You know I never quite understand the we don't pay our soldiers enough debate. Before you all toast me, here is what my experience was and that was back in the day. I could live on $10 a month when I was in. My lodging was paid for, meals at the mess hall were free, medical free, dental free, insurance free, clothes (intitial issue) free, they took care of my every need. You are right we don't pay an E-1 enough to have a family but the military in my opinion is not there for E-1's to have cars and raise a 1/2 dozen kids.