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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Enlisting at 18, without any college, is probably the least financially sound option there is. The pay is low, housing is awful, and chances are good your DC is going to blow their paycheck on a sports car and/or hasty marriage. [/quote]

The pay is low, but you also have zero expenses.  Food, housing, and healthcare are all covered, most states waive state income tax. So long as you don’t do anything dumb like the sports car or shotgun wedding, it’s an excellent financial decision.  You can save nearly all your earnings AND get college paid for. [/quote]

Most states don't waive the income tax, just a few.  College is not fully paid for always.  And, you get a BAH which doesn't really cover everything and the health care is terrible and if they refer you off base you spend a fortune in co-pays, deductibles, etc.  And, its very difficult to get appointments.[/quote]

My friend did ROTC and was an officer. He spent some time stationed in Florida and was able to claim to be a Florida resident for the rest of his military career, even when he wasn't spending any time there. As a result, he was able to avoid income taxes. I don't know the exact rules around this.

I have a lot of respect and appreciation for those who serve. But I hate the narrative that they are all these great patriots. A lot of those who enlist are doing so for lack of anything better to do, not for love of country. In my HS we had a few who enlisted each year and for most of them it was either enlist or stock shelves at the grocery store. Or kids who really needed discipline in their lives because they had screwed around too much. It is great that the military is there to provide opportunities and structure. But for many, it is basically a socialist jobs program.[/quote]

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