Depends on your job... The better half is an Army dentist, and I've pulled in no more than $40K/year, frequently less. Our kids have been in private Christian schools their entire school life, and our daughter is now out of state and we're paying her college tuition (no help). Our home in Hawaii could be sold tomorrow for $500K (and our remaining mortgage is about half that). When he retires in a year we'll still have medical, he'll have a fairly decent pension (though not enough to pay the mortgage) and enough time to work civilian for several years to come.
Also - don't forget that a 3-year stint as an officer might enable you to pull a much better civilian job than you could otherwise find.
"Also - don't forget that a 3-year stint as an officer might enable you to pull a much better civilian job than you could otherwise find."
Great point. As long as you don't screw up, officer experience is a big plus on the resume, unless you apply to work for hardcore leftists.
(On the other hand, if you want to run for President as a Democrat, being a junior officer can help get you nominated...not that it has anything to do with being Commander-in-chief.)