Have you served in this country's armed forces?

[rx2010]

Originally Posted by billhud

But often not as much as their counterparts on the outside. NEVER join the military for the money as a primary reason.

it's true, the pay is about 1/3-1/2of civilian pay. So once the loan repayment is over the money isn't as good, but the retirement is so balls that if I happen to enjoy the work I would definitely consider doing my 20 (or more).

[macjoe53]

Originally Posted by rx2010

it's true, the pay is about 1/3-1/2of civilian pay. So once the loan repayment is over the money isn't as good, but the retirement is so balls that if I happen to enjoy the work I would definitely consider doing my 20 (or more).

It's true that's basic pay is often 1/2 of civilian pay, but if you include all the benefits the military gets it gets a little better. For example, did you add in the housing cost. If you live on base then you don't pay rent or a mortgage and if you are authorized to live off base and then you may receive a housing allowance. I don't know about now but at my last duty station before retiring, my housing allowance was more than my mortgage note. Admittedly I was in the Coast Guard and at all but two of my duty assignments housing wasn't available and I only had three assignments that had a mess available.

That meant I drew both a housing allowance and a subsistence allowance. When I retired that was in the neighborhood of an additional $700 per month.

And don't forget the health benefits - especially if you are on a major base with a hospital. A Civilian may make more money but most are paying very high insurance premiums out of each check.

[CigarDoc]

E-5 (as of yesterday) in the 82nd Airborne. Dad retired as SMG in 10th Group. Dad's dad was a merchant marine, mom's dad was an Air Force aircraft mechanic. Uncle on dad's side was a force recon marine, uncles on moms side were all in. One a Ranger, one an airforce PJ. I had a great uncle who died in Vietnam. He was a pilot. Also have a great uncle in the army (don't know where) wounded in Korea. EVERY male as far back as I can find has been in the military up to me. I'm the oldest of my generation and none of my brothers/sisters/cousins have joined. I hated to be the guy who ended the tradition

[CoroHo]

Twenty-one years in the USAF, 1978 - 1999. Been all over the world and didn't get/have to kill anyone.

[Papichulo]

Originally Posted by CigarDoc

E-5 (as of yesterday) in the 82nd Airborne. Dad retired as SMG in 10th Group. Dad's dad was a merchant marine, mom's dad was an Air Force aircraft mechanic. Uncle on dad's side was a force recon marine, uncles on moms side were all in. One a Ranger, one an airforce PJ. I had a great uncle who died in Vietnam. He was a pilot. Also have a great uncle in the army (don't know where) wounded in Korea. EVERY male as far back as I can find has been in the military up to me. I'm the oldest of my generation and none of my brothers/sisters/cousins have joined. I hated to be the guy who ended the tradition

Congrats on SGT!!! Quite a family affair