It was more than I imagined, and if I could do it all over again, I would in the blink of an eye, with changes. These comments are based on my 30 years as an enlisted Marine and warrant officer.
Military pay is an oxymoron.
Most young, married Marines are financially strapped in today's Corps. As we know, there are significant numbers of married Marines in the lower ranks that receive food stamps. I believe Congress should keep two basic pledges for members of the U. S. Armed Forces, be they active or retired. First, provide just compensation, in the form of pay and benefits. If Congress has any inclination to get serious about this issue, my proposal is that it first reestablish a GI Bill similar to or better than the one that existed through the Vietnam War era.