manny said that...........

[micha1]

we do have a lot of demands from  young wifes of marines,  to whom we must furnish things,
as elementary as eggs, bread and vegies, so that they may eat at the end of the month.
Dixit: Manny Garza of the St-Mary's Church, near Camp Pendleton.
A mother, marry to a marine, named Natalie Castro is relying on the Red Cross for powder milk,
indispensable for her seven months old baby.
The poverty level is set at 14,129 US in the US of A.  and they are paid 9,600$.

What a beautiful world,  like he sang in  "Full Metal Jacket."

[Jeff S]

... in response to manny said that..........., posted by micha1 on Apr 13, 2003

The minimum pay for an e-3 (what most soldiers are after graduating form boot camp) is about double that + housing allowances + clothing allowance. Even if they were the lowest grade possible and in less than a year, he's be taking home more than the "poverty level" and a $750 a month housing allowance (with dependents) on top of that.

www.dfas.mil/money/milpay/pay/

[John K]

... in response to Now who's spouting propoganda?, posted by Jeff S on Apr 15, 2003

As Jeff states, the pay for a troop isn't as bad as you'd think.  A troop gets a housing allowance, extra pay if they have dependents, free medical and dental coverage if they use the base doctors, BX and PX privileges, which provide goods at a lesser price.  If a couple is careful, they can live moderately well.

The problem is, most people don't know how to live within a budget, especially teenagers just joining the military.  Then they fall within the "ReUp trap".  They buy things they really can't afford, and finance it with credit.  They get themselves in a bigger and bigger financial hole, until finally, when it comes time for a troop to reenlist, the couple needs the reenlistment bonus to get the creditors off their backs.  So reenlistment becomes more of a financial necessity, as opposed to a career choice.

Usually, if a troop is fiscally careful, and his/her spouse chooses to work, the couple can do ok.  They'll never be wealthy, but they won't be in a world of hurt either.

[rojak]

... in response to manny said that..........., posted by micha1 on Apr 13, 2003

No doubt Cd. soldiers have no such concerns..