[OldMissileer]

On the other hand where else can a high school graduate be making $53,000 per year at age 21 or 22?

Very true! When I was an NCO back in the late 70s/early 80s I was making about $7000 per year.

They are now making nearly what I was making as a Captain!

[OldDeckHand]

"When I was an NCO back in the late 70s/early 80s I was making about $7000 per year."

Do you remember what a mess the military was back in the late 70s, early 80s? It wasn't until Reagan began to funnel money back into the military - including bonuses for enlistment and increased basic pay and allowances - did the talent level begin to reflect what one might hope to find in a professional military.

Carter DESTROYED the military, and it took Reagan his entire presidency to rebuild it. I'm not sure I'd be so keen to wax poetic about the good ol' days of the late 70s.