And that pay included room and board, and full medical insurance as well as earning a pension?
18 years old don’t need much medical unless its something which the service causes in the first place.
Room, board, meals? You ever try it?
I did 8+ years and I never got a pension, nor a thank you from anyone there - ever. Just 2 months TDY in Iceland before I was sent back to the UK to process out for release with just 3 days to process and clear out (Wife, kid, House and car).