“Retired pay for an 0-6 over 30 for 2010 was 92,221.44 before taxes. That $40,000 figure is bunk.”
His divorced wife would get half, and after taxes, he probably clears $40,000.
The tuition for his son in the military college is hammering him . Also, who knows how much Home Depot/Lowes and local contractors made to upgrade their home before his wife got a divorce. Upgrading/renovation the home is part of the human DNA.
If he had a top secret clearance with no mental problems or other problems, contractors in that area are often desperate to hire someone with a TS/SCIF clearance. Rookies with that clearance can start at over $100 K/year.
The tuition for his son probably is hammering him. That’s why he needs to have the ex help out or tell the kid.. “sorry, son.. hard times.”
I completely agree about the job market for contractors with TS/SCIF clearances. There are plenty of positions open for people with his background, especially if he’s geographically flexible.
Like I mentioned in another comment, there’s more to this story we’re not seeing.