I went in during the Reagan era build up and lets just say at least there
weren't signs on the lawns "Sailors and Dogs stay off the grass" anymore.
Lots of waste, lots of frivolous investigations (the infamous homosexual
witchhunts).
The military always was and always will be a life more than just a job.
Although the Army has done a better job of trying to be more family friendly
as more women are allowed into the service.  They'll never be able to catch
up, it's the nature of the work.

Recruiters need to be more up front with the it not just some 9-5 job.  Even
with out going into combat I was on call 24-7 365 (366 inleap years),
overnight duty, work the next day, go home when they tell you to and not a
minute before hand.  I was in during the late 80's.

-----Original Message-----
From: St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List
Subject: Re: Taxes; was RE: Mag's whip


Beth,

Before Reagan began the buildup, I understand that life was pretty miserable
for military folks after 'Nam.  As much as I like Mr. Carter as a person,
his treatment of our services bordered on criminal.  My boss got his
commission as a shavetail Army Lt. in '78.  He has some real horror
stories--about the quality of life AND the quality of recruit in those first
years of the all-volunteer services.

Many of the people I work with are in the National Guard or Reserves.  A
good many purchase their BDUs, boots, dress blues, greens and whites through
internet stores like Armed Forces Merchandise Outlet:
http://66.218.71.225/search/cache?p=armed+forces+merchandise+outlet&ei=UTF-8
&url=vllE-sCxkoYJ:www.afmo.com/

Stuff is MUCH cheaper than buying at base exchanges, although you still have
to get the dress uniforms tailored locally.

I suppose off-base housing affordability depends on your duty station.  I
know my parents struggled a lot more at Quantico than at Mayport NAS (of
course, that was long before Jacksonville got invaded by snowbirds <g>.  I
imagine housing is pretty dear around there now).

I think the phenomenon of enlisteds with families is a recent phenomenon
that was a result of the all-volunteer service.  The services have tried to
keep up with the new demographic, but so much of the infrastructure is still
geared toward the old, don't you think?

Kyle