I can vouch for the numbers being touted. I am a third year SO and my housing allowance is 50% higher than my basic salary. Everything is expensive here (except eyeglasses and dentistry as it turns out).
Bottom line - do not even think about signing for Cadet SO if you have a wife let alone kids. If single, it's viable but keep your options open as you will soon tire of being away from home (and the BS the company puts out).
DOG