Originally Posted by
sharpend
Actually, when I joined the RAF in 1964 I have no idea what I was paid and did not care, All I knew was that it was sufficient for beer and a little Triumph Spitfire and, importantly, a nice aeroplane to fly very regularly. All over the World too.
Sharpened,
I am sure that is the case for many people, me included. I also include the reason why people used to join the military. It wasn't a job, it was a lifestyle and a job for life, career.
You would be housed, fed, clothed and looked after. In return you gave your life for Queen and country. At the end your career, you would be given priority on council housing list and a pension. Fair deal.
As others have mentioned many times, most if not all of the 'lifestyle' aspects have disappeared.
Some will say it was better then. No it was different and today's recruits have a different outlook and expectations. Good luck to them.