Too true. I remember being an E-2 and having to pay for my son's daycare so I could report back for duty. Even with my husband's pay (who was an E-3, but stationed elsewhere) it was really tight when my car payment was $300 a month.
I think I had like 150 bucks left over every payday for diapers, wipes, formula, ect. That had to include feeding myself and gas, plus other essentials, of course. Yeesh. We do lots better now that we are out and we only have ONE paycheck. Believe it or not, restaurant management pays A LOT better for similar hours.
I am happy to hear that and thank you and your family for surviving our military. God Bless.