My best friend's husband is in the military and makes only 19k a year Is this fair?!!?

llselva4

Unbelievably UNFAIR

abouch66

I know its hard to provide for a familily on a military pay check, but no one forced him to join. He does get free housing, and full medical benifits for him and his family. If you take that into account, he doesn't have it that bad. But I think a real pay raise, not 2% a year, is long over due.

riteon

Free housing is worth about $800 per month, medical is worth at least $500 per month, that's $1300 per month just for things he would have to pay for on the outside...that raises his pay to $34,600 per yr, approximately.
I have a nephew that has been in the service about 14 yrs now and his wage is now close to $50,000 per yr. Not to shabby, just takes time to get up to a better salary and that's true in civilian life,also.
You have to remember, the benefits add up to a lot and are worth a lot.

John Luke

Yes it is fair. I am not in the Military and I make less than 8k a year. The pay in the military is also dependant upon seniority, rank and educational skills and abilities.

normobrian

They tell you the pay before you sign up, so yes, it's fair.

boredwithyou

Of course he also gets his health care, housing and several other benefits that most don't get. I'm the last one to say mil pay is up to par but your half-truth here doesn't give the whole picture.

Also, what rank is he? An e-1 usually has very little as far as bills. For someone starting out 19k is plenty if their only responsibility is food, non-uniform clothing, etc.

Well, let see now.

He gets a housing allowance, free medical care, free prescriptions. He has access to commisary which has super cheap prices.

He is guaranteed a raise, 30 days paid vacation a year.

There are many other military benefits for a family man including allotments, etc.

19,000 is fair. When he is promoted, his salary will go up too.

Gump023

More money than many Americans are making. I see families living on Minimum Wage (5.55 here) and they are able to support 2 kids, and stay clean and not hungry.

john_galt0

Every year your friend's husband should get a report that contains all of his benefits including pay. Did your friend include the cost of free housing (if she lives on base), free medical, free dental, free counseling, etc...

chanvgap

Only 19k? Sorry but your friend is not telling you the whole story. My source is cited on the bottom (pay table). Lets assume your friend JUST entered the Service. And lets assume he is an E2 (automatic at 6 months in) at 12 months, he should be an E3.

E2 Base Pay = 1458.90 a month or 17,506 a year.
He is married so he is getting Seperate rations (food money) of $261 a month (tax free) ($3132 a year) we are up to $20638 a year. Lets add the FREE quarters he is getting. I'll use BAH based off of Savannah GA thats $1056 a month or $12672 a year (tax free).

We are now up to $33310.

If he lives on post he doesnt get that $12672 for rent so we are back to $20638. BUT he is not paying rent, electricity, or water.

We could figure in the free 100% medical care for him and his family, or the $26 a month Dental plan for his family (dental is 100% free for him). But unfortunately I dont have the most current HMO rates per month he is not paying. (figure $300 a month for a family plan).

How much is child birth and all the accociated appointments for someone who is un-insured or using an HMO? With the Army its free.

He is also getting 30 days PAID TIME OFF per year. Name 1 job that offers that at entry level? (okok i know a FEW high skilled jobs do)

So assuming he is brand new in the Army. He is making $20,638 with free medical, 30 days paid off, rent and utility free. If he has more than 1 year in he is making a lot more than that!

mouse

All depends what rank he is ? Does he live on post where housing is free and electric is free if NOT making enough tell him to buy condoms .........

jtdollah

ok people hes prolly not even private 1st class, u get shitty pay, but once ur a cpl, it like doubles, so relax. plus u get medical and all that for ur familly, the govnt takes care of its soldiers

sdmay1980

No not fair at all because of the job they do. Believe it or not, but a lot of soldiers that are married with children have to draw some form of welfare. Also they receive a basic housing allowance which other soldiers don't receive that are single. But the 19K is just a base pay. Although I think the military deserves more pay than a working civilian, because they are on duty 24hrs 7 days a week.

cvcastrejon

people on welfare dont even get half of that. Where is the money going that is going to the military if its not salary?
As people fight for this country their spouses and children get deported that isn't fair either but it happens. Life isn't fair we all know this. Some just have known it longer then others.

#1con

I think they deserve a raise. Try to get that out of this democrat ruled congress.

Ted T

Hard to believe anybody would risk their lives to keep fat cats safe and wallowing in money for that sort of reward. If it's true it's a disgrace.

shamrock

Agree with ya on that sis:)

Somethings definitely wrong with our system when others from another country have opportunities to work here and earn twice that much.!?!

Einstein was a LIBERAL.

So I was right it is about the money, not about the country. Boo me now. It is fair.

Joseph, II

No. It's NOT "fair". But he "bought" that job. And if he gets killed serving in the Military- then that's about ALL his life is "worth"- to the men who sent him out to "Serve Our Country". REMEMBER that -the NEXT time you hear Bush pay lip-service to our guys in the Military. His words- are Cheap. -And your friend's husband is PAYING for them- with his LIFE! :(

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: