Why does congress vote to raise their pay yet let the military foot soldiers have very little pay?

Answer 1

I agree. It is a terrible and shameful reality that our best and bravest are sent to the back of the line when it comes to benefits and pay raises. A disabled vet looks forward to poor health care, an impossibly low retirement income, and ridicule from Republicans about being a drain on the economy. If you are like me, a vietman vet, we had the added benefit of being spit on at the airport when we came back home.
This does not have to be this way. But only votes will change it.

Answer 2

Well, as an Army veteran, I can tell you this. The typical recruit has a high school education only. The typical recruit is fresh out of high school, and brings very few skills to the equation. They are trained by the military for free, and get paid while doing it. Then they are sent off to various assignments.

This is like any other job in civilian life. Those with the lowest education and experience get the lowest wages. As they grow in skill, and advance within the system, improve their education, they get more pay and benefits.

The typical elected representative is over 35, has at least a Bachelor's degree, has been in business, the legal profession, or government service during their lifetime. They bring education, experience, and ideals to their job. Their pay is typically commensurate with that of any higher level executive in business. As they also grown in experience, they also receive higher pay. Why would we expect it to be otherwise?

Many of our elected leaders have served in the military, and know what it means to serve in it. But any perceived disparity in pay is not about greed, or hating the military. It is about reality. Just as the kid at Micky D's doesn't earn $3000.00 a month, neither should the new recruit.

Answer 3

pay raises are based on years served and skill level, jobs requiring less training pay less. jobs where they train for two years get paid better. the longer you in the better your paid too. i say the system works. raises are earned.why should someone who is just coming in make the same as an e-6 who has ten years of service

Answer 4

This whole 'war' and the leaders running it is such a disgrace and disregard of good soldiers trust it's unbelievable. When our troops get to the point there they submit a petition for RUMSFLD replacement How do they feel when Bush says no, their welfare is 2nd to this **** position. A trooper from Afghan last nite asked for gang members to go over & help as they are getting picked off like flies. NO this isn't right.

Answer 5

Maybe George Clooney can give up some of the 50 million a movie he gets to ppl dying in Iraq to smooth out the pay inequality.

Answer 6

Because Congress has become a group of elites in this country, no one can stop them. Kennedy and Kerry are prime examples.

Answer 7

It's called GREED .
1 infantry man is worth 5 politicians , especially liberals

Answer 8

Americans and the people in the military accept this kind of behavior from their elected leaders.

They wouldn't do it if enough people became outraged enough.

Answer 9

To paraphrase Ayn Rand: Who is going to stop them?

Answer 10

Dark forces control them.