Bin Laden Shooter Only Has Himself to Blame: Admiral

The SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden may be missing out on a pension, healthcare for his family, and other benefits, but that's on him, according to the commander of Naval Special Warfare Command. Rear Adm. Sean Pybus says "the Shooter," as he was called in the Esquire piece about his plight, received career counseling and knew what he was giving up by leaving the service after 16 years instead of 20. "This former SEAL made a deliberate and informed decision to leave the NAVY several years short of Retirement status," says Pybus in a statement, reports the Navy Times.

Pybus also says that, despite the Shooter's early retirement, the Navy would continue to meet with him and discuss transition issues, as it does with all veterans. But he did get in a few harsh words:

• "I am very disappointed with the few people who use their SEAL cachet for self-serving purposes ... Most of our former or retired NSW members find a suitable second career without compromising the ideals of their active service—honor, courage and commitment."

The Navy Times notes that the Shooter has met with Washington lawmakers to discuss veterans benefits in the wake of the article. Click for the Shooter's side of the story. (More Osama bin Laden stories.)