Is it fair an Army E-2 in Iraq makes $1,800 mo and a congressman $14,000 a month?

Answer 1

First of all, that is the base pay (actually less than $1800, it is $1427 a month). You have a housing allowance, or equitable quarters equal in value (in San Francisco that equals $1753 in single and with a family that is equal to $2412) a month. Plus food or an allowance equal to $260 per month. Medical coverage that would cost $475 for 1 person (or $780 for a family) through Kaiser Permanente per month. An E-2 in San Francisco will also earn 11% of his or her Base Pay tax free for the higher cost of living. And with 30 days vacation with pay, annually, that means one month is free. Also, Soldiers not deployed get over 125 days off a year, so that said, it is $378 a day...and will be an E-3 or E-4 in a year or less.

Add in the tax free advantage on all but the base pay, the Tuition that is available per year and the annual clothing allowance, an E2 with a family, in San Francisco earns $6616.08 per month or $79392 a year. This does not include a possible $40,000 sign on bonus and a $71,000 College Fund for AFTER the Army.

Where can an 18 year old with a high school diploma (or in exceptional cases a GED) earn that much their first year on the job?

Compare that to a Congressional Representative's age, education and background. I'm in the Army and think that the E-2 has a better deal.

Answer 2

Of course there's no right answer here...considering current wage levels in the country $1800.00/mon isn't all that bad at that skill level. But then...that isn't considering that you get no overtime pay etc. Of course you can't put a price on patriotism, the sacrifices and hardships, and the risk of life that soldiers face...they never have been able to do that. I just think when compared to what the military has historically paid relative to prevailing wages you are in pretty good shape. There is no question that congressmen are overpaid, and the fact that they can vote themselves raises is absurd. Of course any legislation to change that would have to come from congress....crazy.

mathw01 You obviously know nothing about the military when you assert that most are without a high school education. Then you go on to further show your ignorance with the following statement: " Most preform tasks that that are not all that difficult. In the private sector God knows what they would they would be doing. The armed forces are a great way out for a number of people with no hope of a better future". You strike me as another little arrogant twerp mamas boy who never worked for a thing in his life. I would love to see you perform some of these "not that difficult tasks".

Answer 3

I would say not fair. here reason Army put their life in risk! try to fight for our Americans and they Darn Braves Troopers than me. Congressman do what??? what??? sitting there making money, late for Deadline, wasting time blah something make no sense and nothing doing anything Good for USA and while Troopers getting killed and getting worst thing they ever face.

I think Troopers should make 14,000 dollars and Congressman 1,800 . that sound fair congressman want raise?? then they need to show that what they good at and doing the damn job. tired of their head games and tired of reading their lips. I can't hear i am deaf but reading their lips sure can tell a lies alot.

Answer 4

Yes, On some levels. You have to be elected to Congress. Most have advanced degrees in Law or other important fields. Most would make that kind of money in the private sector anyways. Now for the armed forces. You sign up, most without a high school education. Most preform tasks that that are not all that difficult. In the private sector God knows what they would they would be doing. The armed forces are a great way out for a number of people with no hope of a better future, but lets not put "them" on par with Congressional officials.

Answer 5

Make the best of the short time that yall have together before he leaves. I know that both he and you are going through a tough time right now. Been there done that. I know that it aint easy, my wife and I went through the same thing when I deployed. If you dont have a video camera right now, get one. Up until the time he leaves, make videos and take pictures. When I was in Iraq, I always looked the pictures and videos that I had and eagerly awaited the ones that my wife sent. Also record him reading his daughters' favorite books at night time, that way when he is gone, you can play the video and it will be just like he is reading it to her. With him being an MP, know that he wont be able to talk to you everyday, so dont start getting mad that he hasnt talked to you for a few days. Days and weeks went by sometimes before we would get to talk to each other. Just remember to stay strong and enjoy the time. It wont get easier, but you can make it.

Answer 6

nope thats not fair at all. The military are fighting to keep freedom for the congress when all they do is vote on stuff. OUr military should be getting paid alot, they have family's too & $1800 a month isn't enough.

Answer 7

Every body has a place in society. You are where you want to be. Soldiers risking their lives are no different than some pencil pushing prick in Washington. But education does answer for everything. And if you want to make a difference, you need to get out and vote. And take your friends with you.

Answer 8

servicemen will never make as much as congress. because congress sets military pay. I do think that a congressman should make more than a Private, but not more than a General.

Answer 9

No, but I'm sure if the army e-2 could vote to give himself a raise, he would. That's what the congress does when they start feeling low on cash...greedy bastards!!

Answer 10

HELL NO!

I don't even think it's fair that I make morethan an E-2. However, do not look for me to hand over my paycheck out of guilt.