Posted on Apr 12, 2016
Comparing Military Wages to Minimum Wage? Thoughts why this is a valid/invalid argument?
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I keep seeing people posting about Military wages to a $15 an hour minimum wage. Is this even a valid argument?
Typo in title *argument
Typo in title *argument
Military Pay
Minimum Wage
Social Media
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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I feel that I am well compensated, BUT, I reject any comparison on wages and benefits based on the unique demands of the job.
If any civ career demanded deployments, field training, constant moves, etc. (Getting shot at), then I could see the equivocation. We are here to serve, and that includes a measure of sacrifice on our part.
I believe we have a good system of compensation, but I never think liking the military to a civ profession leads to a fair assessment (of anything).
If any civ career demanded deployments, field training, constant moves, etc. (Getting shot at), then I could see the equivocation. We are here to serve, and that includes a measure of sacrifice on our part.
I believe we have a good system of compensation, but I never think liking the military to a civ profession leads to a fair assessment (of anything).
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PFC (Join to see)
Sir, in my opinion...respectfully I may add, I don't view flipping burgers a profession. I didn't join for the pay sir but as an E3, a short order cook or a McDonalds employee can enjoy a higher standard of living then I do and they are paid more. A fast food worker makes 16-18 thousand more a year then I do in the 15.00 min wage areas. That 17000 thousand difference for arguments sake can more than pay for health insurance and rent. Baring in mind I lose 300 dollars a month to eat at the DFAC which a rarely go to so that's another 3600 dollars of disposable income they have over me.
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LTC (Join to see)
PFC James Quaile; I understand your concerns (I was enlisted first; used TA and my GI Bill to commission), but I agree with SGT Laskaris that the benefits package (room, board, medical, dental and 1 month paid vacation) bumps the total compensation up much higher.
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PFC (Join to see)
ill be honest Sir and Sgt I never looked at it that way, especially how you laid it all out Sgt. Although I am fortunate enough to have my degree so my GI Bill is going to be used for my masters.
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SPC(P) (Join to see) You can not compare military pay to civilian pay. I served 1968-1972. The pay was bad, the mess halls were poor, except for Boot Camp, and the barracks and other accommodations were bad. I worked extremely long hours all four years and suffered hardships and the loss of friends. No one forced me to join, I joined to serve my country. Thank you for serving your country! Again, military pay can not be compared to civilian pay because the jobs are too different.
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MSgt John McGowan
SGT I served from 1956 to 1976. You talk about poor pay, I remember it. But things didn't cost near as much. I still managed to save and deposit in the Credit Union every month. And I was lucky enough to be on a base with a chow hall was in the running for best in PACAF. I do understand where you are coming from. A private makes more than I did as a E-7 back in the day. But also I have collected retirement pay for 40 years now, it's more than made up for my poor pay.
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Sgt (Join to see)
MSgt John McGowan - Thank you for serving twenty years. You earned your retirement!
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Not really, Throw in Room and Board, then you might have something to work with. I knew in London with all the "Special" pays I was getting, I was making a lot of money. When talking about Military Pay it is Apples and Oranges.
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