The military has more married service members than ever before, Bacon said. About 60 percent of the people in the military are now married. Twenty years ago, it was about 40 percent. DoD has a variety of programs to help families cope with financial problems, and service members are encouraged to apply for the same benefits available to all Americans, the official said. About 10 million American households in the United States receive food stamps through the Department of Agriculture and state welfare agencies.
Eligibility is based upon gross and net incomes, total financial resources and household size.
Only 0.3 percent of all active duty members live off base and receive food stamps, DoD officials said. These are primarily junior enlisted military members with larger than average families. Bacon said DoD has worked hard to improve pay and quality of life for service members. In the past, the pay increase had to be negiotiated with Congress every year, he said. For the next five years, DoD has funded the maximum amount allowed by law, which is determined by the wage inflation rate.