Some military families choose between buying groceries, paying bills

I have to throw the flag on this one. If they are choosing between paying bills and feeding the family, it's because most of them have a lot debt beyond normal debt (ie: 2nd car payments, credit card bills, unaffordable vacations, fancy toys, etc.). Military pay and benefits is far better today than when we were in.

It should not be this way. However, part of this is not understanding how to live within your means. I was a commander and I saw this a lot. Bad choices.

Unfortunately this comes down to poor planning from the servicemember. We have plenty of education available and many routes to get finanacial assistance, but you can't fix willful ignorance. Don't spend money you don't have...it's that simple.