INDIANAPOLIS -- Hundreds of Indiana National Guard families may be forced to repay thousands of dollars in incentive bonuses they’ve already received.
In October, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Pentagon demanded some soldiers repay their enlistment bonuses after audits revealed overpayments by the California National Guard.
At the time, the Indiana National Guard issued a statement saying they, "have not had any issues regarding fraudulent enlistment bonuses or the widespread recoupment associated with them."
But an audit obtained by Call 6 Investigates revealed that the Indiana National Guard had identified 443 soldiers who got re-enlistment bonuses that they were not eligible to receive. The bonuses totaled about $1.6 million.
The Guard's review of the program found “no criminal intent” in the incorrect payments, and instead blamed “systemic internal control weaknesses.”
Another 469 cases are still under review and could result in more repayments.
A National Guard spokesperson said the soldiers can still appeal the decision.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Congress approved a defense authorization bill that limits what the government can recoup, "from any California Guard soldier or veteran who unknowingly received an improper bonus payment from the start of 2004 to the end of 2015."
The bill also requires the California Guard to reimburse any soldier who has already repaid the bonus.
President Obama must still sign the bill into law.
