My aunt worked as a zoo vet, and was one of the people animal control would call if they found an exotic animal and didn’t know what to do with it. As a result I grew up being able to casually play with several different species of monkeys, as well as an asshole African grey parrot. When I was in high school she even fostered a serval cat for a short time till they could find a more permanent facility.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waffle_House_Index

And this is your cue that this is serious.

They also signed contracts and have not done anything that would constitute a breach of contract. So firing them would be a breach of contract on the military’s side requiring a buyout of their contract.