Posted on Jul 16, 2015
1SG Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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Why do lawmaker compare our pay rates to those on the covilian sector? We do more then them, deployments, hours and more!
Posted in these groups: 38326e5d Military Pay
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Responses: 4
CW3 Standardization Officer
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Edited >1 y ago
I have compared the two, and consider myself lucky to be serving. Our allowances and benefits are fantastic compared to the civilian sector in regard to most employers. However, what I we cannot measure and there is not calculator for is the time, effort, and sacrifice that goes along with wearing the uniform. I didn't sign up for service with compensation in mind, I did so based on a personal calling to serve, but being able to provide for my family is extremely important. I think what is in play here is the fact many lawmaker's are unable to comprehend those sacrifices because they have not served.
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COL Charles Williams
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Edited >1 y ago
Yes I have. As an active duty Soldier, and as retired Soldier and disable veteran, I got/get paid very well. You have to look beyond base pay, and consider (include) all the other things we take for granted. Military compensation is very good, in my view. And, not just because I am a Colonel.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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I have. I'd take military pay & benefits in a heartbeat.

30 days Leave, federal holidays, liberal liberty policy. Sure there's that pesky "war" thing, and deployments, but you always have something to wear, something to eat, and a roof over your head. Military pay & BAH, at the E5 level is near the Median US income for a FAMILY. In other words, someone who has worked 4-6 years is making as much as 50% of the population of the average American family.

Yes, we do more, but we are compensated in kind. Most comparisons between military vs civilian pay are skewed to present a lopsided image.
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SSG Program Control Manager
SSG (Join to see)
>1 y
If your a computer systems analyst with a degree and a CISSP and an E-6 in the Army, you should be able to easily double your pay in the civilian sector... on the other hand if your a police officer, your probably fairly close in pay and benefits to your civilian counterpart.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
>1 y
SSG (Join to see) Direct pay isn't everything though. Have to look at all the other factors as well. Retirement at 20 (if you go that far), comprehensive medical (without deductible), paid education opportunities (that degree and certs). Those all lean heavily.

When we look at "Trained Labor" (military) and the compensation packages, trying to compare military v. civilian will generally favor military. Sure, there will be specific fields which have advantages, but on average I'd pick military without thinking twice.
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SSG Program Control Manager
SSG (Join to see)
>1 y
My retirement check is about 19K a year... I make almost 5 times that in salary, I don't believe it's always clear cut.

Also, Tri-Care Prime is a great deal and an important benefit, however I still pay to have it and there are deductibles. Many good employers also offer education opportunities on par with the military... my current one is paying for a Masters degree, my last one paid for me to get Security+ and PMP certified.

I would agree that more often than not, the military is at least on par with the civilian sector. However if you are in one of the IT or medical professions, you should definitely make sure you understand your options.
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