Eightbore, wasn't much better for the jr officers either. We started at $222mo, Had to chip in $25 for the officers club even though we couldn't afford to use the dreary place, had a requirement to provide all our own uniforms which exceeded half a year's pay initially, and there was no option of not owning a car. The Battalion Commander ordered monthly officer's parties which took another $25 plus or minus per month. And don't forget every payday there was some charity we had to support 100 participation and also $18.50 for the mandatory voluntary purchase of a Savings Bond. I remember thinking I was rich after getting the fogey for 2 years time in service, promotion to 1st Lt and going on Parachute pay almost simultaneously. Wife and kid to support too. Wife had to leave her job as a nurse to accompany me and she was earning more than I was. I stayed broke for 27 years of service, only got some money after retirement. But it was a heck of a fun ride most of the time because the company was a lot better than we saw among the "sillyvilians" who really seemed to lack any overarching higher purpose to their work.
