How in the world does a soldier (private) support a family on this pay. To think that repugs veto

[mfcorey1]

everything for veterans and active duty military. Then they wave the flag like they are the most patriotic people on the planet.

BASIC PAY FOR ACTIVE DUTY SOLDIERS*

Chart reflects Basic Pay only and does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits. Learn about
total Army compensation.

Rank
<2 Years Experience 4 Years Experience 6 Years Experience
Private (E1) $17,892** — —
Private (E2) $20,056 $20,056 $20,056
Private First Class(E3)
$21,089 $23,774 $23,774
Specialist or Corporal (E4)
$23,360 $27,198 $28,357
Sergeant (E5)
$25,489 $29,851 $31,946
Staff Sergeant (E6)$27,814 $33,268 $34,636

*Based on 2012 pay tables.

**Pay for Private (E1) will be slightly lower for the first four months of service.
BASIC PAY FOR ACTIVE DUTY OFFICERS*

Chart reflects Basic Pay only and does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits. Learn about
total Army compensation.

Rank
<2 Years Experience 4 Years Experience 6 Years Experience
Second Lieutenant (O1)
$33,941 $42,703 $42,703
First Lieutenant (O2)
$39,103 $53,024 $54,115
Captain (O3)
$45,256 $60,372 $63,263
Major (O4)
$51,473
$64,447
$68,137

*Based on 2012 pay tables.
http://www.goarmy.com/benefits/money/basic-pay-active-duty-soldiers.html

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Domestic housing allowances range from about $780 to $2000 a month, if there are dependents.

[tularetom]

2. When I was discharged in 1962 my monthly pay was a whopping

$150.

After I got married later that year my educational benefit was more than that. And I still had to work 2 part time jobs, borrow money from my dad, and have a wife who worked in order to get by.

[lebkuchen]

3. socialism

free housing, medical care, and education. WIC helps as well.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

4. The snarky answer is that if the Army thought he needed a wife or family they would have issued him

one. The reality is that "other allowances" add up rather quickly at all ranks.

[sammytko]

5. Usually E-1s do not have families.

I was active duty for 22 years.

We had one E-1 that I can remember. We were in electronics, so by the time basic and tech school was over, most were E-3s. If you have college hours or sign up for 6, , you get extra stripes. Just a few were married and usually knew the score.

Right now I'm using the GI Bill and getting a stipend that is the same housing allowance as an E-5 with dependent rate. That is $1362.00 per month.

An E-1 will live in the dorm, get a meal card and even a clothing allowance.

So his pay comes to about 10 bucks an hour without having to pay for a place to live or even groceries.

[msongs]

6. dems and repubs both agree to spend massive $$ on private contractors instead nt