Do you think that the active duty pay structure is modeled after a form of socialism?

As far as this comment "any more than pay in any other profession" in the military all professions make the same. Whereas in any company the pay scale is different for every position

SSgt Christopher Meeks
It all depends on how you look at the classifications you describe... An E-5 with 5 years service makes the same pay whether he is an Infantryman, Military Policeman, Medic, Mechanic or Cook, etc. I look at it that he is an E-5, not what his specialty is. Therefore, there is no disparity because of job.

I can see that, so how would that be different if in the civilian sector they do a total restructure based for example on age and all 16-20 year olds are C-1 and you are paid accordingly regardless of whether you are a cop or a janitor. Then when you hit 21 you become a C-2 and your pay goes up to a C-2 level, regardless of what you do and you make that amount till you turn 25 and then you got to C-3. Meanwhile your responsibilities and duties in your field increase, but you make the same as all C-3s. As a result of this, like in the military your healthcare is covered in this system and everyone pays the same into it regardless of use......in this comparison does it sound like socialism?
btw I don't think this would ever happen nor am I supporting it.

SSgt Christopher Meeks - There are some companies that already use the system you describe. There are as many pay systems as there are companies.
To me, for the military to be considered as having a "socialist" pay system, everyone would be paid the same, regardless of the their jobs, ranks, age, location, etc. I just don't see it.

That would be fun to watch.

I can hear the "water cooler" conversation: "Yeah, I love working here. I mean the pay is good. But, I wished we had toilet paper and rifles like all the other battalions."