[GonzoGOP]

In fact, lawmakers have lavished so much money on troops, according to the Post, that service members are now better compensated than workers in the private sector with similar experience and education levels.

Of course this doesn't mention...
(1) Private sector employees who are not getting shot at.
(2) Private sector employees who can quit their job before their tour of duty is up.
(3) Private sector employees who's daily commute doesn't involve Afghanistan.
(4) Private employees who don't have to spend six months to a year away from their families.

[xzins]

(4) Private employees who don't have to spend six months to a year away from their families.

That's the Marines. The Navy is a normal sea-duty rotation of a coupla months. The Air Force is 3 months.

The Army has it worst.

Active duty tour in combat zone is 15 months. NG/Reserve tour is 15 months with 3 month active training away from family for a total of 15 months.

So, when you hear a soldier say he's had 2 tours in Iraq or Afghan, then you know he's been there far longer than most others.

For whatever reason, the Army does not take care of its own the way the other services do. There is no compelling reason for an Army infantryman to spend twice as much time on a combat tour as does a Marine infantryman.