Two Military Questions..?

Question

-Why are the promotion rates in other services so much faster than all the other services?
-And is it possible to support yourself and a wife on an enlisted paycheck for 8 years? (Starting at about E-2)?

Answer 1

Sure, you can support a family on E-2 pay. I just hope you like macaroni and cheese.

Answer 2

Promotion rates are really based on your ability to put your nose to the grid stone and work at achieving the next rank. Some branches it is a little more demanding than others and they each have different requirements based on specific jobs and such, but regardless, it just takes a little determination.

It is possible to support yourself and a wife (who has a job too) when enlisting at E-2. Just don't expect to support yourself, your wife and child on that one paycheck, it's just not going to happen. E-1 through E-3 are entry level grades... consider an entry level position at any other job, it doesn't pay that great. Of course, you should consider that your grade would be no lower than E-4 by the time your first 4 years go by, but you are still not talking great money, after 8 years and you may have at least E-5 or E-6 under your belt, depending on the job field. Of course, if you qualify for officer positions, you may wish to explore that area as well.

Just remember, when joining the military you are sacrificing a lot in serving your country. You don't get rich and there is always something that is going to get in the way. But if you are all about being a soldier, sailor, marine or airman, balance your budget and you can make it work.

Answer 3

Promotion rates vary depending on specialty within the service. Army is generally fastest - followed by Navy (Air Force and Marines tend to be slowest.)

Possible, yes, easy no. Expect to live on base. If you have kids, you will probably get food stamps.

If you get an enlistment bonus, bank it - don't spend it.

Certainly there are many good things about the service as well - and it is possible your wife may be able to find something part-time on base (my mom took care of other kids, etc.)

The service is very supportive of each other.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

'choose your rate, choose your fate" its a fact that some job skills promote faster than others at the same pay grade. BUT you also have to take into consideration that what may be wide open for advancement up to E4 will dry up and be MUCH harder to advance to E5. Or the converse..sit may be bottom heavy at the lower paygrades, but wide open in the senior ones. But it all boils down to choosinga job that you will enjoy, regardless of promotion opportuntity,. becaus eeven the fullest pay grade willa dvanbce the top couple of people, and if you apply yourself and get great evals, you can be one the one sto advance.

as for supporting a family.. can it be done, certainly. BUT junior enlisted pay was NEVER designed to do so. the spouse would probably have to work, you would have to sacrifice a few things,like only getting basic cable and dial up, no fancy car payments. stetting and sticking to a budget is imperative.

Answer 5

I can answer the 2nd question. It will be kind of hard on an E2 pay grade to support a wife, but it is possible and it won't be long and you'll be a E4 which will be alittle easier "pay-check" wise. My ex-hubby and I lived off E4 pay for a couple years. It also really helps if you can get on post housing, then you don't have to worry about rent.

Answer 6

what other services are you talking about? you never mentioned which ones. my husband has been in 14 years and we support a family of 7 on one paycheck and have been for a long time.

Answer 7

I don't understand your first question, but I believe you qualify for food stamps up to E-5 pay grade - if that helps. However, I am not trying to discourage, there are many benefits - just don't expect to get rich.