The debate should start with whether an E=1 through E-3 should be getting paid enough to support a family. They probably should be in barracks, not family housing, at that level. E-4 would be a closer call.
The better solution than a pay increase might be universal service.
“The debate should start with whether an E=1 through E-3 should be getting paid enough to support a family.”
In the long run, the government doesn’t expect a first term enlister to have a family because they say so. And even though uncle sugar is way behind the times, they act accordingly and no one questions it. So the debate shouldn’t start at E1 though E3 wages. It should start at the government rethinking the entire process based upon their candidates, not their pocketbook. If they enlist any members past 17, then they are asking for families today and they don’t support them based upon old thinking. The process for all ranks is outdated, not just lower enlisted.
wy69
You mean slavery. We already resolved that with a vicious war.