For military guys...

[The Golden Boy]

TGB,

You aren't far off--I'm getting a whopping $50/mo. in hardship duty pay. However, I am getting a crapload of COLA, which is a fairly recent development. Congress was pushing to make Korea tax-free like the desert, but the DoD lobbied against it due to the political ramifications (the ROKs weren't too keen on Korea being labled a "combat zone"). The bone they threw us instead was a big bump in COLA, even though there hasn't been a significant change in the cost of living. No prob--I'll take the extra $400 a month.

Almighty B.,

Good luck!

I was stationed in Panama around 15 or so years ago (at Ft. Kobbe, right next to Howard AFB- I know how cush those AF guys got it!! ). When I got there in 88 they were in full lockdown, barricades in the streets, concertina wire mazes to get into the barracks, armed patrols (we're not talking 5 rounds in your ammo pouch either) all around the bases. The guys talked about skirmishes around the tank farm, no one got hurt. But no pay increase. I think overseas pay was $13 back then.

 

[Hambone]

Congratulations! That's some tough gigging. You've earned more than a beer.

I love the military...

My father was a radio/navigator crewman flying for the 5th Ferry Group - Army Air Corp - 1942-1945. He was promoted to be the youngest AAC sergeant at the time - 17½ years old!

My mother, on the other hand, was a Captain in SAC attached to the office of Gen. Thomas LeMay - You know, back in the day!!

 

[John Deppel]

Almighty Bass-good luck on becoming a NCO. It is a very good thing to be able to achieve that.

Actually, in the Coast Guard (and Navy IIRC, correct me if I'm wrong), Petty Officer Third Class IS considered NCO. Because of the way our ranking system is set up, the decided to "draw the line" so to speak at E-3/4. For more explanation, see below:

E-1: Seaman Recruit
E-2: Seaman/Fireman/Airman Apprentice
E-3: Seaman/Fireman/Airman
E-4: Third Class Petty Officer (Rankings from here on up wear collar devices, called "crows," rather than sleeve insignia)
E-5: Second Class Petty Officer
E-6: First Class Petty Officer
E-7: Chief Petty Officer
E-8: Senior Chief Petty Officer
E-9: Master Chief Petty Officer
E-10: Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard - CG is the only service with an E-10...all other services consider this same rank "E-9 with special pay/privileges," but the CG decided to set it aside into its own rank.

 

[Brad Johnson]

I'll have you know my hand looks damn sexy with a blonde wig and lipstick on it. Believe me, I've done worse.

It's official... you've been in Korea too long

Actually, it's your turf I'm trying to stay out of. I'd say it's about a 50/50 shot that I'll end up back at "The Fort" or Langley though. See ya there..."Hon'."

*big hair on*

Want a 'nother crabcake, hon?

 

[Beefbass]

Pacman and Almighty, thanks for the clarifications. especially about the difference between Sergeant Majors. I was going by the explaination of somebody who was an NCO when I was at Ft. Lewis. Obviously, he knew less than I did!

Either way Almighty, it is great to make it to the NCO ranks. I say that, because I know it's something you just don't get handed to you.

Congrats again Lump. May your career continue to be a great one!

 

[The Golden Boy]

I don't know how the SGM/CSM thing works. I was in 3rd Cav and it was a batallion (squadron) sized unit and we had an SGM and CSM at brigade (regiment). In the Infantry units I was with, we had a CSM at both batallion and brigade level. Whether it's a fundamental difference between Cavalry and Infantry, or filling the slot with a warm body with a lot of stripes!

By the way, the plural of Sergeant Major is Sergeants Major. Goofy, eh?

 

[Pacman]

While we're in a congratulating mood (and sorry for hijacking your thread, Senior) - My wife and I won NCO and Airman of the Year for our unit (took almost 3 months to get our plaques) and were awarded today. Cute, huh? We also won both door prizes at our office Christmas party.... the fix is in...

 

[lump]

While we're in a congratulating mood (and sorry for hijacking your thread, Senior) - My wife and I won NCO and Airman of the Year for our unit (took almost 3 months to get our plaques) and were awarded today. Cute, huh? We also won both door prizes at our office Christmas party.... the fix is in...

Hijack away--plenty of room here. That's just darling (snicker). Kidding aside, that's outstanding! Being prior Army, you probably scare the crap out of the rest of the guys. I think the band is the only place you could get away with being married to someone in the same "shop" though. "Hey! Airman! Rosin my bow..."

Man, that would be too cool. Get paid to be a band geek with your sweetheart, and get a retirement! I'm so glad the AF is working out for you guys.