Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

Never heard of enlisted men being charged room and/or board unless they
were married and getting allowances or were on some type of TDY where
they were being paid per diem. That might have changed since I was in
the military.

Yes, you got free room and board. In some bases, the military meals
were really quite good as some of the cooks actually took pride in their
ability to turn available stock into edible results. ..and there were
a few of the other type as well. As for the free housing, that was if
you lived in barracks and were single. If you were a platoon sergeant
or squad leader you typically got a private room. Otherwise you might
be clustered with a small group of folks in your squad or you might be
in the larger flat barracks where everyone was on cots or bunk beds in
one big room. With one exception at White Sands, never ran into any
military single housing that was as good as the worst college dorm room.

Married personnel were allowed to live on base and/or get a housing
allowance and food allowance. If they ate in the mess hall they had to
pay.

If officers ate in the mess hall they had to pay.

In some bases, if a non-com ate in the enlisted mess they also had to
pay but if single did not get a meal allowance unless they were on some
sort of detachment.

Or you could eat at the nco club or officers club, but those were not
free.

The pay scales sucked. As an E5 with proficiency pay in two different
skills, I managed, but lower enlisted men were chronically short of
funds. Even as an E5, the pay for civil service GS-7 was considerably
higher even after accounting for house payment and buying your own food.
Civilian jobs paid even more.



The Merg proclaimed:

> I was always under the impression that American enlisted had a pretty
> good deal, free room and board and etc. However, I played club
> lacrosse in Norfolk with a bunch of Navy guys, couple enlisted guys and
> a couple Academy guys and they told me that the enlisted guys actually
> get room and board taken out of their paychecks. So not only do they
> make jackshit, but they then get more money taken out.
> The officers, most a few years out of the Academy, were all making
> pretty good money - in addition to the money they made while at
> Annapolis.
>
> My father is a civil servant - mechanical engineer for the DOD/Navy.
> He's been there for 30 or so years and makes nothing near what he'd be
> worth in the private sector.
>
> Dave Milne wrote:
>
>>One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
>>military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
>>A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant (8
>>years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
>>That really sucks.
>>
>>http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
>>http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
>>
>>Dave Milne, Scotland
>>
>>
>>"L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
>>news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
>>
>>>Twas the night before Christmas
>>>He lived all alone
>>>In a one bedroom house made of
>>>Plaster and Stone
>>>I had come down the Chimney
>>>With presents to give.
>>>And to see just who
>>>In this home did live.
>>>I looked all about
>>>A strange sight I did see.
>>>No tinsel, No presents,
>>>Not even a tree.
>>>No stocking by the mantle,
>>>Just boots filled with sand.
>>>On the wall hung pictures
>>>Of far distant lands.
>>>With medals and badges,
>>>Awards of all kinds,
>>>A sober thought
>>>Came through my mind.
>>>For this house was different,
>>>It was dark and dreary,
>>>I found the home of a soldier,
>>>Once I could see clearly.
>>>The soldier lay sleeping,
>>>Silent, alone,
>>>Curled up on the floor
>>>In this one bedroom home.
>>>The face was so gentle,
>>>The room in such disorder,
>>>Not how I pictured
>>>A United States Soldier.
>>>Was this the hero
>>>Of whom I'd just read?
>>>Curled up on a Poncho,
>>>The floor for a bed?
>>>I realized the families
>>>That I saw this night,
>>>Owed their lives to these soldiers
>>>Who were willing to fight.
>>>Soon round the world,
>>>The children would play,
>>>And grownup would celebrate
>>>A bright Christmas Day.
>>>They all enjoyed freedom
>>>Each month of the year,
>>>Because of the soldiers,
>>>Like the one lying here.
>>>I couldn't help wonder
>>>How many lay alone,
>>>On a cold Christmas Eve
>>>In a land far from home.
>>>The very thought
>>>Brought a tear to my eye,
>>>I dropped to my knees
>>>And started to Cry.
>>>The soldier awakened
>>>And I heard a rough voice,
>>>"Santa don't cry,
>>>This life is my choice."
>>>The solider rolled over
>>>And drifted to sleep,
>>>I couldn't control it,
>>>I continued to weep.
>>>I kept watch for hours,
>>>So silent and still
>>>And we both shivered
>>>>From the cold nights chill.
>>>I didn't want to leave
>>>On that cold, dark, night,
>>>This guardian of Honor
>>>So willing to fight.
>>>The solider rolled over,
>>>With a voice soft and pure,
>>>Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
>>>It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
>>>One look at my watch,
>>>And I knew he was right.
>>>"Merry Christmas my friend,
>>>And to all a good night."
>
>

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

But not if you are a Scot?

"Earle Horton" <Earle@spammers_me_enojan.usa> wrote in message
news:45946513$0$3494$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.co m...
> "Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
> news:FhYkh.22459$k74.16263@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
>> We all get free medical care here, and university tuition fees are a
>> couple of thousand bucks a year.
>
> Well it's different here, although state universities are pretty cheap for
> state residents.
>
>> Ethnic composition of the armed forces I would guess is almost all white
>> with a significant number from Scotland.
>
> Well there you go. White lives are worth more than colored ones.
>
> Earle
>>
>> Dave Milne, Scotland
>>
>> "Earle Horton" <Earle@spammers_me_enojan.usa> wrote in message
>> news:4594586f$0$3434$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.co m...
>> > Do you include benefits? Lots of these guys get free medical care and
>> other
>> > bennies for life. Of course, some of them need it. I recently read an
>> > article on MSN Latino about quality and retention of military
>> > personnel.
>> > The interviewee really liked Latinos, because they are in it for "La
>> > patria", while the Anglos by and large are in it for more selfish
> reasons,
>> > such as job training, educational benefits, and getting off drugs. It
>> turns
>> > out that the soldiers with the more selfless motives last longer and
>> > are
>> > more "productive" at what they do. (I guess they mean killing, I don't
>> > know.)
>> >
>> > What's the ethnic composition of your armed forces, by the way?
>> >
>> > Earle
>> >
>> > "Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
>> > news:l0Wkh.22393$k74.22059@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
>> > > One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise
>> > > your
>> > > military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
>> > > A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a
> Sergeant
>> > (8
>> > > years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
>> > > That really sucks.
>> > >
>> > > http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
>> > > http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
>> > >
>> > > Dave Milne, Scotland
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
>> > > news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
>> > > > Twas the night before Christmas
>> > > > He lived all alone
>> > > > In a one bedroom house made of
>> > > > Plaster and Stone
>> > > > I had come down the Chimney
>> > > > With presents to give.
>> > > > And to see just who
>> > > > In this home did live.
>> > > > I looked all about
>> > > > A strange sight I did see.
>> > > > No tinsel, No presents,
>> > > > Not even a tree.
>> > > > No stocking by the mantle,
>> > > > Just boots filled with sand.
>> > > > On the wall hung pictures
>> > > > Of far distant lands.
>> > > > With medals and badges,
>> > > > Awards of all kinds,
>> > > > A sober thought
>> > > > Came through my mind.
>> > > > For this house was different,
>> > > > It was dark and dreary,
>> > > > I found the home of a soldier,
>> > > > Once I could see clearly.
>> > > > The soldier lay sleeping,
>> > > > Silent, alone,
>> > > > Curled up on the floor
>> > > > In this one bedroom home.
>> > > > The face was so gentle,
>> > > > The room in such disorder,
>> > > > Not how I pictured
>> > > > A United States Soldier.
>> > > > Was this the hero
>> > > > Of whom I'd just read?
>> > > > Curled up on a Poncho,
>> > > > The floor for a bed?
>> > > > I realized the families
>> > > > That I saw this night,
>> > > > Owed their lives to these soldiers
>> > > > Who were willing to fight.
>> > > > Soon round the world,
>> > > > The children would play,
>> > > > And grownup would celebrate
>> > > > A bright Christmas Day.
>> > > > They all enjoyed freedom
>> > > > Each month of the year,
>> > > > Because of the soldiers,
>> > > > Like the one lying here.
>> > > > I couldn't help wonder
>> > > > How many lay alone,
>> > > > On a cold Christmas Eve
>> > > > In a land far from home.
>> > > > The very thought
>> > > > Brought a tear to my eye,
>> > > > I dropped to my knees
>> > > > And started to Cry.
>> > > > The soldier awakened
>> > > > And I heard a rough voice,
>> > > > "Santa don't cry,
>> > > > This life is my choice."
>> > > > The solider rolled over
>> > > > And drifted to sleep,
>> > > > I couldn't control it,
>> > > > I continued to weep.
>> > > > I kept watch for hours,
>> > > > So silent and still
>> > > > And we both shivered
>> > > > >From the cold nights chill.
>> > > > I didn't want to leave
>> > > > On that cold, dark, night,
>> > > > This guardian of Honor
>> > > > So willing to fight.
>> > > > The solider rolled over,
>> > > > With a voice soft and pure,
>> > > > Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
>> > > > It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
>> > > > One look at my watch,
>> > > > And I knew he was right.
>> > > > "Merry Christmas my friend,
>> > > > And to all a good night."
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

But not if you are a Scot?

"Earle Horton" <Earle@spammers_me_enojan.usa> wrote in message
news:45946513$0$3494$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.co m...
> "Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
> news:FhYkh.22459$k74.16263@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
>> We all get free medical care here, and university tuition fees are a
>> couple of thousand bucks a year.
>
> Well it's different here, although state universities are pretty cheap for
> state residents.
>
>> Ethnic composition of the armed forces I would guess is almost all white
>> with a significant number from Scotland.
>
> Well there you go. White lives are worth more than colored ones.
>
> Earle
>>
>> Dave Milne, Scotland
>>
>> "Earle Horton" <Earle@spammers_me_enojan.usa> wrote in message
>> news:4594586f$0$3434$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.co m...
>> > Do you include benefits? Lots of these guys get free medical care and
>> other
>> > bennies for life. Of course, some of them need it. I recently read an
>> > article on MSN Latino about quality and retention of military
>> > personnel.
>> > The interviewee really liked Latinos, because they are in it for "La
>> > patria", while the Anglos by and large are in it for more selfish
> reasons,
>> > such as job training, educational benefits, and getting off drugs. It
>> turns
>> > out that the soldiers with the more selfless motives last longer and
>> > are
>> > more "productive" at what they do. (I guess they mean killing, I don't
>> > know.)
>> >
>> > What's the ethnic composition of your armed forces, by the way?
>> >
>> > Earle
>> >
>> > "Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
>> > news:l0Wkh.22393$k74.22059@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
>> > > One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise
>> > > your
>> > > military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
>> > > A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a
> Sergeant
>> > (8
>> > > years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
>> > > That really sucks.
>> > >
>> > > http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
>> > > http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
>> > >
>> > > Dave Milne, Scotland
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
>> > > news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
>> > > > Twas the night before Christmas
>> > > > He lived all alone
>> > > > In a one bedroom house made of
>> > > > Plaster and Stone
>> > > > I had come down the Chimney
>> > > > With presents to give.
>> > > > And to see just who
>> > > > In this home did live.
>> > > > I looked all about
>> > > > A strange sight I did see.
>> > > > No tinsel, No presents,
>> > > > Not even a tree.
>> > > > No stocking by the mantle,
>> > > > Just boots filled with sand.
>> > > > On the wall hung pictures
>> > > > Of far distant lands.
>> > > > With medals and badges,
>> > > > Awards of all kinds,
>> > > > A sober thought
>> > > > Came through my mind.
>> > > > For this house was different,
>> > > > It was dark and dreary,
>> > > > I found the home of a soldier,
>> > > > Once I could see clearly.
>> > > > The soldier lay sleeping,
>> > > > Silent, alone,
>> > > > Curled up on the floor
>> > > > In this one bedroom home.
>> > > > The face was so gentle,
>> > > > The room in such disorder,
>> > > > Not how I pictured
>> > > > A United States Soldier.
>> > > > Was this the hero
>> > > > Of whom I'd just read?
>> > > > Curled up on a Poncho,
>> > > > The floor for a bed?
>> > > > I realized the families
>> > > > That I saw this night,
>> > > > Owed their lives to these soldiers
>> > > > Who were willing to fight.
>> > > > Soon round the world,
>> > > > The children would play,
>> > > > And grownup would celebrate
>> > > > A bright Christmas Day.
>> > > > They all enjoyed freedom
>> > > > Each month of the year,
>> > > > Because of the soldiers,
>> > > > Like the one lying here.
>> > > > I couldn't help wonder
>> > > > How many lay alone,
>> > > > On a cold Christmas Eve
>> > > > In a land far from home.
>> > > > The very thought
>> > > > Brought a tear to my eye,
>> > > > I dropped to my knees
>> > > > And started to Cry.
>> > > > The soldier awakened
>> > > > And I heard a rough voice,
>> > > > "Santa don't cry,
>> > > > This life is my choice."
>> > > > The solider rolled over
>> > > > And drifted to sleep,
>> > > > I couldn't control it,
>> > > > I continued to weep.
>> > > > I kept watch for hours,
>> > > > So silent and still
>> > > > And we both shivered
>> > > > >From the cold nights chill.
>> > > > I didn't want to leave
>> > > > On that cold, dark, night,
>> > > > This guardian of Honor
>> > > > So willing to fight.
>> > > > The solider rolled over,
>> > > > With a voice soft and pure,
>> > > > Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
>> > > > It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
>> > > > One look at my watch,
>> > > > And I knew he was right.
>> > > > "Merry Christmas my friend,
>> > > > And to all a good night."
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

But not if you are a Scot?

"Earle Horton" <Earle@spammers_me_enojan.usa> wrote in message
news:45946513$0$3494$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.co m...
> "Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
> news:FhYkh.22459$k74.16263@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
>> We all get free medical care here, and university tuition fees are a
>> couple of thousand bucks a year.
>
> Well it's different here, although state universities are pretty cheap for
> state residents.
>
>> Ethnic composition of the armed forces I would guess is almost all white
>> with a significant number from Scotland.
>
> Well there you go. White lives are worth more than colored ones.
>
> Earle
>>
>> Dave Milne, Scotland
>>
>> "Earle Horton" <Earle@spammers_me_enojan.usa> wrote in message
>> news:4594586f$0$3434$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.co m...
>> > Do you include benefits? Lots of these guys get free medical care and
>> other
>> > bennies for life. Of course, some of them need it. I recently read an
>> > article on MSN Latino about quality and retention of military
>> > personnel.
>> > The interviewee really liked Latinos, because they are in it for "La
>> > patria", while the Anglos by and large are in it for more selfish
> reasons,
>> > such as job training, educational benefits, and getting off drugs. It
>> turns
>> > out that the soldiers with the more selfless motives last longer and
>> > are
>> > more "productive" at what they do. (I guess they mean killing, I don't
>> > know.)
>> >
>> > What's the ethnic composition of your armed forces, by the way?
>> >
>> > Earle
>> >
>> > "Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
>> > news:l0Wkh.22393$k74.22059@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
>> > > One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise
>> > > your
>> > > military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
>> > > A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a
> Sergeant
>> > (8
>> > > years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
>> > > That really sucks.
>> > >
>> > > http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
>> > > http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
>> > >
>> > > Dave Milne, Scotland
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
>> > > news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
>> > > > Twas the night before Christmas
>> > > > He lived all alone
>> > > > In a one bedroom house made of
>> > > > Plaster and Stone
>> > > > I had come down the Chimney
>> > > > With presents to give.
>> > > > And to see just who
>> > > > In this home did live.
>> > > > I looked all about
>> > > > A strange sight I did see.
>> > > > No tinsel, No presents,
>> > > > Not even a tree.
>> > > > No stocking by the mantle,
>> > > > Just boots filled with sand.
>> > > > On the wall hung pictures
>> > > > Of far distant lands.
>> > > > With medals and badges,
>> > > > Awards of all kinds,
>> > > > A sober thought
>> > > > Came through my mind.
>> > > > For this house was different,
>> > > > It was dark and dreary,
>> > > > I found the home of a soldier,
>> > > > Once I could see clearly.
>> > > > The soldier lay sleeping,
>> > > > Silent, alone,
>> > > > Curled up on the floor
>> > > > In this one bedroom home.
>> > > > The face was so gentle,
>> > > > The room in such disorder,
>> > > > Not how I pictured
>> > > > A United States Soldier.
>> > > > Was this the hero
>> > > > Of whom I'd just read?
>> > > > Curled up on a Poncho,
>> > > > The floor for a bed?
>> > > > I realized the families
>> > > > That I saw this night,
>> > > > Owed their lives to these soldiers
>> > > > Who were willing to fight.
>> > > > Soon round the world,
>> > > > The children would play,
>> > > > And grownup would celebrate
>> > > > A bright Christmas Day.
>> > > > They all enjoyed freedom
>> > > > Each month of the year,
>> > > > Because of the soldiers,
>> > > > Like the one lying here.
>> > > > I couldn't help wonder
>> > > > How many lay alone,
>> > > > On a cold Christmas Eve
>> > > > In a land far from home.
>> > > > The very thought
>> > > > Brought a tear to my eye,
>> > > > I dropped to my knees
>> > > > And started to Cry.
>> > > > The soldier awakened
>> > > > And I heard a rough voice,
>> > > > "Santa don't cry,
>> > > > This life is my choice."
>> > > > The solider rolled over
>> > > > And drifted to sleep,
>> > > > I couldn't control it,
>> > > > I continued to weep.
>> > > > I kept watch for hours,
>> > > > So silent and still
>> > > > And we both shivered
>> > > > >From the cold nights chill.
>> > > > I didn't want to leave
>> > > > On that cold, dark, night,
>> > > > This guardian of Honor
>> > > > So willing to fight.
>> > > > The solider rolled over,
>> > > > With a voice soft and pure,
>> > > > Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
>> > > > It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
>> > > > One look at my watch,
>> > > > And I knew he was right.
>> > > > "Merry Christmas my friend,
>> > > > And to all a good night."
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

Only one of the two main political parties regularly votes against pay
raises for the military.

It is the same one that nominated a candidate who said only people too
stupid to get a job at McDonalds joined the military.

This group is also the one that tried to disallow all the ballots from
deployed soldiers in the pas couple elections.


"Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
news:l0Wkh.22393$k74.22059@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
> One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
> military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
> A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant
> (8
> years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
> That really sucks.
>
> http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
> http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
>
>
> "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
>> Twas the night before Christmas
>> He lived all alone
>> In a one bedroom house made of
>> Plaster and Stone
>> I had come down the Chimney
>> With presents to give.
>> And to see just who
>> In this home did live.
>> I looked all about
>> A strange sight I did see.
>> No tinsel, No presents,
>> Not even a tree.
>> No stocking by the mantle,
>> Just boots filled with sand.
>> On the wall hung pictures
>> Of far distant lands.
>> With medals and badges,
>> Awards of all kinds,
>> A sober thought
>> Came through my mind.
>> For this house was different,
>> It was dark and dreary,
>> I found the home of a soldier,
>> Once I could see clearly.
>> The soldier lay sleeping,
>> Silent, alone,
>> Curled up on the floor
>> In this one bedroom home.
>> The face was so gentle,
>> The room in such disorder,
>> Not how I pictured
>> A United States Soldier.
>> Was this the hero
>> Of whom I'd just read?
>> Curled up on a Poncho,
>> The floor for a bed?
>> I realized the families
>> That I saw this night,
>> Owed their lives to these soldiers
>> Who were willing to fight.
>> Soon round the world,
>> The children would play,
>> And grownup would celebrate
>> A bright Christmas Day.
>> They all enjoyed freedom
>> Each month of the year,
>> Because of the soldiers,
>> Like the one lying here.
>> I couldn't help wonder
>> How many lay alone,
>> On a cold Christmas Eve
>> In a land far from home.
>> The very thought
>> Brought a tear to my eye,
>> I dropped to my knees
>> And started to Cry.
>> The soldier awakened
>> And I heard a rough voice,
>> "Santa don't cry,
>> This life is my choice."
>> The solider rolled over
>> And drifted to sleep,
>> I couldn't control it,
>> I continued to weep.
>> I kept watch for hours,
>> So silent and still
>> And we both shivered
>> >From the cold nights chill.
>> I didn't want to leave
>> On that cold, dark, night,
>> This guardian of Honor
>> So willing to fight.
>> The solider rolled over,
>> With a voice soft and pure,
>> Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
>> It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
>> One look at my watch,
>> And I knew he was right.
>> "Merry Christmas my friend,
>> And to all a good night."
>
>

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

Only one of the two main political parties regularly votes against pay
raises for the military.

It is the same one that nominated a candidate who said only people too
stupid to get a job at McDonalds joined the military.

This group is also the one that tried to disallow all the ballots from
deployed soldiers in the pas couple elections.


"Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
news:l0Wkh.22393$k74.22059@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
> One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
> military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
> A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant
> (8
> years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
> That really sucks.
>
> http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
> http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
>
>
> "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
>> Twas the night before Christmas
>> He lived all alone
>> In a one bedroom house made of
>> Plaster and Stone
>> I had come down the Chimney
>> With presents to give.
>> And to see just who
>> In this home did live.
>> I looked all about
>> A strange sight I did see.
>> No tinsel, No presents,
>> Not even a tree.
>> No stocking by the mantle,
>> Just boots filled with sand.
>> On the wall hung pictures
>> Of far distant lands.
>> With medals and badges,
>> Awards of all kinds,
>> A sober thought
>> Came through my mind.
>> For this house was different,
>> It was dark and dreary,
>> I found the home of a soldier,
>> Once I could see clearly.
>> The soldier lay sleeping,
>> Silent, alone,
>> Curled up on the floor
>> In this one bedroom home.
>> The face was so gentle,
>> The room in such disorder,
>> Not how I pictured
>> A United States Soldier.
>> Was this the hero
>> Of whom I'd just read?
>> Curled up on a Poncho,
>> The floor for a bed?
>> I realized the families
>> That I saw this night,
>> Owed their lives to these soldiers
>> Who were willing to fight.
>> Soon round the world,
>> The children would play,
>> And grownup would celebrate
>> A bright Christmas Day.
>> They all enjoyed freedom
>> Each month of the year,
>> Because of the soldiers,
>> Like the one lying here.
>> I couldn't help wonder
>> How many lay alone,
>> On a cold Christmas Eve
>> In a land far from home.
>> The very thought
>> Brought a tear to my eye,
>> I dropped to my knees
>> And started to Cry.
>> The soldier awakened
>> And I heard a rough voice,
>> "Santa don't cry,
>> This life is my choice."
>> The solider rolled over
>> And drifted to sleep,
>> I couldn't control it,
>> I continued to weep.
>> I kept watch for hours,
>> So silent and still
>> And we both shivered
>> >From the cold nights chill.
>> I didn't want to leave
>> On that cold, dark, night,
>> This guardian of Honor
>> So willing to fight.
>> The solider rolled over,
>> With a voice soft and pure,
>> Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
>> It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
>> One look at my watch,
>> And I knew he was right.
>> "Merry Christmas my friend,
>> And to all a good night."
>
>

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

Only one of the two main political parties regularly votes against pay
raises for the military.

It is the same one that nominated a candidate who said only people too
stupid to get a job at McDonalds joined the military.

This group is also the one that tried to disallow all the ballots from
deployed soldiers in the pas couple elections.


"Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
news:l0Wkh.22393$k74.22059@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
> One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
> military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
> A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant
> (8
> years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
> That really sucks.
>
> http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
> http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
>
>
> "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
>> Twas the night before Christmas
>> He lived all alone
>> In a one bedroom house made of
>> Plaster and Stone
>> I had come down the Chimney
>> With presents to give.
>> And to see just who
>> In this home did live.
>> I looked all about
>> A strange sight I did see.
>> No tinsel, No presents,
>> Not even a tree.
>> No stocking by the mantle,
>> Just boots filled with sand.
>> On the wall hung pictures
>> Of far distant lands.
>> With medals and badges,
>> Awards of all kinds,
>> A sober thought
>> Came through my mind.
>> For this house was different,
>> It was dark and dreary,
>> I found the home of a soldier,
>> Once I could see clearly.
>> The soldier lay sleeping,
>> Silent, alone,
>> Curled up on the floor
>> In this one bedroom home.
>> The face was so gentle,
>> The room in such disorder,
>> Not how I pictured
>> A United States Soldier.
>> Was this the hero
>> Of whom I'd just read?
>> Curled up on a Poncho,
>> The floor for a bed?
>> I realized the families
>> That I saw this night,
>> Owed their lives to these soldiers
>> Who were willing to fight.
>> Soon round the world,
>> The children would play,
>> And grownup would celebrate
>> A bright Christmas Day.
>> They all enjoyed freedom
>> Each month of the year,
>> Because of the soldiers,
>> Like the one lying here.
>> I couldn't help wonder
>> How many lay alone,
>> On a cold Christmas Eve
>> In a land far from home.
>> The very thought
>> Brought a tear to my eye,
>> I dropped to my knees
>> And started to Cry.
>> The soldier awakened
>> And I heard a rough voice,
>> "Santa don't cry,
>> This life is my choice."
>> The solider rolled over
>> And drifted to sleep,
>> I couldn't control it,
>> I continued to weep.
>> I kept watch for hours,
>> So silent and still
>> And we both shivered
>> >From the cold nights chill.
>> I didn't want to leave
>> On that cold, dark, night,
>> This guardian of Honor
>> So willing to fight.
>> The solider rolled over,
>> With a voice soft and pure,
>> Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
>> It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
>> One look at my watch,
>> And I knew he was right.
>> "Merry Christmas my friend,
>> And to all a good night."
>
>

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

If soldiering is like anything else, you get a better product when you pay
more. Don't let's get started on teachers, nurses, police officers, all
kinds of municipal officers... This is the fast food, bargain basement,
super size me country, and don't let's forget it.

Right now Washington seems to be asking for an infinite military force
capable of wiping every Islamic extremist off the face of the Earth. While
I am somewhat in sympathy with this goal, I don't see how it is possible and
I wouldn't give the lying bastards at the Pentagon a cent more unless they
came out with a plan for scaling things down. I would make them all read
the Tar Baby story too, and write a one page essay on what it is about.
Everybody that knows me knows how I like to look at the dark side of things,
but this is a serious cluster **** we are in right now.

Heh, Sadaam Hussein is set for hanging, last thing I read. I hope at least
they telecast it. Pay per view Al Jazeera?

Earle

"billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
news:88e28$459494a7$422afc51$16675@FUSE.NET...
> Only one of the two main political parties regularly votes against pay
> raises for the military.
>
> It is the same one that nominated a candidate who said only people too
> stupid to get a job at McDonalds joined the military.
>
> This group is also the one that tried to disallow all the ballots from
> deployed soldiers in the pas couple elections.
>
>
> "Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
> news:l0Wkh.22393$k74.22059@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
> > One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
> > military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
> > A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant
> > (8
> > years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
> > That really sucks.
> >
> > http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
> > http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
> >
> > Dave Milne, Scotland
> >
> >
> > "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> > news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
> >> Twas the night before Christmas
> >> He lived all alone
> >> In a one bedroom house made of
> >> Plaster and Stone
> >> I had come down the Chimney
> >> With presents to give.
> >> And to see just who
> >> In this home did live.
> >> I looked all about
> >> A strange sight I did see.
> >> No tinsel, No presents,
> >> Not even a tree.
> >> No stocking by the mantle,
> >> Just boots filled with sand.
> >> On the wall hung pictures
> >> Of far distant lands.
> >> With medals and badges,
> >> Awards of all kinds,
> >> A sober thought
> >> Came through my mind.
> >> For this house was different,
> >> It was dark and dreary,
> >> I found the home of a soldier,
> >> Once I could see clearly.
> >> The soldier lay sleeping,
> >> Silent, alone,
> >> Curled up on the floor
> >> In this one bedroom home.
> >> The face was so gentle,
> >> The room in such disorder,
> >> Not how I pictured
> >> A United States Soldier.
> >> Was this the hero
> >> Of whom I'd just read?
> >> Curled up on a Poncho,
> >> The floor for a bed?
> >> I realized the families
> >> That I saw this night,
> >> Owed their lives to these soldiers
> >> Who were willing to fight.
> >> Soon round the world,
> >> The children would play,
> >> And grownup would celebrate
> >> A bright Christmas Day.
> >> They all enjoyed freedom
> >> Each month of the year,
> >> Because of the soldiers,
> >> Like the one lying here.
> >> I couldn't help wonder
> >> How many lay alone,
> >> On a cold Christmas Eve
> >> In a land far from home.
> >> The very thought
> >> Brought a tear to my eye,
> >> I dropped to my knees
> >> And started to Cry.
> >> The soldier awakened
> >> And I heard a rough voice,
> >> "Santa don't cry,
> >> This life is my choice."
> >> The solider rolled over
> >> And drifted to sleep,
> >> I couldn't control it,
> >> I continued to weep.
> >> I kept watch for hours,
> >> So silent and still
> >> And we both shivered
> >> >From the cold nights chill.
> >> I didn't want to leave
> >> On that cold, dark, night,
> >> This guardian of Honor
> >> So willing to fight.
> >> The solider rolled over,
> >> With a voice soft and pure,
> >> Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
> >> It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
> >> One look at my watch,
> >> And I knew he was right.
> >> "Merry Christmas my friend,
> >> And to all a good night."
> >
> >
>
>

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

If soldiering is like anything else, you get a better product when you pay
more. Don't let's get started on teachers, nurses, police officers, all
kinds of municipal officers... This is the fast food, bargain basement,
super size me country, and don't let's forget it.

Right now Washington seems to be asking for an infinite military force
capable of wiping every Islamic extremist off the face of the Earth. While
I am somewhat in sympathy with this goal, I don't see how it is possible and
I wouldn't give the lying bastards at the Pentagon a cent more unless they
came out with a plan for scaling things down. I would make them all read
the Tar Baby story too, and write a one page essay on what it is about.
Everybody that knows me knows how I like to look at the dark side of things,
but this is a serious cluster **** we are in right now.

Heh, Sadaam Hussein is set for hanging, last thing I read. I hope at least
they telecast it. Pay per view Al Jazeera?

Earle

"billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
news:88e28$459494a7$422afc51$16675@FUSE.NET...
> Only one of the two main political parties regularly votes against pay
> raises for the military.
>
> It is the same one that nominated a candidate who said only people too
> stupid to get a job at McDonalds joined the military.
>
> This group is also the one that tried to disallow all the ballots from
> deployed soldiers in the pas couple elections.
>
>
> "Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
> news:l0Wkh.22393$k74.22059@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
> > One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
> > military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
> > A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant
> > (8
> > years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
> > That really sucks.
> >
> > http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
> > http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
> >
> > Dave Milne, Scotland
> >
> >
> > "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> > news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
> >> Twas the night before Christmas
> >> He lived all alone
> >> In a one bedroom house made of
> >> Plaster and Stone
> >> I had come down the Chimney
> >> With presents to give.
> >> And to see just who
> >> In this home did live.
> >> I looked all about
> >> A strange sight I did see.
> >> No tinsel, No presents,
> >> Not even a tree.
> >> No stocking by the mantle,
> >> Just boots filled with sand.
> >> On the wall hung pictures
> >> Of far distant lands.
> >> With medals and badges,
> >> Awards of all kinds,
> >> A sober thought
> >> Came through my mind.
> >> For this house was different,
> >> It was dark and dreary,
> >> I found the home of a soldier,
> >> Once I could see clearly.
> >> The soldier lay sleeping,
> >> Silent, alone,
> >> Curled up on the floor
> >> In this one bedroom home.
> >> The face was so gentle,
> >> The room in such disorder,
> >> Not how I pictured
> >> A United States Soldier.
> >> Was this the hero
> >> Of whom I'd just read?
> >> Curled up on a Poncho,
> >> The floor for a bed?
> >> I realized the families
> >> That I saw this night,
> >> Owed their lives to these soldiers
> >> Who were willing to fight.
> >> Soon round the world,
> >> The children would play,
> >> And grownup would celebrate
> >> A bright Christmas Day.
> >> They all enjoyed freedom
> >> Each month of the year,
> >> Because of the soldiers,
> >> Like the one lying here.
> >> I couldn't help wonder
> >> How many lay alone,
> >> On a cold Christmas Eve
> >> In a land far from home.
> >> The very thought
> >> Brought a tear to my eye,
> >> I dropped to my knees
> >> And started to Cry.
> >> The soldier awakened
> >> And I heard a rough voice,
> >> "Santa don't cry,
> >> This life is my choice."
> >> The solider rolled over
> >> And drifted to sleep,
> >> I couldn't control it,
> >> I continued to weep.
> >> I kept watch for hours,
> >> So silent and still
> >> And we both shivered
> >> >From the cold nights chill.
> >> I didn't want to leave
> >> On that cold, dark, night,
> >> This guardian of Honor
> >> So willing to fight.
> >> The solider rolled over,
> >> With a voice soft and pure,
> >> Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
> >> It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
> >> One look at my watch,
> >> And I knew he was right.
> >> "Merry Christmas my friend,
> >> And to all a good night."
> >
> >
>
>

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

If soldiering is like anything else, you get a better product when you pay
more. Don't let's get started on teachers, nurses, police officers, all
kinds of municipal officers... This is the fast food, bargain basement,
super size me country, and don't let's forget it.

Right now Washington seems to be asking for an infinite military force
capable of wiping every Islamic extremist off the face of the Earth. While
I am somewhat in sympathy with this goal, I don't see how it is possible and
I wouldn't give the lying bastards at the Pentagon a cent more unless they
came out with a plan for scaling things down. I would make them all read
the Tar Baby story too, and write a one page essay on what it is about.
Everybody that knows me knows how I like to look at the dark side of things,
but this is a serious cluster **** we are in right now.

Heh, Sadaam Hussein is set for hanging, last thing I read. I hope at least
they telecast it. Pay per view Al Jazeera?

Earle

"billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
news:88e28$459494a7$422afc51$16675@FUSE.NET...
> Only one of the two main political parties regularly votes against pay
> raises for the military.
>
> It is the same one that nominated a candidate who said only people too
> stupid to get a job at McDonalds joined the military.
>
> This group is also the one that tried to disallow all the ballots from
> deployed soldiers in the pas couple elections.
>
>
> "Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
> news:l0Wkh.22393$k74.22059@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
> > One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
> > military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
> > A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant
> > (8
> > years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
> > That really sucks.
> >
> > http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
> > http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
> >
> > Dave Milne, Scotland
> >
> >
> > "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> > news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
> >> Twas the night before Christmas
> >> He lived all alone
> >> In a one bedroom house made of
> >> Plaster and Stone
> >> I had come down the Chimney
> >> With presents to give.
> >> And to see just who
> >> In this home did live.
> >> I looked all about
> >> A strange sight I did see.
> >> No tinsel, No presents,
> >> Not even a tree.
> >> No stocking by the mantle,
> >> Just boots filled with sand.
> >> On the wall hung pictures
> >> Of far distant lands.
> >> With medals and badges,
> >> Awards of all kinds,
> >> A sober thought
> >> Came through my mind.
> >> For this house was different,
> >> It was dark and dreary,
> >> I found the home of a soldier,
> >> Once I could see clearly.
> >> The soldier lay sleeping,
> >> Silent, alone,
> >> Curled up on the floor
> >> In this one bedroom home.
> >> The face was so gentle,
> >> The room in such disorder,
> >> Not how I pictured
> >> A United States Soldier.
> >> Was this the hero
> >> Of whom I'd just read?
> >> Curled up on a Poncho,
> >> The floor for a bed?
> >> I realized the families
> >> That I saw this night,
> >> Owed their lives to these soldiers
> >> Who were willing to fight.
> >> Soon round the world,
> >> The children would play,
> >> And grownup would celebrate
> >> A bright Christmas Day.
> >> They all enjoyed freedom
> >> Each month of the year,
> >> Because of the soldiers,
> >> Like the one lying here.
> >> I couldn't help wonder
> >> How many lay alone,
> >> On a cold Christmas Eve
> >> In a land far from home.
> >> The very thought
> >> Brought a tear to my eye,
> >> I dropped to my knees
> >> And started to Cry.
> >> The soldier awakened
> >> And I heard a rough voice,
> >> "Santa don't cry,
> >> This life is my choice."
> >> The solider rolled over
> >> And drifted to sleep,
> >> I couldn't control it,
> >> I continued to weep.
> >> I kept watch for hours,
> >> So silent and still
> >> And we both shivered
> >> >From the cold nights chill.
> >> I didn't want to leave
> >> On that cold, dark, night,
> >> This guardian of Honor
> >> So willing to fight.
> >> The solider rolled over,
> >> With a voice soft and pure,
> >> Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
> >> It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
> >> One look at my watch,
> >> And I knew he was right.
> >> "Merry Christmas my friend,
> >> And to all a good night."
> >
> >
>
>