In most countries there are armed forces, composed of people standing ready to risk death or injury to defend their country and their fellow citizens. For that risk, these people deserve the *full* support of their nation for the rest of their lives, no matter how those lives may go. While they are in military service it is natural and necessary that they form bonds, making single supportive units. I am not a great fan of American militarism and the way their politicians use it, but I have always admired the way "NCIS" presents the comradeship and loyalty inherent in the armed forces - we see that in this episode. The problem of homeless veterans is complex. Homeless people in general are so for many different reasons: family abuse, mental illness, social inadequacy, alcoholism and many others. Ex-military can add PTSD, in-unit bullying and a host of other factors. But the government of whichever country these people served cannot give up its responsibility of care after their service. So, the fact that these veterans are there is an indictment of the government. In every country with armed forces, there should be a government department tasked with tracking the mental, physical and economic wellbeing of *all* ex-military personnel and providing appropriate support if it is needed and wanted. This could be a complex question, since it might not be obvious that someone was in need in a particular area, and they might themselves deny it. Apart from that rant (! Sorry!) I can't help wondering how much of their own stories Gibbs and Sloane told to Barney.