I've been thinking about joining the military, and my recruiter says that many of your basic costs of living (food, housing, health care) are paid for in the military. I've also heard that many veterans leave the service completely broke, because they had so many unexpected cost while serving. What kind of costs would a single enlistee have to pay regularly, and how much money left over would he have?
2006-12-13 10:21:42 · 10 answers · asked by bowlingcap 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
A lot of the people leave broke because they run up money on credit cards or they just have to have that set of rims for their car etc. The unexpected costs shouldn't be any different than as a civilian. You do have to spend more when you move etc but that is reimbursed plus some extra. For ex we just had to move but after all the extras were paid we still ended up with about 1200 extra. You just have to make a budget and stick to it. Don't go out when you can't afford it. Don't be stupid and get a DUI or an unexpected baby like a lot of guys do. In short be responsible, pay your bills and always put money into savings for later.
2006-12-13 12:01:11 · answer #1 · answered by . 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your recruiter is correct. Health Care is free. If you are married or a certain rank and you live in town instead of on base you get extra money a month for food and housing. If you are not married you live in the barracks for free and eat at the galley for free. You get a paycheck twice a month. If a person leaves the military when his/her time is up completely broke it is because they can not manage money and will have no better luck in the civilian world.
2006-12-13 18:35:15 · answer #2 · answered by angel68769603 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You have a great opportunity to leave the military with a lot of money. You don't have to pay for anything, there are very little costs except for whatever you want for yourself, like clothes, beer, snacks, etc. If you don't buy a car while in the service you will save thousands of dollars, but then won't have a ride. People who leave the military broke do it because they go out and party every weekend, or buy a lot of crap like plasma TVs, hundreds of DVDs, new cars, etc.
2006-12-13 18:32:02 · answer #3 · answered by jm 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There is actually less you would need to pay for. People who get out broke do so because the fail to prepare for it. If you waste your money you'll be broke no matter what occupation you choose. A single enlistee has to pay for their hygeine items and civilian clothing. Most everything else is covered somehow. If you decide you need a $34,000 car or need to drink heavily every week, you'll be broke.
2006-12-13 18:45:43 · answer #4 · answered by Top B 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Let's see if you live in the barracks you have no rent. Breakfest, lunch and dinner is courtesy of uncle Sam. Blankets, sheets, pillows and your bunk are free.
Here's what you will half to pay for out of pocket:
Hair cuts, dry cleaning, soap, tooth paste, boot polish, brasso, shaving cream, beers, soda, snacks, civilian clothes. CD's for your Cd players etc.
You get a clothing allowance once a year and this should in theory cover: army issue under wear, t-shirts and repalcement BDU's and socks.
If you want to go home and see mom , dad, and your girl freind you'll half to pay for that. Otherwise everything else is paid for by the Army. I think stateside you have the option of living off post which means you'll pay rent if you so desire.
2006-12-13 18:30:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
before joining you need to do some serious thinking. once you join it will be a total change from what you're used to. so first you need to think, what do you want to do in the military? research that job and find out what it's job tittle is. then when you go to MEPS to choose your MOS, tell them you are not joining unless you get that specific job! if not they will feed you all the jobs that they need filled. also, tell them you will not join unless they put air borne in your contract (if you want it) and always remember... if it's not in your contract, it's not going to happen. i say go officer! ask your recruiter what you need to become an officer? if not enlisted makes OK too single.
also if you join, join knowing that you WILL SERVE IN IRAQ or AFGAN. within your enlistment. trust me it's not that bad, and the pay is awesome especially if you're single. i hope i answered your question.
take care
2006-12-13 18:37:47 · answer #6 · answered by talofa lava 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my son is currently in the USAF and also serving abroad, he lives on base eats mainly in the mess hall, has a small social life and runs a car.......he manages to save roughly $200.00 per month towards buying a house on his return...............his outgoings are fairly small hair cuts / car wash / basic living expenses.what he HAS found a bit of a shock was the cleaning products, having to buy his own shampoo shaving cream etc ALL the stuff that was readily available at home.............
My husband has JUST retired from the US Navy and we left with a nice retirement check each month along with a house that we do not owe that much on etc etc, so I totally agree with many of the above replies that it all comes down to how you manage your paycheck whilst in the forces...................save as MUCH as you can but make sure you enjoy your self along the way..............
2006-12-13 19:59:37 · answer #7 · answered by candy g 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Entertainment expenses, clothing (civillian), communication (phone cards and the like). thats about it. Most (male) soldiers blow their money on booze and women.
2006-12-13 18:30:23 · answer #8 · answered by dopeadevil23 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My granddad left with a great retirement. I guess it depends on your rank when you leave.
2006-12-13 18:32:09 · answer #9 · answered by srstephens 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
dont listen to your recruiter, they are paid to lie. my uncle used to be one.
2006-12-13 18:25:34 · answer #10 · answered by chiefs_daughter1900 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋