He served for 37 years in the Army, including three years in combat, and retired as commanding general of US Army Europe and the 7th Army. What's frustrating to many who wear the uniform is this: Most who are invoking the symbolism of "supporting the military" don't actually know how the shutdown affects that support. We should start with the fact that the average wage of soldiers at any rank is not substantial. The monthly wage for a private is less than $2,000; the average staff sergeant with 12 years service makes about $3,600, the average captain about $6,000 a month. After all, none of them serve for pay; they serve to defend the country.

Source: CNN January 22, 2018 02:37 UTC