more mid-career personnel to leave the military.