Replies

Remember that military personnel get (especially REMFs): -30 days (that is 6 weeks) of paid vacation a year -Average a 3-4 day weekends nearly every other week -Paid to work out/exercise -Can not be fired (ie kicked out of the army) -Can not be laid off -Full benefits (health, dental, 401k, etc) -Need only 20 years until full retirement etc. Please do not think this is intended to be flames, however your REMF's are really not accurately portrayed. 30 days paid vacation is Sunday though Monday counted, not M-F, therefore it is slightly more than 4 weeks. I am not certain where 3-4 day weekends are the norm as you state. In fact they are rare in my line of service. Although I must admit I try to compensate my people due to their having to work 7 day work weeks for over 1/3 of the year. I do try to schedule PT during normal working hours if possible per instruction. I do this because their failure to meet physical standards can mean cause for dismissal or being unable to compete for advancement. -People are "fired" from the military, though usually due to their own misconduct or failure to adhere to standards. - And 20 years is not retirement. It is a retainer until their 30 year reserve status is complete. I have friends who are back on active duty after their "retirement" due to the recent events in the world. Again this is not a "fire" post. It is I feel a more accurate portrayal of the benefits package that goes with serving our country,

I agree. 3-day passes were few and far between, and usually followed EXTREMELY long hours on some special project or exercise. PT (physical training) was every morning before our scheduled workday, and it was NOT voluntary - not any more than the GI parties (cleaning up the barracks and work areas) on many weekends.

But the best part was the generous overtime, shift, and holiday pay schedule. Let me think.... how much extra did I get for those extra long hours at odd times, in strange places? Oh, now I remember! A 3-day pass, sometimes!

Sunday though Monday counted, not M-F, therefore it is slightly more than 4 weeks

You have never played the "add both weekend to each side of your M-F leave game?" I am surprised you never heard of it since you sound like you are in the C of C.

Some other benefits the military gets that their civilian counterparts do not:

A large part of your pay is tax free (housing allowance)
Subsidized grocery store
Subsidized department store
Military run and subsidized schools for the children of soldiers
Pay for your food
Pay for your clothing
etc.

There is alot more to compare than just straight salary...