Current active duty make more than enough to survive off of, and then some. Considering the gov't pays for moves of household goods (weight limit applies), you also get paid a rate for distance traveled.
Also consider pay when TDY, lodging, per diem, seperate rations, hazardous duty pay (demo, para, scuba, etc), combat pay, flight pay, re-enlistment bonuses, annual clothing allowance, ad nauseum.
Back in the '80's I lived on the economy in Germany, had my own apartment, got seperate rat's, but no special duty pay. In the 15 years I was in (early retirement during the "peace dividend") we never had a single airman who couldn't afford to pay their rent or feed their family. Why? Simple, they were expected to act responsibly when assigned to a critical duty position and did so (otherwise you were out the door).
Yours, Mike
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