Attention, civilians. Due to ongoing economic instability, the U.S. Army presents a viable alternative: base pay starting at half the New England minimum wage—approximately $7.50 per hour, post-tax. You'll receive issued camouflage, pre-packaged rations, and assignment to high-risk deployment zones. No prior experience required; training provided, if you survive it. Visit a recruiter today. Or don't. Your choice.
>>517062014Upon discharge, you will be eligible for free college and $4,000/month tax free disability payments.
I served in the U.S. Army for three years. I enlisted during a time when economic pressures made any steady income seem like a lifeline. I'm from New England, where the minimum wage is $15 an hour, so I expected a comparable start. My base pay was only about half that—$7.50 per hour after deductions. This barely covered essentials back home, and there was no way I could save.My assignment took me to barracks in a severe state of disrepair. Cockroaches crawled through walls, floors, and bedding. This was a constant reminder of the maintenance neglect we lived with daily. The conditions eroded morale and health, turning what should have been a place of rest into a source of ongoing stress.The water supply was worse. The water came from taps that delivered a metallic, acrid taste. We learned that the water was contaminated with industrial chemicals from improper disposal on base over the decades. My bunkmate, Ramirez, a dedicated soldier who had served alongside me for months, developed kidney cancer after regular exposure. He was diagnosed shortly after our tour, and the illness rapidly progressed, forcing him into long-term treatment and leaving his family in financial ruin. Cases like his are not isolated; the contamination at bases like Camp Lejeune has led to numerous health claims for cancers and other illnesses.If you or a loved one has been affected by similar exposures, call the Camp Lejeune water contamination hotline at 1-877-261-9782. You can get information on filing claims and accessing support there. I'm not trying to discourage service. Many people find purpose in it. I want to highlight the unvarnished realities: the low pay strains families, the living conditions test endurance, and the hidden hazards can alter lives forever. Consider all factors before enlisting; the commitments are profound, and the costs, both financial and personal, run deeper than any paycheck reveals.
hell is other people.
>>517062111In the military, under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (available after 36 months of active duty), you can get full in-state tuition and fees covered at public colleges or universities (up to a national maximum, around $26,381 per year for 2023-2024), a monthly housing allowance based on the school's ZIP code (e.g., $2,000-$3,000 in high-cost areas), and up to $1,000 annually for books. However, this benefit requires years of service, often with deployments, and starting pay for an E-1 is about $23,011 per year—less than Massachusetts’ minimum wage of $15.50/hour ($32,240 for a 40-hour week). In contrast, Massachusetts residents can access free community college through programs like MassLead or the SUCCESS initiative if they meet income or residency requirements, with no service obligation. These cover tuition and fees (around $5,000-$7,000/year for community colleges), but don’t include housing or book stipends. Military benefits are broader but earned through demanding service at lower pay, while Massachusetts’ free college is narrower, immediate, and requires no sacrifice beyond residency and income eligibility.
>>517062014Nice flag, pajeet.
