And why do our soldiers get poverty pay such that they need this? That’s the real scandal.
In 2025, an young enlisted Soldier (E-1 to E-3) makes about $2,500/mo, plus housing, food, and medical benefits. Within probably less than two years, you can make E-4 and pay goes up to around $3k/mo, with commensurate increases in benefits pay.
The problem is the young person who enlists at around 20-25 years old, with 3-5 kids, and maybe no spouse, that's a tight budget. Food stamps and assistance.
For a single, young person, with little to no debt? Living in the barracks, eating in the chow hall, with all medical taken care of, that's pretty good livin.
Reagan started closing the civilian/military pay gap. Clinton shut that right down mostly. Bush I helped a little. Bush II helped more, but we were at war. Hussein kept military pay raises below inflation, because he hates us. Trump helped quite a bit in his first term. Autopen Biden neither helped nor hurt.
As a single, enlisted E-2 in 1985, I pocketed $493/mo. Gravy with free housing, free food and free medical. Taxi rides around post (no car) were $.25-2.50 (plus tips). Times have changed.
All I had to do was give Uncle Sugar my body and, potentially, my life.