For a single private with zero years experience, the equivalent civilian pay comes to $46,660.56/year for my zip code.
I'm stunned.
Why did I waste time not learning to shoot people? I'd have been making more money, having more fun, and looking forward to a pension in my golden years.
Screw doing something productive. Putting holes in other people pays better.
Military service isn't productive? Sure you are on the right site? BTW, it is 18K for my zip. Yours is less as well, forget the BHA and BAS. Unless you live in a squad bay now and eat that good military chow equivalent..