Don’t compare minimum wage to military pay
In regard to Mary Ann Gamegan-Richardson’s contention that an $8.92 minimum wage is appropriate when compared to military earnings (letter April 10): This argument has been made before, and it’s a misleading comparison of apples to oranges.
The earnings she quoted are taken from base military pay tables. Those who make this argument don’t know or are ignoring that base pay isn’t a service member’s only compensation. Members receive free healthcare for themselves and their dependents – no premiums, co-pays or deductibles.
Members also receive subsidized housing, either living free on base or getting a housing allowance on top of their base pay if they live off base. They pay less than civilians for food, clothing and household items by shopping at base commissaries and exchanges. Depending on assignment, members may receive additional hazard pay.
Nothing above should be taken to mean I think our service members are adequately paid for the difficult and skilled work they do. Military life is challenging on many levels for the member and for their families. I speak with the voice of experience, having come from a military family and having served in the military myself.
Laureen McGowan, Fresno
This story was originally published April 12, 2016 at 6:52 AM with the headline "Don’t compare minimum wage to military pay."