This is a tough one – several issues at play here. The military has never been “over paid”, especially in the enlisted ranks. I was drafted and opted to join the Air Force in 1971. When my wife and I were married in 1973, I was an E-4 and needless to say, we were tighter than skin on a grape and many times, we had to wait, wait, wait to do a lot of the things we really wanted to do. I almost always had a part time job to supplement our military pay. As has been mentioned by Dave, it’s called “living within your means” and requires that gratification be delayed.

I certainly appreciate the sacrifice that men and women make when they enlist. It’s a choice and in this economy, probably a really good one for a lot of people. En E-6 at ten makes $36K a year base – not a lot, but special pay, medical and housing allowances just about double the buying power depending on where one is stationed.

It’s all about choice. I too would have bought a drink for a solder, but there are a lot reasons his credit/debit card could have been refused. We need to respect and honor these brave men and women who make up our military (see my signature) but remember too that they are responsible for their finances – partying is an optional activity.

Regards All
Glenn