Can a family live on an E4's pay at Ord?

Question

I am considering joining the Army, and if I do will begin as an E4 (college degree). My preferred MOS is 98X, meaning getting stationed at Ft Ord for DLI training in Chinese or more likely Arabic. I think I'll be at DLI for about a year with either of those languages.
I have a wife and 5 month old daughter. Up until now, we've both had to work, but how possible would it be for us to live on my E4 pay and benefits? I do expect some decent bonuses (enlistment bonus, college grad, high demand MOS) but don't know when those show up.
My wife is really freaked out about my possibly joining up, but it would be worth it to us if she got to stay at home with our baby.
Also, she is an elementary school teacher. Does anyone know what DoD teachers make? Is she better off (if she does work) looking for a teaching job off post?
Any advice would be swell. Thanks!

Answer 1

I was stationed at Monterey and lived on Ft. Ord. You will get housing there, I wouldn't suggest living out in town. That will kill you. Besides, the commands there are involved in building new housing. The housing that is there now isn't bad, but due to the climate there, you have to be on the look out for mold. And some of the older housing still has lead paint.

I'm not sure how much she'll make as a teacher, but the healthcare there is decent. Prices aren't too bad. If you still have questions let me know. I got some frineds who still live there and can help you out.

Answer 2

All I know is that the Ft. Ord area is expensive. With on base housing (if you can get it) and if your wife works at least part time, it's possible.

One other respondent suggested becoming an officer as you already have your college degree.

I applied for the initial College Option Commissioning program back in....1976. You need to past some tests, have a degree, complete basic training and OCS...Officer Candidate School as I'm sure you know. The rules may have changed but when I went through the program if you washed out of OCS you still had to complete an enlistment of 3 years.

If interested you might want to ask your recruited for the specifics especially about going to DLI after your Officer's Basic Course. Also, you can access www.armyocs.com and ask current and recent OCS graduates anything about the program. I know it has changed since I received my commission. And yes the pay (and housing) is better. You can pull the current pay charts off the web but as for a relative comparison.....
When I was a new 2LT the base pay was a huge $660 month plus $50 for meals. Of course, a private was making around $200 month. And I was a single 2LT. I heard tales that the married guys received an allotment of additional funds!

Just something to consider as you decide. Talk to your recruiter. Good luck to you and hope you decide to serve in what ever rank you select.

Answer 3

I live in Monterey county and it is the most expensive place to live in the US right now. If you don't have a lot of debt to pay you could do it.
Your wife has a right to freak. Do you not realize we are at FREAKIN WAR! Do you watch the news? Things get any worse the draft could be back. It was during dessert storm.
My nephew is stationed in Afghanistan, I begged him not to join, and he regrets it now. War is HELL. The Army will lie to you, where they will sent you, what they will give you, just to get you to join. They told my nephew he was going to Alaska. Don't believe a word they tell you.
If you die at war chances are someone else will get to raise your kid and make more with your wife. If that's what you want, go ahead join up, you're committing suicide.

Answer 4

the military offer help with the child care. as far as housing, most of the time there is a waiting list, so u might have to find off post quarters. it is not impossible to make it on jus an e-4 pay, but two incomes will help a lot.

Answer 5

Don't be depedent on the bonus. It may not get paid when you need it.
Why don't you try to become an officer? O-1 pay is better than E-4 pay. If you've already decided, then forget it.

Answer 6

Your best bet is to talk to a recruiter and let him show what your base pay will be, housing allowance for that area will be and then you have to take out taxes and allotments (bills).