this post was submitted on 05 Feb 2024
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Depending on where this was and how long ago, this is pretty close to minimum wage in some us states. If they get paid as much to wear a duck costume, at no risk except their pride, why wouldn’t they?
Well, it's 35k period. Plus the pay from the job, which is usually just straight up work experience in a field like hvac repair (for example).
Let's be clear, joining the military is not a bad deal monetarily. They will take care of you as far as your career is concerned.
While I was not one of those guys, there were a couple in my cohort who lived in the barracks, ate in the mess hall, didn't buy stereo systems on credit with 30% interest rates, and (most of all) didn't hang out in strip clubs every weekend. These guys ETSed after 3 years with a couple hundred thousand dollars in the bank.
The issue for most service persons is that there are sophisticated, established industries located mere miles off-base whose sole purpose is to seperate soldiers from their money. They're exceptionally good at it. Like, honestly terrifyingly good at it. Not like it's hard; most of these kids have zero experience managing money, are chronically horny, and desperate for any diversion from their jobs. Regardless, most who leave after short terms leave broke.
Like you say, with a little self control, it can be a pretty good deal. It's not just the salary; you get free room & board, if you want it, and that's a huge benefit.
I think it's a 35k signing bonus on top of the shitty military pay.
But there are benefits to military beyond pay. The free housing and Healthcare alone are worth more than a private's wages. Enough expenses are covered that 25k a year is actually pretty good for a single person with no education or experience. The retirement benefits and free college education are also very attractive. You have people retiring in their 30s and 40s making good money on top of whatever field they decide to pursue post-military.
I'm no supporter of the MIC, but joining the military can be a good economic and career decision for someone fresh out of high school without any direction.
Yes, free healthcare, GI Bill, free housing, retirement, there are definitely negative things, but there are a lot of upsides, even just doing it for one enlistment can be very beneficial
But what about the adventure, the comradeship and the pride you'll experience at the army? /s